Entegra Aspire vs. Anthem

[silvrhand]

We are looking at a new 44F and I can pull up the spec sheets and compare both, but would like some opinions, I've broken out what I see value in and what I don't, and I just wanted others opinions on if I am missing something.

Thank you.

Seems like value:
- is the air levelling system better, is it really worth it or just more hassle?
- aquahot 450 lots of good things here, easy to understand value.
- dometic fridge outside, ok that's a win.
- blind spot sensors look really nice.
- ezsteer does that really help?
- more porcelain tile

Questionable Value:
- bus armor trim? ok but that's just cosmetic?
- size of screens.
- traction control, pretty sure I've never needed that so not sure the value.
- larger generator, ok but is 12kw really needed?

[Nowabeachbum]

Blind spot monitors are entirely useless. Don’t know what size you are but the tiled shower is a lot better for taller and/or bigger people. Everything else I agree with you. Leveling is awesome and yes ezsteer is worth it. If you can afford it, buy the Anthem, you will not be sorry.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by silvrhand

We are looking at a new 44F and I can pull up the spec sheets and compare both, but would like some opinions, I've broken out what I see value in and what I don't, and I just wanted others opinions on if I am missing something.

Thank you.

Seems like value:
- is the air levelling system better, is it really worth it or just more hassle? I am very impressed with the new Valid air system, both ride and ease of leveling and staying constantly leveled. A must for my home driveway that is all pavers. Jacks break the pavers even using weight displacement pads.
- aquahot 450 lots of good things here, easy to understand value. I like the feature of hot water from the engine as soon as you park. Also "free" heat while traveling if in cold weather.
- dometic fridge outside, ok that's a win. Yep, A must for the cold one while setting after a long days drive.
- blind spot sensors look really nice. Not worth the money, more of a "buy me" label than a 100% functional.
- ezsteer does that really help? I am not a fan, other love it, me not so much.
- more porcelain tile We think it is the best floor of all three Entegras we have owned

Questionable Value:
- bus armor trim? ok but that's just cosmetic? If you liked show chrome on bikes or cars, it is nice. It is one of those "I'll take it" for me
- size of screens.
- traction control, pretty sure I've never needed that so not sure the value. I have used it one in four coaches. Depends on how the coach will be used. I used it at HomeComing when the field we were parked it was flooded and a muddy mess.
- larger generator, ok but is 12kw really needed? Not really 10,000 would do everything I needed, but nice if you have to power your house and coach after a hurricane or a storm that left no power.

Those are just my opinions, but we moved up to a Cornerstone not to miss anything.

[pstroke1]

There are numerous other differences a big one being the 20K front axle and the 365/80R22.5 tires.


Others include:
- Vega touch

- AGM batteries
- Aqua hot engine preheat
- Larger inverter(s)
- Powered storage tray
- LED high beams and fog lights
- Ultra slide awnings
- 15" dash screen
- Powered shades
- Select comfort mattress


There may be more but that is a pretty substantial list. It made our decision easy. We pick up our 2021 Anthem 44Z tomorrow. FINALLY!!!

[buddy110]

I agree with chuck on most everything. The valid air is amazing. I also like EZ steer in strong crosswinds. The downside is a proper alignment is needed and not many shops know how to align an ez steer. Blind spot monitors are useless IMO. 450 Ah is a big improvement over the 400. Love the floors.

[Craneboy302]

We had our front end alignment at Henderson’s in Grants Pass Or.
My 15 Aspire had the front tires wear out in 24K because the alignment was out. Of course the factory wouldn’t stand behind it. I also had ez steering put on.
After they got it on we went down the road & if it was pulling one way or the other we stopped & the mech would crawl under & ajust it until it didn’t start to pull to the side after counting to 30. They did a great job.
They also have 30amp hook ups so when we got there late we just plugged in. They also had a lot where I could store our trailer until they were done.

[Butte64]

Originally Posted by Craneboy302

We had our front end alignment at Henderson’s in Grants Pass Or.

My 15 Aspire had the front tires wear out in 24K because the alignment was out. Of course the factory wouldn’t stand behind it. I also had ez steering put on.

After they got it on we went down the road & if it was pulling one way or the other we stopped & the mech would crawl under & ajust it until it didn’t start to pull to the side after counting to 30. They did a great job.

They also have 30amp hook ups so when we got there late we just plugged in. They also had a lot where I could store our trailer until they were done.

Sounds like you had Safe T Plus Steering Control installed, no way could you have the EZSteer currently on Anthem and Cornerstone.

[lenny-shawna]

Originally Posted by silvrhand

We are looking at a new 44F and I can pull up the spec sheets and compare both, but would like some opinions, I've broken out what I see value in and what I don't, and I just wanted others opinions on if I am missing something.

Thank you.

Seems like value:
- is the air levelling system better, is it really worth it or just more hassle?
- aquahot 450 lots of good things here, easy to understand value.
- dometic fridge outside, ok that's a win.
- blind spot sensors look really nice.
- ezsteer does that really help?
- more porcelain tile

Questionable Value:
- bus armor trim? ok but that's just cosmetic?
- size of screens.
- traction control, pretty sure I've never needed that so not sure the value.
- larger generator, ok but is 12kw really needed?

With the 12.5 generator you may have either or maybe even both a 240v dryer and a true 240v induction stove top. That’s the main benefit of the 12.5

[silvrhand]

thanks everyone this helps a lot, we are in texas, west texas is no joke with cross winds and narrow corridors so ezstreer sounds like a great addition.

[hdgoldie]

After three Aspires, the Valid air is the first time we see enough to make us consider an Anthem next time. The heavier front axle is a real benefit especially if you full time. In about 14 years of RVing, this year was the first time it would have been nice to have the engine loop on the Aqua Hot. And it wasn’t that big a deal to turn the burner on instead. We probably would have upgraded this year but Covid hit and the rush to buy coaches, then the shortages happened. We decided to wait until this mess was done before making any moves.

[buddy110]

Can someone explain the "engine loop" and "free heat" When traveling in the cold we have been running the AH to produce heat

[wjohnson913]

I’m looking at both now. Difference in sales price is 47 grand or about 12%. For me it’s worth it, however I’d be proud to own an Aspire too.

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by buddy110

Can someone explain the "engine loop" and "free heat" When traveling in the cold we have been running the AH to produce heat

Hi Bruce,

The AquaHot circulates boiler fluid through a loop that passes through a heat exchanger in the engine. That loop provides the ability to heat your engine with hot boiler fluid overnight before a cold start the following morning. When the engine is running, that same heat exchanger will heat the boiler fluid so that hot fluid will circulate throughout the AquaHot system. That fluid, in the AquaHot tank will provide hot water and the the hot fluid will also circulate to the heat exchangers in various locations inside the coach. It's not really "free" because you have to have the engine running as the source of heat.

Take care,
Stu

[buddy110]

Originally Posted by 777 Driver

Hi Bruce,

The AquaHot circulates boiler fluid through a loop that passes through a heat exchanger in the engine. That loop provides the ability to heat your engine with hot boiler fluid overnight before a cold start the following morning. When the engine is running, that same heat exchanger will heat the boiler fluid so that hot fluid will circulate throughout the AquaHot system. That fluid, in the AquaHot tank will provide hot water and the the hot fluid will also circulate to the heat exchangers in various locations inside the coach. It's not really "free" because you have to have the engine running as the source of heat.

Take care,
Stu

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