Community Forums

tmiller377 · 04-10-2021, 02:35 PM

I currently have a 31’ Class A gas motorhome and am considering moving to a larger DP. The three that I am considering are, in no specific order, are 2014 – 2016 Newmar Dutch Star, 2014 – 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus, or 2014 – 2016 Entegra Anthem. I’m looking for comments on which might be best, hopefully from those who have owned more than one of these units.

Mr_D · 04-10-2021, 02:39 PM

I've ordered 2 Dutch Stars and liked them both. Never had any of your other choices.

twogypsies · 04-10-2021, 02:48 PM

We had an excellent experience with our Dutch Star for 8 yr. of full-timing and constant travel. We had Spartan/Cummins.

clawsonbob · 04-10-2021, 04:41 PM

“Best” is very subjective. What’s important to me might make one best, while what’s important to you may cause you to favor a different rig. All three are good rigs with a lot of happy owners. Please note there were significant changes in the DutchStar in both 2015 amd 2016. The 2015 changes included the integrated awnings and were mostly considered very positive. The 2016 model year saw the new “wider tile” full slide and a new slide system. Increased weight caused both some slide issues and front axel overloading. While I love the full width tile of the 2016s, that model year can be troublesome for some owners. You will see some price variations between the three years accordingly. Not in the direction you might expect either. IMO, a 2015 is the sweet spot and either that or a 14 would probably be a safer bet and value in a Dutch Star. Just my two cents.

Keith55 · 04-10-2021, 07:05 PM

Can you make a bad choice there?

They all sound awesome to me!

The only thing I will say is the guy that sold me mine moved to a late model Dutch Star with the 450 Cummins. He said you can really tell the difference in the weight. I think that engine has the same torque. The Dutchstar is a pretty heavy vehicle.

If you aren't in a hurry - Who cares?

theroc · 04-10-2021, 09:11 PM

I'm sure you've already considered this but one one thing to keep in mind if you haven't already factored it in to your decision is to make a determination if you want something over 40' in length. Since your profile says you're in California, if you do not already have one, you'll need to acquire a Class B non-commercial license if you choose one of those three models that has a length of over 40' long. All three do have tag-axle models that will fall under California's "45' Housecar" rule for motorhomes over 40' to 45' long.

If you don't already have it, you'll of course have to jump through all the hoops (from CA DMV HERE):

* pass written test

* pass vision test

* pass vehicle safety check

* pass a skills test

* pass a driving test

* submit a Physician's Health Report signed by a doctor before license is issued and then every two years thereafter

However, believe it or not, you do not have to pass the air brake exam that the truckers have to pass for a CDL for reasons that make no sense to me.

DRM901 · 04-11-2021, 08:03 PM

We have a 2014 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP, and love it. Great layout for a couple. POs full-timed in it for several years.

I wanted to stay under 40' to allow us to get into most National & state parks. Wanted 450 HP for the CO mountains. Three ACs for the summers. Side radiator so maintenance is easier.

This pretty much checked all the boxes.

weighit · 04-11-2021, 08:25 PM

Had a gas 34 ft class A, moved to a 34 ft Tiffin diesel 340 hp on a Freightliner chassis, now a 2016 40 ft Tiffin Bus AP with the Powerglide chassis 450 hp. So much smoother ride, more power and so far so good. Don't know about the other brands your asking about but do see many in various rv parks. When we were aksing Tiffin owners most were very pleased with how the company is to deal with.

MSHappyCampers · 04-12-2021, 09:45 AM

I would be very comfortable with either of the three! I would look carefully at the floorplans and extra features, then decide which you like best!

vincee · 04-14-2021, 09:44 AM

Based on the responses so far, I'd go with DRM901's suggestion. Seems like a perfect marriage of pluses.

amosnandy · 04-14-2021, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmiller377

I currently have a 31’ Class A gas motorhome and am considering moving to a larger DP. The three that I am considering are, in no specific order, are 2014 – 2016 Newmar Dutch Star, 2014 – 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus, or 2014 – 2016 Entegra Anthem. I’m looking for comments on which might be best, hopefully from those who have owned more than one of these units.

First, after going to a DP you will wonder how you ever survived in a gasser. I spend 6 years back and forth to Mazatlan Mx and travel days, especially in Mexico were stressful. (an understatement) First trip out in the new to me DP I couldn't believe how relaxed I was. I never push, but made 200 miles further the first day than ever before.

That said, Newmar and Tiffin and Allegro are all good brands. Personally I like the Newmar. Mostly because I have a friend who raves about their service.

Next, and this is me personally, I would never have a DEF Emissions DP. So that makes my choices 2010 and back.

I went from a 2000 HR V-10 gasser, (well built coach) to a 2006 Winnebago Journey DP on the spartan (another well built coach) but plan one more lifetime upgrade. Newmar is the top of my list. Looking at pre 2010 Newmar's there are a lot of low mileage in excellent shape. For me the price point difference means if needed I can do the house upgrades it might need, but avoid the $3000 to $5000 every couple years I have seen with the DEF Emissions problems.

I drove over the road truck for a couple different periods and after the DEF trucks came out I spent a lot of time in the shop and the boss spent 10's of thousands of dollars in shops that fixed stuff only to have it happen again 4 hours down the road.

tmiller377 · 04-14-2021, 05:31 PM

Thanks for all of the responses. Good information from everyone. The reason I'm selecting one of these three DP's is that they all have a side radiator for ease of maintenance.

Mr_D · 04-14-2021, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmiller377

Thanks for all of the responses. Good information from everyone. The reason I'm selecting one of these three DP's is that they all have a side radiator for ease of maintenance.

Side radiator doesn't guarantee easy access! Here's mine, you can see the alternator below the coolant tank and air con pump is hidden by it.
My two DSDP's were much better though.

RVFunlovers · 04-14-2021, 06:59 PM

We went through a similar choice when we moved from a 34 ft gas motorhome.
We looked at the same three brands. Tiffin, Entegra, and Newmar.
We like all three.

It came down to what was available within a day drive from us, floor plan, and the deal we could get.

We came close to to buying an Allegro Bus, and then a London Air. We ended up with the Entegra because we like the floor plan, the coach condition, and the deal.

All are great. Inspect the coach closely. Then do it again. Then again.

Good Luck.