Community Forums

greatadventure · 08-26-2007, 07:21 AM

Hello to all:
Our family of 5 (3 kids, 8,11 & 13) are planning to take a 62 week road trip beginning in June of 2008. We are getting ready to purchase a 2008 Mountain Aire 4521. The dealer also has a new 2006 Mountain Aire 4309 that they are trying to sell at a very significant price reduction. Other than the floor plan differences, does anyone have any thoughts on the differences in the braking, steering, chassis, etc.? I stumbled on this forum while investigating the difference between the ˜08 K2 chassis with comfort steering and the ˜06 Mountain Master chassis. I found myself reading a substantial number of the entries and was amazed at the level of information available and the helpfulness of the members.

greatadventure · 08-26-2007, 07:21 AM

Hello to all:
Our family of 5 (3 kids, 8,11 & 13) are planning to take a 62 week road trip beginning in June of 2008. We are getting ready to purchase a 2008 Mountain Aire 4521. The dealer also has a new 2006 Mountain Aire 4309 that they are trying to sell at a very significant price reduction. Other than the floor plan differences, does anyone have any thoughts on the differences in the braking, steering, chassis, etc.? I stumbled on this forum while investigating the difference between the ˜08 K2 chassis with comfort steering and the ˜06 Mountain Master chassis. I found myself reading a substantial number of the entries and was amazed at the level of information available and the helpfulness of the members.

GaryKD · 08-26-2007, 09:38 AM

Hi greatadventure,
Welcome to iRV2 and the iRV2 Newmar family. There may be differences in the chassis from 2006 to 08. However, if one wants to keep the converstaion focused on show stopper items, the most important difference is Comfort Steer is on the 08 and not available on the 06. Test drive each coach, before making a decision. The test drive should include interstate, two lane road and backing into a parking place. Only after the test drive will you understand what Comfort Steer provides. The 08 is also 2 feet longer. Not sure if the extea length was used in a way to be of value to you.

Ask about the warranty on each coach.

Money talks. If you plan to keep the coach say 10 years, take the difference in price and determine how much it means to you.

Make no decisions until you drive both coaches.
Good luck and let us hear about all your decisions and adventures.

rebelsbeach · 08-26-2007, 09:45 AM

Comfort Drive

The computer assist steering system created by TRW and under contract to Spartan is Comfort Drive...

Route 66 · 08-26-2007, 09:54 AM

Greatadventure, welcome to iRV2.

You have indeed found the friendliest and most helpful RV web site there is.

I took a test drive Friday on a new Dutch Star with the Comfort Drive that Gary mentions.

I was already convinced that Comfort Drive was a must have, and the drive just reinforced my belief.

sjcaldal11 · 08-26-2007, 10:12 AM

Hi Great Adventure,
I just traded a 2006 MADP 4304 for a 2008 MADP 4521. There is no comparison. If you can afford the 2008 go for it. As other have said the comfort drive alone is plenty to make up my mind. 4 more inches of storage in the basement,Oasis heating,3 air conditioners,10,000 Gen set one piece windshield,ISM 1550 torque,Villa furniture,bus windows and far superior paint just to name a few. The 2006 is a nice coach but a different animal than 2008 IMHO
Good Luck on your trip ( I'm Jealous )
Thanks, Daryl

2008 MADP 4521
2006 Acura TL Toad

greatadventure · 08-26-2007, 11:05 AM

I appreciate the help. I have a test drive scheduled tomorrow with both coaches. I will let you know how it goes.

Cruzer · 08-26-2007, 12:24 PM

Comparing the Mountain Master GT tag axle chassis to the K2 is kind of like comparing a pickup truck to a dump truck. The K2 is the big brother to the MM-GT. The extra torque of the 450 ISM over the 400 ISL is substantial as well asthe Comfort DRive feature. While there is no doubt that the K2 is the preferred choice, keep in mind that the Mountain Master GT is no loser either. We love ours and it's a huge improvement over our Freightliner XC. So, after driving them both, if you feel that the extra cash saved on the '06 is significant don't be afraid to get the '06 coach. Above all, floor plan is generally the main reason to buy a coach. If you like the 45' floorplan, can afford the extra greenbacks, and feel the Comfort Drive is worth it - by all means go for it.

There is no loser in the pair you're looking at.

Jetsmania · 08-26-2007, 02:32 PM

Hi GreatAdventure! I am jealous also. I agree with Daryl 100% We came out of 2006 DSDP and what a difference! Keep us posted opn what you decide to do. And let us know how your excellant adventure is going. Paul

Jeff Regan · 08-26-2007, 03:20 PM

I don't know if this is a consideration, but I
believe resale would be superior with the '08
MADP due to the K2/ISM, Comfort Drive and other upmarket amenities of the '07 and '08 models.

One thing that comes to my mind about an extended
road trip all over the country would be, is a 45'
length going to limit your RV park options?

Jeff Regan
2000 Dutch Star

"007" · 08-26-2007, 05:29 PM

Welcome greatadventure to irv2 and the Newmar forum.

Good luck in your quest for a new MH and your adventure to be.

Enjoy the forums and do post often.

RV Wizard · 08-27-2007, 12:29 AM

greatadventure, welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventure and experiecnes. I am glad to see buyers use the info here to help in their research of units they are intrested in. I know years ago I recieved invaluable help in preparing to someday go full time. COngratulations on your upcoming trip and do keep us informed. Good luck and enjoy!

JerryKelly · 08-27-2007, 02:57 AM

As an owner of a 06 MADP 4304, I can say that the 06 MMGT Spartan Chassis / Newmar Coach is superior to most (not all) other '06 coaches. I traded up from a Fleetwood Revolution on Freightliner chassis which was a significant upgrade in handling, ride and quality. The '08 K2 with Comfort Drive is another significant step up, but so is the price and the ongoing cost of depreciation, especially in the first year. The '08 MSRP is more than $120K more than the '06 and the depreciation percentage will be no different, just greater absolute dollars each year. Don't missunderstand my posting, I am considering selling my '06 and trading up as well ('09 model year). It's only money.

rebelsbeach · 08-27-2007, 04:18 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">It's only money. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Amen brother....at least that's what I keep telling MYSELF!!