Differences between the 2021 Essex and London Aire

[CaptainGizmo]

A while back, @Neal posed a question as to what the differences were between the LA and EX models; and whether or not the bump in price is worth it.

Aside from the usual statement that the Essex is a more "Elegant or Contemporary" decor, whereas the LA is more in the Traditional line, there are a lot of other differences. Do the costs total up to the difference in MSRP? Well, probably not...but that's what lures us into the "model separation" dilemma. Speaking of which, I've been informed that all the KING AIRE features can be "Specialed"down to the lower models, EXCEPT for the floor...bummer.

All this said...I set out to do what I do...build comparison matrices. This gives me an "At a glance" view of the 2 models. I also put the Dutch Star in a column for reference; since I own a 2019.

The features that are in the EX that are standard, or can't be had in the LA (or DS), are highlighted in yellow.

Don't beat me up if there are some omissions...it's not easy to gather and decipher this info. And, yes, there are a handful of nuances that I didn't include just because they're incidental in my opinion. For example, I don't describe exactly WHERE all the LED lighting is placed in the ceiling and woodwork, or the glass inserts on the EX wall.

I hope you find this helpful!

 

[Neal]

Nice job and good info. I heard they changed their mind and are letting the KA floors be optioned into any of the other coaches. I think the dealers complained as this really helped sales.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Nice breakdown; thanks. The only "improvement" (a self serving one ) would have been the inclusion of the Mountain Aire along with the Dutch Star.

TJ

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Nice breakdown; thanks. The only "improvement" (a self serving one ) would have been the inclusion of the Mountain Aire along with the Dutch Star.

TJ

Yeah TJ...I know. Alas, I’ve convinced myself to get the 605HP for better pulling up all our mountains. ?

 

[Buly]

And ask for opening windows. Have seen few LA and MA without a single opening window, except a small driver side sliding one.

 

[Ken C]

Nice job and good info. I heard they changed their mind and are letting the KA floors be optioned into any of the other coaches. I think the dealers complained as this really helped sales.

We orderd KA floor tile on our 2018. Just did not want high gloss floor tile and in 18, the only mat finish tile available was the KA line tile.

 

[Akdare]

We have King Aire floor tile in our New Aire, too...

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Right. I know... I have the KA matte flooring in our 2019 DS as well and love it. I wanted to keep this post and my Matrix specific to the Standard Features that differentiate the EX from the LA and not get side-tracked with all the “Specials”.

I’ll keep fine tuning my sheet for us as I continue to find new info or errors.

Thanks all.

 

[redbaron]

Dsdp does get the cut and buff, but it is only a 2 step.

Ma and la get additional
Essex even more
King aire gets more still.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Dsdp does get the cut and buff, but it is only a 2 step.

Ma and la get additional
Essex even more
King aire gets more still.

hmm, ok. Same as the LA then. Ok...change made. Thanks!

 

[redbaron]

Cat6 cabling is standard in dutchstar for the av.

What is the bladder tank? Never heard of this.

 

[Neemer]

Solid effort! Thanks!

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Cat6 cabling is standard in dutchstar for the av.

What is the bladder tank? Never heard of this.

I’ll make that change on the Cat6. (I was actually just gonna delete that column, but left it in just as a reference...aka “reality check”!)

The Bladder Tank has been on the EX and KA for several years from what I’ve found. It works by filling a bladder inside a air-pressurized (Very low psi) tank that looks like a small propane tank filled.

The water from the bladder tank supplements and stabilizes the coach’s water flow/pressure rather than having that surging or erratic flow produced by the water pump or crumby city supply ESPECIALLY when something else uses water at the same time, ie shower, flushing, washer, etc.

 

[redbaron]

Oh..i am familiar with the pressure tank setup, as my property is on a well. Never thought about that for an RV, but that is a true luxury item, and one that I would be very happy with.

Nice job pulling this together.

One more question, it mentions off door side led light. I assume this is the security/scare light.

I have an led bulb in an incandescent housing on both sides. The door light at top entry is also an led, but again looks like an led bulb in an incandescent housing.

How does Essex differ?

 

[flyboy013]

The bladder tank is an accumulator tank, such as this one

Pentair Shurflo Pre-Pressurized Accumulator Tank 24 oz Nylon Accumulator

If you want to get the optimal experience from your Residential Vehicle while its out on an adventure, take a look at our plumbing accessories! Shop now.

www.pentair.com

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Oh..i am familiar with the pressure tank setup, as my property is on a well. Never thought about that for an RV, but that is a true luxury item, and one that I would be very happy with.

Nice job pulling this together.

One more question, it mentions off door side led light. I assume this is the security/scare light.

I have an led bulb in an incandescent housing on both sides. The door light at top entry is also an led, but again looks like an led bulb in an incandescent housing.

How does Essex differ?

Thanks, Ronnie.

Newmar has gotten rid of pretty much all of the incandescent bulbs; thank goodness. And, they've added LED lighting strips in some cabinets such as the electrical bay under the driver window.

The Essex and LA have the option of adding LED light strips under the OFF-DOOR SIDE slide-out. I added this line item as a differentiation from the Dutch Star.

I repost an updated list.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

I've updated and replaced the list for ya'll.
Thanks for the additions/corrections.
A conversation with @Dutch Star Don prompted me to add TORQUE:WEIGHT ratios, as well as put the Mountain Aire calc's in there as a reference.