Question What is the difference in Newmar Diesel Pusher Coaches to you?

[Neal]

In a way, all of the Newmars look the same to me. Speaking of Diesel Pushers that is. What are your perceptions of what's different in the Newmar lineup? Do those differences warrant the prices in your opinion?

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Different engine/transmission combinations, different levels of features (standard vs option), higher end finishes. And, I think each level meets some specific buyer needs beyond just glitz and price. For example, we would have been quite happy with most of the features on a Dutch Star (fine coach) but having the additional 50 horsepower, stronger transmission and larger fuel tank in the Mountain Aire swayed our decision. We felt...and still do...that it was the best choice for us for traveling throughout the Mountain West.

Even though there were a few features offered with the London Aire and Essex that we thought nice, they were not available in our desired 40' length and didn't seem to justify the significantly higher price for us. The MADP met our needs and desires...and, still does.

TJ

 

[sheridany]

Do those differences warrant the prices in your opinion?

To answer your question I would say no as it relates to house side. @TJ&LadyDi makes excellent points about the engine and tran especially out here in the west. It seems the further up the line it’s about the aesthetics, features and finish. I guess the real question what is the value to you the buyer when the difference is 300k and up? If money is no object and you want the finest of everything, then the high line is for you. If you want quality overall with moderate performance, you can be very comfortable in the KSDP VTDP or better yet the DSDP. I think if you are full time versus short trip should drive a lot of the decision you make.
The temptation to upgrade is real but you have to ask yourself what am I not getting in the coach that is profound enough to make me upgrade and pay the cost. That is where I am today.

 

[Neal]

As I've stated before I struggle to really find or value the differences among various coaches. They all look the same from the outside. The living space is often similar on the inside but with obvious differences to finishes, or at least as presented. Front captain/co chairs can be different. The Essex in the past was the most contemporary to me and I liked that they had better symmetry in the driver space such as same size monitors but all high line now have that which is good.

The 2021 King Aire obviously has its differences with much more divergence with this lifecyle year change, interior and exterior, finally a change in cooking appliances and refrigerator. I quite surprised the lower end DP had the same refer as the King Aire for years. The others to me come down to basement actually, more storage, i.e. looking for a longer coach. I realize there are changes in radiator positions, IFS, and to me these don't mean much, I prefer storage to be honest. I don't do my own engine services. The engine is important but there is typically a ratio of engine HP to coach weight so in the end, other than the New Aire's with 450's they are pigs. The 605 ISX is a concern to me due to heat, Cummins didn't talk highly of it compared to the ISL 9.

If I had an Essex over my Ventana would I really feel any difference in the living space? If I customized a Ventana the way I wanted it would look like an Essex (edit: carpet vs. no carpet is significant), I think they could/would feel the same other than some space changes (pantry?) in a 45ft coach. Status symbol is part of the equation. But in the end this is why the Dutch Star is the most popular as it's the biggest bang for the buck getting you near 45ft coach (1 foot difference in 43 and 45 Newmars) and significantly less cost. I'm not thrilled with the ISL 9/450 in the Dutch Star, I wish it had higher HP as it is a significantly heavier coach + side radiator but it gets you there. Larger fuel tank is also part of the equation so again it comes down, to me, more of what's below the living space. I don't need larger bathrooms or showers for where I spend so little part of my RV time within. More storage, yes, to me who can never pack light is important.

My Ventana turned out exceeding my expectations but we are always admiring the higher ups too and forums don't help

So it's an interesting topic to wonder what people see as the differences among the Newmar lineup.

Edit: Heated floors are an important option for many. Yes, I have and can do without but I'd probably want in the next one.

 

[CoreyinWP]

I think Dutch Star on up all have 150 gallon fuel tanks. King Aire with the 200.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

I think Dutch Star on up all have 150 gallon fuel tanks. King Aire with the 200.

Only on the 43' models; the 40' are still 100 gallons (at least through 2020).

TJ

 

[sheridany]

If I could afford a Prevost conversion but that’s a bit expensive for my wallet. Why? Quality of build and service from both prevost and converter. It’s extraordinary but it costs 2.2MM and up brand new and not a whole cheaper used unless you buy an old bus. Not sure why anyone would even mess with a king aire if they had the $$ to go the bus conversion route. Better riding too. Even when you get into the king aire, they suffer from quality issues just like all the newmars. A $1mm price tag doesn’t guarantee anything. The sweet spot in the newmar DP seems to be the DSDP. Just enough in size length ride finish and amenities. I am looking forward to my visit at NIRVC on Tuesday to see the newmar line in more detail. I am leaving my cc and checkbook at home.

 

[J&JD]

If I could afford a Prevost conversion but that’s a bit expensive for my wallet. Why? Quality of build and service from both prevost and converter. It’s extraordinary but it costs 2.2MM and up brand new and not a whole cheaper used unless you buy an old bus. Not sure why anyone would even mess with a king aire if they had the $$ to go the bus conversion route. Better riding too. Even when you get into the king aire, they suffer from quality issues just like all the newmars. A $1mm price tag doesn’t guarantee anything. The sweet spot in the newmar DP seems to be the DSDP. Just enough in size length ride finish and amenities. I am looking forward to my visit at NIRVC on Tuesday to see the newmar line in more detail. I am leaving my cc and checkbook at home.

Best leave the DW at home too?.

 

[Neal]

If I could afford a Prevost conversion but that’s a bit expensive for my wallet. Why? Quality of build and service from both prevost and converter. It’s extraordinary but it costs 2.2MM and up brand new and not a whole cheaper used unless you buy an old bus. Not sure why anyone would even mess with a king aire if they had the $$ to go the bus conversion route. Better riding too. Even when you get into the king aire, they suffer from quality issues just like all the newmars. A $1mm price tag doesn’t guarantee anything. The sweet spot in the newmar DP seems to be the DSDP. Just enough in size length ride finish and amenities. I am looking forward to my visit at NIRVC on Tuesday to see the newmar line in more detail. I am leaving my cc and checkbook at home.

The Marathon's are my all time favorite. I'd consider a used one if I wasn't concerned about the price of repairing a coach at that level. It's one of those where if you have to ask about the price, aka worry about repairs, it's not for you. I enjoy watching them on youtube:

Marathon Mondays with Mal

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[sheridany]

Marathon is my favorite too. If you are ever in Coburg,OR the factory tour is impressive. Nice people too.

 

[NWIP]

It is kind of cliche but value is up to the buyer. I know I paid a lot for an extra 3’ when I went from 40’ to 43’ but for us as FT it was worth the $$$. I have always thought that Dutch Star was a good compromise between price vs quality and “my” budget.