For what seems like forever, my wife and I have been wanting to replace our current motorhome (2001 Adventurer) with a new one. We would get pretty close to making a deal, but then would get cold feet.
However, now we no longer have these issues and are finally really wanting to do this! We are down to the 2009 Dutch Star 4086 and the 2009 Endeavor 41SKQ. We will more than likely own this motorhome for the next 8 to 10 years so we want to make the right choice. I'm bringing my dilema to you all because I really value the opinions of the folks on this forum.
My questions are as follows:
1. The particular newmar floorplan we like does not have the full size storage bay doors. Are there any newmar or other coach owners with the smaller bay doors? If so, has this ever been an issue?
2. Is the quality of the two coaches pretty equal? If you were choosing a coach for the long haul, would it be the Dutch Star or the Endeavor? I understand this is probably very subjective, but when it is time to sell, would the Dutch Star or Endeavor be more desireable to the buyer?
IMHO you are getting the same quality in either rig. Major difference is the 8 bag Roadmaster chassis vs the Spartan chassis. Both will have some version of a Cummins engine. Pick the one your wife likes.
WS6LS1 wrote: 2. Is the quality of the two coaches pretty equal? If you were choosing a coach for the long haul, would it be the Dutch Star or the Endeavor? I understand this is probably very subjective, but when it is time to sell, would the Dutch Star or Endeavor be more desireable to the buyer?
We have never owned a Newmar product, but do own an Endeavor and if we were in the market, we would buy another Endeavor or upgrade to the Scepter. The quality of both materials and construction in our Endeavor is well above anything else we looked at when we bought this one and believe me, we crawled through and into every nook, cranny and corner checking, after the 2003 DP we traded in, fell apart in just a couple of years. I will say that Monaco uses wood, metal and screws, not particle board, plastic and staples, as was in our 2003 DP. The key to longevity is the quality of the materials and how it is constructed. Look at drawer slides, flooring material, cabinet and drawer construction, how the main TV is installed, etc. This will tell you how the whole coach is built. Good luck.
Bob & Betsy - USN Ret'd '78 & FL LEO Ret'd '03 FMCA #F203528 '05 HR Endeavor, 40PRQ w/400 Cummins - With -'05 GMC Sierra LT, CC Z-71, the pusher '07 Arctic Cat 500A, riding in the pusher - Our Current Location
I believe the new DS is more like the former Mountain Aire - the former KS is replacing the DS.
With all the problems at Monaco recently, it's more clear that they might be "gone" someday (even though the changes MIGHT be what saves them!). If so, having the Roadmaster chassis (company owned) might make Monaco products the biggest "orphan" problems ever. I also worry that Monaco might someday drop the HR line to cut the expense - HR MUST cut into "Monaco" sales. That's not to say Newmar isn't suffering as a financial entity. If you can tell which companies will survive, please let us know! -
I love both products - but I'd choose the DS for myself. You should buy whichever you like best - they're both excellent choices.
I think both are good coaches, however, I would go for the Dutch Star. Cabinetry is built by the Amish. But the real key would be the "Comfort Drive" they have on the Spartan Chassis. If you have not driven either coach, do so as you will find a huge difference in driving comfort.
fourfurz wrote: I think the 2009 Dutch Star was the former Kountry Star, so you might compare that model the value of the HR model.
I don't think so!! Not from looking at the '09 Newmar brochures. Why would Newmar downgrade their best selling model?
Deen - Vancouver, WA
'02 Dutch Star 4090 (41+', triple slide)
435/1200 ISC Cummins/Banks PowerPak
'08 Honda Civic/dolly
'05 Honda Odyssey/dolly
NRA Benefactor Life Member
FMCA f47302s, Life Member: Good Sam, Newmar DP Owners Group
51st yr of RV'ing
Thanks for the replies. It really sounds like a toss up! Is Monaco really in trouble! That is pretty scary. Maybe I should look at the Diplomat instead of the Endeavor if there is a possibility that the HR line will be axed.
Also, I will really have to look at the Dutch Star again. The only thing that bugs me about this motorhome is that the storage compartments are so small.
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