dmatt
Ventura County, CA
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Our search for out next RV has expanded to the smaller Class A gas models.....30-31'
We have seen Winnebago, Jayco and Forest River models because there are dealers nearby. I have read numerous forums, etc about these brands and think I have a good handle on their quality.
But, I just found a small dealer nearby that carries Newmar Bay Sta and Canyon Star. I know almost nothing about this brand. I have read that they are upper level quality, in line with Tiffin. Would you say they are above Winnebago? I would appreciate any input, experience, ownership thoughts. Thanks
* This post was
edited 09/16/18 10:20pm by dmatt *
2018 F150 FX4, 3.5 EB, max tow
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2gypsies
Enjoying the West!
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Joined: 04/02/2003
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Newmar has been around for a long time and they build an excellent motorhome. We had awesome experience with ours full-timing in it for 8 years and traveling constantly.
Full-Timed for 16 Years
.... Back in S&B Again
Traveled 8 yr in a 40' 2004 Newmar Dutch Star Motorhome
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel
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s N s
Michigan / Florida
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It surely wouldn't hurt to give them a look. We may be a bit prejudice but we love our Mountain Aire. Quality and workmanship is right at the top of the scale. JMHO
Steve & Sally
Hudson (Our Little Pom)
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Scottiemom
Florida
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Joined: 09/09/2003
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Newmar was always on our short list for a large motorhome, but those smaller ones look nice.
Tiffin also makes smaller Class A's. Check out the Allegro Breeze.
Dale
Dale Pace
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Traveling with Brendon, my Scottish Terrier
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Fulltimed for 15 years, now living in Florida
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Bruce Brown
Northern NY
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We're currently on our 3rd Newmar, all bought new. If we ever decide to buy another it will be a Newmar.
Take a look at how they're built, they're not laminated like your typical MH. They stand the test of time very, very well.
There are 24 hours in every day - it all depends on how you choose to use them.
Bruce & Jill Brown
2008 Kountry Star Pusher 3910
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scbwr
North Ridgeville, OH
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We've only had our 2012 Newmar Bay Star for a few months, but one of the reasons we narrowed our search to Newmar, Tiffin and Winnebago/Itasca motorhomes was their quality. I don't know if I would say that Newmar is better than Winnebago. The answer may depend on what options are installed.
There are a few things I can say about our Bay Star. First of all, the wall construction makes for a very quiet interior i.e. outside sounds are pretty well muffled. Secondly, the double pane windows are a plus and will be appreciated when we are in colder weather. The cabinet work is first class. We were lucky to find a unit with the 7500 watt Onan generator and it's a joy to be able to run the generator and not worry about whether one or two ACs are running at the same time as the microwave.
That being said, I'm sure that we could have been very happy with a comparable Tiffen or Winnebago motorhome. Consider going to something in the 32-34' range as the shorter 29' and 30' motorhomes have a reputation for not handling as well as longer units. Do some research on the Jayco motorhomes....one of their shorter models has a poor reputation for driveability. I will say that Winnebago does a great job with the layout of their cabinets (kitchen and bedroom) and some models have more counter space than Newmar when you are looking at 29-34' motorhomes.
Finally, if looking for used, consider what modifications have been made to the chassis. Our Newmar had already been fitted with rear tracking bar and Summo springs. Once we replaced the tires and inflated properly and had the front end aligned, it rides pretty well on the highway and I don't have any issues with it being tiring to drive, unstable, etc.
Final point: Make sure you buy a motorhome with 2 AC units, especially with a motorhome that has a darker paint scheme. Our brown box really draws the heat and if I had a choice, I would rather have a white exterior with contrasting trim. Although we could probably squeak by with on AC unit, when it's hot, humid and sunny, we really need to run both AC units during the day. At night, we can usually turn off the rear AC unit and benefit from less AC noise.
2012 Newmar Bay Star 3302
Blue Ox Avail
BrakeBuddy Advantage
2015 Malibu
"Get busy living, or get busy dying."
Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption
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wildtoad
Blythewood, SC
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We really like the fit and finish of our Bay Star Sport very much, and would buy it again even with some of the issues we had when we first got it. We looked at similar units from Winnebago, Thor, and a few others and the Newmar was much more impressive. They are not perfect but do a great job of customer service and will fix whatever needs fixing.
We only have one AC unit, and that is all we could get in it. (I tried). But we mostly camp in areas that have shade such as state parks, some older CG’s that have trees. It has worked well. Newmar does better than most in the ducting in that they have return ducts just about every where they have out put ducts so heat from every area is removed. The AC was not able to keep up when we were out west in June where most of the CG’s were shameless and it was hot as hades. We did start using some reflextic in the windows and it help a lot. But as above, if your unit can support a second unit, get it.
Tom Wilds
Blythewood, SC
2016 Newmar Baystar Sport 3004
2015 Jeep Wrangler 2dr HT
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azdryheat
Tucson, AZ
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Yes, Newmar is above Winnebago and all the others.
2013 Chevy 3500HD CC dually
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Tom/Barb
Oak Harbor, Wa
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s N s wrote:It surely wouldn't hurt to give them a look. We may be a bit prejudice but we love our Mountain Aire. Quality and workmanship is right at the top of the scale. JMHO
Times 2,,, our Newmar has taken every beating we gave it and came back for more.
Just remember they are a big machine, things brake, things wear out, but the coach work on our mountain aire is flawless, real wood, fit and finish perfect. our coach is near 18 years old, we have never had even a cabinet hardware failure.
As for the smaller entry level coaches, I'd expect the same quality. But remember, you get a much better dollar value in a higher end used coach.
2000 Newmar mountain aire 4081 DP, ISC/350 Allison 6 speed, Wrangler JL toad.
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jplante4
Cape Cod
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The boss traded his Storm for a Bay Star Sport this winter. He said the difference was night a d day. The full side slide makes his 29 footer look more like 35 feet.
Jerry & Jeanne
1996 Safari Sahara 3530 - 'White Tiger'
CAT 3126/Allison 6 speed/Magnum Chassis
2014 Equinox AWD / Blue Ox
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