Fleetwood Palisade 45CS vs Newmar Dutch Star 4311
2027 Class A comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
The 2027 Fleetwood Palisade 45CS and 2026 Newmar Dutch Star 4311 share a Cummins L9 450 HP engine, king bed, three slides, and 50-amp service - they diverge sharply on chassis, accessibility, and price. The Palisade 45CS uses the Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge at 46,000 lb GVWR, adds a 10 kW Onan diesel generator, 450D Aqua-Hot, hand-laid tile showers, and a 2,800-watt inverter for $706,848. The Dutch Star 4311 carries 52,000 lb GVWR on Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR, an 800 amp-hour bank, integrated BraunAbility lift, and four-season insulation for $676,280.
The Newmar's 6,000 lb GVWR advantage plus 14,150 lb published cargo capacity make it the heavier-duty hauler in this Class A diesel matchup. It's also the only one purpose-built for wheelchair access. The Palisade 45CS counters with the newer 2027 model year, factory 100W solar, six AGM batteries, and the 450D Aqua-Hot system.
Verdict: Dutch Star 4311 if accessibility or carry capacity matters; Palisade 45CS if you want the newest model year with Fleetwood's top-tier finish.
Side-by-side specs
| Fleetwood Palisade 45CS | Newmar Dutch Star 4311 | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $706,848 | $676,280 |
| Length | 44'8" | 43'9" |
| Dry weight | — | 37,850 lbs |
| GVWR | 46,000 lbs | 52,000 lbs |
| Sleeps | 4 | 4 |
| Slides | 3 | 3 |
| Fresh tank | 100 gal | 105 gal |
| Grey tank | 75 gal | 75 gal |
| Black tank | 50 gal | 55 gal |
| LP | — | 0 gal |
| Solar | 100W | — |
| Inverter | 2800W | — |
| Generator | 10000W | 10000W |
| Bath | — | full |
| Bed | king | king |
| 4-season | No | Yes |
| Off-road | No | No |
| Outdoor kitchen | No | No |
| Washer/dryer | yes | included |
| Residential fridge | Yes | Yes |
Where Fleetwood Palisade 45CS wins
- 2027 model year (newer build) vs 2026
- 2,800-watt inverter and 10 kW Onan diesel generator
- Six AGM batteries with 100W factory solar
- Generator prep included (Dutch Star lacks it)
- 450D Aqua-Hot heating system standard
Where Newmar Dutch Star 4311 wins
- Factory BraunAbility wheelchair lift integrated
- 52,000 lb GVWR vs 46,000 lb (6,000 lb more)
- 14,150 lb published cargo capacity
- Four-season insulation package
- $30,568 lower MSRP at $676,280
Pick the Fleetwood Palisade 45CS if…
Pick the 2027 Fleetwood Palisade 45CS if you want the newest model year of Fleetwood's flagship Class A diesel with the 2027 updates - 450D Aqua-Hot, 10 kW Onan diesel generator, refreshed interior, and hand-laid tile showers. The Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge chassis, 102-inch width, 2,800-watt inverter, and six AGM batteries deliver Fleetwood's full-spec luxury package. At $706,848 you pay $30,568 over the Dutch Star for newer model year, Fleetwood finish, and the bigger generator.
Pick the Newmar Dutch Star 4311 if…
Pick the 2026 Newmar Dutch Star 4311 if wheelchair accessibility is non-negotiable - the integrated BraunAbility lift is factory-engineered, not a retrofit. The 52,000 lb GVWR tag-axle chassis carries 14,150 lb cargo, the 800 amp-hour bank powers extended boondocking, and four-season insulation handles winter. At $676,280 it saves $30,568 versus the 2027 Palisade 45CS while delivering Newmar build quality on Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR. Best for mobility-focused owners who prefer prior-year pricing.
Frequently asked
Is the 2027 Palisade 45CS worth the $30,568 premium over the 2026 Dutch Star 4311?
Only if you want the newer model year and don't need wheelchair access. The Dutch Star 4311 offers higher GVWR (52K vs 46K) and the integrated BraunAbility lift the Palisade lacks.
Which has a bigger generator?
Both pack 10 kW generators - the Palisade 45CS uses an Onan diesel unit, the Dutch Star 4311 also runs a 10,000-watt generator standard.
What's the interior height in each coach?
The Palisade 45CS has 84-inch interior height; the Dutch Star 4311 measures 83 inches - a one-inch advantage to the Fleetwood.