Fleetwood Palisade 45DS vs Newmar Dutch Star 4311
2026 Class A comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Both Class A diesels share the Cummins L9 450 HP engine and 50-amp service, but they target different missions. The Fleetwood Palisade 45DS rides on the Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge at 46,000 lb GVWR with three slides, 6 AGM batteries, a 2,800-watt inverter, and a $706,848 sticker. The Newmar Dutch Star 4311 is purpose-built as a 44-foot wheelchair-accessible coach with an integrated BraunAbility lift, 52,000 lb GVWR, and 800 amp-hour house bank for $676,280.
If accessibility matters, the Dutch Star 4311 is the only one of the two with a factory-engineered lift. The Newmar also adds 6,000 lb more GVWR (52,000 vs 46,000), 14,150 lb cargo capacity, four-season insulation, and a 5-gallon larger fresh tank (105 vs 100). The Fleetwood Palisade 45DS counters with a more powerful 2,800-watt inverter, factory-included 100W solar, and Apex Custom Furniture with hand-laid tile showers.
The verdict: pick the Dutch Star 4311 if you need a wheelchair-accessible Class A or want the heavier 52K tag-axle chassis; pick the Palisade 45DS for Fleetwood's higher-end finish package at a $30,568 premium.
Side-by-side specs
| Fleetwood Palisade 45DS | 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 45DS wins
- 2,800-watt factory inverter (Dutch Star 4311 inverter unlisted)
- Six AGM batteries factory-installed with 100W solar standard
- Fleetwood Apex Custom Furniture with hand-laid tile showers
- Generator prep included (Dutch Star 4311 lacks generator prep)
- 1-inch wider exterior at 102 in vs 101.5 in
Where Newmar Dutch Star 4311 wins
- Factory BraunAbility wheelchair lift integrated
- 52,000 lb GVWR vs 46,000 lb (6,000 lb more capacity)
- 14,150 lb cargo capacity published (Palisade 45DS unlisted)
- 800 amp-hour battery bank specified
- Four-season insulation package and $30,568 lower MSRP
Pick the Fleetwood Palisade 45DS if…
Pick the 2026 Fleetwood Palisade 45DS if you want a 44-foot Class A diesel with Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge underpinnings, a 2,800-watt inverter, six AGM batteries, and Apex Custom Furniture with hand-laid tile showers. The Palisade 45DS rewards buyers who care about cabinet-grade finish, factory solar prep with 100W panel, and the wider 102-inch body. At $706,848 MSRP it's a $30,568 premium over the Dutch Star, justified if interior fit-and-finish and Freightliner Freedom Bridge sway you.
Pick the Newmar Dutch Star 4311 if…
Pick the 2026 Newmar Dutch Star 4311 if accessibility is essential, with the factory BraunAbility wheelchair lift built into the floorplan. The 52,000 lb GVWR tag-axle chassis carries 14,150 lb of cargo, the 800 amp-hour bank powers extended dry-camping, and the four-season package handles cold-weather travel. At $676,280 MSRP the Dutch Star 4311 saves $30,568 versus the Palisade while delivering Newmar build quality on Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR chassis. Best for mobility-focused buyers who want serious cargo and weather range.
Frequently asked
What's the MSRP difference between the Palisade 45DS and the Dutch Star 4311?
The Fleetwood Palisade 45DS lists at $706,848 versus $676,280 for the Newmar Dutch Star 4311 - a $30,568 gap in favor of the Newmar.
Which has higher GVWR and cargo capacity?
The Dutch Star 4311 has 52,000 lb GVWR with 14,150 lb cargo capacity. The Palisade 45DS is rated 46,000 lb GVWR with cargo capacity unpublished.
Is the Newmar Dutch Star 4311 truly wheelchair-accessible from the factory?
Yes, the 2026 Dutch Star 4311 ships with an integrated BraunAbility lift as standard equipment - the model exists specifically as a wheelchair-accessible variant.