Fleetwood Palisade 45DS vs Newmar Dutch Star 4325
2026 Class A comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These 44-foot Class A diesels share Cummins L9 450 HP engines and 50-amp service, but the Newmar Dutch Star 4325 ships heavier and sleeps more. The Fleetwood Palisade 45DS uses the Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge at 46,000 lb GVWR, sleeps 4, mounts six AGM batteries with 100W solar, and runs a 2,800-watt inverter for $706,848. The Dutch Star 4325 rides on a tag-axle Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR at 52,000 lb GVWR, sleeps 6 thanks to its bath-and-a-half layout, runs an 800 amp-hour battery bank, and prices $676,135.
The bath-and-a-half is the Dutch Star 4325's signature - a half-bath up front keeps the master suite private. Newmar also brings 6,000 lb more GVWR, 11,650 lb published cargo capacity, four-season insulation, a 105-gallon fresh tank (5 more than the Palisade), and zero LP gallons (suggesting all-electric appliances). The Palisade 45DS leans on Fleetwood's Apex Custom Furniture and hand-laid tile finishes.
Verdict: Dutch Star 4325 is the better-spec'd, higher-capacity Class A diesel at a $30,713 lower price. Palisade 45DS makes sense if Fleetwood's interior package is the deciding factor.
Side-by-side specs
| Fleetwood Palisade 45DS | Newmar Dutch Star 4325 | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $706,848 | $676,135 |
| Length | 44'8" | 43'9" |
| Dry weight | — | 40,350 lbs |
| GVWR | 46,000 lbs | 52,000 lbs |
| Sleeps | 4 | 6 |
| 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 | — | one_and_half |
| 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
- Six AGM batteries with 100W factory solar standard
- 2,800-watt factory inverter
- Generator prep included (Dutch Star lacks it)
- Fleetwood Apex Custom Furniture and hand-laid tile
- Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge with 102-inch width
Where Newmar Dutch Star 4325 wins
- Bath-and-a-half layout (guest half-bath up front)
- Sleeps 6 vs 4 (two more)
- 52,000 lb GVWR vs 46,000 lb (+6,000 lb)
- 11,650 lb published cargo, 800 Ah battery bank
- Four-season insulation, $30,713 lower MSRP
Pick the Fleetwood Palisade 45DS if…
Pick the 2026 Fleetwood Palisade 45DS if Fleetwood's flagship Class A diesel finish is what you're after - Apex Custom Furniture, hand-laid tile showers, six AGM batteries, 100W factory solar, and a 2,800-watt inverter. The 102-inch-wide Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge chassis at 46,000 lb GVWR sleeps 4 with the king bed and three slides. At $706,848 you're paying a $30,713 premium versus the Dutch Star 4325, justified mostly by Fleetwood interior package and the Freedom Bridge platform.
Pick the Newmar Dutch Star 4325 if…
Pick the 2026 Newmar Dutch Star 4325 if you want bath-and-a-half privacy plus sleeping for 6 in a 44-foot tag-axle Class A diesel. The 52,000 lb GVWR carries 11,650 lb of cargo, the 800 amp-hour bank handles extended dry camping, and the four-season insulation makes winter travel realistic. The 105-gallon fresh tank beats the Palisade's 100. At $676,135 you save $30,713 versus the Palisade 45DS while getting Newmar build on Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR. Best for families or guests-on-board buyers needing capacity and the guest bath.
Frequently asked
Does either coach have a guest half-bath?
The Dutch Star 4325 has a bath-and-a-half layout - a half-bath up front separate from the master. The Palisade 45DS does not.
Which has higher GVWR and cargo?
The Dutch Star 4325 carries 52,000 lb GVWR with 11,650 lb cargo. The Palisade 45DS is 46,000 lb GVWR with cargo unpublished.
How do battery setups compare?
The Palisade 45DS has six AGM batteries with 100W solar standard. The Dutch Star 4325 specifies an 800 amp-hour bank with solar prep but no panel.