Fleetwood Palisade 45DS vs Newmar Dutch Star 4369
2026 Class A comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These two 44-foot Class A diesels both run Cummins L9 450 HP power on different chassis platforms. The Fleetwood Palisade 45DS uses Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge at 46,000 lb GVWR with six AGM batteries, 100W factory solar, 2,800-watt inverter, king bed, and sleeps 4 for $706,848. The Newmar Dutch Star 4369 rides 52,000 lb GVWR tag-axle (Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR), sleeps 6 with bath-and-a-half, runs 800 amp-hour batteries, adds four-season insulation, and lists $673,960.
The Dutch Star 4369's tag-axle architecture supports 6,000 lb more GVWR (52,000 vs 46,000) and 12,000 lb published cargo - meaningful for full-time travelers carrying tools and gear. The bath-and-a-half is the other layout advantage, separating guest and master facilities. Four-season insulation extends the camping calendar. The Palisade 45DS holds its ground on Fleetwood's Apex Custom Furniture, hand-laid tile, the 2,800-watt inverter, and factory 100W solar.
Verdict: Dutch Star 4369 takes the spec lead on chassis, cargo, layout privacy, and price ($32,888 less). Palisade 45DS retains the edge on Fleetwood interior craftsmanship and the Freedom Bridge platform.
Side-by-side specs
| Fleetwood Palisade 45DS | Newmar Dutch Star 4369 | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $706,848 | $673,960 |
| Length | 44'8" | 43'9" |
| Dry weight | — | 40,000 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 | prep |
| Residential fridge | Yes | Yes |
Where Fleetwood Palisade 45DS wins
- Six AGM batteries with 100W factory solar
- 2,800-watt factory inverter
- Generator prep included (Dutch Star has prep only as W/D)
- Fleetwood Apex Custom Furniture and hand-laid tile
- Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge with 102-inch width
Where Newmar Dutch Star 4369 wins
- Bath-and-a-half layout
- 52,000 lb GVWR vs 46,000 lb (+6,000 lb)
- 12,000 lb published cargo capacity
- Four-season insulation, sleeps 6 vs 4
- $32,888 lower MSRP at $673,960
Pick the Fleetwood Palisade 45DS if…
Pick the 2026 Fleetwood Palisade 45DS if Fleetwood's flagship Class A diesel interior is the priority - Apex Custom Furniture, hand-laid tile showers, six AGM batteries, 100W factory solar, and a 2,800-watt inverter. The Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge at 46,000 lb GVWR sleeps 4 with king bed and three slides for $706,848. Best for buyers committed to Fleetwood interior craftsmanship and the Freedom Bridge chassis - and who don't need bath-and-a-half, family sleeping, or four-season construction.
Pick the Newmar Dutch Star 4369 if…
Pick the 2026 Newmar Dutch Star 4369 if you want a heavy 52,000 lb GVWR tag-axle Class A diesel with bath-and-a-half layout and 12,000 lb cargo capacity. The 800 amp-hour battery bank handles extended dry camping, four-season insulation supports cold weather, and Newmar build quality on Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR delivers a more substantial chassis. At $673,960 it saves $32,888 versus the Palisade 45DS. Best for full-time travelers, cold-weather campers, and buyers who need bath-and-a-half privacy with sleeping for 6.
Frequently asked
What's the cargo capacity gap?
The Dutch Star 4369 publishes 12,000 lb of cargo capacity. The Palisade 45DS doesn't publish cargo - its 46K GVWR vs the Dutch Star's 52K suggests less.
Which has four-season insulation?
The Dutch Star 4369 is four-season insulated. The Palisade 45DS is not - meaningful for cold-weather travel.
Is the washer/dryer included on both?
Both have washer/dryer included - the Palisade 45DS lists 'yes' and the Dutch Star 4369 has prep for it.