Fleetwood Palisade 45DS vs Newmar Dutch Star 4370
2026 Class A comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These two 44-foot Class A diesels share Cummins L9 450 HP power and three-slide architecture but split on chassis weight and floorplan. The Fleetwood Palisade 45DS uses the Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge at 46,000 lb GVWR, sleeps 4 with a king bed, mounts six AGM batteries with 100W solar, runs a 2,800-watt inverter, and lists $706,848. The Newmar Dutch Star 4370 rides a tag-axle Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR at 52,000 lb GVWR, sleeps 5 with bath-and-a-half layout, runs an 800 amp-hour battery bank, and prices $674,105.
The Dutch Star 4370's tag-axle chassis adds 6,000 lb GVWR (52,000 vs 46,000) and publishes 11,500 lb cargo capacity - meaningful headroom for full-time travelers. The bath-and-a-half gives guests privacy without entering the master suite. Four-season insulation extends usable months. The Palisade 45DS counters with Fleetwood's Apex Custom Furniture, hand-laid tile showers, the six AGM batteries, 100W factory solar, and a $32,743 premium.
Verdict: Dutch Star 4370 wins on chassis capacity, layout privacy, and price. Palisade 45DS wins only on Fleetwood's interior fit-and-finish.
Side-by-side specs
| Fleetwood Palisade 45DS | Newmar Dutch Star 4370 | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $706,848 | $674,105 |
| Length | 44'8" | 43'9" |
| Dry weight | — | 40,500 lbs |
| GVWR | 46,000 lbs | 52,000 lbs |
| Sleeps | 4 | 5 |
| 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
- 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 4370 wins
- Bath-and-a-half layout (guest half-bath)
- 52,000 lb GVWR vs 46,000 lb (+6,000 lb)
- 11,500 lb published cargo capacity
- Four-season insulation, sleeps 5 vs 4
- $32,743 lower MSRP at $674,105
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 102-inch-wide Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge chassis sleeps 4 with king bed and three slides at $706,848. Best for buyers who specifically want Fleetwood interior craftsmanship and the Freedom Bridge platform - and who can absorb the $32,743 premium without needing bath-and-a-half privacy or four-season construction.
Pick the Newmar Dutch Star 4370 if…
Pick the 2026 Newmar Dutch Star 4370 if you want bath-and-a-half privacy plus a 52,000 lb tag-axle chassis carrying 11,500 lb of cargo. The 800 amp-hour battery bank powers extended dry camping, four-season insulation handles winter, and Newmar build quality on Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR delivers a more substantial chassis than the Palisade. At $674,105 it saves $32,743 versus the Palisade 45DS. Best for buyers wanting guest-bath privacy, more cargo capacity, and four-season camping range.
Frequently asked
What's the chassis weight difference?
The Dutch Star 4370 has 52,000 lb GVWR; the Palisade 45DS has 46,000 lb GVWR - a 6,000 lb capacity advantage for the Newmar.
Does either have factory solar?
The Palisade 45DS ships with 100W solar standard. The Dutch Star 4370 has solar prep only - no factory panel.
How does sleeping capacity compare?
The Dutch Star 4370 sleeps 5; the Palisade 45DS sleeps 4 - one more passenger spot on the Newmar.