Fleetwood Palisade 45FS vs Newmar Dutch Star 4311
2026 Class A comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These two Class A diesels share the Cummins L9 450 HP engine, 50-amp service, king beds, and three slides - but the Fleetwood Palisade 45FS layout adds a bunkhouse sleeping six while the Newmar Dutch Star 4311 carves out floor space for a factory BraunAbility wheelchair lift sleeping four. The Palisade 45FS rides on the Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge with 46,000 lb GVWR and a 2,800-watt inverter for $706,848. The Dutch Star 4311 uses Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR with 52,000 lb GVWR and an 800 amp-hour battery bank for $676,280.
Families needing the bunkhouse layout will gravitate to the Palisade 45FS, which is the only one of the two with bunks and a six-sleep capacity. The Dutch Star 4311 swaps the bunkhouse for accessibility hardware - integrated lift, wider clearances, and four-season insulation. The Newmar also nets 6,000 lb more GVWR (52,000 vs 46,000), 14,150 lb cargo capacity, and a $30,568 lower price.
Verdict: pick the Palisade 45FS as a Class A diesel bunkhouse rig; pick the Dutch Star 4311 if mobility access drives the decision.
Side-by-side specs
| Fleetwood Palisade 45FS | 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 | 6 | 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 45FS wins
- Bunkhouse floorplan with 6-person sleeping
- 2,800-watt inverter and 6 AGM batteries with 100W solar
- Fleetwood Apex Custom Furniture and hand-laid tile
- Generator prep included (Dutch Star lacks it)
- Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge with 102-inch width
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 45FS if…
Pick the 2026 Fleetwood Palisade 45FS if you need a 44-foot Class A diesel bunkhouse - it's the only layout here with a six-sleep bunkhouse configuration. Multi-generational travelers and families who want the king bedroom up front plus bunks aft will find the Palisade 45FS uniquely fits the use case. The 2,800-watt inverter, six AGM batteries, factory 100W solar, and Apex Custom Furniture with hand-laid tile showers reward Fleetwood loyalists. At $706,848 you're paying for sleeping capacity plus finish.
Pick the Newmar Dutch Star 4311 if…
Pick the 2026 Newmar Dutch Star 4311 if wheelchair accessibility is the priority - it's a factory-engineered ADA-friendly Class A with integrated BraunAbility lift. The 52,000 lb GVWR tag-axle chassis hauls 14,150 lb of cargo, the 800 amp-hour bank supports extended dry camping, and the four-season package handles cold weather the non-insulated Palisade 45FS can't. At $676,280 it costs $30,568 less than the Fleetwood while delivering Newmar build standards. Best for couples or solo travelers where mobility access trumps bunkhouse layout.
Frequently asked
How many does the Palisade 45FS sleep compared to the Dutch Star 4311?
The Fleetwood Palisade 45FS sleeps 6 thanks to its bunkhouse floorplan; the Newmar Dutch Star 4311 sleeps 4 with the wheelchair-accessible layout.
Which has more fresh water capacity?
The Dutch Star 4311 holds 105 gallons of fresh water vs 100 gallons on the Palisade 45FS - a 5-gallon advantage for the Newmar.
Does the Palisade 45FS have four-season insulation?
No, the 2026 Palisade 45FS is not rated four-season. The Dutch Star 4311 is rated four-season for cold-weather use.