Fleetwood Palisade 45FS vs Newmar Dutch Star 4340
2026 Class A comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Two flagship Class A diesel coaches near $700K with very different chassis bets. The 2026 Fleetwood Palisade 45FS is a 44.7-ft three-slide bunkhouse on the Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge with Cummins L9 450 HP, 46,000-lb GVWR, sleeps 6 with bunk system, 100-gal fresh, six 6V AGM batteries, 10 kW Onan, 2,800W inverter, theater seating, asking $706,848. The 2026 Newmar Dutch Star 4340 is a 43.8-ft tag-axle three-slide bunkhouse on Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR with Cummins L9 450 HP, 52,000-lb GVWR, 800Ah lithium, two full baths, four-season construction, 11,350-lb cargo cap, and asks $681,500.
The Dutch Star 4340 leads on the meaningful chassis metric: 52,000-lb GVWR (6,000 lbs more than the Palisade's 46,000), 11,350-lb cargo cap, plus 800Ah lithium standard, two full baths (vs single on the Palisade), and four-season insulation - all at $25,348 below the Fleetwood. The Palisade 45FS counters with theater seating standard, integrated 2,800W inverter, and full-body paint package, but it's running 6,000 lbs less GVWR at a $25K premium.
Families who want bunks and Fleetwood's finish pick the Palisade 45FS. Families who want maximum chassis, lithium, and two baths pick the Dutch Star 4340.
Side-by-side specs
| Fleetwood Palisade 45FS | Newmar Dutch Star 4340 | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $706,848 | $681,500 |
| Length | 44'8" | 43'9" |
| Dry weight | — | 40,650 lbs |
| GVWR | 46,000 lbs | 52,000 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 7 |
| 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
- Theater seating standard (Newmar matches)
- Integrated 2,800W inverter
- Generator prep on 10 kW Onan
- Hand-laid tile showers and Apex Custom Furniture
- Full-body paint package and 2026 refreshed exterior
Where Newmar Dutch Star 4340 wins
- 52,000-lb GVWR vs 46,000 - 6,000 lbs more chassis
- 11,350-lb documented cargo capacity
- 800Ah lithium house bank standard
- Two full baths vs single bath on Palisade
- Four-season construction
- Tag-axle chassis with Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR option
- $25,348 lower MSRP ($681,500 vs $706,848)
Pick the Fleetwood Palisade 45FS if…
Pick the Fleetwood Palisade 45FS if Fleetwood's hand-laid tile, full-body paint, and Apex Custom Furniture finish levels matter, and you want a bunkhouse for the family. The 46,000-lb GVWR carries a fully-loaded coach with a tow car, the integrated 2,800W inverter and 10 kW Onan handle hotel loads, and the bunkhouse arrangement sleeps 6 without convertibles. The 2026 refresh updates exterior graphics and interior decor. At $706,848 this is the choice for buyers who want Fleetwood's signature finish and don't need lithium or a second bath.
Pick the Newmar Dutch Star 4340 if…
Pick the Newmar Dutch Star 4340 if maximum chassis capability and modern hotel-system architecture matter more than badge. The 52,000-lb GVWR with 11,350-lb cargo cap is 6,000 lbs more chassis than the Palisade and lets you load full water, full diesel, a 12,000-lb tow car, and a fully-loaded basement without burning into reserve. 800Ah lithium with zero LP is the lowest-maintenance house system, two full baths transform a family-of-7 trip, and four-season insulation extends shoulder seasons. At $681,500 you save $25,348 over the Fleetwood Palisade 45FS.
Frequently asked
Which coach has the higher GVWR?
The Newmar Dutch Star 4340 at 52,000 lbs GVWR carries 6,000 lbs more than the Fleetwood Palisade 45FS at 46,000 lbs.
Which has two baths?
The Dutch Star 4340 has two full baths. The Palisade 45FS has a single bath.
Does the Dutch Star 4340 run lithium?
Yes - the Dutch Star 4340 ships with 800Ah lithium standard. The Palisade 45FS uses six 6V AGM batteries.