Fleetwood Palisade 45FS vs Newmar Dutch Star 4340
2027 Class A comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Two flagship Class A diesel coaches at the top of their segment, separated by chassis weight class and battery technology. The 2027 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 bunks, six 6V AGM batteries, 10 kW Onan, 2,800W inverter, 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 the same L9 450 HP, 52,000-lb GVWR, 11,350-lb cargo cap, 800Ah lithium, two full baths, and lists at $681,500.
The Dutch Star 4340 wins on the headline chassis spec: 52,000-lb GVWR (6,000 lbs more than the Palisade), 11,350-lb cargo cap (extraordinary headroom), 800Ah lithium standard, two full baths, four-season construction, and tag-axle layout - all at $25,348 less. The 2027 Palisade 45FS counters with full-body paint, theater seating, 2,800W integrated inverter, generator prep, and the 2027 model year refresh.
Families wanting bunks and Fleetwood finish pick the Palisade. Families wanting maximum chassis, lithium, and two baths pick the Dutch Star.
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
- Integrated 2,800W inverter
- Generator prep on 10 kW Onan
- Hand-laid tile showers and Apex Custom Furniture
- Full-body paint package
- 2027 model year freshness
Where Newmar Dutch Star 4340 wins
- 52,000-lb GVWR vs 46,000 - 6,000 lbs more chassis headroom
- 11,350-lb documented cargo capacity
- 800Ah lithium house bank standard
- Two full baths vs single bath
- Four-season construction
- Tag-axle Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR chassis
- $25,348 lower MSRP ($681,500 vs $706,848)
Pick the Fleetwood Palisade 45FS if…
Pick the 2027 Fleetwood Palisade 45FS if you want Fleetwood's signature hand-laid tile, Apex Custom Furniture, and full-body paint package with a bunkhouse for the kids. The 46,000-lb GVWR carries a loaded coach plus tow car, the integrated 2,800W inverter and Onan 10 kW handle hotel loads, and the bunkhouse sleeps 6 without convertibles. The 2027 model year offers the latest decor packages. At $706,848 this is the Fleetwood finish pick at flagship trim.
Pick the Newmar Dutch Star 4340 if…
Pick the 2026 Newmar Dutch Star 4340 if maximum chassis and modern hotel systems matter more than Fleetwood's badge. The 52,000-lb tag-axle GVWR is 6,000 lbs more than the Palisade and supports an 11,350-lb cargo cap - extraordinary headroom for a 12,000-lb tow car plus full water, full diesel, and a loaded basement. 800Ah lithium with zero LP simplifies maintenance, two full baths transform a family-of-7 trip, and four-season insulation extends shoulder-season use. At $681,500 you save $25,348 versus the 2027 Palisade 45FS.
Frequently asked
Which has the higher GVWR?
The Newmar Dutch Star 4340 at 52,000 lbs GVWR carries 6,000 lbs more than the 2027 Fleetwood Palisade 45FS at 46,000 lbs.
Which has two baths?
The Dutch Star 4340 has two full baths. The 2027 Palisade 45FS has a single bath.
What batteries does each use?
The Dutch Star 4340 uses 800Ah lithium standard. The 2027 Palisade 45FS uses six 6V AGM batteries.