Newmar Bay Star 3609 vs Winnebago Forza 34T
2026 Class A comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
The Newmar Bay Star 3609 measures 36.92 ft against the Winnebago Forza 34T at 35.50 ft, a 1.4-foot gap that changes how each Class A parks and maneuvers in tight campgrounds. Under the hood, the Newmar Bay Star 3609 runs the Ford 7.3L V8 335 HP on Ford F-53 chassis while the Winnebago Forza 34T uses the 340-hp Cummins ISB 6.7L on Freightliner XCS.
Freshwater capacity sits at 75 gal versus 84 gal, a 9-gallon edge to Winnebago Forza 34T for boondocking stretches between water fills. Sleeping count favors the Newmar Bay Star 3609, rated for 6 versus 5, which matters for families bringing extra kids or guests. MSRP lands at $275,520 for the Newmar Bay Star 3609 and $361,072 for the Winnebago Forza 34T, putting the Newmar Bay Star 3609 $85,552 below the Winnebago Forza 34T before any dealer discounts. Buyers chasing value lean toward the Newmar Bay Star 3609, while shoppers willing to pay for the Winnebago Forza 34T's spec edges trend the other direction.
Side-by-side specs
| Newmar Bay Star 3609 | Winnebago Forza 34T | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $275,520 | $361,072 |
| Length | 36'11" | 35'6" |
| Dry weight | 22,700 lbs | — |
| GVWR | 26,000 lbs | 26,000 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 5 |
| Slides | 2 | 2 |
| Fresh tank | 75 gal | 84 gal |
| Grey tank | 60 gal | 54 gal |
| Black tank | 40 gal | 48 gal |
| LP | 25 gal | 23 gal |
| Solar | — | — |
| Inverter | — | 2000W |
| Generator | 5500W | 8000W |
| Bath | one_and_half | full |
| Bed | king | king |
| 4-season | No | No |
| Off-road | No | No |
| Outdoor kitchen | No | No |
| Washer/dryer | prep | prep |
| Residential fridge | Yes | Yes |
Where Newmar Bay Star 3609 wins
- Longer floorplan at 36.92 ft vs 35.50 ft (1.4 ft more living space)
- Bigger grey tank (60 vs 54 gal)
- More LP capacity at 25 gal vs 23 gal
- Sleeps 6 vs 5
- Electric fireplace standard
Where Winnebago Forza 34T wins
- Shorter 35.50-ft footprint vs 36.92 ft for easier parking
- Larger freshwater tank at 84 gal vs 75 gal
- Larger black tank (48 vs 40 gal)
- 8,000W generator vs 5,500W
- 2,000W inverter included
Pick the Newmar Bay Star 3609 if…
Choose the Newmar Bay Star 3609 if a 36.9-ft long-stay layout matters more than maneuverability in tight spots, you regularly travel with 6 people aboard, the electric fireplace adds ambience and supplemental heat, or the $85,552 lower MSRP fits a tighter budget. At $275,520 MSRP, it slots in as a Class A for buyers who prioritize the spec differences above over the Winnebago Forza 34T's alternative trade-offs. Empty-nesters, weekend warriors, and full-time travelers all evaluate this rig differently, so match the spec gaps to your actual annual usage pattern before signing.
Pick the Winnebago Forza 34T if…
Choose the Winnebago Forza 34T if you want a tighter 35.5-ft footprint for navigating compact state parks and city campgrounds, the 84-gal freshwater tank stretches your off-grid days before refilling, or the 8,000W onboard generator earns its keep at boondock sites. At $361,072 MSRP, it slots in as a Class A for buyers who prioritize the spec differences above over the Newmar Bay Star 3609's alternative trade-offs. Empty-nesters, weekend warriors, and full-time travelers all evaluate this rig differently, so match the spec gaps to your actual annual usage pattern before signing.
Frequently asked
How much longer is the Newmar Bay Star 3609 than the Winnebago Forza 34T?
The Newmar Bay Star 3609 measures 36.92 ft against the Winnebago Forza 34T's 35.50 ft, a difference of 1.4 ft that affects parking and turning radius in tighter campgrounds.
How many people does the Newmar Bay Star 3609 sleep compared to the Winnebago Forza 34T?
The Newmar Bay Star 3609 sleeps 6 and the Winnebago Forza 34T sleeps 5. That makes the Newmar Bay Star 3609 better for larger groups.
What is the price difference between the Newmar Bay Star 3609 and Winnebago Forza 34T?
MSRP is $275,520 for the Newmar Bay Star 3609 and $361,072 for the Winnebago Forza 34T, leaving Newmar Bay Star 3609 $85,552 below Winnebago Forza 34T. Dealer pricing typically lands several thousand below MSRP for both.