Newmar Bay Star 3826 vs Winnebago Forza 34T
2026 Class A comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Two Class A motorhomes at the same 26,000 lb GVWR, completely different drivetrains and missions. The Newmar Bay Star 3826 is 38.92 ft on Ford F-53, 7.3L V8 gas at 335 HP, 3 slides, 22,850 lbs dry, 3,150 lb cargo, sleeps 7, bath-and-a-half king, 75/60/40 gal tanks, 25 gal LP, 600 Ah battery, 5.5 kW genset, theater seating, residential fridge, at $287,980. The Winnebago Forza 34T is 35.5 ft on Freightliner XCS, Cummins ISB 6.7L diesel at 340 HP, 2 slides, full bath king, 84/54/48 gal tanks, 23 gal LP, 8 kW genset, 2,000 W inverter, theater seating, residential fridge, sleeping 5, at $361,072.
The Newmar Bay Star 3826 brings the longer body (+3.42 ft), bath-and-a-half plumbing, sleeps 7, 3 slides, 600 Ah battery bank, 25 gal LP, and a $73,092 lower MSRP. The Winnebago Forza 34T counters with the Cummins diesel chassis, 8 kW generator, 2,000 W inverter, 48 gal black tank, and 84 gal fresh.
Directional verdict: pick the Bay Star 3826 for gas-engine value with bath-and-a-half; pick the Forza 34T for the diesel chassis.
Side-by-side specs
| Newmar Bay Star 3826 | Winnebago Forza 34T | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $287,980 | $361,072 |
| Length | 38'11" | 35'6" |
| Dry weight | 22,850 lbs | — |
| GVWR | 26,000 lbs | 26,000 lbs |
| Sleeps | 7 | 5 |
| Slides | 3 | 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 3826 wins
- Bath-and-a-half king layout
- 3 slides vs 2 on the Forza
- Sleeps 7 vs 5
- Ford 7.3L V8 gas, easy nationwide fuel access
- $287,980 MSRP, $73,092 cheaper than the diesel
Where Winnebago Forza 34T wins
- Cummins ISB 6.7L diesel at 340 HP
- Freightliner XCS chassis (heavier-duty)
- 8 kW generator vs 5.5 kW
- 2,000 W inverter included
- Better long-haul fuel economy
Pick the Newmar Bay Star 3826 if…
Pick the Newmar Bay Star 3826 if you want a gas Class A with three slides, bath-and-a-half plumbing for guest trips, a king bed sleeping 7 in a 38.92 ft body, a 600 Ah battery bank, and Ford 7.3L V8 power that any service shop in the country can repair. The 5.5 kW genset and 25 gal LP cover boondock essentials, and the $287,980 MSRP is $73,092 below the diesel Forza 34T. Best for buyers entering Class A with a family of 6-7 and value-seeking gas-engine logic.
Pick the Winnebago Forza 34T if…
Pick the Winnebago Forza 34T if you want a Cummins ISB diesel chassis for sustained highway grades, the better long-trip fuel economy, the Freightliner XCS platform that holds its value longer, and the documented 2,000 W inverter plus 8 kW onboard genset. The 35.5 ft length is more nimble, the king master sleeps 5 around a single bath, and the $361,072 MSRP is the spend for diesel pusher characteristics in a manageable footprint.
Frequently asked
Which is gas vs diesel?
The Bay Star 3826 is gas (Ford 7.3L V8 at 335 HP). The Forza 34T is diesel (Cummins ISB 6.7L at 340 HP).
Which sleeps more?
The Bay Star 3826 sleeps 7 across the inclining king, bath-and-a-half, and convertibles. The Forza 34T sleeps 5.
What's the price gap?
The Bay Star 3826 is $287,980 MSRP; the Forza 34T is $361,072. The Newmar gas Class A saves $73,092.