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2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Yahoo Message Number: 86357
Hello all! I am new to this forum and I would appreciate your input and guidance on my next RV. I am not new to RVing having owned 3 travel trailers, 1 fith wheel, and 2 motorhomes (both gas). My wife and I, along with our three children, have loved camping over the years. Now, however, all three of my children are in college and it's tailgaiting time now! I also use my current motorhome for cycling trips to Tennesee and North Carolina with my brother.
I am looking to upgrade to a deisel and the CC Inspire has caught my eye along with a Newmar Kountry Star. Both look very nice, but I don't know much about either brand. Pleaes share your thoughts and insights into these coaches. I'm about to drop $70,000 + on a used coach and I want to make the best decision possible.

Thanks for whatever insight you can offer.
Tracy

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86359
have a 2006 Inspire 360, Da Vinci, 40 ft, 46,000 miles, $35000 in extras, just inspected, for $116000.



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From: "tboy1@..."

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 11:57 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Hello all! I am new to this forum and I would appreciate your input and guidance on my next RV. I am not new to RVing having owned 3 travel trailers, 1 fith wheel, and 2 motorhomes (both gas). My wife and I, along with our three children, have loved camping over the years. Now, however, all three of my children are in college and it's tailgaiting time now! I also use my current motorhome for cycling trips to Tennesee and North Carolina with my brother.
I am looking to upgrade to a deisel and the CC Inspire has caught my eye along with a Newmar Kountry Star. Both look very nice, but I don't know much about either brand. Pleaes share your thoughts and insights into these coaches. I'm about to drop $70,000 + on a used coach and I want to make the best decision possible.

Thanks for whatever insight you can offer.
Tracy

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Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86369
Both are good coaches. Drive both and see which one feels more comfortable to drive. Floorplan, colors, and especially condition should influence your decision. Which one can you buy for the best deal vs wholesale book price.
This being a Country Coach group we of course favour CC's. But that said when I was looking at coaches 3 1/2 years ago several Dutch Stars seemed quite nice to me. You might also check out some of the other models of Country Coach.

Bob & Barbara
2002 Affinity 42'

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86370
Hi Tracy

Your asking a tough question because most people here are proud of there coaches and are going to be loyal to the brand more so then a general rv site. When i bouth ours we did look at tiffin , newmar and actually ended up in a country coach inspire by accident since i thought it was out of our price range. The newmar brand was cheaper in our area followd by tiffin. Once we bought the coach and got to looking deeper we became more thankfull with our choice. I have found that the contruction as far as components that make up the rv just a little better. The only issues i would have like to have known was paint checking, the roof products on some inspires, the aluminum radiators and the pto. These issues can be found with some searches on this site. These are things i learned after and i am sure the other manufactures have a simular list.I am happy with mine but if i was doing it again i would like a model with a tag axle.I have mine so set up now i am commited but with the biger rigs it seems like they may track and handle better with the tagKeep asking questions. the folks here are relly nice and will be happy to address and specific questions you have regarding country coaches. Also watch the tire dates.

Rod

05 Inspire

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86373
Tracy

We just got a 2006 Country Coach Inspire 360 40ft Genoa Designer Series with 17K on it and if you go with a CC you will need to get the wet PTO install if it is dry, that is a must. The Aluminum Radiator was recently replaced with a STEEL & COPPER Bolt Together Radiator w/ updated rubber mountings a problem alot of coaches have plus i like the side radiator also a must. All coaches have problems some more than others. I wanted a 36' but could not pass on this one. The other thing you will have to think about is tires like i said i have 17k but the tires are 8 years old went through FMCA and got (6) Michelin 295/80R22.5 now i should be good for about 8 more years. Newmar is a fine coach also.
Floyd 2006 Inspire 51744

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86375
In this price range, my opinion is that CC has the strongest, ruggedest, sturdiest chassis in the industry. You won't find a better chassis IMO. As stated, you don't want an aluminium radiator or a dry PTO.

Larry, 03 Allure 30856

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86381
Bobby,

Thanks for the offer. Unfortunately, $116,000 is out of my price range. I need to keep it under $85,000 ish. Thanks anyway.

Tracy

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86382
Thanks for your input. Yes the Dutch Stars are pretty nice and a step up from the Kountry Star. I do believe that the CC Inspire is a better quality coach than the Newmar Kountry Star and possibly the Dutch Star. It'll come down to availability and price for me, however, I don't think it'll be a bad decision either way I go. That being said, I would prefer the Inspire to the Kountry Star.

Thanks again and safe traveling!

Tracy

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86383
Floyd,

Thanks for the reply! Can you please go into more detail on the wet vs dry PTO? I've no idea what you're talking about. Did you replace the radiator or was it done? Any idea about cost for that? Been there and done that for the tires on my current gas motorhome. Pretty pricey I must say and no doubt more for a diesel rig.

Thanks again!

Tracy

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86384
Rod,

Thanks for the reply! May I ask a couple of questions please? Can you go into a little detail with paint checking, the roof products on some inspires, the aluminum radiators and the pto? Also, regarding tag axles, do they really make that much of a difference in handling? What about additional cost and maintenance?

Sorry for the questions and thanks for your time.

Tracy

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86387
Hi Tracey - You've been given lots of good input from some of the members of the CC Brain Trust:)! Just saw you posted responses to this input. I'll add a few thoughts, some repeats.
You are not new to RV'ing, so you have some ideas of what you are looking for.

Some General input:

-Come up with a list of 'Must Have's' and 'Nice to Have's' that matter to you. When we did this, we had a mechanical section, a inside section, and a misc section. As some items were more important then others, we added the scale of '1' (it had it) but could weight it higher by going up to '5'. (Wife wanted a Big Galley, so 5 pts. I wanted side radiator and tag's, so 5 pts each.) We both did our own indivudual ratings of coaches, and then compared and talked over out ratings. We were both then allowed to make one set of changes to this rating, based upon this review.
-You have mentioned two fine coache makers. Are these the only makers that seem to have what you like? We went and kicked several tires, and looked over several rigs. All used, so we could get a feel for how they aged. We narrowed down our search to a list of Tier 1 makers, with the models of these manufacturers that we liked. We then used this list to start our search.
-We determined our budget range, and set aside enough budget funds to cover baseline maintenance and minor 'making it our's' coach changes.
-When looking, we skipped coaches that did not have documentation. If no documentation (receipts, receipts, receipts) - we did not want to take a chance of 'the word' of and individual. If a coach had good documentation, but was coming up on age to replace a major item (tires and batteries) are the main $$ items - we factored this in our offer price for the coach.
-We preferred to 'drop years to obtain quality, while remaining within budget range'. (On my mechanical list of Must Have's, I gave a weighted score of 3 pts for older less smog controlled engines. I preferred 2000-2004 engines (engines built in 2004, could be found in 2005 coaches, so this is engine build year) first. Then 2004-2006 year engines were my second choice.
-It does not matter how good a deal you can get, if the interior layout does not match your needs. IMO, layout of inside of the coach is king, while the mechanical items is the second most important factor. And, again, if it is not documented - keep on looking:)!
-Unless you feel qualified to do so, pay for a full independent inspection. Pull oil and trans fluid samples and send in for analysis. Make all offers contingent upon the findings of these, and the inspection. Then adjust or walk as appropriate.

Specific Info, I'm sure others will add to this: -PTO Dry - Is the Power Take Off on some, but not all, engines. If you have a Dry PTO, you will want to budget to have it modified to Wet PTO (oil/greased). (Look at the Links and Photos and Database, and you will see a PTO 101 thread, with great info and pictures) -Aluminum Radiators - Was a problem in many makers, not just CC. I think Monoaco was the high volume builder with these problematic radiators. A few items related to this, but the simple item to know as you are negotiating the purchase price, is that you should budget a change over on the radiator. A few thousand dollar item.

Inspire vs Kountry Star? As mentioned, the Dutch Star is probably more in line with the Inspire, but Newmar had different material levels in these coaches in different years. I don't recall the 2004-2006 differences on this. Probably the Tribute is clsoer to the Koutnry Star.
And as mentioned, your budget range should be able to get you into an Allure or Tribute, if you drop a year or so. If it is important to you, this would get you Hydro Hot heating, and other items not available in the Inspire (note, I like the Inspire - so not a dig). I also would make the same comment on possibly dropping years and looking at the Mountain Aire too.
Also IMO, quality lasts, thus my comment about dropping years to obtain the quality level that is important to you.

Best of luck on your search, have fun, Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86388
Just an FYI.

We have an Inspire and it has a Hydro-Hot, 37" LED TV, Convection Oven, washer drier combo and more. All factory installed. Certainly not the top-of-the-line Country Coach by any means but we like it very much. :) Barney

07 Inspire 52059

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86390
Tracy, We have a 2002 Allure 40' with a 350 Cummins that we have for sale at $89,900. You can see the ifo on it at: http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2002-Country-Coach-40-Allure-106450686. If you would be interested, get back to me right away as I am about to put it into a consignment place this weekend and the price will go up. I would hold off on the consignment if you are interested. This is a clean coach with a new copper/brass radiator and many other extras.

Jim

Allure 30745

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86391
Hi Barney - Thanks for keeping the info accurate for Tracey! The Inspires I looked at (3, with one we made an offer on) had Water Heaters, but not surprised that the Inspires had these in some model years too...
One of the things that I liked about the Inspire's, is the 'less stuff' equated to 'less weight' - so the power to weight ratio was pretty dang good.

Best,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86395
On some inspires and i think it may include other models the fiberglas panals developed small cracks. This seems to acure on dark colors more then lighter. I dont think there is any structural problem but it will bring down the value of the coach. Do a search on micro checking. On the roof there were some products used that didnt bend well where the roof rolls down the side. This will make teh bend not look so smooth. On mine it it has some soft spots. A search on this site will give you some info. As far as radiators there was a time period that aluminum was used and they had a high failure rate. Mine was changed before i bought it but recently it failed resulting in replacment. The rad cost about 2k with no labor charge. The pto is a maintanance issue and with disasembly and new grease time can be had but most are upgrading to a "wet" or self lubricating kit which removes the need for maintance. As far as the tag. My rv runs heavy on the rears so i find i get a little tail wag going on depending on wind and traffic. With the tag there are 4 contact points on the rear so weight spread is a little better plus i get another set of brakes. These problems are not just with CC. Most all of these systems and parts are used in other rvs so i think you need to be aware.I went into it blind and didnt know these things untill after purchase. Fortunatly none of it really bothers me and i would do it again but still might want the tag.

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86404
Tracy - a big consideration is the chassis - Newmar is built on a Spartan chassis, not as well designed or as good a quality as the Country Coach Duramax chassis.
A friend of mine has a Dutch Star, has had very little problem with it but at the time, I had a 40 foot Da Vinci Inspire, and between our two coaches, there was no comparison - Country Coach hands down!!!

jan

714 307 9171

From: Tracy Johnson

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 6:14 AM Subject: RE: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Thanks for your input. Yes the Dutch Stars are pretty nice and a step up from the Kountry Star. I do believe that the CC Inspire is a better quality coach than the Newmar Kountry Star and possibly the Dutch Star. It'll come down to availability and price for me, however, I don't think it'll be a bad decision either way I go. That being said, I would prefer the Inspire to the Kountry Star.

Thanks again and safe traveling!

Tracy

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86406
Hi Tracy,

The paint checking is a problem on many coaches, not just Inspire nor Country Coach. The problem comes from the manufacturer (not CC) of the fiberglass panels not curing them correctly. As stated the problem shows itself mostly in the darker painted areas where it gets the hottest in the sunlight. You won't know if you have the problem until it shows up.
We live in the High Desert of So. Cal. and have none on our coach so far. It's been stored outside until very recently.

Don't recall hearing about any problems with the roofs.
The aluminum radiators are again a problem for many coaches. Many models of Country Coach as well as other manufacturers. It's not so much the radiators (I think we can all agree that aluminum is better than copper when it comes to heat transfer) but the way they are mounted. Very poor design causing unnecessary stress and eventual cracks. We have an aluminum radiator with 61,000 miles and no problems yet. I think ours was build towards the end of the aluminum radiators and it's made by a different company than what I have heard on this site. Ours was made in Sacramento, CA. as opposed to Junction City, OR if I remember correctly.
The PTO is mounted on the side of the transmission and it drives the hydraulic pumps for the engine cooling fan and the power steering. I understand not all Country Coaches have them but I don't know which ones do and don't. If you poke your head under the coach they are very easy to see. The coupling between the PTO and the hydraulic pumps does not have any kind of lubrication. Some high temp/high pressure grease is put in there during assembly and some have had very serious/expensive failures. Ours was OK but I installed the 'wet kit' anyway just in case and for peace of mind. If you are handy and have access to a small press you can do it yourself at a cost of less than $500.00 for the parts.

Very few Inspires have a tag axle as ours does not. Haven't had any concerns with the handling and it was nice during tire replacement to on have to buy 4 for the rear. The Inspire is the lightest Country Coach so in most cases a tag is not needed.
We would have like to have purchased a 45 footer with a tag and all the other bells and whistles that go along with it but that wasn't within our budget. We are very happy with our little 40' Inspire with the Cummins ISL 400.

Hope this helps a little and good luck on your search.

Barney

07 Inspire 52059

Quote from: Tracy Johnson
>

Rod,

Thanks for the reply! May I ask a couple of questions please? > Can you go into a little detail with paint checking, the roof products

on

Quote
some inspires, the aluminum radiators and the pto? Also, regarding tag > axles, do they really make that much of a difference in handling? What > about additional cost and maintenance? >

Sorry for the questions and thanks for your time.

Tracy

> From: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com > [mailto:Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rod > Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 9:52 PM > To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com > Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar

Kountry

Quote
Star

Hi Tracy

Your asking a tough question because most people here are proud of

there

Quote
coaches and are going to be loyal to the brand more so then a general

rv

Quote
site. When i bouth ours we did look at tiffin , newmar and actually

ended up

Quote
in a country coach inspire by accident since i thought it was out of

our

Quote
price range. The newmar brand was cheaper in our area followd by

tiffin. Once

Quote
we bought the coach and got to looking deeper we became more thankfull

with

Quote
our choice. I have found that the contruction as far as components

that make

Quote
up the rv just a little better. The only issues i would have like to

have

Quote
known was paint checking, the roof products on some inspires, the

aluminum

Quote
radiators and the pto. These issues can be found with some searches on

this

Quote
site. These are things i learned after and i am sure the other

manufactures

Quote
have a simular list.I am happy with mine but if i was doing it again i

would

Quote
like a model with a tag axle.I have mine so set up now i am commited

but

Quote
with the biger rigs it seems like they may track and handle better

with the

Quote
tagKeep asking questions. the folks here are relly nice and will be

happy to

Quote
address and specific questions you have regarding country coaches. Also

watch

Quote
the tire dates.
Rod

05 Inspire
> -

Re: 2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountry Star

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86408
Another thought came to mind tonight. After making trips we soon discovered our coach as speced was very capable of dry camping. In our travles we found as the coaches got bigger and had more options they seemed to also in some cases give up the dry camping aspect. This is likely not a problem for some but we found we really needed the ability to dry camp. I didnt consider this when we bought. We just lucked out.

Rod

2004-2006 CC Inspire vs Newmar Kountr

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86380
How much did you pay?

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