Newmar Canyon Star 3927 Toy Hauler

This front-engine diesel Type A motorhome boasts the prowess to transport a variety of recreation equipment, along with the amenities to do so in luxury and style.

By Mark Quasius, F333630
September 2021

Newmar Corporation has rolled out its 2022 Canyon Star line of Type A motorhomes. In the 2021 model year, the Canyon Star moved into the diesel world, and that continues for 2022. It features Freightliner’s new MC front-engine diesel chassis, a departure from the Ford F-53 gas-powered foundation used previously. The Canyon Star always has been a premium motorhome, and the transition to a diesel-powered chassis gave it a robust platform with plenty of torque to move along with comfort and ease.

The unit I reviewed was the model 3927 toy hauler floor plan, one of five available floor plans for 2022. Also among them is the 3929, a nice rear bunk plan. The 3927 is one of Newmar’s most popular choices in the Canyon Star line. At 39 feet 11 inches in length, this coach has plenty of interior living space, as well as a rear garage capable of hauling ATVs, kayaks, and other toys. The garage area also lends itself for use as additional living space — great for those traveling with large families.

Chassis/Construction

The Canyon Star is powered by a 6.7-liter Cummins B turbocharged diesel engine. It outputs 340 horsepower at 2,600 rpm and 700 pound-feet of torque that is delivered to the rear axle by an Allison 2500 five-speed automatic transmission. Air brakes provide great stopping power, and the exhaust brake is a big help when descending grades. The coach is equipped with rear air-ride suspension to deliver a smoother ride and improved handling versus leaf-spring suspension designs.

The Canyon Star has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 30,000 pounds and a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 33,000 pounds. With an unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) of approximately 24,600 pounds, this leaves 5,400 pounds of net cargo capacity (NCC). The front axle is rated at 12,000 pounds, while the rear axle is rated at 20,000 pounds. Our test coach crossed the scales with a 10,520-pound front axle weight and a 15,245-pound rear axle weight, for a total of 25,765 pounds. That allowed for an actual 4,235 pounds of cargo capacity.

The Canyon Star rides on Michelin XZE2 275/80R22.5 14-ply tires mounted on polished aluminum wheels. The Equalizer Systems hydraulic leveling jacks can be operated via a cockpit control panel or a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app. A 6,000-pound-rated trailer hitch makes it possible to tow whatever doesn’t fit in the 120-inch-long garage; so, flat towing a Jeep or pulling a boat, with ATVs or kayaks in the garage, is no problem for the Canyon Star.

Newmar employs a hung-wall construction method similar to that used for house building. The coach’s aluminum-framed sidewalls and roof are built 16 inches on center. The gelcoat fiberglass sidewalls are laminated with ⅝-inch foam insulation and also incorporate fiberglass batten insulation. Polar Pak R-19 batten insulation is used for the one-piece molded fiberglass roof. The floor features wood framing, also set 16 inches on center, covered with a ⅝-inch wood deck. It includes fiberglass batten insulation as well.

Exterior

For 2022, the Canyon Star is available in a choice of three exterior full-body paint design schemes. Diamond Shield material applied to the front prevents paint damage from stone chips. Chrome baggage compartment latches and heated mirrors add a nice touch to the RV, as do the stainless-steel trim pieces on the front cap and grille.

The power patio awning is equipped with LED lighting, and a 32-inch Sony LED TV and soundbar are located in a side compartment for easy viewing from the patio area.

Two sets of power entry steps are located on the patio side — one for the main entry and the other for the door leading into the garage area.

Interior

The Canyon Star’s living area is more upscale than one might expect in a toy hauler. Customers might have difficulty choosing among six cabinetry and woodwork possibilities offered for the 2022 model year. A soft-touch vinyl ceiling helps keep the interior quiet. The standard luxury vinyl floor tile in the living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bath can be replaced by optional wood-plank-look vinyl tile if desired. Carpeting is standard in the slideout floors and is an option for the bedroom floor. Auto-Motion Shade dual-roller solar and privacy shades are power-controlled in the cockpit area and manually operated throughout the living area.

Because of the lower engine placement in the MC chassis, the engine doghouse in the Canyon Star cockpit is practically nonexistent, eliminating the need to negotiate around a large hump to access the cockpit seats. Insulation is good, and the front-engine diesel chassis was much quieter than expected. It was easy to converse or listen to the radio when driving.

The cockpit features a new 9-inch Xite dash monitoring system that includes NavnGo GPS navigation software, which supports RV applications. Both rearview and side-view cameras display on a second 9-inch color monitor. The keypad for the Allison transmission and the control panel for the Equalizer Systems jacks are located in a console to the left of the driver. The six-way power captain’s chairs are covered in a leather-like material, and the copilot’s seat has a manual footrest and a folding workstation. This fabric is also used on the sofa.

The driver’s-side slideout houses the booth-style dinette as well as the galley. In the test coach, an optional 11-cubic-foot Whirlpool residential refrigerator flanked the galley work area, which incorporated the optional two-burner induction cooktop and a dual-bowl stainless-steel sink. A 10-cubic-foot RV refrigerator and a three-burner propane range come standard.

The polished solid-surface countertop covered the optional hardwood-faced cabinets with mitered edges. The galley also features full-extension, soft-close ball-bearing drawer glides. A tile backsplash adorns the galley wall surrounding the wide window, which lets in plenty of ambient light. Overhead cabinetry holds a 30-inch convection-microwave oven.

The booth dinette has large pull-out storage drawers beneath each bench. The dinette can convert to additional sleeping space, although it is not suitable for full-sized adults. A 43-inch Sony LED TV and entertainment center are located on the wall near the dinette. The TV is easy to see from the 74-inch Williamsburg Comfort Lounge jackknife sofa that sits directly opposite the dinette.

The mid-entry door splits the sofa from the bathroom, and a pantry is placed nearby, offering easy access from the kitchen. The bathroom holds a 35-inch-by-35-inch radiused fiberglass shower stall with curved-glass sliding doors. Our test coach had the optional fold-down teak seat in the shower. A Dometic 321 china-bowl toilet, a ceiling vent fan, a vanity with a stainless-steel sink, and a mirrored medicine cabinet finish out the bathroom.

Moving back into the master bedroom, you’ll find a 60-inch-by-80-inch queen bed topped by a plush pillowtop mattress and surrounded by cabinets and nightstands. A wardrobe is located on the opposite wall among drawers and a 32-inch wall-mounted LED TV. The bedroom is separated from the garage area by a standard hinged door and from the front living space by a sliding door.

Garage

Of course, the heart of any toy hauler is the garage, and Newmar’s Canyon Star does not disappoint. This 120-inch-long-by-95.5-inch-wide area provides plenty of space to store toys of all types. Diamond-tread rubber flooring provides a nonslip surface. Tie-down tracks allow infinite placement of hooks for securing cargo.

A pair of optional automatic locking wheel chocks was also included on this coach to securely clamp a vehicle in place and prevent movement. The rear ramp door folds down to allow cargo loading and unloading, and an optional ladder provides access to the walkable roof but can be removed with a few push-button retaining pins.

A refueling station is located in a driver-side compartment beneath the garage. There, a dedicated fuel tank holds up to 30 gallons of gasoline and comes with a pump, so you won’t need to carry auxiliary gas cans for refueling the toys.

But garage areas can be used for much more than cargo hauling. To begin with, the Canyon Star can be ordered with a power bed lift system that lowers to provide two levels of sleeping, allowing you to bring along lots of friends when you travel. When not in use, the beds can be raised to the ceiling. Also, the top level can be left against the ceiling while the lower provides single-row sleeping. The sleeper bunks can be converted into comfortable seating for use during the day. Buyers also can opt for a removable pedestal table that inserts into the floor between the two sofas. A 32-inch LED TV is mounted in the garage area.

With the ramp down and the optional power screen door lowered, the garage makes a great spot for coach occupants to sit and take in the outside view. The ramp raises to seal up the garage. A side door allows easy entry to or egress from the garage area, as well as to the interior door that leads to the main bedroom.

Getting dirty while riding the dunes or trails isn’t a problem either, because the garage has space for an optional stackable washer and dryer. An exterior shower also helps with cleaning up people and toys before entering the vehicle.

Utilities

The Canyon Star test coach was equipped with 50-amp electrical service and a variety of options: an 8,000-watt Onan Quiet Diesel generator; six deep-cycle batteries; a pair of 1,200-watt inverters; and solar prep, with 6-gauge wire running from the rooftop to the basement near the batteries. The transfer switch with optional surge protection guards against surges and low voltage. Automatic generator start helps to keep the batteries charged and to maintain a set temperature in the motorhome.

Other electronics options include a Winegard SK300 automatic satellite dish for DirecTV, a Winegard Rayzar automatic TV antenna for off-air broadcast TV reception, a SiriusXM radio antenna, and a WiFiRanger router. The 32-inch LED TV located in a patio-side basement compartment is fed from the same source matrix that supplies the bedroom, garage, and living room TVs.

The 75-gallon fresh-water tank, 60-gallon gray-water tank, and 40-gallon black-water tank are equipped with 110-volt heat pads to allow use in cold weather. A Truma continuous-flow water heater provides plenty of domestic hot water, and a 40,000-Btu furnace serves as the primary heat source for the RV interior. A pair of rooftop air conditioners keep the coach living area comfortable, while a third (13,500-Btu) air conditioner with heat pump is dedicated to the garage area. The test unit came with optional 15,000-Btu units with heat strips; two 13,500-Btu rooftop A/Cs are standard.

Final Impressions

The step up to the diesel chassis was a noticeable improvement. With more torque and capacity than gasoline-powered chassis, the 2022 Canyon Star moved out with authority. The rear air-ride suspension made for a smooth ride and crisp handling. The air brakes performed well and stopped the coach in short order, while the engine compression brake made going down grades that much smoother and safer.

I expected to experience more noise from a diesel engine located next to the driver, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it quieter than its gasoline-powered counterparts when traveling at highway speeds. Some of that was because of the level of insulation in this coach, but part was due to the lower rpm used by the diesel engine compared to the gasoline-powered V-10. At 700 pound-feet of torque versus 457 pound-feet for a V-10, more power is available when climbing grades, so the motorhome doesn’t have to downshift and hit those high revs every time. With the diesel’s power coming in at 2,600 rpm, compared to 4,750 for the V-10, it eliminates the high revs common to gasoline engines and makes for a quieter drive. There is a bit more engine noise at idle, but it’s not annoying, and holding a conversation when driving isn’t a concern. Altogether, the Canyon Star was a joy to drive.

Previously Newmar’s high-end gasoline-powered coach, the Canyon Star now holds a place in diesel territory. Its offerings go well beyond its chassis, though. The interior fit and finish exhibited typical Newmar quality and exceeded that of some entry-level diesel pushers I’ve driven. Plus, Newmar’s hung-sidewall construction method creates a strong structure with excellent insulation and sound-deadening properties. The amenities found in the coach are top level, and the options list is extensive, so you can custom order a Canyon Star and tailor it with the features and equipment you desire.

The Canyon Star provides occupants the ability to boondock or to stay at an RV park without giving up the comforts of home. For anyone who wants a motorhome-style toy hauler versus one that’s packaged in a towable RV, the Canyon Star will continue to be a popular choice.

Specifications | NEWMAR CANYON STAR

MANUFACTURER
Newmar Corporation, 355 N. Delaware St., P.O. Box 30, Nappanee, IN 46550-0030; (574) 773-7791; www.newmarcorp.com

MODEL
Canyon Star

FLOOR PLAN
3927 toy hauler

CHASSIS
Freightliner Custom Chassis MC

ENGINE
Cummins B 6.7-liter; 340 horsepower at 2,600 rpm; 700 pound-feet torque

TRANSMISSION
Allison 2500, five-speed

AXLE RATIO
5.13 to 1

TIRES
275/80R22.5, 14-ply, load range G

WHEELS
aluminum

WHEELBASE
274 inches

BRAKES
air drum, front and rear, with ABS

SUSPENSION
front — tapered leaf spring;
rear — air ride

SHOCK ABSORBERS
Sachs Tuned Shocks

STEERING
tilt wheel

ALTERNATOR
160 amps

BATTERIES
chassis — 1,300 cca;
house — (2) 12-volt, standard; test coach, (6) 6-volt deep-cycle

ELECTRICAL SERVICE
50 amps

AUXILIARY GENERATOR
Onan 6,000-watt, standard; 8,000-watt, optional

EXTERIOR LENGTH
39 feet 11 inches

EXTERIOR WIDTH
101.5 inches 

EXTERIOR HEIGHT
12 feet 11 inches

INTERIOR HEIGHT
7 feet

GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR)
30,000 pounds

GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR)
front — 12,000 pounds;
rear — 20,000 pounds

GROSS COMBINATION WEIGHT RATING (GCWR)
33,000 pounds

OCCUPANT & CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY (OCCC)
5,400 pounds

INSULATION
fiberglass batten and bead foam: roof, R-19; sidewalls, R-11; floor, R-11

FRESH WATER CAPACITY
75 gallons

HOLDING TANK CAPACITIES
gray water — 60 gallons;
black water — 40 gallons

FUEL CAPACITY
80 gallons; 10 gallons DEF 

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
diesel

PROPANE CAPACITY
25 gallons

WATER HEATER
Truma AquaGo, instant, continuous flow

HEATING SYSTEM
40,000-Btu ducted propane furnace

AIR CONDITIONING
(2) 13,500-Btu, standard;
(2) 15,000-Btu with heat pumps, optional;
(1) 13,500-Btu with heat pump in garage area, optional

REFRIGERATOR
10-cubic-foot, standard;
11-cubic-foot Whirlpool residential with dedicated 1,200-watt pure sine wave inverter and 2 extra batteries, optional

TOILET
vitreous china

WARRANTY
coach — 1 year/unlimited mileage, limited;
structural — 5 years;
chassis — 3 years/50,000 miles

BASE SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
$257,390

AS-TESTED SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
$293,318