40' Ventana LE Models?

[reubenray]

While looking at the Ventana LE brochure I noticed the 40' models still only have 2 A/C units. Is this enough for a 40' 10' motorhome if I upgrade to the 15M models?

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by reubenray

While looking at the Ventana LE brochure I noticed the 40' models still only have 2 A/C units. Is this enough for a 40' 10' motorhome if I upgrade to the 15M models?

Our '02 DSDP 4090 only had two 13.5 heat pumps and we found them entirely adequate but we didn't do much boondocking in the desert either, but were in Yuma in 90°+ weather and found we easily got by with just one running.

[Algoma]

2 is standard on the 43's as well but we upgraded to the 3. Quite honestly I am not sure it was necessary. We never have all 3 on at the same time and if you do it is hard to control them. The middle one is very close to the front one but the sensors are a long way from each other. If they could be controlled by a single thermocouple then they wouldn't end up fighting each other. Don't even dream of being able to use the AUTO setting as you will end up with one in heat pump mode and the other in a/c mode. So my recommendation would be the 2x15k option.

[snowhawk2]

Originally Posted by reubenray

While looking at the Ventana LE brochure I noticed the 40' models still only have 2 A/C units. Is this enough for a 40' 10' motor home if I upgrade to the 15M models?

We have a 2016 LE 4037. Absolutely no issues with the upgraded 2 15K Ac's. We spent 8 days in Florida with the temps in the mid to upper 90s with high humidity and we easily kept our coach at 68 in direct sunlight. Newmar insulation is second to none.

[JnC]

Not to hijack this 40' thread, but we're about to purchase the 2017 Ventana Le 3436 and would love to hear further feedback from the Le group. I do hear (read) the previous posts about deminished ccc as compared to the ventana, but we found the Le is in our price point.
What transmission is this model running?

[reubenray]

Originally Posted by JnC

Not to hijack this 40' thread, but we're about to purchase the 2017 Ventana Le 3436 and would love to hear further feedback from the Le group. I do hear (read) the previous posts about deminished ccc as compared to the ventana, but we found the Le is in our price point.
What transmission is this model running?

It has the 340HP engine and the 2500 transmission.

[snowhawk2]

Originally Posted by JnC

Not to hijack this 40' thread, but we're about to purchase the 2017 Ventana Le 3436 and would love to hear further feedback from the Le group. I do hear (read) the previous posts about deminished ccc as compared to the ventana, but we found the Le is in our price point.
What transmission is this model running?

We looked real hard at the le 3436 until we worked over the specs and determined that the 5,400 Ncc, the 1,600 lbs difference between gvwr and gcwr was marginal to meet our needs. We tow a 2015 Ford F-150 that weighs 5,000 lbs. 5000 from gcwr of 33,000 meant that the coach could never weigh more than 28,000. At 25,600 uvw that only leaves 2,400 lbs for gear, food water and diesel. Those numbers would never work for us. Also the wheelbase of 206 was a handling consideration as we waited a longer wheelbase. We were at the table working a deal on a le 3436 and my friend called and he pointed all of this out and we stopped the deal. I'm not trying to discourage you from buying this great coach because it is an awesome coach. I'm just pointing out some of our considerations to help you make the best possible decision. We solved all of our concerns by buying the Vevtana Le 4037 for $16,000 more which is peanuts on the payment. Now we have plenty of room inside, vast amounts of storage underneath, a wheelbase of 276 for great handling, we are 5,500 lbs under our gcwr towing the f150 and 3,500 under our gvwr fully loaded. We have the Allison 3000mh transmission which is awesome you might want to consider a 40' le if that works for you. And towing we got 9.4 mpg on a 2,500 mile trip from Ma to Fl! Not sure it gets much better in a 33,000 lbs coach Feel free to PM me if you want to further discuss.

[reubenray]

Are there any particular reasons why a certain 40' model is chosen over the other models? I like the 4044 model due to it not have the full wall slide. As I recall there was issues with full wall slides at one time. I would expect the black/gray tanks connections may not be under the slide also on the 4044.

My wife wants the one with the most kitchen cabinets and counter space. But by looking at pictures I cannot tell much. She also wants a pantry. She also want the one that has the most space on each side of the bed.

The bath and a half is not a big deal with us being it will always only be us two. I think the more living space is more important.

[FLCPA]

A couple of comments.

First, if you are looking at used Ventana or LE, make sure it has Comfort Drive. 2014 is the first year the LE has Comfort Drive.

Second, if having a short coach < 40 feet is important, take a look at the Tiffin Red models. starting in 2016 the 360hp Cummins and Alison MH3000 are standard. In 2015, the 360 and 3000 were options. The Reds and LEs are similarly priced.

[reubenray]

Originally Posted by FLCPA

A couple of comments.

First, if you are looking at used Ventana or LE, make sure it has Comfort Drive. 2014 is the first year the LE has Comfort Drive.

Second, if having a short coach < 40 feet is important, take a look at the Tiffin Red models. starting in 2016 the 360hp Cummins and Alison MH3000 are standard. In 2015, the 360 and 3000 were options. The Reds and LEs are similarly priced.

Being I have a Tiffin now my first looks was at the Tiffin Red models. The big issue to me is they do not have the floor plans that I like where the Ventana LE models do. I mainly want the TV directly across from the seating. None of the Tiffin Red models have this where several of the Ventana models do

I believe my budget would work for a new Ventana LE or Tiffin Red. If I go used it would be for Tiffin Phaeton or Newmar Ventana models. All of this research is for a purchase in 2018 when my wife's SS starts.

[Gamaliel Kid]

I had a 40 foot Dutch Star with two 15 heat pump units. Never had a cooling issue in rear - but did have some warmer days upfront. IMO - yes it is enough overall.

[reubenray]

I have been reading as much as I can about the LE models. Apparently at one time there was front axle weight issues. Is this an issue with the 2017 models? Freightliner shows that the front axle of the XCR chassis has a 14,700 lb weight capacity and a 13,500 lb GVWR.

https://www.fcccrv.com/wp-content/up...0LE%202017.pdf

Also is it necessary to order the Sony Surround Sound system to get the HDMI cabling or Bluray players? On my Tiffin I installed a soundbar due to the bad sounding surround sound system.

Another question - is it necessary for any reason to get the 8.0 KW generator if we will never do any dry-camping?

[Gamaliel Kid]

Originally Posted by reubenray

I have been reading as much as I can about the LE models. Apparently at one time there was front axle weight issues. Is this an issue with the 2017 models? Freightliner shows that the front axle of the XCR chassis has a 14,700 lb weight capacity and a 13,500 lb GVWR.

https://www.fcccrv.com/wp-content/up...0LE%202017.pdf

Also is it necessary to order the Sony Surround Sound system to get the HDMI cabling or Bluray players? On my Tiffin I installed a soundbar due to the bad sounding surround sound system.

Another question - is it necessary for any reason to get the 8.0 KW generator if we will never do any dry-camping?

You don't need a generate period of your never going to use it. But remember this, the smaller genny will definitely hurt at resale time. Everyone is a prospect for the larger gen, but many will eliminate your coach with the smaller gen. If you never going to resell that will not be an issue IMO.

[reubenray]

Originally Posted by Gamaliel Kid

You don't need a generate period of your never going to use it. But remember this, the smaller genny will definitely hurt at resale time. Everyone is a prospect for the larger gen, but many will eliminate your coach with the smaller gen. If you never going to resell that will not be an issue IMO.

Thanks - I was wondered if it was required if I got the residential refrigerator option. I have used my current 5 KW generator one time (when the CG power went out)other than running it once a month. If the standard generator will run everything than I won't get the 8 KW.