Considering Ventana LE

[redbaron73]

Originally Posted by FLSteve

jimbo2013 ... if you look at just the dollars and cents I doubt I can justify the cost to you and that was not my intent. I looked at it as an "experience". I got to be around the folks that build these machines, was able to see how they were built and also got a darn good PDI. In addition I left with everything in 100% working order and the few issues we did have were fixed the very same day for the most part. I could of stayed for a full week which would of brought the $/hour down but felt my 2 1/2 days was enough for me. I admit this is not for everybody and was just sharing my experience since you asked the question about factory pick-up. I think you were actually thinking you could save money that way which is not the case. As to the fuel ... I think I said they only give you 1/2 a tank which I thought was cheesy but that's just the way it is. Others have said the same thing. When we bought the Ventana, I did the PDI at NorthTrail RV and that was good (even got a full tank of fuel) ... but not anything like the factory delivery process. Just one persons opinion. Steve

I agree with Steve. My factory delivery lasted 2 days and then a week later I brought it back for another 3 days.

The service was exceptional, and the value of knowing NO ONE drove my coach was priceless. I have seen how the delivery drivers treat things, and their policy is NO WASHING on the road, even when salted was enough to make up my mind.

[MJFZ]

Originally Posted by redbaron73

I agree with Steve. My factory delivery lasted 2 days and then a week later I brought it back for another 3 days.

The service was exceptional, and the value of knowing NO ONE drove my coach was priceless. I have seen how the delivery drivers treat things, and their policy is NO WASHING on the road, even when salted was enough to make up my mind.

When we bought our 2012 DSDP I did not understand the value of factory delivery. After having our warranty work completed at the Nappanee Service center and meeting new owners who had taken advantage of factory delivery, I now better understand the value of factory delivery. While in Nappanee we met a couple who was taking factory delivery on a Wednesday. They took their time doing the PDI over Wedesday and Thursday, while Newmar made any adjustments needed, relaxed in their new coach on Friday ( while asking the Newmar folks hundreds of questions). They took off early Saturday and traveled about, returning to Nappanee on Monday with a short list of issues and had those issues corrected on Tuesday and Wednesday. No way can any dealer I have worked with provide this level of customer support. Would it be good that Newmar offered this for free? yes. However, it is what it is, and should we buy another coach I would take factory delivery and give myself at least a week before heading home.

Mike

[jimbo2013]

Been reading a lot of posts here, now I need to see it in person and drive one.

The dealers in Fl don't have any 3436's LE's to speak of.....so that kinda stinks.

The dealer in Oregon has 12??????

If I'm reading correctly we can go to the factory and work with a rep to see and pick colors changes etc.?

Is that only after you have one on order?

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I see the value in factory pickup on more expensive coach but to add 15% of the purchase price on a entry level coach will take some thought.

[nforus]

FLSteve has it right!! It's worth it as an "experience" This is a huge purchase so why not make the most of it. Don't look a the charges as a "per hour" for the time you are there. We picked up our new KGDB at the factory last month but that was after it had been in PDI test in the service dept. for over 3 weeks!! They have a huge checklist that they go thru and all systems are run for extended periods of time, all calibrations are checked, this helps to weed out the infant mortality of components and systems that are inherent with a new coach. You will get to meet some fellow Newmar owners at Kamp Newmar, and a meal at Amish Acres is always good!!

[TwoCorners]

Originally Posted by jimbo2013

Been reading a lot of posts here, now I need to see it in person and drive one.That's the next step, plan to spend a few hours and throughly look at the difference and quality of the Newmar. You will be impressed.

The dealers in Fl don't have any 3436's LE's to speak of.....so that kinda stinks. NorthTrail has a couple Ventana 3436's. Same floor plan as the Ventana LE, just in an upgraded model.

The dealer in Oregon has 12??????

If I'm reading correctly we can go to the factory and work with a rep to see and pick colors changes etc.? Any dealer will have the sample boards with colors, paint schemes, interior decors, etc. If you go to the factory, you will see the same sample boards.

Is that only after you have one on order?

------

I see the value in factory pickup on more expensive coach but to add 15% of the purchase price on a entry level coach will take some thought.

As I recall, the factory pick up option was just under $3000. Works out to around 1-2% of a well equipped Ventana.

[jimbo2013]

Just called North trail, they have one.

Also Independence has something close.

Called factory they will delete the fridge, and make the cabinet adjustments if needed, they don't offer it because the standard fridge they use will not fit.

But the dimensions will fit many that can can fit and be added.

So I made a bit of progress.

I said 15% for factory delivery..............s/b 1.5%, so it isn't a lot of $$$ U guys are correct.

[jimbo2013]

Went over to Independence Rv yesterday.

They had a '13 3436 vantana not the LE to demo, the wind was blowing 20-30 mph perfect day to see if this comfort steer is all what they say.

Also drove on the Tpke with several semi's.

I set the control at 2 1/2, it was really a one hand drive absolutely a big difference.

I was only going 55 or so, but never felt a semi at ALL.

In cross winds and gusts at most I felt the top of the coach lean a tiny bit but it stayed on track.

Only problem driving this DP as the Palazzo was I had my right wheels on or almost on the line, the salesmen said it's just that I'm used driving with a set space on the left and it will just take some wheel time, I think he's correct.

On the way home with my 2500 pickup my truck was moving around more in those cross winds, with more steering wheel correction.

Guess it was a perfect test day.

I also thought it was strange that I had to keep pressure on the brake at each stop, if I didn't this rig was moving forward, I was told that's normal??? Do you agree
Also this was more HP and heavier chassis, not sure how that might be a difference for the demo nor do I think it being a '13 rather than a '14 made a difference,

So this will cost about $7-8000 more than the Palazzo, is it worth that, I think so.

The problem is no one in FL stocks the LE's, how the hell can I buy something without seeing it up close?


.

[lass]

jimbo2013,

I bought a 2013 Ventana 3434 and in my opnion, the Newmar is worth the additional $7-$8000. The C.D. alone is an approx. $5000 adder.

Since you already saw the Ventana some of the differences from the LE are:
1. more torque & H.P.
2. more towing capacity
3. Ventana front seats and sofa are upgraded.
4. Ventana has tile floors, LE does not
5. cabinet options are the same
6. dual pane windows vs. single
7. the general appearance and construction will be the same as what you saw in the Ventana.


Now, since you have already seen the Ventana 3436 floor plan, Bates RV is just down the road from you and they have a 2013 3434 LE on the lot for comparison. That model (less C.D.) and materials would be very close to a 2014 LE.

[docj]

I have no axe to grind in this discussion,and I am not criticizing anyone's choices of RV. But there was a lengthy thread on this forum a few months ago started by a very unhappy Ventanna LE purchaser that I think is worth mentioning.

What had upset this purchaser was that the GCWR of the Ventanna LE is only 2,000 pounds greater than the GVWR of the MH itself despite the fact that the vehicle is advertised as having 5,000 pound towing capability. What that means is that if you intend to remain under the GCWR for the combination of your MH and your toad, and if your toad weighs more than 2,000 pounds you must subtract the weight in excess of 2,000 from the GVWR of the MH. That means that the cargo capacity of the MH may be seriously reduced if you are towing an average 3,500-4,000 pound vehicle.

Ventenna LE's have a advertised load capacity of ~5,000 pounds, but that would go to ~3,000 pounds if your toad weighs 4,000. Furthermore, that load capacity is relative to the unloaded weight which does not include the weight of the passengers, water, propane, or anything in the holding tanks (I believe it does contain fuel). Nor does it include any optional equipment. 50 gallons of water (half a tank), 25 gallons of waste liquids, and a full propane tank would subtract another 700 pounds and the driver and passenger can easily reduce it by another 400. You can see where this quickly reduces your effective cargo capacity especially, if you're trying to tow a vehicle that weighs more than 4,000 pounds.

In the thread I referred to the OP had become aware of all of this AFTER making the purchase and was rather unhappy since his toad did weigh >4,000. Of course, some people will ignore the weight ratings and feel comfortable doing so, this person did not.

As I said at the beginning, I have no dog in this fight. I simply wanted to make this OP aware of this earlier thread.

[lass]

Docj I recall that thread and since I bought the Ventana, that does not have any effect on me, but let me ask. If the LE has a 25K UVW and a 31K GVWR, would you need to carry 6K of extra "stuff" before taking the 33K GCWR into account?

The OP should look at all aspects of the palazzo and LE

If the Pallazo has a GVWR of 26K and a GCWR of 30K. How does that calculate?

[jimbo2013]

Originally Posted by lass

jimbo2013,

I bought a 2013 Ventana 3434 and in my opnion, the Newmar is worth the additional $7-$8000. The C.D. alone is an approx. $5000 adder.

well I agree but since they are being used more aka volume, I think the real cost is about half that

Since you already saw the Ventana some of the differences from the LE are:
1. more torque & H.P.
don't reall think I need it the Palazzo had 300hp and had plenty of power, so the LE with 40 add'l should be fine, but I didn't demo it on a mountain, moreover, what % is on mountains---1-2%?
2. more towing capacity don't need it
3. Ventana front seats and sofa are upgraded. sure but not worth $25,000
4. Ventana has tile floors, LE does not,
with our dog we prefer the the vinyl, less slipping and sliding in fact that applies to us step our of the shower or walking into the coach with wet shoes.
5. cabinet options are the same
6. dual pane windows vs. single
yes but it can be optioned, but doubt I would.

Now, since you have already seen the Ventana 3436 floor plan, Bates RV is just down the road from you and they have a 2013 3434 LE on the lot for comparison. That model (less C.D.) and materials would be very close to a 2014 LE.

I would not consider a newmar without it, I would get the Palazzo

I want '14

Thanks 4 your input

[jimbo2013]

Originally Posted by docj

What had upset this purchaser was that the GCWR of the Ventanna LE is only 2,000 pounds greater than the GVWR of the MH itself despite the fact that the vehicle is advertised as having 5,000 pound towing capability. What that means is that if you intend to remain under the GCWR for the combination of your MH and your toad, and if your toad weighs more than 2,000 pounds you must subtract the weight in excess of 2,000 from the GVWR of the MH. That means that the cargo capacity of the MH may be seriously reduced if you are towing an average 3,500-4,000 pound vehicle.

My toad will be 2,000lbs 4 down.

[docj]

Originally Posted by lass

Docj I recall that thread and since I bought the Ventana, that does not have any effect on me, but let me ask. If the LE has a 25K UVW and a 31K GVWR, would you need to carry 6K of extra "stuff" before taking the 33K GCWR into account?

The larger Ventanna LE's all have unloaded weights of 26,100 not 25k, so you start with a ~5,000 pound capacity and have to deduct water, passengers, etc, which can easily take a 1,500 pound "chunk" out of that. So now you're down to 3,500 lbs and you should account for accessories such as satellite dishes that could easily add another 100-200 lbs. But even leaving it at 3,500, if your toad weighs 3,500 empty (as mine does) and you are carrying a bunch of stuff in its trunk you would have to deduct another ~1,600 lbs from that load capacity in order to stay under the GCWR. So with a toad weighing 3,600 lbs the real cargo capacity is ~1,400 pounds. That's tight but not intolerable, but if your toad weighed 4,500 lbs it would probably really restrict how you used the MH.

[lass]

Jumbo. Best of luck with your selection. I' m sure that you'll be happy with your final decision.