Community Forums

buddy110 · 07-07-2016, 07:17 PM

Hi Volks,
For anyone who has considered the Ventana and DS models, can you please share your choice and your reasons for choosing either one?

Assuming both are built on a FL chassis, and aside from the 450hp and luxury differences, what influenced your decision? Was it cost? Floor plan? Luxury amenities? IS there a difference in ride quality or driving comfort between the two?

The new, left over 16's are starting to drop in price. I am considering a DS which I have found at a considerable discount.'

Thanks in advance

wagonmaster2 · 07-07-2016, 08:40 PM

Ordered a new 2015 4018 Dutch Star last year. We never drove the Ventana cause the wife liked the interior decor of the DS better, I wanted a side radiator, and thought I wanted to try a coach with the tag axle (but can't really tell much difference from our previous 36' Itasca without the tag).
If you do settle on the 2016 DS, from what I'm reading you should check to be sure it has the upgraded front axle Newmar is replacing on all DSs that didn't come out with the heavier one. If it doesn't have the heavier front axle I understand you'll have to drive it to one of several Freightliner shops in the country that is doing the replacement.
Maybe someone with a 2016 can supply you better information.

buddy110 · 07-07-2016, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2

Ordered a new 2015 4018 Dutch Star last year. We never drove the Ventana cause the wife liked the interior decor of the DS better, I wanted a side radiator, and thought I wanted to try a coach with the tag axle (but can't really tell much difference from our previous 36' Itasca without the tag).
If you do settle on the 2016 DS, from what I'm reading you should check to be sure it has the upgraded front axle Newmar is replacing on all DSs that didn't come out with the heavier one. If it doesn't have the heavier front axle I understand you'll have to drive it to one of several Freightliner shops in the country that is doing the replacement.
Maybe someone with a 2016 can supply you better information.

Thank you
Yes, both DS's we are looking at have the heavier axle. I thought the DS had an independent front suspension too?

JMH · 07-07-2016, 09:50 PM

Have a Ventana. My selection was made on price. The 37XX Dutch Star would have been nice if I could afford it. I think the larger engine is the biggest benefit. I'm not sure if the HWH slide is a good idea yet and is one the reasons that kept me from even considering a DS. If money was not a factor I would opt for a Mountain Air.

vsheetz · 07-07-2016, 10:05 PM

Mechanically the DS has independent front suspension, side radiator, larger engine with jake brake. All good and valuable additions - you have to decide if they are worth the money and cost justifiable to you.

In the Tiffin line, the Phaeton aligns to the Ventana, and the Bus aligns to the DS.

I have a Phaeton...

Dutch Star Don · 07-07-2016, 10:38 PM

"buddy110"....We were all ready to sign on the dotted line for a new Ventana, when I decided that I wasn't going o settle for something that didn't have the items I always wanted. We were trading in a 2005 Monaco Diplomat that we liked, but there were some things that I really wanted in the next coach.

First, I do all my own servicing and really wanted a side radiator so that I could easily reach all of the engine components. Second, we tow a Silverado that weighs 6K and I wanted an engine brake versus another exhaust brake. The IFS was also something I wanted after 10 years of a solid front axle.

There were several other items in 2014 that were stock items on the DS that were not on the Ventana that were important to, like hydronic heating, locking bay doors and few others that escape me now.

Our dealer was having a sale on both coaches and the extra $180.00 a month in payments wasn't worth passing up what I really wanted.

When it comes to the engine in the DS and Ventana, they are basically the same ISL, with the DS bumped up an additional 50HP. That can be done on the Ventana, but you can't add an engine brake. In all honesty, my guess would be that the Ventana would be quicker in a drag race and get better mileage. The additional 50HP is quickly eaten up by the gear driven fan drive and additional weight of the DS.

HavingABlast · 07-07-2016, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMH

Have a Ventana. My selection was made on price. The 37XX Dutch Star would have been nice if I could afford it. I think the larger engine is the biggest benefit. I'm not sure if the HWH slide is a good idea yet and is one the reasons that kept me from even considering a DS. If money was not a factor I would opt for a Mountain Air.

Same with us. We found a DSDP with the floor plan similar to our VTDP. Price with regard to our financial comfort (i.e., budget) was our deciding factor. If money were not a factor, might have moved up to the "high line" coaches.

That said...We throughly love the coach that we chose, so... no regrets!

jmon129 · 07-08-2016, 04:44 AM

*side rad.
*IFS
*all tile
*Bigger alt.
*Larger tires
*Cathedral ceiling in bath
*Higher resale when done
*Heated floor option
just a few off the cuff...

buddy110 · 07-08-2016, 06:26 AM

Thanks, everyone! The new, DS we are considering is selling for under 300k. I like the idea of the jake brake, I have one on my dodge and I love it. Hydronic heating is a big plus and in this case the options are a big plus as well.
I am waiting to hear back from the dealer on the trade value of my CS

TDL · 07-08-2016, 10:26 AM

Our 2015 4369 VTDP has a two stage engine brake and it works great. Love the coach!

newmarpusher · 07-08-2016, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDL

Our 2015 4369 VTDP has a two stage engine brake and it works great. Love the coach!

I though the newer Ventana's had the same exact two stage engine brake as the DS. ??

It's the same engine chipped up 50 hp and a side radiator. It's the better cooling of the side radiator that allows the extra hp safely. You CAN chip the 400 up to 450 but you don't have the better cooling of the side rad.

In 2015 when I bought my Ventana, you could add just about everything to a Ventana that a DS had except the IFS and side rad. 2016 and up, there is much more differentiation. HWH FWS, Heavier front axle, cathedral ceiling in bath (a minus in my book).

Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

C.Martin · 07-08-2016, 12:06 PM

2016 Ventana has the 3 stage Jake

RVRon · 07-08-2016, 02:30 PM

For me, one of the biggest differences was the 150 gal fuel tank on the Dutch Star. All the things previously mentioned factored in as well but I would expect that you will be very happy with your choice no matter which you choose. I decided to spoil myself, but in reality there's not a heck of a lot of difference in the drive-ability and livability. Pick your best deal and go for it! - Ron

BigDogSolo · 07-08-2016, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buddy110

Thanks, everyone! The new, DS we are considering is selling for under 300k. I like the idea of the jake brake, I have one on my dodge and I love it. Hydronic heating is a big plus and in this case the options are a big plus as well.
I am waiting to hear back from the dealer on the trade value of my CS

One Other consideration...on a 16 or above on a tag axle you have steerable tag. That to me long with the nicer ameneties is worth the cost of admission. It really makes a difference.