Community Forums

woodosgood · 05-05-2017, 09:34 AM

While the model number is 4369, the actual length of our Ventana 4369 is 43' 10" (almost 44 feet). The 40xx models may be closer to 41. Check the specs (or use a tape measure) to get accurate measurements.

Other stuff on your rig (bike rack, tow bar, etc.) will also add length if you don't remove them before backing into your spot.

Jager · 05-05-2017, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

If you would purchase based on the fuel tank that's crazy. We full-timed, traveled constantly, including the summer in Alaska and never had an issue with getting fuel or going long distances.

Hey . . . it's just my opinion . . . that is what we're giving here in this thread right?

Last year we went to NC to a rather remote RV park in the Smoky mountains. While we were on I81 getting there we had unlimited options for filling up. Tons of truck stops and no issues. We were at 1/2 tank and determined that when we got off I81 to head into the camp ground we'd be able to fill up then . . . no problem. WRONG! ! When we got off there was NO diesel and the places that had it you couldn't possibly get a coach into or out of. It wasn't happening. As it turns out we had a pretty good distance to go, pulling hills while towing through the Smoky's. We ended up getting very luck and finding a fuel delivery place that serviced truck and were able to get some fuel there.

We also go to NASCAR and large music events. You run the generator a LOT at these. Once you're in the place, you're not coming OUT until it is over.

Sorry but in my case you're dead wrong. There is NO WAY I would buy a coach this size without at least 150 gallons of fuel capacity - PERIOD! And when you are comparing that to 100, fully 50 gallons less . . . sorry, this is a no brainer. I have a lot more freedom to fill up when ever I want and don't have to worry so much about where I stay or for how long running self contained.

Oh and lets not forget the USABLE capacity of the tank. Remember the generator shuts down at something like 1/4 tank. So you are talking 75 gallons of use with generator, that's if you're full when you pull in. Or you get 113 gallons of use with generator.

Plus the usable range when you're actually driving. Are you really going to run it to empty? How low will you run it and still feel comfortable that you'll make to it a station where you can actually pull in to (remember you could be towing) and get back out of?

So it really depends on how you're going to use it I guess and what you feel comfortable with.

BBelanger · 05-05-2017, 10:30 PM

Thanks Jager. What I'm saying smertens is my fuel gauge gets into the red, looks like 1/8 of a tank, bells and whistles, but when I fuel up it takes 70 gallons. No idea what you're driving that gets 8mpg. 3 million miles in your rv. Give me a break.

fsudelt · 05-06-2017, 05:55 AM

Our new 43' DS turns tighter than our 38' prior coach. If I'm looking up campgrounds & they show sites available are max length of 40' I just say we are 40', so far we have had no issues. With the quality of insulation on these new coaches with Newmar we can comfortably stay on 30 amp as well if needed, where we would avoid 30 amp hooks up with our prior coach.

Bottom line I'd pick the floor plan you like most as I think difference in length is overrated in regards to campgrounds for the most part.

Scottybdivin · 05-06-2017, 06:22 AM

Nobody is going to drive until empty without stopping, whether 100 or 150 gallons. That's not the point. 150 gallons may not be important to all, but at 6.5 MPG it is a factor to me. I can tell you that I drove from Phoenix to Austin and only had to stop for fuel once. I filled up in Pahrump, NV, boonedocked in Death Valley for 4 nights, drove to Lone Pine, CA and boonedocked for 4 more nights, finally had to fill up 1/2 way to Barstow. With only 100 gal, I probably would have had to buy some of that $4/gal diesel in DVNP. I rarely take more than 100 gallons but that's because I never push it.

PandS · 05-06-2017, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeGriffin

..........

3. For full-time living (or just using it a lot), more space is really, really nice. And although it's only three feet longer, it feels like a lot more.

We agree with this ^^^^.

Before ordering our Ventana 4369, we were able to go through both Ventana and Dutch Star 4369s, and through the 40 foot models parked next to them. When exploring the different floor models in person, we could not believe what a difference the 3 feet made!

Susan

BBelanger · 05-06-2017, 08:54 AM

Going into Canada at Thousand islands New York on my way home, I had to stop to put on 20 gallons of Canadian fuel to get home in Northern Maine. With the 150 gallons I could have made it. We have a son who lives in Ottawa so if we can fuel in Maine with 150 gallons, it's a money saver. A little late for me to realize but the next coach will have a bigger tank if available.

RetireeKeith · 05-06-2017, 09:43 AM

I am with the others in saying that the 3 ft difference will not matter much into getting into state parks and national forest campgrounds. Most spots in these places will not fit a 40 footer either.

I have a 2016 Dutch Star 4018 but I am just one person living in it. Two people have a lot more stuff to store. Some other things to consider:

1. With the 43 footer you get another full width basement bay for storage. Basement storage is a bit limited in the 4018 if you want to bring a lot of chairs and other stuff along.

2. With a 100 gal fuel tank only 75 gals or so is usable if you want to run your Oasis on diesel or you want to run your generator since both those items cut out when your fuel tank level reaches 25%. For me, it would be nice to have the 150 gal fuel tank instead of the 100 gal that I have.

3. There is a lot more weight in the 43 footers, I think over 3,000 lbs not including extra fuel that you have to pull when going uphill. That makes a big difference if you are pulling a toad too. With the 450 HP engine and pulling a Jeep with the 4018, I often drop down to 45 mph or less going up steep grades.

Keith

tmandoug1 · 05-06-2017, 12:28 PM

If you like storage and a nice big hot shower go with the 4369. We have it and have found no real issues at RV parks.

C. Oakley · 05-19-2017, 08:30 PM

Thanks everyone for your feedback! It's been extremely helpful to us.
C. Oakley

Dizzee2020 · 05-20-2017, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C. Oakley

Thanks everyone for your feedback! It's been extremely helpful to us.
C. Oakley

Have you been able to reach a decision? Just curious.

two dogs · 05-20-2017, 07:25 PM

Had a deposit on and test drove 2017 DS 4018.........for most of the reasons stated in this post I called my dealer and changed to a 4369 2 days before closing......my wife and I very pleased with our decision , especially after reading all the comments here

Kbaum · 05-20-2017, 07:42 PM

I went from a 3736 to a 4018. I'm not sure the 43 foot model would work in the lot we own in Havasu or in some of the other places we frequent. Glad your coaches are working for you all. If I where going to jump up in size I would likely go up to a London Aire for the 600 horse and 1,950 ft lbs of torque. If I could figure a way to afford one��

SMertens · 05-20-2017, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBelanger

Thanks Jager. What I'm saying smertens is my fuel gauge gets into the red, looks like 1/8 of a tank, bells and whistles, but when I fuel up it takes 70 gallons. No idea what you're driving that gets 8mpg. 3 million miles in your rv. Give me a break.

Misquoting someone to make a point invalidates your point. Wonder where you got the 3 million miles in a RV that you attribute to me. I'm also sorry you can't get the best fuel mileage out of your rig. With my trucking experience I always look for the fuel efficient sweet spot on my engine. Many paychecks and bonuses were based on mpg. On my Cummins ISL15 450 at 66-67 mph in 2nd overdrive. Running there and using the mode around town will get me into the 8mpg range every day I'm not making altitude increases.