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11-10-2018, 01:01 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 7
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Random Observations on our new 2018 Ventana 3709
We're on the road and it's late and I can't sleep, so thought I'd crank out some observations and comments on our new 2018 Ventana 3709 based on this shake down cruise from Oregon to Arizona for Thanksgiving with the kids and grandkids. Our previous RV was an Airstream Flying Cloud 25, different beast I know. Positive and negative, here goes.
Overall build quality of Newmar is very very good.
Love the LED interior lighting, all switches, and night lights near the floor for old geezer stumble prevention.
Oasis Hydronic heating is absolutely the very best thing ever, would not get another coach without it.
Our coach is all electric, no Silverleaf, monitors and controls are straight forward once learned. I do not miss propane whatsoever.
Owner and technical manuals suppled are good but limited, this forum and those on it are kind, very knowledgeable and indispensable.
Minor warranty issues, latch on drawer under dinette seat broke, seems cheap, have repaired the pull down screen on entry door twice, stop on left side has a screw that barely engages leading to screen getting cocked.
Two basement doors needed adjustment for electronic lock to consistently engage.
Newgle is a disappointment, don't know why but I expected more. Maybe because when we joined the site was under construction and I anticipated something different.
Cummins 6.7L (I've had 2 previous 6.7's in Ram 3500's with about 150K miles with flawless performance), but I was concerned it wouldn't be enough for this coach. Next size up Cummins is in the Dutch Star and couldn't afford that. I drive 60-65mph with occasional forays to 70mph for passing. Our loaded GVW is about 33K without towing our Rubicon (wanted to learn the baseline performance and handling this trip without that). Modest acceleration to be sure but living in Oregon I'm used to grades both up and down. We maintain about 40-45 uphill on the steeper stuff. Overall, I'm pleased given the givens.
Engine temp and brake management are no problem with proper driving technique and planning, Allison is impressive.
Comfort Drive is everything I'd hoped and more for high winds and oddly crowned roads. As with Oasis, I wouldn't own another coach without it.
Auto level jacks had to be recalibrated, now work flawlessly. Prior to adjustment we appeared to be parked in the Alps.
Freightliner chassis and air ride suspension are a joy.
We're getting a hair under 9mpg under all driving conditions and at my speeds. If I drove 55mph it would no doubt go up.
Not Newmar related, but based on personal experience California highways are somewhat worse than Highway 1 in Vietnam after B52 bomber raids.
Time to turn in, overall we love our new Ventana, know there will be challenges as in all things, and thank you one and all for so kindly sharing your knowledge freely.......Norm
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11-10-2018, 05:05 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Ft. Myers, Fl.
Posts: 1,451
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Norm, congrats on the new coach and more importantly, being happy with it. While on the road, I am constantly making notes of things that need attention, things I want to change, and things that need to go. After 3 years, I've got our coach just about the way I want it.....almost.
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Jim, Bonnie & Irma Newmar Hoots
2016 Newmar DSDP 3736 Freightliner, HWH Active Air, Proteng fire suppression.
2021 Willys toad Proverbs 3: 5-6
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11-10-2018, 06:00 AM
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#3
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Member
Newmar Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club RV Trip Wizard
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Belchertown, MA
Posts: 50
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Norm, what brand of Jack's do you have? We have a 2017 LE and have never thought our Jack's worked correctly, but everyone says that they are fine.
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Dave and Peg
2017 Newmar Ventana LE 3436
2018 Honda Accord Sport - tow vehicle
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11-11-2018, 07:11 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 7
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Sojourners, sorry for the slow response. I honestly don't know the brand of levelers under the coach for certain. The control panel is labeled Equalizer Systems (Controller only??) and the build sheet in the closet states Equalizer under Leveling Jacks, so perhaps that's the brand but no idea of model. Norm
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11-11-2018, 08:07 PM
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#5
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Member
Newmar Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club RV Trip Wizard
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Belchertown, MA
Posts: 50
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Thanks, Norm. We also have Equalizer. Maybe all ours need is an adjustment. Our dealer is useless, looks like a trip to Nappanee.
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Dave and Peg
2017 Newmar Ventana LE 3436
2018 Honda Accord Sport - tow vehicle
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11-12-2018, 12:02 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Mound, MN
Posts: 193
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Norm - we took delivery of our 3709 in January and now have 10,000 miles over 3 trips! Your experience sounds very similar with ours! Enjoy the ride! We both must have dealt with good dealers!
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Bill & Becky Pinegar
2018 Newmar Ventana 3709
2016 Fiat 500 Sport
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11-12-2018, 02:33 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Fargo, North Dakota
Posts: 458
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chilipepper
... have repaired the pull down screen on entry door twice, stop on left side has a screw that barely engages leading to screen getting cocked.
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Sounds like you are having a good experience with your new coach. A couple of years ago we also purchased a new VTDP 3709 - also a good experience. I concur with all of the positive points you describe.
It was also interested to hear of your experience with the pull down screen on the entry door. We have also had multiple "derailments" of the screen, most often associated with visits from our grandchildren. With experience, I'm actually getting pretty adept at restoring this recurring failure. (If it's not bug season, I just leave it up.) I would propose to Newmar that they totally redesign this component. I'm looking for a good aftermarket replacement.
Overall, it's a very good coach. Enjoy.
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RB - North Dakota
2016 VTDP 3709 dragging a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Sahara
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11-12-2018, 07:53 PM
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#8
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Member
Newmar Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club RV Trip Wizard
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Belchertown, MA
Posts: 50
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If you find an after market replacement, please share. We HATE that door.
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Dave and Peg
2017 Newmar Ventana LE 3436
2018 Honda Accord Sport - tow vehicle
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