Sell or Hold

[efstewart]

I just went to the Pomona, California RV show and saw the 2012 Newmar Ventanas, which I liked a lot. I am thinking about selling or trading in my 2006 Dutchstar, model 3817, partly because I want 4 slides instead of 3, and also because I am hoping for some upgrades on the Ventanas (can't afford the new Dutchstars) and hopefully a smoother ride over bumps up front. Also,what about mpg?

I am concerned about the freightliner chassis and lower horsepower (340 to 360) on the Ventanas, as compared to my 400HP Spartan chassis, and whether or not the new emissions garbage on the engine will hurt performance and mileage.

Any advice from Ventana and Dutchstar owners? Also, freightliner vs spartan?

Also, I saw some tiffins that I liked, i.e, the Phaeton, and the Allegro Red. Any thoughts on Newmar vs. Tiffin?

["007"]

Here is a thread comparing the two chassis's and Ventana owners.
Good luck which ever way you go, also the FL has the Comfort Drive.

[GaryKD]

Hi efstewart,
For the smoother ride over road bumps, consider Koni shocks. One could also consider slightly larger tires and run a lower PSI. MPG on the new engines has increased. This is also true for performance. The DEF supply is readily available. Pilot/Flying J will soon have DEF at the truck pumps.

On the engine look at the HP and the weight of the coach + toad. 1 HP per 100 lbs of weight is the maximum one should go to maintain adequate performance. Spartan vs Freightliner is not even on my worry list. I had to spend around $7.5K of my own money to get the so called superior Spartan chassis drivable. This was during warranty. Since both have Comfort Drive, consider dropping this from your worry list.

[efstewart]

Gary, thanks for the info. Better mpg sounds good. Right now I average about 6 to 7 mpg, but I tend to drive a little fast on open roads. I don't carry a lot of weight on my coach but I do use a car and dolly from time to time. With my current DSDP, I don't notice any difference in performance or mileage when towing the car. I think the Ventana shows a lower hitch rating. So, I will think about this for a while.

[Renden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by efstewart I just went to the Pomona, California RV show and saw the 2012 Newmar Ventanas, which I liked a lot. I am thinking about selling or trading in my 2006 Dutchstar, model 3817, partly because I want 4 slides instead of 3, and also because I am hoping for some upgrades on the Ventanas (can't afford the new Dutchstars) and hopefully a smoother ride over bumps up front. Also,what about mpg? Any advice from Ventana and Dutchstar owners? Also, freightliner vs spartan? Also, I saw some tiffins that I liked, i.e, the Phaeton, and the Allegro Red. Any thoughts on Newmar vs. Tiffin?

Would not trade my DSDP 2006 for a Ventana, though the 2012 looks nice. Very happy with my Spartan, 400HP etc.

As to Tiffin vs Newmar comparison, Newmar wins by 100 MPH

[efstewart]

Thanks Renden, I saw the picture of your rig and it has the same outside color as mine. I still would like 4 slides and all tile inside rather than carpet and tile mix in the living room. But I agree, I like the 400HP and solid ride and constuction of the Newmar. That is why I am not sure about going to another. Also, I am thinking about getting Koni shocks because my front ride is very rough on cracks and bumps. Do you have Konis?

[Renden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by efstewart Thanks Renden, I saw the picture of your rig and it has the same outside color as mine. I still would like 4 slides and all tile inside rather than carpet and tile mix in the living room. But I agree, I like the 400HP and solid ride and constuction of the Newmar. That is why I am not sure about going to another. Also, I am thinking about getting Koni shocks because my front ride is very rough on cracks and bumps. Do you have Konis?

To tell you the truth - discussed Konis with my Spartan Service guy in Québec and he does a lot of big Rigs, though there are not too many Newmars in Eastern Canada - He never installed these shocks on any unit - it seems to be an American revolution

[Perry White]

I seen three used 2007-2009 Essex's for sale around $249-$259.Anywhere from 20,000 miles to 50,000. 500HP and four slides. They are out there. If you want smooth and easy driving. I know it's not new, but the bugs are already run out. (and pre DPF's)