Community Forums

repsolracer2 · 11-07-2018, 12:04 PM

so we are putting together an order for a 40' ventana. Seems like a lot of bang for the buck and you get the tag axle @ 40'.

question is, do you think the 40' tag axle ventana is a little underpowered for its size & weight? we've been considering going with the dutch star instead. i know power is subjective and can depend on where you're driving and towing, etc etc. So im east coast mostly and will do the occasional west coast trip. And I like to tow a trailer regularly to bring motorcycles. but Im also thinking the future and assuming with this coach, it will offer us more opportunities to go other places and tow other stuff and I just want to be prepared for anything.

Id be getting the freightliner chassis on both. So they are both 1250ft lb torque, both have the XCR chassis, BOTH have the allison 3000 trans and are ISL9 motors. But the dutch star is the 450HP w/side radiator and the ventana is the 400HP tuned version.

any issues?

jcussen · 11-07-2018, 12:50 PM

Horsepower is like solar watts or dollar bills, you can never have too much.

twojayhawks · 11-07-2018, 01:01 PM

I compared the Ventana & DS as well and plenty of test drives. I found zero power difference between the two same/same models. Tipping point for DS for me was things unique to me.

96 Wideglide · 11-07-2018, 01:05 PM

The added weight of the DS, probably completely cancel out the additional 50hp.

C.Martin · 11-07-2018, 01:13 PM

I sure wouldn’t make the decision based on the 50 HP spec.

The side radiator will take away storage and move the def tank...the reason to buy a DutchStar is for things like..more floor, ifs, Girard awnings, etc.. I don’t think you’ll ever get the yearning to match a Ventana against a DutchStar in a race.

We pull a Jeep 4-dr.

When on normal grades...I have no problems with power. Climbing 7% grades...we do slow down. But I’m usually behind 18 wheelers that are struggling even more than I am.

Yes...a 40ft tag axle is awesome. We love it.

**pasdad1** · 11-07-2018, 02:29 PM

If it were me, I would go for the side radiator Dutch Star.

jerry davis · 11-07-2018, 02:47 PM

We own a 4018 DS and believe me it’s not the fastest coach up a 7% grade. Doesn’t really matter as long as you get to the top. Awful nice coach on the inside and really like the stability of the tag.

jcussen · 11-07-2018, 03:04 PM

Do a search on side vs rear radiators, you will find most high end coaches use side radiators for a reason. The tag will probably increase your ccc substantially, maybe not important now, but if you ever go full time, could be a factor.

JMH · 11-07-2018, 03:37 PM

Have driven both. As previously stated with the added weight I found the power “feel” was the same. Dutch Stars have some luxury items that are nice to have. For us the option we wish we had in our new Ventana is heated floors. But with our budget, the extra 60-70k wasn’t worth it.

One odd thing I found, and this is a personal preference, I did not find the Independant suspension to my liking. Maybe with a shock change that would be different. We will be changing the shocks on our Ventana also. I have found that after market shocks improve the drivability quite a bit.

FLJOE · 11-07-2018, 06:40 PM

In another few days we will hit the 1 year mark in our Ventana. We full time and tow a 24' enclosed (Harley plus car). The 400hp with rear radiator does great as far as I'm concerned.

We have full tile and three a/c units, other options are pretty minor. Heated floors would be nice however if I run my furnace instead of the heat pumps my tile floors warm up nicely anyway.

For us this has been the perfect coach.

sheridany · 11-07-2018, 07:26 PM

The only thing I don't like in my 2017 Ventana 4002 is what I would call the "carpet trim" on the edge of the slide floor. I would rather have tile all the way because I can see that carpet becoming a problem in the future getting hung up coming back in and getting folded underneath the FWS. and its another thing to have to have to clean with a carpet cleaner machine. But the tag axle is great. Stable and comfortable and great to drive.

ghaynes754 · 11-07-2018, 07:42 PM

Ventana will get you there just fine. I'm in the west have yet to see one sitting on the side of the road on a steep uphill grade

Dutch Star Don · 11-07-2018, 07:42 PM

"repsolracer2"......The base weight of the DS is almost 4500 pounds heavier than the Ventana. The 50 extra HP is a wash with that additional weight. The important issue is the torque. In a side by side comparison on a 6%-7% grade, my guess, the Ventana would be slightly faster, since they both have 1250 pounds of torque.

That additional 4500 pounds on the Dutch Star relate to more goodies, all tile flooring and side radiator

Boomer · 11-07-2018, 08:03 PM

Just finished first 1000 miles on 2019 Spartan Ventana 4037, trip from Pa to SC and back. Way down just pulling JEEP Wrangler, way back Jeep and Goft Cart on hydra lift. Can't say what DS would be like, but not one issue with amount of power. That being said if money isn't an issue more is always better.