Ventana review

[Vegasguzzi]

I am very interested in purchasing a 2008 Ventana. I looked through the forum for a review. Ae there any issues I should look for? I was a little surprised that there is no engine brake.

["007"]

Welcome Vegasguzzi to the Newmar forum & irv2,
This brochure doesn't list a exhaust brake but the MM Spartan has a 3 stage compression brake assist if thats what your talking about.
You can go on Spartans web site and get more detail on system.
2008 and beyond do have the CD system which many will not do without.
Good luck in your hunt and we can add you the the Newmar family.

[Route 66]

The ISBXT may have an exhaust brake, but engine compression brakes are not available on the ISB series engines.

[GaryKD]

Hi Vegasguzzi,
There is an exhaust brake on the ISB. Go to
https://store.cummins.com/info/qsol/..._nondodge.html and read about it. A diesel without some kind of engine/exhaust assisted brake is an accident waiting to happen.

[Vegasguzzi]

The owner told me their there was no exhaust compression brake. I thought this was odd. The engine is a Cummins ISBXT 350 hp in a Ventana coach
•

[Route 66]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegasguzzi The owner told me their there was no exhaust compression brake. I thought this was odd. The engine is a Cummins ISBXT 350 hp in a Ventana coach •

I have an original brochure and none is listed.

Since the Ventana is the entry level diesel pusher, perhaps Newmar didn't spec the chassis with an exhaust brake to keep the cost down.

[GaryKD]

The Ventana ISB has an engine assisted brake. Go to Engine Brake and read post 8 and 10.

[Parkerrs]

If the coach is not already equipped with the switch it isn't that hard or expensive. The engine being an ISBXT means that it should have the VG turbo. With the VG turbo you can go to the local Cummins service center where they can wire the switch to the PCM and program the feature to be active within the PCM.

[Spikester]

The 08 Ventana has auxilary braking, it is an engine exhaust brake, here is a quote from the Cummins 07EPA ISBXT info sheet:

"The Holset Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VG Turbo) provides exhaust braking without additional add-on hardware in the exhaust system and eliminates exhaust brake maintenance. The operator activates braking by using the brake switch in the driver's compartment. ISB exhaust braking assists in stopping the motorhome while reducing wear on the service brakes."

This feature, along with the Allison 3000MH transmission provides me with all the braking power I need to stop so far, never felt as if I wasn't going to get stopped when a situation arose.

We are very happy with our 08 Ventana, the only out of the ordinary things that I have experienced is a pesky engine coolant temperature gauge that keeps failling, on my 3rd gauge, keeps getting replaced by warranty. Lower headlight mounting pads keep breaking away from epoxy mounting point on the front cap, and had a front drivers side slideout travel adjustment rod weld point that failed which was covered by Newmar. Have had the typical nuisance items that are expected when purchasing a new motorhome, but all taken care of by Newmar and/or Spartan. As I have said we are extremely happy with our "entry level" Newmar, IMO it is far above most, if not all, other "entry level" coaches on the market.

Spike

[Vegasguzzi]

Thanks for the feedback. I really like the Ventana. The owner has taken very good care of her and the features have everything that we were looking for.

[69RoadRunner]

My 2009 Ventana has an engine brake. I'm pretty happy with it. It would be nice to have more power for the mountains, but I'm not in a rush when driving the motorhome.

If you're happy with the layout and features, I think it's a good choice.

[jjr4]

I also have an 08 Ventana. We bought it new in late 09 and have had a few minor "break in" issues but overall we are very happy with the coach. We do have an exhaust brake and the power of the ISBXT 350 is more than adequate.
Any questions just ask. This board is a great resource with lots of helpful members.

[bigstonebay]

For what it is worth. We have an 06 Ventana and we are very happy with it. Newmar makes a good coach and I don't think you will be disappointed with it. Wish you all the best in your purchase.
ps we do have an exhaust brake........I think. And welcome to THE forum.