Community Forums

Jesigler · 02-15-2018, 12:35 PM

I currently own a Nexus Phantom 31P Class C. It is a wonderful unit and we have enjoyed it across the country. My only complaint is that the cab area is essentially useless. That makes the lounging area very small and inconvenient when watching TV or if guest come.

I will move to a Class A as soon as possible. I have been comparing the Nexus Bentley 34B, the Tiffin Allegro Red 33aa, the Newmar Ventana 3436 and the ventana LE 3436.

My favorite floor plan is the Allegro Red followed by Nexus and Ventana.

The biggest negative on the Nexus is Gray/Black water tanks. Allegro Red wins this category.

Handling is a key for me. The Nexus has a feature called V Ride from Freightliner it appears to improve stability. The Ventana has Comfort Drive which many on this forum tout highly. Does anyone know if the Tiffin has any new features for improved handling? Length to wheelbase ratio are 52 for Nexus, 47 for Tiffin and 49 for the Newmars.

Nexus and Tiffin have air suspension and air brakes. Newmar has Hydraulic Disc front and Hydraulic Drum rear and I can't find any info on the Newmar suspension.

Wife and I will not full-time but may go out for a month or two at a time once I retire. We currently travel at least one weekend a month with one or two week-long outings and a 17 day outing once a year.

Can anyone shed some light to help me make my decision? Other brands might be helpful and I will consider a 36 footer if any suggestions. Main reason for limiting the length is I can store it at home unless it gets over 36 feet.

Thanks,
James and Beverly Sigler
2012 Nexus Phantom 31P
2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk toad

nothermark · 02-15-2018, 12:43 PM

FWIW I have been known to put a folding camp chair up between the seats in our C. There is enough width. Facing aft it is more comfortable than the couch or dinette.

TomandGloria · 02-15-2018, 12:53 PM

Not sure what year Ventana you are looking at, but mine has V ride suspension, passive steer tag axle and comfort drive. Once you drive a Newmar diesel pusher with comfort drive you won’t care to drive anything else. The handling is phenomenal.

I have air bags and airbrakes. I'm on a freightliner chassis with a 400 cummins. I believe the shorter Ventana will have the 380. The Ventana LE is entry level with less features and smaller engine and allison tranny. That will limit your towing ability.

MSHappyCampers · 02-15-2018, 03:25 PM

Hi James & Beverly!

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Sorry I can't offer advice on the Class A choices.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

TXTiger · 02-15-2018, 03:44 PM

I was looking at Newmar vs Tiffin before I purchased my Itasca. The Comfort Drive didn’t seem to add much for me both drove well. I was looking at the Dutch Star vs the Allegro Bus. The Tiffin drove quieter than the Newmar. I know Tiffin makes a 36 or 37 foot Bus and I think Newmar makes a Dutch Star in that length too. The Dutch Star and the Bus are a little more pricy but much better than the Vantanna or Red which are both great couches too.

joes2901 · 02-15-2018, 03:47 PM

The Newmar Ventana also has air suspension and brakes; and they all use a Freightliner chassis. The Ventana also has 3" walls and double pane windows for better insulation/comfort in hot and cold weather. If you order a Newmar you can make color, fabric, and special order changes in your RV. No one else allows as much factory customization on a customer order.

BillJinOR · 02-15-2018, 03:56 PM

I’ve owned a shorter coach and I really believe the short coaches you are looking at can’t really compare to a 40+ tag axle coach no matter who makes it so look for short coach comparisons the short wheelbase effects handling to a large degree in my opinion

Are you sure the ventana’s have hydraulic brakes I haven’t looked but that would be a deal breaker fo me

momdoc · 02-15-2018, 07:14 PM

We looked at both the Ventana and RED coaches. Comparing 36-39 foot coaches and the Tiffin RED 37PA was our choice hands down. The floor plan is very similar to the 33RED you are looking at.

Winemaker2 · 02-15-2018, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joes2901

The Newmar Ventana also has air suspension and brakes; and they all use a Freightliner chassis. The Ventana also has 3" walls and double pane windows for better insulation/comfort in hot and cold weather. If you order a Newmar you can make color, fabric, and special order changes in your RV. No one else allows as much factory customization on a customer order.

Recheck your specs. .. we considered RED 33aa and very happy we ended up we a Newmar Ventana 3433.
CD nor a gimmick its a game changer.
Double pane windows a big +

Floor plans a whole different story go we ith what works fir you. .. not a place to compromise.

**TonyDi** · 02-15-2018, 08:49 PM

Glad to have you here in the forum with us. You're gonna like it here.

No comparison for Comfort Drive. It's not a gimmick it's for real. Air brakes and suspension. Dual pane window make it more comfy in heat and cold. List goes on and on.

Happy Trails!!!

VanSully · 02-16-2018, 06:53 PM

Our Forrest river Berkshire 34qs handles very well according to hubby. I like that the shower is good size, fire place, king size bed & plenty of storage. at 35' it gets us easily into many places. All the DP you are considering are nice units and I'm sure any one wil be great!