Community Forums

Adam Hunter · 08-30-2012, 06:43 PM

Good Evening,

My wife and I are considering trading our 2008 Ventana 3303 on a 2005 MADP 4301. We have been seasonal RV'ers for a number of years now and moved out of a tri-axle toyhauler last year into our current Ventana.

We have fallen in love with our Ventana - it is a lovely well taken care of coach. Its just that we made the mistake of underestimating the space we would need with our 2 children and are now considering the switch. I was hoping to draw on the other forum members for some input on the MA.
Not withstanding all of the standard used RV buying cautions are there any typical problem areas with this series of MA units? (in order for us to go bigger our budget will likely mean that we have to go back a model year or 2 to get the extra elbow room)

We are also wondering how we would find driving the 2005 without the comfort drive that we have on our current unit. Or the extra maintenance required with the tag. Are there any Spartan problems from 2005?
{The ISL 400 is clear of the Cummins recall - we already checked.}

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.....We are comparing the 2005 MA 4301 to a 2006 HR Scepter 40PDQ. We have alot of faith in the Newmar product and are partial to the MA for that reason.

Thanks
Adam Hunter.
Ontario. Canada

Mr_D · 08-30-2012, 07:08 PM

How many MH's have been produced for how many years that don't have Comfort Drive? We don't have it and never have had. Do I miss it? I don't know as I've never driven a Newmar with it.

Adam Hunter · 08-30-2012, 07:46 PM

Thanks for the constructive thoughts...

Regarding comfort drive;
I have read on so many other forums how people complain and talk about the bad road behaviours of short diesel pushers.
While our 33' Ventana does hobble a little in strong crosswinds it has excellent road manners and is really very nice to drive. In addition to a well cared for suspension, new tires/properly inflated and a balanced load - I should suspect that some of those stable capabilities come from it having the Comfort system. - thats all.

"007" · 08-30-2012, 08:03 PM

Welcome Adam to the forum & irv2.
Here is a Brochure and a Owners Guide for the MADP.
Here is a recall list for Newmars.
The MA will have more room plus more carrying capacity.
Good luck in your quest and happy safe RVing.

footdoc · 08-31-2012, 01:07 PM

Mine is an 06 4304 Mountain Aire....never have driven Comfort Drive, but was wishing I had it UNTIL....I got new tires and had the front end aligned....it now drives like it's on rails and if you start a turn into a curve, it seems to burrow right into it with NO effort or corrections necessary! Proper alignment was a huge improvement....I don't think the tires had a bit to do with it....

Adam Hunter · 08-31-2012, 01:38 PM

Was it a local diesel shop that did the alignment for you or a Spartan? Have you had any other "coach issues" with your 2006?

If you don't mind me asking how many miles on your MA?

Thanks Adam.

footdoc · 08-31-2012, 02:18 PM

I have 33K miles....it's been a great coach with below normal out of the box fix up issues....it took about a year to get it all ironed out...plus I added quite a few options, like dumping the NOcold refer!!
I had the alignment done at Horn truck repair center in Mobile, AL where they REALLY knew their stuff...he even asked what kind of driving I mostly do, as he could set the steering to be sporty or trucky, depending on how many and tight turns I do...I think it's about perfect now....runs true and straight without fighting the wheel for correction constantly...

Adam Hunter · 08-31-2012, 02:24 PM

Thanks Footdoc.

Your info is very helpful. Sounds like you got your self a real nice coach.

A

szy · 08-31-2012, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

How many MH's have been produced for how many years that don't have Comfort Drive? We don't have it and never have had. Do I miss it? I don't know as I've never driven a Newmar with it.

Well when people spoke about comfort drive I was like "meh" but after getting it and using it I am a convert . NEVER again will I own a coach without it ....never ...................... it is great .

dav-cle · 08-31-2012, 06:04 PM

I have a 2005 4304 and love it although the guy I bought it from bought a new Essex and says the Comfort Drive is the sh**s. I've never had it so don't miss it.I really like my coach and has everything on it i need. Newmar makes a great product i think and have never had any problems in the 2 years I've owned this one.

JoeP · 09-01-2012, 12:36 PM

The last diesel pusher I had was 37 ft. with IFS. Now with the 40 ft DSDP I have become a staunch supporter of Comfort Steer. What a difference!!! Would never buy a MH without it.

MADP4301 · 09-01-2012, 03:08 PM

Adam,
We own a “new to us” 2005 MADP 4301. We picked it up in November of 2010. This is our first coach after having smaller trailers over the years so we don’t have much comparison.
We painstakingly (actually it was fun!) searched for 18 months to find exactly what we wanted at the right price and the 4301 was it. We often travel with kids/grandkids and need to sleep 5-6 people. With the booth dinette is it no problem.
As far as issues we have had none (lucky), just routine maintenance. Well, we have had the typical annoyances (broken hinge rivet on control panel door, loose bay door screws and blind string mishaps) but this is what happens to used coaches as the years and use pile on.
The ISL is totally capable of moving at highway speeds at moderate grades even when towing 5k lbs. This was a slight concern of ours given the length, tag and weight. We never shifted lower than 5th gear running the grades around West Virginia and North Carolina.
Handling is smooth and stable but having never driven a coach with the boosted “on-center” steering I don’t know what I’m missing. Maybe you will find having to constantly “tweak” while going down the road too annoying to go back too!!! For us it’s just like any big truck.
One thing you didn’t bring up is the 3 versus 4 slide coach. This is a biggie for many folks looking at coaches today as nearly 100% of the builds from 2007 forward have 4 slides (higher end models). There was a decent MSRP difference in the 3 v. 4 slide MADP and an even bigger one in the used market. For us, we actually wanted a 3 slide. We like having the curbside area under the awning NOT having a slide. Keep this in mind when making your offer!!! You can probably get one now around $115K or less!. That’s a heck of a lot of coach for the money.
Best of luck in your decision…

GaryKD · 09-01-2012, 05:00 PM

Hi Adam Hunter,
The only chronic issue I know of is some coaches of that vintage end up with paint checking. The only repair is outrageously expensive. Only in bright sunlight, if you give the coach a very close look at about a 45 degree angle you may see some "spider cracks" in the paint. I'm told it happens on the dark colors first. I have seen it on light colors too. Once it starts, it is like a slow cancer. I'd pass on the coach if you see the spider cracks. One is into 5 figures to get it fixed (contact Newmar for pricing). It involves removing the sides of the coach and reinstalling with new material.

Adam Hunter · 09-02-2012, 07:03 AM

Thanks for the info on the paint - the 2005 that we looked at did have this paint checking or spidering. Now knowing what you have said we are going to pass on this MA.
While we are very partial to the Newmar line after a great expierence with our Ventana we are now looking at a 2008 HR Scepter 42PDQ Tag - only 9K miles and spotlessly clean.
I will keep everyone posted.

Thanks for the constructive input everyone.

Adam.