First Newmar Test Drive - Not Impressed

[cool lake]

I just took my first Newmar test drive with a 2019 Ventana 4037 with 38,000 miles on the original tires. There was a noticeable shudder and shimmy between 58 and 63 mph that shook the whole coach. Lower and higher speeds were okay, but the steering wandered more than I cared for - even when adjusting the Comfort Steer to max. The driver's side steer tire looked normal, and the passenger side tire had some feathering on the edges, but otherwise no cupping or anything noticeable. I did not ask what psi the tires had, but they appeared properly inflated. Could this be an alignment or wheel balance issue, or are the steer tires just aging out?

[GUS2000]

Did you ask the seller about the issue?? I would first check tire pressure as just looking at a tire you cannot tell if its properly inflated unless you are one of those people who guesses peoples weight at the circus.... if it vibrated in the whole range I would suspect something mechanical, but being isolated to a certain range in speed points more to a tire issue to me.. sounds also like it needs an alignment.. what state are you in as some roads will also play in the vibration at certain speed scenario.

[2cyber71]

Maybe check it for alignment.
38,000 miles well, in my book needs a check.
I did my 2007 at 42,000 and I’m doing my 2020 with 41,000 miles.
Believe me, 30,000+ miles on our highways and you better do it.
Especially if you drive I 80 in Illinois from Indiana border to Joliet. As a matter of fact it might break your suspension on that stretch.
Proper tire pressures definitely changes the ride.

I’m sure that Ventana never had a suspension check or an alignment check.
Every dealer when they sell a new DP tells the new owner to get an alignment check. Usually it’s a document that is signed by the alignment person and you.

[bluefin]

It may need shocks

[Dennis C.]

I had my Ventana’s tires changed and an alignment at 28,000 miles. It floats down the highway like a luxury car now. The alignment was out of spec when I had it done.

[cool lake]

Thanks for the replies, all good information. I tried to negotiate 8 new tires and an alignment, but being 1,000 miles from home, I decided to walk away. I was thinking I could get 1 more year out of those tires, but as bluefin stated, it might be the shocks as well.

[Flyer15015]

I looked these coaches up on RV Trader.
DP's w/ a tag and selling for something north of $250K.
And you are worried about tires?

I would negotiate the best price I could, rotate the tires and have my local shop add balance beads to all 8 then get her aligned and add new shocks.

This should be #1 on any new owners list, regardless of what the PO tells you!
That along with fluids, belts, hoses, filters etc. which is next.

JMHO,
Mike in Colorado

[FloridaSon]

One thing I learned about the Comfort Drive is it is easy to over steer it on Max (which is the least amount of effort by the driver). I found it best to keep your arms on the arm rest and just use your wrists and fingertips to correct the steering wheel. Unless of course you need to take more control on sudden curves or construction areas, or at slow speed tight cornering. If you knew this please disregard.

Weight comes into play, mine like to be loaded for camping with 60% water and at least 50% fuel. Then it rides like it is on rails.

Reason I mentioned it is I thought something was wrong also on mine. I was trying to drive it like one of the firetrucks I drove for years.

But I would guess you are correct and alignment and balance checks should be provided.

[Rev. Roy]

I am taking this to mean that it was a private individual selling it and not a dealership. Personally I would suspect that this is an indication that this RV had not been properly maintained. I wouldn't walk away, I'd run away as fast as possible. Sounds like they know it has a lot of problems and they're trying to dump it on some unsuspecting victim. I bet they wouldn't let a certified NRVIA inspector get anywhere near it.

[ChrisDParise]

Originally Posted by cool lake

Thanks for the replies, all good information. I tried to negotiate 8 new tires and an alignment, but being 1,000 miles from home, I decided to walk away. I was thinking I could get 1 more year out of those tires, but as bluefin stated, it might be the shocks as well.

You're buying "as is" and the starting point of negotiations is wholesale NADA.
An inspection could have been done if the seller agreed you to do it. If they don't let you do inspection walk.
10 miles or 1000 miles doesn't matter.
Share inspection report. You don't have to wonk them on the head with it should speak for itself.

[WILDEBILL308]

Originally Posted by cool lake

I just took my first Newmar test drive with a 2019 Ventana 4037 with 38,000 miles on the original tires. There was a noticeable shudder and shimmy between 58 and 63 mph that shook the whole coach. Lower and higher speeds were okay, but the steering wandered more than I cared for - even when adjusting the Comfort Steer to max. The driver's side steer tire looked normal, and the passenger side tire had some feathering on the edges, but otherwise no cupping or anything noticeable. I did not ask what psi the tires had, but they appeared properly inflated. Could this be an alignment or wheel balance issue, or are the steer tires just aging out?

NIRVC has a 2016 that is a nice looking coach.
Bill

[cool lake]

Drove a new 2022 Newmar 4369 on Tuesday. It drove so nicely, we bought it! Taking delivery on Tuesday. Leaving on the 24th for its maiden voyage to Palm Creek in Casa Grande, AZ!

[BayRunner]

Originally Posted by cool lake

Drove a new 2022 Newmar 4369 on Tuesday. It drove so nicely, we bought it! Taking delivery on Tuesday. Leaving on the 24th for its maiden voyage to Palm Creek in Casa Grande, AZ!

Congrats! Very nice coach. Enjoy and safe travels.

[Dennis C.]

Congrats!