Newmar Ventana LE 3412 Personal Experience Query

[NCCruizers]

We've been lurking on here for several years but rarely post or reply to threads, but do enjoy reading posts for the knowledge sharing, I've learned a lot. We're moving back to a Class A from a 5th wheel (GD Momentum) and would like some feedback/personal experience information on the Ventana LE 34XX series coaches. My main concern is the short wheelbase vs body length which puts the percentage right a 50%. The current owner of the coach (2019) we are looking at says it handles fine. I'd love to hear some real world feedback on how this short DP handles crosswinds and more importantly semi trucks passing. Thanks.

[NXR]

Be VERY careful with the LE if you plan to tow anything. Some are notorious for having a very, very low unrestricted towing capacity (GCWR minus GVWR).

Anything above that figure must come out of the payload.

This brochure for a 2018 Ventana LE tells the tale: https://library.rvusa.com/brochure/2...ntana%20LE.pdf

GCWR of 33,000 lbs and GVWR of 31,400 lbs for the 3412 means the unrestricted towing capacity is only 1,600 lbs. Even if you wanted to flat tow a SmartCar you have to rob capacity from the Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity, or OCCC.

Ask the owner for a picture of the yellow OCCC sticker. Those are individualized for every motorhome because it includes options.

Why Newmar insists on calling it NCC when it's been OCCC by law since about 2008 is anyone's guess but at least they publish it. Almost no other manufacturer does and many a new owner has been burned bad because they did not understand OCCC.

You'll notice some LE models have an approximate NCC of only 3,900 lbs. While the 3412 is 5,700 lbs you need to see the actual OCCC sticker that's by the entry door (usually).

Ray

[Punkinhead]

We have a regular (non-LE) Ventana 3407 and have never noticed crosswinds or passing semis.

[NCCruizers]

Originally Posted by Punkinhead

We have a regular (non-LE) Ventana 3407 and have never noticed crosswinds or passing semis.

Thanks Punkinhead I appreciate the response, the non-LE coach is definitely a very nice coach.

[NCCruizers]

Thanks NXR I noticed the limited (low) delta between the GVWR and GCWR. If you intended to full time simply travel "loaded up" it could be a significant issue. I'll look at the OCCC sticker.

[Wa2fast]

We have a newer 2022 3412 Ventana. Coming from a Canyon Star 3921, this was a huge upgrade in ride quality and handling. Not sure I can answer any questions you might have, but I would be happy to try. PM me with questions.

[NCCruizers]

Originally Posted by Wa2fast

We have a newer 2022 3412 Ventana. Coming from a Canyon Star 3921, this was a huge upgrade in ride quality and handling. Not sure I can answer any questions you might have, but I would be happy to try. PM me with questions.

Thanks the Ventana (non-LE) is a completely different animal which was a shock to me, significantly heavier. Nice bike in the signature line, I've got a 2020 R1250RS. Cheers!

[NXR]

Originally Posted by NCCruizers

Thanks NXR I noticed the limited (low) delta between the GVWR and GCWR. If you intended to full time simply travel "loaded up" it could be a significant issue. I'll look at the OCCC sticker.

If you assume the OCCC is 5,700 lbs then adding 1,600 to that figure is your maximum tow weight with nobody and nothing inside, or 7,300 lbs

My Equinox scaled at 4,100 lbs so 7,300 - 4,100 = 3,200 for everyone, all stuff, and water. That would work comfortably for us based on our known weights.

But a 3709 or 3713 with a NCC (OCCC) of 3,900 lbs? Not so much.

3,900 + 1,600 = 5,500

5,500 - my Equinox at 4,100 leaves just 1,400 lbs for everyone, all stuff, and all water. There is no doubt someone unawares will massively overload those two floor plans.

And since OCCC does not tell you what the front-rear weight distribution is it's very possible an axle would be significantly overloaded as well, even if GVWR is not exceeded.

Lots of moving parts for sure.

Ray

[wracinti]

I had a 2008 Ventana 3330 towing a 2007 CRV, towing was no problem, been through Vermont and Smokey Mountains and could maintain 55 speed at the top of hills on cruise if started at 67 at the bottom. If the crosswinds were severe, like severe thunderstorm type, then yeah you had to two hand it on the steering wheel for sure, but all other conditions were a non issue. Passing semis no problem.I also had comfort drive steering.

[NCCruizers]

Originally Posted by NXR

If you assume the OCCC is 5,700 lbs then adding 1,600 to that figure is your maximum tow weight with nobody and nothing inside, or 7,300 lbs

My Equinox scaled at 4,100 lbs so 7,300 - 4,100 = 3,200 for everyone, all stuff, and water. That would work comfortably for us based on our known weights.

But a 3709 or 3713 with a NCC (OCCC) of 3,900 lbs? Not so much.

3,900 + 1,600 = 5,500

5,500 - my Equinox at 4,100 leaves just 1,400 lbs for everyone, all stuff, and all water. There is no doubt someone unawares will massively overload those two floor plans.

And since OCCC does not tell you what the front-rear weight distribution is it's very possible an axle would be significantly overloaded as well, even if GVWR is not exceeded.

Lots of moving parts for sure.

Ray

The OCCC label (CCC to Newmar) lists the following:

GVWR------------31,400
UVW--------------28098 (-)
32 gal propane-----134 (-)

CCC----------------3168

Full load of water =957 lbs not included in calculation

GCWR--------------33,000

33,000-31,400 = 1600

So if we do the math with an OCCC of 3168 + 1600 = 4768 with nothing inside the coach. My existing toad is a Scion tC that Toyota says weighs 3060 so if we say 3100 for round numbers leaves 1668 for people, pets, food, water etc. My proposed toad a,`24 Ford Edge ST, Ford lists as 4515 (4600) for round numbers leaves 168 for aforementioned "stuff".

Looks like I need a diet (currently 180) and can carry a bag or two of popcorn with the Edge in tow if I drop to my high school weight and leave the pooch and wife at home .

[NXR]

Originally Posted by NCCruizers

So if we do the math with an OCCC of 3168 + 1600 = 4768 with nothing inside the coach. My existing toad is a Scion tC that Toyota says weighs 3060 so if we say 3100 for round numbers leaves 1668 for people, pets, food, water etc. My proposed toad a,`24 Ford Edge ST, Ford lists as 4515 (4600) for round numbers leaves 168 for aforementioned "stuff".

And never need to flush the toilet or wash your hands on the road.

Looks like I need a diet (currently 180) and can carry a bag or two of popcorn with the Edge in tow if I drop to my high school weight and leave the pooch and wife at home .

People tend to focus on "It's a Ventana. Woo hoo!" Or they are looking for a good deal on a used DP and think they found one but it has a Maxxforce engine. There is always a real reason why the price is lower than others and only occasionally is it a good reason.

And that's why most of the Ventana LE models are a really, really bad idea. But only if you know about the math needed and that a 5,000 lb hitch does not mean you can actually ever tow 5,000 lbs. Then it's a good idea because ignorance truly is bliss and it's never a problem until it is.


For example, my 2020 Equinox Premier AWD has the optional 2.0L engine and 9-speed transmission. That ups the published "towing capacity" from 1,500 lbs with the standard 1.5L/6-speed to a whopping 3,500 lbs.

Sort of.

Its published curb weight is 3,665 lbs but mine scales at 4,100 lbs when connected to the motorhome. How does that happen? About 50 lbs is the towing equipment but mine is fully optioned because it was a former GM company car and the published curb weight assumes zero options. Mine even has the optional 19" wheels so the tires are heavier. Oh, and all of my junk inside...

Doing the math on my Equinox shows it could safely tow less than 2,500 lbs, no more, and certainly not 3,500 lbs. 2,100 lbs or lower is a better number.

If that makes no sense remember that an SUV usually tows something with tongue weight and that can subtract close to 400 lbs from the SUV's payload at 15%. Oh, and the tongue weight rating of the GM hitch is only 350 lbs.


BTW, it's good to converse with someone who actually knew about the numbers and their potential impact. You even seem to understand "curb weight". That's even less people.

Hope your search for a different motorhome goes well.

Ray

[NCCruizers]

Originally Posted by NXR

People tend to focus on "It's a Ventana. Woo hoo!" Or they are looking for a good deal on a used DP and think they found one but it has a Maxxforce engine. There is always a real reason why the price is lower than others and only occasionally is it a good reason.

And that's why most of the Ventana LE models are a really, really bad idea. But only if you know about the math needed and that a 5,000 lb hitch does not mean you can actually ever tow 5,000 lbs. Then it's a good idea because ignorance truly is bliss and it's never a problem until it is.

For example, my 2020 Equinox Premier AWD has the optional 2.0L engine and 9-speed transmission. That ups the published "towing capacity" from 1,500 lbs with the standard 1.5L/6-speed to a whopping 3,500 lbs.

Sort of.

Its published curb weight is 3,665 lbs but mine scales at 4,100 lbs when connected to the motorhome. How does that happen? About 50 lbs is the towing equipment but mine is fully optioned because it was a former GM company car and the published curb weight assumes zero options. Mine even has the optional 19" wheels so the tires are heavier.

Doing the math on my Equinox shows it could safely tow less than 2,500 lbs, no more. And 2,100-2,200 is a better number.

BTW, it's good to find someone who actually knew about the numbers and their potential impact. You even seem to understand "curb weight". That's even less people.

Hope your search for a different motorhome goes well.

Ray

We (wife, myself and the dog) really liked the 3412 but I had no idea of the difference between the LE and non-LE. I assumed (there's that word) it was a fit and finish thing with upgraded trim etc.. Definitely not the case. Oh well, on to another coach with more capacity. Cheers, Steve

[Newmar Jeff]

Originally Posted by NCCruizers

We've been lurking on here for several years but rarely post or reply to threads, but do enjoy reading posts for the knowledge sharing, I've learned a lot. We're moving back to a Class A from a 5th wheel (GD Momentum) and would like some feedback/personal experience information on the Ventana LE 34XX series coaches. My main concern is the short wheelbase vs body length which puts the percentage right a 50%. The current owner of the coach (2019) we are looking at says it handles fine. I'd love to hear some real world feedback on how this short DP handles crosswinds and more importantly semi trucks passing. Thanks.

We loved our 2017 Ventana 3412 LE. Easy to drive and manuever in even smaller parks. We did tow a 2017 Kia Soul and it had no problems towing a light vehicle. This combination, or even having a larger toad such as a CRV would not be a problem. No issues at all and New mar quality was excellent. We traded up for a Dutch Star to have more power, a second bath and a little more room. But overall after 3 1/2 years in the Ventana, we were extremely happy with how it perfomed. We put 22,000 miles on it with never a raodside issue. Good luck in your decision.

[ssonthenet]

We owed a 2018 Ventana LE 3412 for 5 years and towed a Jeep Wrangler (2-Door) for over 20,000 miles with no issue at all. We really liked it as it drove wonderfully. At 340HP it is was a bit under powered but if you anticipate inclines, it will be fine.