Seriously looking at 2008 Newmar DS and Ventana

[Unicorn Driver]

Hi,

Coach history is a 2004 F53 which was an ex rental that was beat to hell. Kept it 3 years and it was a great learner.. Have had a 2008 Winnie UFO for ,3 years and that thing is a beast in the road, compared to the F53 it is lovely to drive and nice interior. It will need some serious money put in to it in 3-4 years so looking at changing in 2 years when we are mortgage free. Also would like a better layout.

I am looking at 2008 Ventana no longer than 38 ft. (Max 40).

Is it worth the extra cash for the Dutch star? What extra do I get?

If it already does not have Lithium and Solar I will put it in. I am looking for a serious dry camping machine. Would even try to put enough batteries in it to run a portal air conditioner for a few hours a night and cooling)heating mattress pad.

We have found a state Forest campground and a Fabolous Like 90 mins from home. I could work remote and stay 2 weeks. There is a State Park I can dump at for 10$ close by.

I will go download the brochures also.

Thanks,

[Unicorn Driver]

Oh, and how much should I expect to pay for each one when the markets sorts itself out?

[Unicorn Driver]

Had a look at brochures and the DS is too long so will keep it to the Ventana?

How will a 33ft vs 35ft vs 38ft handle?

Also looking at some Super C's, we will probably put 7500 miles of year round use?

Thanks,

[l1v3fr33ord1]

UD-

In early 2020 I was looking at short diesel coaches. I did not have "serious dry camping" among my selection criteria, so take anything that follows with a grain of salt.

I found the 2008 Ventana 3330 a decent candidate. It has the floorplan my wife and I prefer. There is a "31" floorplan, too. In 2009 they went to the 3430/3431 floorplan, which has an extra slide on the passenger side. I prefer the 2008 floorplans.

The 2008 Ventana was the first year for Comfort Drive, I think. And, it was not adjustable like the 2009-and-later models.

Very few 2008 Ventana 3330s were made, as far as I could tell; many more 38 foot and longer Ventanas are out there. Of the few I found, asking prices were around $75,000 to $85,000. With the 30 to 60 percent current "markup," I'd expect asking prices of $100,000 to $135,000 today.

I looked at short diesel coaches from several manufacturers. I restricted my "analysis" to coaches with floorplans that my wife and I like and prices we could afford (at the time, not now!). This left a pool of about a dozen-and-a-half coaches of ages ranging from 2003 to 2010 or so. If you're interested in a copy of my comparison spreadsheet, send me a private message with your e-mail address and I'll shoot you a copy.

[ScotS]

I have a 34 foot 2018 Ventana and like it. I thought about upgrading to a larger Dutch Star ... after a factory tour. We are going to stick with the short Ventana. No master electronic brains to fail, very nice to drive, decent fuel economy for a diesel pusher, easy to maneuver in camp grounds, and a very workable floor plan.


Are you looking at the 2008 to get a pre-DEF engine?

[sdhexpert]

There are some nice Kountry Stars out there right now - 40' with the right ISL engine (no emissions) - getting ready to trade mine in now. New DSDP now on order.

[rlott2k]

08 DS should have oasis heat, Ventana and Kountry Star do not.

[Unicorn Driver]

Thanks all for the replies.

I had forgotten that 08 was non adjustable comfort drive and I would need a 09.

[rlott2k]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Driver

Thanks all for the replies.

I had forgotten that 08 was non adjustable comfort drive and I would need a 09.

Try an 08 if it’s available. Not sure I’d let adjustable CD be a dealbreaker.

[Massparanoia]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Driver

Oh, and how much should I expect to pay for each one when the markets sorts itself out?

Whatever the market conditions dictate at the time you’re ready to buy

[Unicorn Driver]

Thanks both,