340hp vs. 400hp - Need advice please!

[osok]

Originally Posted by Medico

The Ventana is a lower end Newmar, the Dutch Star in the middle, and the Mountain Aire next above Dutch Star. To compare you would need to let us know the years.

On new coaches, the 3 all have similar rear axle capacities. The Dutch Star and Mountain Aire have the same HP rating. The Ventana is lower.

You should also be looking at what level of fit and finish you wish to have. I was not impressed with the Ventana. Personally I would look at Dutch Star or above, but a lot depends on your budget. The Ventana had manual unlocking pins for the slides, the Dutch Star and above were automatic. The Ventana heating system was winterized when we test drove, and it was cold. The Dutch Star had the hydro hot system and worked fine. I am not sure if the Ventana had the Comfort Steer, but the Dutch Star and above do.

Comparing the Ventana to the Mountain Aire is even worse. The Mountain Aire is considered a Luxury Coach in the Newmar line.

Need to correct some of this misinformation. The Ventana LE is the entry of diesels in Newmar lineup. It is followed by the Ventana, Dutch Star, Mtn. Aire, etc. Each level is a very nice upgrade from the other.

Fit and finish of all Newmar's is the same be they gas or diesel.

Ventana has as options automatic slide locking/unlocking, hydro hot system(standard on 43's). Comfort Drive is standard on ALL 2014 Newmar diesels.

I've never found anything worse about any of the Newmar's. Each level has it's audience that it appeals to and budgets. But none are worse. Be it gas or diesel the Newmar is a quality product.

[docj]

Originally Posted by osok

Fit and finish of all Newmar's is the same be they gas or diesel.

With all due respect this is like saying that the fit and finish of a Chevy Cruze is the same as a Cadillac. We all know this isn't true, nor is it true of any manufacturer that offers a range of products.

No one is criticizing Newmar; but let's be realistic. The Essex that pulled in next to us the other day has a much better overall look than does the Dutch Star nearby. But, as Medico said, both have their own price point and appeal to different audiences. There's nothing wrong with that and there's no reason to deny it.

[Medico]

I mentioned nothing about entry level, just that the Ventana is at the lower (not lowest) end of the Newmar line of coaches. The OP wanted to compare Ventana to Dutch Star to Mountain Aire. He mentioned nothing about Ventana LE, so I did not either.

Fit and finish are definitely NOT the same for all models in the Newmar lineup. If that were the same they would cost the same. Options are a part of fit and finish. Why does the Dutch Star cost more than the Ventana? Or the Mountain Aire more than the Dutch Star? Part of the differences are mechanical systems. Part is the fit and finish. Real wood versus veneers, solid surface versus laminated counters, hydraulic slides versus electric slides (this is just an example, I do not know if the entry level or low end Newmars have different slide systems than the higher levels), higher level electronic systems, more electronic systems, more monitoring systems, etc.

As Joel stated this is like comparing a Cruz to a Cadillac. I would have gone further and say a Yugo to a Cadillac.

Concerning the OP's original question, go with the coach that has the highest HP within your budget. Generally you will find these higher HP equals higher torque. Not always, but generally. Where you live, you will see some mountain driving. Some of these coaches are somewhat marginal when fully loaded with a toad when climbing the mountains. The braking systems will be less when going down. Single stage versus 2 or 3 stage engine or exhaust brakes on the higher end coaches. The newer coaches have more emission systems on the engines, and rightly so. Even my coach, before it warms up, is somewhat smoky.

[coolhand108]

Originally Posted by Mike Thomas

Why don't you consider a trailer for your auto and motorcycles? That would eliminate all that weight of the motorcycles on the back of the motorhome.

Consider the weight of the entire auto, trailer, motorcycles, "wet weight" of the motor home, and possible trailer, because you can easily exceed GCVWR. Once you do exceed that weight, all bets are off as far as handling and possible legal complications if you are ever involved in an accident. If you are over weight and in an accident, you are in deep trouble...

Horsepower is a relative thing. Sure, they make diesels with 550 horsepower and some will say that is what you have to have. As soon as someone makes one that is 800 horsepower, some will say that you have to have that as well. Knowing how to drive a diesel, understanding torque, power range of the engine, how to shift, and anticipate conditions are all part of driving a diesel. Most folks have only driven gas engines, completely different animal. Many truck drivers are hauling 80,000 lbs with only 350 to 450 horsepower all over the United States, everyday, but they know how to drive them.

So spend all your money, or spend time researching what you really need, and how to drive a diesel and you might be surprised at what you really ought to buy. Asking for opinions and all you will know is someone's opinion. Educate yourself, then you will know....

I have to agree with you mike I had my own trucks. I grossed 140,000 lbs everyday, of course I had permits, and I pulled it with a 400 hp cat with no problems but them you have to realize that aren't automatic, so your gear ratios play a big role in it, but in general I agree with you has far as motor homes go safe travels to all and have fun

[Medico]

And I have to agree with CoolHand108. Those trucks are manual shift which allows much more driver control over when the shift occurs. Plus, again has been stated, gearing plays a lot in here.

Coaches are made to be comfortable and give smooth rides, including smooth shifts with no operator intervention. The larger coaches we have been discussing here have rear engines with either side or rear radiators. A truck will have a front engine with the radiator way out front. A larger coach will have a large generator sitting in the front. The larger coaches we are discussing generally have a larger forward profile, so have a larger wind resistance. Just look at the difference in windshield sizes.

There are so many differences that comparing the 2 is not really helpful from the perspective of HP alone.