Engine size for pulling toad

[Doo Dah]

Looking at a new Newmar Ventana 4369 or Dutch Star 4369. I’m curious about whether the additional 50 horsepower is necessary for the cost to upgrade? First class A, coming from large 5th wheel. Will be purchasing a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to tow. Planning to see the entire US over the next few years, not full time.

[Arch Hoagland]

I'd say no. Spend the extra money on fuel.

I pull a 4,020lb toad with a gas motorhome all over the country, mostly out west, and do fine.

Any diesel will pull your Jeep quite well.

[Skip426]

Welcome to iRV2 and perhaps the Newmar family.

I don't know the weights of the coaches you're considering , but if the HP to weight ratio is under 100 lbs of combined weight; coach and toad ;to 1 engine HP you'll get every where you want to go .
Having said that , I roll at 107 lbs per HP and get everywhere I want to go although perhaps not a quickly up hill as some would like.
Question.
Are both engine options the same displacement , just different HP ratings , or is one a 6.7L ISB and the other an ISL 9?

JMHO: If the extra $$$ gets the ISL9 the additional engine torque/HP, IS worth the $$$.
Cost of the option , might also include upgraded trans from Allison 3000 series to 4000.

[Clomok]

Like skip said, larger displacement will pull better on the bottom end, allow for more HP via tuning and a larger transmission

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by Doo Dah

Looking at a new Newmar Ventana 4369 or Dutch Star 4369. I’m curious about whether the additional 50 horsepower is necessary for the cost to upgrade? First class A, coming from large 5th wheel. Will be purchasing a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to tow. Planning to see the entire US over the next few years, not full time.

From what I have read on this forum, the 450hp model holds the higher torque farther into the RPM range than the 400hp engine.
May not be worth 100,Gs, but if buying brand spanking new, it would be worth 10-15G's to me.

[Rob Hentges]

I just towed my 2 door Jeep Wrangler from NJ to VA and back. I have a gas Newmar with the ford V10. I can honestly say that it drove like there was nothing even attached. Really. It was wonderful. No struggle. If I didn’t see the Jeep on my backup camera I’d have no idea it was actually there. Cruised at around 68-72 mph. If you are getting a diesel, it will just laugh at that Jeep you are towing.

[jcussen]

Nobody ever complained "I have too much horsepower!".

[Cousin Ed]

I think Newmar uses the ISL9 in both but the DS has the higher HP version. The side radiator and independent front suspension plus the interior up grades might make it worth it.

[twojayhawks]

Originally Posted by Doo Dah

Looking at a new Newmar Ventana 4369 or Dutch Star 4369. I’m curious about whether the additional 50 horsepower is necessary for the cost to upgrade? First class A, coming from large 5th wheel. Will be purchasing a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to tow. Planning to see the entire US over the next few years, not full time.

Can't speak for current DS vs Ventana but when I was shopping the DS was quite a bit heavier & the 50 extra HP was almost a wash. There are a host of differences between the two besides rated HP that might make your decision easier. For me, and this probably wouldn't even rate with others, I wanted the 150 gallon fuel tank.

[Crasher]

Originally Posted by Cousin Ed

I think Newmar uses the ISL9 in both but the DS has the higher HP version. The side radiator and independent front suspension plus the interior up grades might make it worth it.

What he said. It's more than just a 50hp increase. You would love the IFS and many have less overheating issues with the side radiator on hot days in the mountains. Add to that an upgraded interior and 50hp. We went to an Allegro Bus over the Phaeton for the same reasons/benefits.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

I wouldn't spend the extra for that reason. We bought our 2002 Monaco 40' Windsor with Cummins ISC350 engine in 20.12 and immediately left on a 7000 mile trip out west. We traveled over some really steep mountain passes. We frequently followed the 18-wheelers up those long grades at 30-40 MPH, but we weren't in any hurry.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by Cousin Ed

I think Newmar uses the ISL9 in both but the DS has the higher HP version. The side radiator and independent front suspension plus the interior up grades might make it worth it.

From a read through of the online brochures for both models , this appears to be the case . The longer Ventanas , get the 400 HP version of the ISL . Compared to the shorter coaches having the 360 HP , ISB.
The heavier Dutch Star gets the higher HP, ISL version .

Why the brochures don't list engine and trans model info , is frustrating.

If the interior , floor plan are all to your liking ; in the Ventana , up-grading to the DS ; considering the $$$ ( I saw in the brochures ) for the 50 hp ; probably not worth it.
The 400 HP will get you and your toad anywhere you want to go.

[BlueThunder4]

We pull a 2020 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with our V10 gasser without issue. Personally I would spend the extra money elsewhere than the power increase.

[jcussen]

I tow a 2650 lb Honda Fit with a 500 hp 1550 ft/lb coach and still wish I had more horsepower. To each his own.