jimbathurst
RVF Newbee
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2026
- Messages
- 1
- Location
- Fort Myers
- RV Year
- 2016
- RV Make
- Newmar
- RV Model
- Ventenna LE
- RV Length
- 37
- Chassis
- Freightliner
- Engine
- Cummins 360
- TOW/TOAD
- Mini Cooper
LOL. Bought our first Newmar, a 35' Mountain Aire in 1999, when we traded our 1990 hitchhiker 30 footer, loved it, but was too heavy for the then pickups, needed a mid level truck. It scared me driving it as I was about 2200# over GCVRW, so traded it and my truck for a new 2002 36 KS. Then in 2006 traded for a 3916 KS loaded with DS options. Drove that hummer for 15 lovely years, and only expericenced one issue in all those years; a broken Waste gate valve.
Anyway, age happened, and none of the kids/grandkids wanted to go with us old folks any more. So we downsized. Shame! Bought a slightly used 2019 Winnebago Forza 34T. Nice, but we missed Newmar quality. So, at 85 we have traded back a few years and bought a used 2016 Newmar Ventenna LE 3709. Holy cow, it is like learning all over again as Newmar has done so much since my 2006. Anyway, I am back; for how long don't know at our age, but we have moved into a senior living facility. No more house to contend with, so we decided it was time to travel. Not that in all those years we haven't seen everything, but it's time to see it again and enjoy the open road.
Rig was very well taken care of. But it is missing the driver's side slidetopper. WOW, I measured that sucker and from flange to flange it is 277 1/2". That's 23 1/8'. Been researching. Who makes one that long that is reliable? I'll intsall it myself, of course with the help of my RV-er son-in-law. Any thoughts guys?. Thank you and it's good to be back again.
Jim Bathurst
USMC (Ret)
Anyway, age happened, and none of the kids/grandkids wanted to go with us old folks any more. So we downsized. Shame! Bought a slightly used 2019 Winnebago Forza 34T. Nice, but we missed Newmar quality. So, at 85 we have traded back a few years and bought a used 2016 Newmar Ventenna LE 3709. Holy cow, it is like learning all over again as Newmar has done so much since my 2006. Anyway, I am back; for how long don't know at our age, but we have moved into a senior living facility. No more house to contend with, so we decided it was time to travel. Not that in all those years we haven't seen everything, but it's time to see it again and enjoy the open road.
Rig was very well taken care of. But it is missing the driver's side slidetopper. WOW, I measured that sucker and from flange to flange it is 277 1/2". That's 23 1/8'. Been researching. Who makes one that long that is reliable? I'll intsall it myself, of course with the help of my RV-er son-in-law. Any thoughts guys?. Thank you and it's good to be back again.
Jim Bathurst
USMC (Ret)
