What would I buy...

[Neal]

@sheridany asked me a question in another thread what would I buy if I sold the "ventessex". I didn't want to derail that thread so I figured I'd answer it here.

I don't know!

I say that as there are a number of factors which I'll discuss. The first problem is, and one I've had since taking ownership, is not realizing how great of a coach I have. We live in this online world whether here or another forum where all we see is people buying, moving up the ladder of coaches, etc. In the boating world it's "two-foot-itis" always wanting a bigger boat. I'm going to admit I suffer from not being able to always appreciate what I have. This goes beyond the coach. The compliments I get at campgrounds remind me I should appreciate what I have. When looking around at various campgrounds it helps put things in perspective sometimes. That sounds bad in a way, the word "over entitled" may be the ugly fitting term, but again, I have to keep reminding myself of what I have and also what I've done to it.

The complicating matter is that as we all know, now is probably the only time I'd ever be able to command a price above what I paid for it. I can put somewhat of a value on the material costs to the mods, somewhat on labor costs but I won't include that, and of course some depreciation value on all of the above. But obviously the flip side is buying back in to a coach that would probably be double what I paid for this one with little added value to my RV experiences. To me, and only me, I find it very difficult to realize any difference in any Newmar DP coach on the inside. It's the same living space, the same cabinetry, the same bed, etc. The only difference ultimately, to me, is the basement.

Would I buy a Dutch Star? No. There is not enough difference, to me, between what I have and what it offers to justify the expenses of selling, buying, mod'ing. Above that in the Newmar lineup is the luxury lineup and until one specific item changes in that area, I will never own a luxury model Newmar. Let's not get into that but recent events have sealed the deal that I will never own one with "that."

So where does that leave me? I would have to hawk the used market for something great to come online and then act fast as it probably wouldn't last. My future probably is fulltiming, but probably not for the near term, i.e. within 5 years unless I do something drastic. The RV purchase four years ago was an impulse buy, I had never RV'd before and it's been forever since I tent camped and since then I learned too much about the food chain realizing I was on the wrong end of it from those cute furry things - bears! I ended up absolutely loving RVing and I don't want to stop. The simple lifestyle, the friendships, the things to see, the constant change are just a few things I love.

So in reality, I'm not sure what to do. I'm curious what I could command for the price and sale. If I was to order a new Newmar, it would definitely be 2023 or later as @redbaron seems to believe this is when major changes are coming. I'm not a fan of the front caps but as long as they keep putting "radar" in front that may never change, assuming that's why they changed it in the first place.

In summary I continue with the need to appreciate what I have before it's gone. Learning to appreciate...

 

[Neemer]

Having recently moved out of a sixteen year old coach, I see no reason for you to get out of yours. You’ve stated repeatedly you are happy with it. Other than just having the latest, shiny new specimen, there’s no compelling reason to switch.

As always, IMHO and YMMV.

 

[MapNerd]

I have a modest fantasy of one day purchasing a lightly used double decker bus and turning into a three bedroom 2.5 bath motorhome. No slides. Bedrooms on the top, kitchen, dining and living room on the bottom.

Surprisingly they are only a few inches taller than my Ventana, but you lose all the storage underneath. I ask myself whether all that storage is needed outside if you can put everything inside. Just a fantasy. Maybe one day I will be able to make it come true.

I am with you though @Neal, there is almost zero difference between the Dutchstar and Ventana these days. Though I am curious what your nonstarter with the high line is. One thing I will say is that I really appreciate the simplicity of my coach compared to the high lines. While they are beautiful coaches, I wish Newmar would just focus more on quality materials, fit, finish and durability and simplification. I do not need to turn on my lights, bring in my awnings or flush my toilet using my iPhone. If only we could get a decent infotainment system and those 360 cameras, always on and feeding into a central DVR.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Above that in the Newmar lineup is the luxury lineup and until one specific item changes in that area, I will never own a luxury model Newmar. Let's not get into that but recent events have sealed the deal that I will never own one with "that."

I guess that means you are not in the market for a gently used, well-maintained and wonderfully-optioned 2018 Mountain Aire.

TJ

 

[Neal]

I guess that means you are not in the market for a gently used, well-maintained and wonderfully-optioned 2018 Mountain Aire.

TJ

I do enjoy the always on feature. I have been considering it, with Polson thrown in, that would be a tough one to pass over

 

[MapNerd]

I do enjoy the always on feature. I have been considering it, with Polson thrown in, that would be a tough one to pass over

Woof, offer a hand and he takes the arm! Watch out @TJ&LadyDi

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

I do enjoy the always on feature. I have been considering it, with Polson thrown in, that would be a tough one to pass over

The “always on feature” has now become optional; you leave the key on for “always on.” Key off is the optional mode.

TJ

 

[J&JD]

@sheridany asked me a question in another thread what would I buy if I sold the "ventessex". I didn't want to derail that thread so I figured I'd answer it here.

I don't know!

I say that as there are a number of factors which I'll discuss. The first problem is, and one I've had since taking ownership, is not realizing how great of a coach I have. We live in this online world whether here or another forum where all we see is people buying, moving up the ladder of coaches, etc. In the boating world it's "two-foot-itis" always wanting a bigger boat. I'm going to admit I suffer from not being able to always appreciate what I have. This goes beyond the coach. The compliments I get at campgrounds remind me I should appreciate what I have. When looking around at various campgrounds it helps put things in perspective sometimes. That sounds bad in a way, the word "over entitled" may be the ugly fitting term, but again, I have to keep reminding myself of what I have and also what I've done to it.

The complicating matter is that as we all know, now is probably the only time I'd ever be able to command a price above what I paid for it. I can put somewhat of a value on the material costs to the mods, somewhat on labor costs but I won't include that, and of course some depreciation value on all of the above. But obviously the flip side is buying back in to a coach that would probably be double what I paid for this one with little added value to my RV experiences. To me, and only me, I find it very difficult to realize any difference in any Newmar DP coach on the inside. It's the same living space, the same cabinetry, the same bed, etc. The only difference ultimately, to me, is the basement.

Would I buy a Dutch Star? No. There is not enough difference, to me, between what I have and what it offers to justify the expenses of selling, buying, mod'ing. Above that in the Newmar lineup is the luxury lineup and until one specific item changes in that area, I will never own a luxury model Newmar. Let's not get into that but recent events have sealed the deal that I will never own one with "that."

So where does that leave me? I would have to hawk the used market for something great to come online and then act fast as it probably wouldn't last. My future probably is fulltiming, but probably not for the near term, i.e. within 5 years unless I do something drastic. The RV purchase four years ago was an impulse buy, I had never RV'd before and it's been forever since I tent camped and since then I learned too much about the food chain realizing I was on the wrong end of it from those cute furry things - bears! I ended up absolutely loving RVing and I don't want to stop. The simple lifestyle, the friendships, the things to see, the constant change are just a few things I love.

So in reality, I'm not sure what to do. I'm curious what I could command for the price and sale. If I was to order a new Newmar, it would definitely be 2023 or later as @redbaron seems to believe this is when major changes are coming. I'm not a fan of the front caps but as long as they keep putting "radar" in front that may never change, assuming that's why they changed it in the first place.

In summary I continue with the need to appreciate what I have before it's gone. Learning to appreciate...

Neal, it is interesting to observe this sell or not sell decision. We do like the Dutch Star, one of the main reasons is not having any carpet. It is so hard to keep it looking clean and fresh in a motorhome. I know many trade every few years, when they can sell their coach easily. We had our first coach for 11 years, and loved it still, it was sold to new owners in one day.I think some coaches just happen to go through the assembly better than others, and if you have a fairly trouble free one as we do, count your blessings. We also dread the first year with a coach, and working through the inevitable bugs. With all the upheaval going on at Newmar, and other high line producers, I would be a bit concerned about dealing with even more first year issues. Happy decision making. Judy D. I forgot to mention, that we would not be without the heated floors?

 

[Neal]

Thanks Judy - and yes the carpet is a pro and con. Having a same surface throughout makes things look larger but there is also a comfort factor to carpet. When sitting at the dinette I enjoy carpet under my feet. I have no problems with it. I'm actually having it replaced during my September 27th upcoming visit after two dogs, one of which a puppy added some wear to it, nothing major but as my furniture is being removed to get a warranty reupholstery why not knock out a carpet refresh.

I feel my coach was one of the last quality builds that came off the line before production ramped up, etc. It has been a solid coach and that is another reason which I failed to mention, that makes this a tough decision.

 

[J&JD]

Thanks Judy - and yes the carpet is a pro and con. Having a same surface throughout makes things look larger but there is also a comfort factor to carpet. When sitting at the dinette I enjoy carpet under my feet. I have no problems with it. I'm actually having it replaced during my September 27th upcoming visit after two dogs, one of which a puppy added some wear to it, nothing major but as my furniture is being removed to get a warranty reupholstery why not knock out a carpet refresh.

I feel my coach was one of the last quality builds that came off the line before production ramped up, etc. It has been a solid coach and that is another reason which I failed to mention, that makes this a tough decision.

I agree, ours is a 17 also. You could always put a fuzzy area rug where needed for your tender little feet?

 

[Neal]

I agree, ours is a 17 also. You could always put a fuzzy area rug where needed for your tender little feet?

Agreed. The more tile is definitely nice unless you get one of the coaches where people have HWH issues such as a solenoid failure which is a nice tile destroyer. I've seen some messed up floors not long ago from slide retraction failures.

 

[Richpatty]

I sometimes think about getting a new one (no carpet on the slide would be nice), but not sure if a new MH would fit in our RV cover.

But Neal is right…be happy with what you have. For as little as we now get to travel, this suits us just fine.

 

[Old Bubblehead]

Ah, the what if's... Since everything is a compromise in one sense, you have to really be in touch with your inner Zen to know what really is important to you. I'm a dinosaur, so the tech stuff isn't a big sell for me. DW loves all the pretty screens and thingamabobs, i just see future pain. You are tech guy, so I'm betting there will be something in the future offerings that will be a step change in tech that might lure you into the dealer.

The inside is just the inside. the carpet thing never was an issue for me. With furniture, I had to look to see how much was on each side. Obviously not enough to impact my buying decision.

Only you will know when it is time, when it is we all will be watching to see what pulled you in.

best of luck.

j

 

[Old-RV'er]

All - I love our coach except for one thing, wish it had more HP. If the ventana came with the ILS-400 that would be the cat's meow. If win lottery, might move up to New Aire because it has the 450HP, would stay in the 35 foot range, because of roads on this side of country. If for some reason we sell, done rv'ing, just not as fun as it used to be. However, regardless, I love the sleep number king bed in ours as well. Would also keep the All Electric Coach option, not having to mess with propane is a wonderful thing. Some changes would be nice, fix the awful pivot door on the bathroom and go to pocket door. Make bedroom doors more soundproof. Otherwise happy.

 

[Jireh Financial]

Neal is right. In his opening comment he mentioned that boaters are the same for always looking to move up. We were boat owners and went from 30 to 32 to 38 in 5 years. One thing we learned is that we paid a bunch of sales tax. Now as motorhome owners, I do the same thing. We own a 2019 HR 35K Vacationer we bought new. A couple weeks ago, at Elm Hill outside Nashville, there was a Tiffin Phaeton 40 IH next to us. The only problem with that is that even my wife liked it. We really like our current mh. As our ability to travel increases, a bit more room and keeping the bath and a half would be great.
Ken

 

[Old-RV'er]

In today's world, the quality is suspect on anything new. And they need to install some kind of portable desk area because many are working and being on the road at the same time. Pocket doors instead of that "cantlevier one" is also better option. Better soundproofing in bedroom area between front and back, maybe double door setup like in Previous coach. More HP in smaller units. But as mentioned in above. Manfacturers, need to get behind and support individuals and business's who are planning or want to build RV parks, and help them overcome the stigma associated with RV'ing in the zoning process. Currently, not enough spaces, and only going to get worse if buying number are realized. That for us is current problem, cannot go when I want, and cannot get into places I want to stay. I would not now just pick up the keys and head out to west coast because I would not find someplace to stay, and aint boodocking in Wally world, or rest area/parking lot. The days of "open road adventure" are long gone, and that was the allure of RV'ing in the first place. Now it's as cumbersome as trying to get reservations at resort and getting on plane, nope aint doing that. Plus, things break in travel, getting it serviced or finding parts to fix it is problematic at best. Nope, if we don't use it as house and sell S&B, still thinking about selling it. We are fast apporaching a decision point on either option, and heavely leaning on doing both, new place to live and no RV. Experts say, (have article on supply chain woes), the disruptions on transportation and getting supplies is going to last deep into 2022, and could be mid 2023 before back to "normal". I could solve it tomorrow, but no one asks me.

 

[Neal]

As I sit here at Newmar, sleep deprived from my 0500 wake up and seeing all these gorgeous coaches I think "ya know, if getting new coaches every few years makes you happy and brings you joy then do it". We don't typically move between new homes every few years but a motorhome is another story. Now is not the time for me especially in this pandemic supply issue nightmare. But I'm not counting myself out in the next few years. I've had New Aire on the brain lately probably from watching the Van Lifer videos on YouTube and I'm sure seeing a lot of them around Newmar so they are popular. Would be hard to not have a tag axle coach but keeping all options open. YOLO so do what makes you happy.

 

[Richpatty]

I may be on the brink of retirement, so I don’t think another RV is in the cards for us…. As much as I like the new units (New Aires are nice), we will need to stay with what we have.

 

[Magua]

So I’m on the fence myself. Especially with the pricing on the coaches, either new or used. Have been contemplating a Foretravel. But the New Aire with the shorter footprint is in my sites. Or I should say my brides. I like the 45 tag on the Essex we have. Be interesting in how the New Aire handles.

 

[Old-RV'er]

All - some caution, I had to have CDL for work, so fortunate to have to take driving and classroom for it. I learned a world of information, every single Big Rig driver needs to know, why, because it makes you safer, and more defensive at the same time. How does this ralate to new rig. We had the 40" MH, and west of Mississippi River, it works wonders, further east, and up the Atlantic Seaboard, into Maine, well I am sure glad I never tried that trip with that beast. Yes, I see tag's and larger MH's travel the mountains all the time, and 40 cars behind them going up our hills, and every one of those cars is banging on the steering wheel "XJDLOIFJPL"OIJD move the hell over". If you choose the big rig, get some additional driving training. And in the Appliciation mountains, you would do well to pull over frequently when you are holding up lots of cars. Plus, you might find it difficult in some places to park that behemouth of a RV. And getting around or even into some RV parks here would be almost impossible if over 40'. Not saying you cannot do it, but it would be challenge. So if your travels are going to bring you to eastern side of USA, you might consider smaller footprint for that trip. I/we got the 3407 Ventana, because, we took our 40 close to our home, and we played "xlxxldx" getting her into some places and leveled up. And remember, I had CDL training, was driving big rigs all over Pacific North West, and it was challenge to me. Give it some serious though on "where you plan to spend all those miles".