15' Ventana 43' got enough grunt?

On my Freightliner chassis, the fan is running all the time between low and high. Even on low, you're still driving a belt operated pump (for the lack of a better name) which drives a short driveshaft, which drives a gear box. A lot of stuff running even on low.

I've read guestimates that a rear radiator takes 25 HP, while the side radiator takes 40 HP.

On my rear radiator Diplomat I replaced the OEM fan with a custom fan from Source Engineering that increased my power by 25 HP. You can also purchase a Horton electric fan for a rear radiator that will shut off when not needed.

My point is/was, he could probably bump the HP in the Ventana to pretty close to what the Dutch Star has. They are the same floor plan, but the Dutch Star comes in a little heavier.

DSDP Don wrote:
The Dutch Star has a side radiator that draws a lot of HP to turn the pump, gearbox and fan. The rear radiator Ventana doesn't use as much HP to cool.

Don, Help me understand you comment. Doesn't the side radiator fan throttle in and out when needed to reduce energy needs, where as the rear radiator fan runs all the time, consuming HP all the time?

Richard

I chipped it to 450HP and it would climb any grade at 55 mph, even towing my truck.

Funny....since they dont use chips..??

OP: Go for the 450 right off the bat. You wont regret it at all

"jpzeroday".....When looking at the Dutch Star at 450HP and the Ventana at 400HP they're are a couple of things you should know. Both engines are putting out the same torque. You can also call Cummins and see if the 400 can be uprated to 450. Often this is possible, but there is a charge which includes warranty coverage.

The Dutch Star has a side radiator that draws a lot of HP to turn the pump, gearbox and fan. The rear radiator Ventana doesn't use as much HP to cool. I think you would find that in a drag race, they would probably be about equal.

Lastly, a lot of coaches don't come with a 400ISL at a Ventana level. We previously had a 400ISL in a 36' Diplomat and it was a rocket. I chipped it to 450HP and it would climb any grade at 55 mph, even towing my truck. I can't say the same for my new Dutch Star. With a larger front nose, more weight and a tag axle, I'm down between to 40-45mph on grades when towing my 5500 pound truck.

The Ventana will do fine, but will be a little slow on the hills with an 8K trailer.

You should be fine, even w/ trailer...you won't be the fastest horse on the track, but you'll pull up hills with only a slight strain......Dennis