Newmar Ventana vs. Fleetwood Discovery LXE

[JustSayinTX]

Looking to upgrade our rig to a diesel pusher, need a 44’ bunk model and we’re comparing the Newmar Ventana and Fleetwood Discovery LXE. Seem to both have the same Freightliner Chassis and can be configured with most of the same options. Would like some feedback from current owners of each or others who have considered both.

[et2]

Well, I own a 2019 Discovery 44H LXE with the tag axle, 450 hspwr. Bought July 2018. Traded our old 2013 Fleetwood Expedition. Never had major issues with that Fleetwood product, no staples ever came apart. It certainly wasn't a Discovery or the American Coach line. But it worked for us.

We wanted a tag axle, more room, more horsepower, little nicer interior for probably our last coach before retirement. I had my mind set on a Tiffen Allegro bus as our last coach. I've alway heard about their build quality and service excellence. We looked at a few. We were shocked at the things we saw with the Tiffins we looked at. Literally broken doors, cracked tiles, bad fitting drawers and doors, bad paint jobs, etc. On one coach the grab handle inside the front door going up the steps came off in my hand. I set it down and turned around and walked back out. That was the last one I set my foot in.

Now sure, all manufacturers have these issues as we all know. But I fail to see spending the much higher price point for something I could settle for a little less and save a lot of cash. Sure the Tiffin had some things that stood out, but the initial impression sent me looking elsewhere. We had good luck with our 2013 Fleetwood Expedition. There happened to be a LXE 44H tag axle next to the Tiffins. So we were happy to look at it.

Well it certainly was a upgrade with the Expedition we had. Nicer cabinets, nicer tile floor, and tons of other gadgets and appliances. The Aqua hot system is awesome, the firefly system is nice addition ( takes getting use to). It's a really nice rig. Wife and I both love it the short time we've used it. There's so much added to this model it's hard to go over all of them. Yes, we've had a few things needing to be addressed. But nothing more than I'd expect from any other manufactures. The difference from Tiffin was it was in a drive away condition and during the walk thru every thing was how it should be. Nothing broke or bad fit.

The only thing I didn't get I wanted was a side radiator. But it wasn't the downfall as our last coach didn't have one. No issues. Horsepower - check, tag axle - check, nice interior - check, more room - check. It hit all we needed and the price was much more attractive. We were under 260,000 for a 45' tag axle MH.

It's the same frame on this model as the American Coach and has the IFS and V ride rear suspension. This LXE and the 44B are the only two Discovery models that have the tag axle and 450 hspwr Cummins ISL9.

Bottom line, we love it!!

[mrubaum]

That is a ridiculous statement.

[Richert]

Newmar is the only choice

[mrubaum]

I have owned my 2019 LXE 44H for 3 months now. I have driven it about 4K miles. Someone needs to explain to me why we need a side radiator? I live in Oregon where it is quite mountainous. I have pulled large grades while towing a Jeep Cherokee, ( the grapevine, Siskiyou summit, the cajon pass)and the temperature gauge barley moved. Plenty of power. Seems like the side radiator would takes out one of your storage bays? If the the coach works perfect why do I care? Every system on this thing is rock solid. Leveling is fast and accurate. Slide mechanisms are smooth and strong. I did have an issue with the windshield wiper that was fixed. Some shade adjustments. A couple latches that I thought could do better. All fixed under warranty. My last coach had major issues when new. Roof leak, leaking gray tank, warning buzzers for the air, etc. The LXE is a dream in comparison. If I had one complaint the paint job could be better. They could have sanded 2 or 3 more times between layers. Probably would have added 10K to the price of the coach. I like the paint job on the Newmar London Air. 600K plus coach. I test drove the Dutchstar and the Allegro Bus before making my decision. The LXE seemed put together better. So far I am not disappointed.

[jorbill2or]

tropical36 wrote:

jorbill2or wrote:
The 19 lxe has a bunch of additional standards for this year. vs prior years ,and the std discovery. I looked at several at the Tampa show. I believe they upgraded to Villa seats and couches among other items like aqua hot with heated floors . Full tile showers etc. I pulled drawers etc and the display coaches all appeared to be well built but it was first day and the mob hadn't pulled things apart yet. I also didnt get down and look behind cabinets like i would have if i was a serious buyer. Storage was large with the high frame rails.
We liked the fact REV has a NW service center.since we spend a lot of time in Oregon .. not the MidWest. I'll be interested in how actual owners feel. They were starting at "about" 40% off as a "intro" 😉 to the new model. $235 range for the $ 375 factory sticker models... A bit More $ for the +40 tag models your looking at
The Ventana's were much higher at least in the 40 up models. Good luck in your research

Looking in the back of a Discovery, you'll see the engine view blocked with a rear radiator, which says to me....don't even bother going inside.



The reasoning behind this, is for another story and there are many such threads covering the subject. But again, it's not just about how the radiator is mounted for convenience, either, but does save having to check out all those other things for quality in workmanship.

While I would agree I prefer a side radiator it isn’t a deal breaker for me and I’ve had both. In fact my side radiator has cost me thousands over the rear radiator I had ( it failed .. about 7 grand)
Fact is though the Newmar Ventana , the other coach the op is looking at , is a rear radiator. Apples to Apples I guess.

[tropical36]

jorbill2or wrote:
The 19 lxe has a bunch of additional standards for this year. vs prior years ,and the std discovery. I looked at several at the Tampa show. I believe they upgraded to Villa seats and couches among other items like aqua hot with heated floors . Full tile showers etc. I pulled drawers etc and the display coaches all appeared to be well built but it was first day and the mob hadn't pulled things apart yet. I also didnt get down and look behind cabinets like i would have if i was a serious buyer. Storage was large with the high frame rails.
We liked the fact REV has a NW service center.since we spend a lot of time in Oregon .. not the MidWest. I'll be interested in how actual owners feel. They were starting at "about" 40% off as a "intro" 😉 to the new model. $235 range for the $ 375 factory sticker models... A bit More $ for the +40 tag models your looking at
The Ventana's were much higher at least in the 40 up models. Good luck in your research

Looking in the back of a Discovery, you'll see the engine view blocked with a rear radiator, which says to me....don't even bother going inside.
The reasoning behind this, is for another story and there are many such threads covering the subject. But again, it's not just about how the radiator is mounted for convenience, either, but does save having to check out all those other things for quality in workmanship.

[tropical36]

ct1964ups wrote:
We had 2 Newmars and the switched to an American (the high line Coach of Fleerwood).....Never,Never again..one and done...it was the biggest POS we have ever owned
Looked beautiful but literally fell apart....at 6 months and 6,000 Miles had it back to Decatur where they spent like 4 days on it and approx 164 man hours to put it back together
Now,this is just MHO....C

Seems like it was the opposite in your case, but like with anything else, too many out there are brand faithful, no matter and will buy another of the same, years later, without looking any further. I have often said and continue to say, that much depends on the year and model with any brand. Speaking of American Coach, there's a good example of a product that has taken many turns and ups and downs with their product line and company ownership's and I feel that overall quality has suffered over the years, as a result.
As far as I'm concerned, we bought the last American worth having for the money and no way would I consider a later model, with so many others out there to choose from.
Just saying that you might have to look out for your next Newmar, as well.

[jorbill2or]

The 19 lxe has a bunch of additional standards for this year. vs prior years ,and the std discovery. I looked at several at the Tampa show. I believe they upgraded to Villa seats and couches among other items like aqua hot with heated floors . Full tile showers etc. I pulled drawers etc and the display coaches all appeared to be well built but it was first day and the mob hadn't pulled things apart yet. I also didnt get down and look behind cabinets like i would have if i was a serious buyer. Storage was large with the high frame rails.
We liked the fact REV has a NW service center.since we spend a lot of time in Oregon .. not the MidWest. I'll be interested in how actual owners feel. They were starting at "about" 40% off as a "intro" 😉 to the new model. $235 range for the $ 375 factory sticker models... A bit More $ for the +40 tag models your looking at
The Ventana's were much higher at least in the 40 up models. Good luck in your research

[janstey58]

We are very happy with our 2015 Discovery, have had only a couple of issues early on. The chassis is rock solid and the coach build seems very good to me. PLUS, the DOA (Discovery Owners Assoc) on line is the best I have ever seen for away from the manufacturer support. These are all owners that have learned their coaches inside and out, and amaze me on the free advice and fixes they provide every day. I think for the money we have a great coach with lots of frills I did not see on other coaches in that price range. Good Luck!

[mrubaum]

Comparing a new Mountain Air to the LXE is not really fair. The Mountain Air is more than double the price.

[mrubaum]

We too were considering the LXE verses the Dutchstar. Went with the LXE for 100K less. We have owned the coach for 3 months. The LXE is a fantastic coach. My only fixes were minor adjustments that were all taken care off at my local shop. I love this coach. Newmar does not have the Firefly system. I can control everything through an app on my cell phone or tablet. No more getting out of bed to turn off lights or adjust the temperature. The V ride feature on the chassis is amazing. Not sure how they do it but the coach does not lean when you go through a turn. No more feeling like you are going to flip. I could go on all day but way more bang for your buck with the LXE. We got ours from Motorhome Specialists in Alvarado Texas. Had to drive it 2000 miles to get it home but it was worth it. Feel free to ask me questions.

[ct1964ups]

We had 2 Newmars and the switched to an American (the high line Coach of Fleerwood).....Never,Never again..one and done...it was the biggest POS we have ever owned
Looked beautiful but literally fell apart....at 6 months and 6,000 Miles had it back to Decatur where they spent like 4 days on it and approx 164 man hours to put it back together
Now,this is just MHO....C

[Branson_N_Tucso]

Go with anything but Fleetwood. Have a Fleetwood Providence.
Things put together with staples.Poor quality

[JustSayinTX]

We own a Newmar now and have been very pleased with the quality and customer service but the bunk models from Newmar are rare and expensive so we are considering changing. Don't want to compromise on quality but can't afford the higher price on the available Newmars. Thanks for the feedback, I will take a closer look at the build details on the Discovery before making a decision.