[Fulltiming]

Spyder Controls Corp is a company out of Lacombe, Alberta, Canada that has been producing high end electronic control systems for yachts and motorhomes since 1997. Coach 695, a 2004 model, was the first Newell incorporating the Spyder Controls system. The system was NOT the multiplex (single wire) system. That was not incorporated by Newell until coach 1293, a 2010 model. The Spyder Controls system allows control of lighting, shades and mechanical systems all integrated into a single system. I suspect that the retrofit cost would be extreme but Newell would be happy to do it if it is possible.

Murphy bed - all of the ones I have seen have been very close to the ground. To make the mattress higher, the wall cabinet would have to be much deeper to accommodate the bed when raised which would be a space utilization issue and potentially an extended length issue although there might be technical ways to avoid that but it would be more complex.

Those Newell owners I have talked to that have murphy beds seem to be pleased with them. I am still waiting to receive confirmation of any coach earlier than 701 with a Murphy Bed.

So what, exactly is the "spider wire" ~ it that the multiplex wire that results in those illuminated switches for lights, etc, rather than the toggle switches I'm seeing in coach 685 we're considering? My wife really hates the dated look of those switches, but I'd imagine it would take a kings ransom to upgrade.

We love the thought of Murphy Beds...but are they always so low to the ground? They hit me mid-calf. They're surprisingly heavy to lift, too, but the extra room they create (rear "family room") cannot be beat! Of the three I've seen, I'm surprised there isn't an automated or at least counterbalanced lift.