08-09-2015, 07:28 AM
Chuck,
Good question...but you may have come to the wrong place for answers. Most of the folks around here have 2004 and older coaches. Although a few Gurus have newer coaches, most are from the previous vintage. Also, since most of the folks here HAVE Newells, you may find a certain "bias" in the answers.
With that said, here are my thoughts based on having a 2003 4 slide coach. (Same length, same weight, same type engine).
1. Maintenance is gonna be the same on any coach brand. Once you have a big diesel engine and heavy duty frame and normal "house" systems, the maintenance will average out to be the same. Newell's maintenance shop charges $118/hr which is similar to other maintenance shops. (Obviously some coaches break more than others and with the help of the Gurus many issues can be solved with a toolbox and time)
2. There is another thread on here that discusses annual maintenance costs. Most of us figure $10K / year in maintenance. Some would say more, some less.
3. I have never driven a Prevost, nor even a turning tag Newell, but I can say that Newell has continued to innovate in terms of the chassis systems. The turning tag axle is a huge benefit in turning these coaches in tight quarters.
4. There are no power / cooling issues with these coaches as far as I know. Properly maintained coaches are pretty much bullet proof. My coach has a 505HP Cat engine with 1850 ft-lbs of torque. It goes faster that I would want to go and has never made me think....Wow I wish I had a bigger engine. Ps. I averaged near 8 mpg on last trip.
At the end of the day, a lot of what would make a decision like this is how you will use the coach. If you are driving coast to coast a lot, have a lot of extra $$$ and like the styling of Prevost, then that might be a good option. For maximum floor space, super livability, and better styling a Newell may be the best option.
Good luck in your search.
bill
Good question...but you may have come to the wrong place for answers. Most of the folks around here have 2004 and older coaches. Although a few Gurus have newer coaches, most are from the previous vintage. Also, since most of the folks here HAVE Newells, you may find a certain "bias" in the answers.
With that said, here are my thoughts based on having a 2003 4 slide coach. (Same length, same weight, same type engine).
1. Maintenance is gonna be the same on any coach brand. Once you have a big diesel engine and heavy duty frame and normal "house" systems, the maintenance will average out to be the same. Newell's maintenance shop charges $118/hr which is similar to other maintenance shops. (Obviously some coaches break more than others and with the help of the Gurus many issues can be solved with a toolbox and time)
2. There is another thread on here that discusses annual maintenance costs. Most of us figure $10K / year in maintenance. Some would say more, some less.
3. I have never driven a Prevost, nor even a turning tag Newell, but I can say that Newell has continued to innovate in terms of the chassis systems. The turning tag axle is a huge benefit in turning these coaches in tight quarters.
4. There are no power / cooling issues with these coaches as far as I know. Properly maintained coaches are pretty much bullet proof. My coach has a 505HP Cat engine with 1850 ft-lbs of torque. It goes faster that I would want to go and has never made me think....Wow I wish I had a bigger engine. Ps. I averaged near 8 mpg on last trip.
At the end of the day, a lot of what would make a decision like this is how you will use the coach. If you are driving coast to coast a lot, have a lot of extra $$$ and like the styling of Prevost, then that might be a good option. For maximum floor space, super livability, and better styling a Newell may be the best option.
Good luck in your search.
bill
Bill Johnson
Birmingham, Alabama