[Brad Townsend]

Hi all, well we have been in our 1989 newell for almost 14 years now heading back to our winter spot just outside of Yuma Az.
We pulled in to Oneonta Ny to stay at wal-mart at 3 pm today and when we came on to the ramp off the highway I noticed the steering was stiff and the air was down to 60 lbs. Looked in the mirror and saw black smoke coming out of the engine compartment. By the time I got to the engine compartment it was in flames. I quickly grabbed 3 cans of fire extinguisher and the on red powder extinguisher and it took all but was able to contain it before the fire dept got there but they had to pull the insulation out and spray some water on it to make their call worth while i guess. After pondering what could have caused the fire I now believe that a powers steering line had leaked that is why it was stiff plus I noticed ity a bit stiff earlier in the day also. It must have squirted fluid all over the engine because there was fire in places that didn't make sense. Like on top of the asbestos cover for the exhaust and the plastic knob to adjust the air beside the door. The side of air filter which is metal was a blaze.  The main flames were in the front of the engine mainly coming up from below. Of course all plastic lines were melted. No other damage but the engine compartment but talking to the insurance co they seem to think it is a total without much conversation about it. The towing company had a heck of a time getting it ready for towing because it wouldn't hold air and he couldn't disconnect the drive shaft. So had to run threaded rod in the brake chambers and remove the axle cover to remove the axle. 
all in all about a 5 hr event. No I don't have road side assistance but they think they can get the insurance to cover it!!!.
Called newell and talked to Jim Gerig and he also thinks a total.  Seems to me that just repairing the lines and what ever else burned and it would be fine. The flames were not burning but maybe a minute before I started hitting them with the extinguishers. anyway I have my car hauler 25 ft my toyota fj cruiser and all our personal belongings to get back to Yuma some how. Thats our day in our newell hope your day has favored better.