12-31-2020, 02:44 PM
Ted,
Welcome,
I hope the following may be helpful to you.
We share somewhat similar RV backgrounds. Our previous RV back in 2009 was a Prevost with no slides. It had the venerable Detroit Series 60 motor and was rock solid. The Newell build is different. Some Newell components are not as robust as those found in the Prevost, plastic cabinet latches in the Newell come to mind. The ride quality is very comparable as are the amenities you'll find installed. Dollar for Dollar we thought we got a lot more value in the Newell. And we found the Newell Gurus wonderful and Newell's factory support a great help.
Last September we purchased a bright shiny 2007 Newell #1202. Soon after we made the trip to the Newell factory for a complete PM (preventive maintenance) service jotting down items we found along the way as we traveled from our delivery point in Fredericksburg, TX to Miami, OK. There is little question the dealer we dealt with left us a number of things to get repaired or replaced as we later found out at the factory. Having someone who knows these coaches THOROUGHLY examine it before you write the check would be worth every penny. I'd go so far as to say flying in a Newell mechanic might be worth it $22K after our factory visit.
As it turned out we learned how complex these newer coaches are and have been learning ever since. The single largest and most frustrating system for us which I call the Achille's Heel of the Newell is its complex air system. Everything from the air brakes to the suspension, to the bathroom door is operated by that system. It is a complex web of lines, solenoid valves, air compressors and connections. The system is even integrated with the slides operating the seals. So number 1 I'd ask the dealer to warrant that system for as long a period of time as you could.
Wheels, tires, batteries, all have lifespans and need to be considered. Suspension alignment and brakes reviewed.
The engine and transmission in these units, I'm guessing like ours, a C-15 Caterpillar and ZF transmission in #1274 are good pieces of equipment. The Acert C-15 Cats were the last Caterpillar built for over the road use. I copied the following out of a trucker's forum for you: (MXS is an Acert, MBN is the bridge engine, 6NZ is one of the best, SDP are junk.) Their maintenance records should be reviewed. Caterpillar stores records via the engine serial number which can be found on the passenger side of the engine near the junction of the block and head. The turbochargers may be problematic so good to have someone familiar with the engine look at them.
Other systems including heating and air conditioning, you have 4 on the roof, need careful inspection along with learning how they operate.
I could go on but I think you've got the picture. I will say from what I've learned and read to this point just 4 months after we purchase ours that you will be engaged after purchase with unending and on going maintenance of one sort or another as long as you own the coach.
I hope this will be helpful, God bless you,
Welcome,
I hope the following may be helpful to you.
We share somewhat similar RV backgrounds. Our previous RV back in 2009 was a Prevost with no slides. It had the venerable Detroit Series 60 motor and was rock solid. The Newell build is different. Some Newell components are not as robust as those found in the Prevost, plastic cabinet latches in the Newell come to mind. The ride quality is very comparable as are the amenities you'll find installed. Dollar for Dollar we thought we got a lot more value in the Newell. And we found the Newell Gurus wonderful and Newell's factory support a great help.
Last September we purchased a bright shiny 2007 Newell #1202. Soon after we made the trip to the Newell factory for a complete PM (preventive maintenance) service jotting down items we found along the way as we traveled from our delivery point in Fredericksburg, TX to Miami, OK. There is little question the dealer we dealt with left us a number of things to get repaired or replaced as we later found out at the factory. Having someone who knows these coaches THOROUGHLY examine it before you write the check would be worth every penny. I'd go so far as to say flying in a Newell mechanic might be worth it $22K after our factory visit.
As it turned out we learned how complex these newer coaches are and have been learning ever since. The single largest and most frustrating system for us which I call the Achille's Heel of the Newell is its complex air system. Everything from the air brakes to the suspension, to the bathroom door is operated by that system. It is a complex web of lines, solenoid valves, air compressors and connections. The system is even integrated with the slides operating the seals. So number 1 I'd ask the dealer to warrant that system for as long a period of time as you could.
Wheels, tires, batteries, all have lifespans and need to be considered. Suspension alignment and brakes reviewed.
The engine and transmission in these units, I'm guessing like ours, a C-15 Caterpillar and ZF transmission in #1274 are good pieces of equipment. The Acert C-15 Cats were the last Caterpillar built for over the road use. I copied the following out of a trucker's forum for you: (MXS is an Acert, MBN is the bridge engine, 6NZ is one of the best, SDP are junk.) Their maintenance records should be reviewed. Caterpillar stores records via the engine serial number which can be found on the passenger side of the engine near the junction of the block and head. The turbochargers may be problematic so good to have someone familiar with the engine look at them.
Other systems including heating and air conditioning, you have 4 on the roof, need careful inspection along with learning how they operate.
I could go on but I think you've got the picture. I will say from what I've learned and read to this point just 4 months after we purchase ours that you will be engaged after purchase with unending and on going maintenance of one sort or another as long as you own the coach.
I hope this will be helpful, God bless you,
Sandy and Bob McBratney
Previous owners of 2007 Newell #1202 "Boomer"