[Fulltiming]

1987 and 1988 seemed to have a mixture of mechanical Detroits and DDEC Detroits. #146, a 1987 built for the Newell's owner Karl Blade had the DDEC engine. That may be the only 1987 with the DDEC Detroit. #176, a 1988 had a Detroit mechanical engine per a previous owner. Most of the 1986-1988 Newells that I have seen were 40' with a tag axle. However, in 1986, the earlier builds were primarily single rear axles and some of those were the 96' width. The widebody 102" was introduced early in the 1986 model year. The single rear axles were typically rated at 35,200 pounds GVWR. The widebodies are easily recognizable by a 6" glass section in the middle as they used the existing windshield from the narrow bodies. 1986 still had some coaches with the Cummins 903's installed although not many. Near the end of the 1986 model year saw the introduction of the tag axle adding about 10,000 pounds of GVWR. After the tag axle Newells were introduced, most were 40, although there were supposedly some 41 or 42 feet long and the single axles typically 38'. I am only personally aware of a three 1989 models without the tag axle. Length of Newells is harder to determine prior to the 1990 models because prior to that the length was not part of the VIN. #212 was the last 1989 model and the next to the last Classic body style. I am unaware of any Newell after the 2000 body style began (in 1990) with a mechanical engine. In 1990 the lengths began increasing 40, 42 and 43 foot beginning typical and 38' non tag units being very rare.

In the 1987 and 1988 models, the typical layout was a sofa with one or two barrel chairs with a table across from the sofa, although some coaches had opposing sofas, then a kitchen with a dinette across from it, then a mid bath and a rear bedroom with a n/s facing bed. 1988 had some J sofas. The mid baths were typically split with the shower behind a door on one side and the toilet and sink across the aisle in a separate room. There were a few that had the shower in the same room as the toilet and sink and closets across the mid aisle.

Hope that helps.