[247carguy]

Good afternoon.  Didn’t think I would be on a Newell group but here I am.   

I found a 2002 in PA that looks to need a little love.  I have communicated with the owners son. He seems to know what he is talking about and has been very responsive.  
I have had several 5th wheels in the past so I’m not new to owning a rolling house but still have a lot to learn.  I’m reasonably handy and should have the ability to do all the normal services and I’m good with following directions so this might be a good entry into a quality coach.  I was looking at a friends Monaco Dynasty for the same price.  It also needs love, the Newell seems to be a much better chassis. 

Any advice?  I’m planning on it needing about $20k in work just to get it safe for traveling.  

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2002-Ne...5018124744

Thanks in advance

[Richard]

My advice,

Read the entire section on “what to consider on buying a used Newell”.

20k depends on what needs love, and how much work you can do yourself.

If the engine was maintained, the mileage is not an issue. Mine has 260K miles, and I just got a glowing oil report on the last oil change.

[MrE]

They've also got a 2003 quad slide that needs work for $100k more. https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2003-Ne...5018272733

[247carguy]

Same person selling them. He said they have 3.

[360]

Funny you say that Richard. When we pulled the sample on 653 I was with the mechanic when the analysis came back. He looks up at me from his computer and says “did this thing just have a fresh oil change?”. Nope. No credit to me as I had just bought it, but it spoke volumes as to how it had been maintained for the prior 260k+ miles.

[247carguy]

I agree the oil would tell the condition. I’m sure the sellers would allow, but thinking it will be sold before I get the results back. I haven’t seen one at this low of a price. But I keep telling myself, you get what you pay for. I just have a hard time spending $200k for a coach that will sit in my driveway 90% of the year. I only plan to use it for MD to GA trips to visit my daughter at school about 5 weeks each year and will use it for apx 2 months each summer.

I’m still not convinced I can get it turned into my driveway. The last 5th wheel was 37’ and we had a crewcab truck. With a little practice I could get it in with out going into the grass.

[kyleb]

Tires are already at least 6 years old (which is the age that you start seeing increased chances of a failure while traveling), so new tires would be very high on my priority list. (steers at the very least)

A single good oil sample test won't tell as much as a history of samples. . . . Who really knows when it was last properly serviced.

I LOVE my '87 & so far, the repairs I have needed to make have been doable by me - - However, I have had to add a considerable amount to my tool budget.

[Latitude 28]

Concerning oil samples.  If you use Blackstone, would highly suggest sending them via FedEx overnight if you want the results quickly.  I have sent four samples using the small USPS labeled bottles Blackstone supplied....two got lost, one took several months to show up at the labs.  Seems like the small bottle is the problem with the USPS system.

[Guy]

Excellent advice regarding mailing of oil samples. Blackstone has an issue educating the USPS.

The following link is the entire sad story of Blackstone and the post office. They nearly put Blackstone out of business accidently .

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/wp-conte...tter-1.pdf

[Fulltiming]

Very interesting Guy. I have some of the old mailing labels and just requested new ones.