04-05-2018, 09:15 AM
Welcome Jack!
Motorhomes are complex machines that operate in a harsh environment. As time passes, more amenities have been added and more electronics to operate/monitor the coach have become available. Pre-1997 coaches didn't have the complexity/benefits of slides. Pre mid-2003 coaches used hydraulic slides while later ones used electric slides. Pre-2004 coaches didn't have the ZF suspension with the active steering tag axle or the multi-wire Spyder Controls system. Pre-2010 models didn't have the multiplex Spyder Controls systems. Each of these changes brought with them benefits while some added complexity.
If you are a backyard mechanic, the older the coach, the more you will be able to repair yourself. If you have an electronics degree, you will appreciate the more sophisticated, computer controlled coaches. If you are dependent on others to perform all the work on your coach, buying a coach from Newell with a warranty may be your best option.
In response to your questions, as the newer coaches are more sophisticated, they also have more things that can get out of whack and may require specialized equipment or techniques to repair. On the other hand, more of the systems on older coaches can be taken apart and repaired by someone willing to get their hands dirty where a newer coach may have more components that are, for most people, replacement only thus increasing the cost of maintenance. Early 1990's coaches (no slides) cost about $500k when it was new (equivalent of about $890k now). A new quad slide Newell will be about $2M so you would expect more systems and more complexity. There are a number of owners of post-2006 coaches on this site that will hopefully provide insight into your question.
Motorhomes are complex machines that operate in a harsh environment. As time passes, more amenities have been added and more electronics to operate/monitor the coach have become available. Pre-1997 coaches didn't have the complexity/benefits of slides. Pre mid-2003 coaches used hydraulic slides while later ones used electric slides. Pre-2004 coaches didn't have the ZF suspension with the active steering tag axle or the multi-wire Spyder Controls system. Pre-2010 models didn't have the multiplex Spyder Controls systems. Each of these changes brought with them benefits while some added complexity.
If you are a backyard mechanic, the older the coach, the more you will be able to repair yourself. If you have an electronics degree, you will appreciate the more sophisticated, computer controlled coaches. If you are dependent on others to perform all the work on your coach, buying a coach from Newell with a warranty may be your best option.
In response to your questions, as the newer coaches are more sophisticated, they also have more things that can get out of whack and may require specialized equipment or techniques to repair. On the other hand, more of the systems on older coaches can be taken apart and repaired by someone willing to get their hands dirty where a newer coach may have more components that are, for most people, replacement only thus increasing the cost of maintenance. Early 1990's coaches (no slides) cost about $500k when it was new (equivalent of about $890k now). A new quad slide Newell will be about $2M so you would expect more systems and more complexity. There are a number of owners of post-2006 coaches on this site that will hopefully provide insight into your question.