09-25-2018, 09:16 AM
Hi Everyone!
We are considering buying a used Class A circa 1996 - 2004, - either a Prevost conversion or a Newell. Coming from yachting experience I understand very well that initial quality is very important but age will pose problems and am prepared to deal with them. What I don't have a gripe on - is extent. My concern is not an engine or various house components (after all, pumps, heaters, plumbing, toilet, inverters, batteries, etc are very similar on motorhomes to what can be found on a boat). The main question is drive-train and suspension. Let say, I buy a 1996 rig with close to 200,000 miles on it. Would I have to immediately work on suspension? Airbags, control arms, ball joints, bushing, break air chambers - should I expect all of that to be end of life and in need of replacement? Are suspension parts for Newell readily available? Do they cost more then suspension parts of other motorhomes? Can any bus mechanic work on them or am I bound to go to Newell factory for service? Also, considering that I lean more towards simplicity then luxury (and associated lower reliability) are there threshold years after each Newel became over saturated with pneumatics and electronics? Do slides present a big maintenance problems when getting old? I mean, I would rather open a door manually then get stuck in a middle of nowhere troubleshooting pneumatics with no diagram. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I found this 45' 1196 Newell for sale upstate NY. No slides. Does anyone recognize it from the picture and can shed some light on its history? I don't have the coach built number. The VIN is 1N9450X82T1011403
Thanks you all so very much in advance.
Rosty
We are considering buying a used Class A circa 1996 - 2004, - either a Prevost conversion or a Newell. Coming from yachting experience I understand very well that initial quality is very important but age will pose problems and am prepared to deal with them. What I don't have a gripe on - is extent. My concern is not an engine or various house components (after all, pumps, heaters, plumbing, toilet, inverters, batteries, etc are very similar on motorhomes to what can be found on a boat). The main question is drive-train and suspension. Let say, I buy a 1996 rig with close to 200,000 miles on it. Would I have to immediately work on suspension? Airbags, control arms, ball joints, bushing, break air chambers - should I expect all of that to be end of life and in need of replacement? Are suspension parts for Newell readily available? Do they cost more then suspension parts of other motorhomes? Can any bus mechanic work on them or am I bound to go to Newell factory for service? Also, considering that I lean more towards simplicity then luxury (and associated lower reliability) are there threshold years after each Newel became over saturated with pneumatics and electronics? Do slides present a big maintenance problems when getting old? I mean, I would rather open a door manually then get stuck in a middle of nowhere troubleshooting pneumatics with no diagram. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I found this 45' 1196 Newell for sale upstate NY. No slides. Does anyone recognize it from the picture and can shed some light on its history? I don't have the coach built number. The VIN is 1N9450X82T1011403
Thanks you all so very much in advance.
Rosty