[Burlyman]

I am beginning to understand more from these responses. I'd like to tell you how much I appreciate your expertise and kindness.

Some more information, as we are not your typical Class A demographic. ?

My husband is much more of a carpenter than a mechanic, he has done basic things on our vehicles including our diesel trucks. Fuel pumps, hoses, oil changes, sensors, ECM, etc. Anything past that and he's taken it to our usual diesel mechanic and/or trusted family who can guide him through something. We spent four years in Montana and he built our house there. Plumbing, Electrical including tapping in to the pedestal, running wire in the ground and building entire breaker boxes etc. I'm pretty sure he owns 3 of every tool.

Where it gets hairy is the kids. Like all kids, they tend to undo everything you do to try to keep them alive. The good thing is our travelers are now 12, 13, 14, and 15. Plus we have several small dogs. Oh and his wife comes with her own set of demands. It's a lot for one man, even one as strong and capable as he is. The good news is we work from home as a family so he has the time, in between everything else.

Money is not unlimited in our home, but we must use resources wisely as we have one kid in College and four to go. Three have finished braces and two are about to start. I won't bother outlining health care costs. The boys have bottomless pits for stomachs. We maintain the things we own well and do not cut corners, but just like some vehicles are more reliable than others, we want to ensure we are being good stewards of our finances.

My husband isn't much of a writer but he's been reading everything you've written and your shared collective wisdom is making the world a better place. We all need to show up for others in areas that we can. It's evident here that your Newell Family truly does this. There's a beauty in the and it is not overlooked.

Blessings, Julie

From how you have described your husband, I would think that he can handle a fair amount of the mechanics of a Newell.  Far better than me, to be honest.  Similar to your husband, I was in construction.  I did residential and commercial remodels for 25 years.  Mechanics, however, is a different set of tools and a different aptitude.  Sounds like he has tools and aptitude for both.  I'm not highly mechanically inclined, and the learning curve is slower for me, in part because I get frustrated when something doesn't come easy for me.  But with patience (I'm still learning this) and time, and guidance and tips from the group here, along with other google searches, I will take on the smaller fixes around the coach.  When it becomes too much for me, I'll take it to the mechanic.  There are "RV mechanics" and there are "engine mechanics".  Unless it's something quite simple on the engine, I will otherwise be lost.  I am not properly tooled for those activities, either.  But I do have a couple of mechanic friends who have tools and skills who can help me.  On the RV mechanics, it depends what it is... Wiring is not my forte, but replacing items like exhaust fans, toilets, and making interior repairs are no problem.  I'll save money where I can.  I have the time now that I am semi-retired.

As you noted, the group here is extremely helpful.  I have been on and off this forum for over 3 years prior to purchasing our Newell and the wealth of knowledge cataloged here is tremendous.  Use the search function for any number of subjects, and chances are good that someone has already asked and answered questions about whatever you are wondering about.