[cmillsap]

Thanks to all that have provided input so far. It is very helpful so keep it coming.  Certainly, some bias from Newell owners is to be expected and taken into consideration but where better can one find a wealth of information about a Newell than that attained by the long term ownership of a Newell. If we were discussing a Wanderlodge, I would probably be perceived as bias too.

The “following” tag axle that Newell has added to its coach should be a great improvement so long as it works properly.  Bluebird started installing a “following” tag axle in the (I believe) ’99 model LXi.  My ’00 LXi came equipped from the factory with one. The original and previous owner had a lot of problems with it. He eventually took it back to the factory and had it replaced with a static tag axle. And “yes”, I do get the black tire marks of the tag tires on the pavement in a tight turn, especially if I forget to depressurize the tag air springs.

It appears that the following tax axle was unreliable to reset and lock itself straight again after unlocking and turning at low speeds. You can guess just how dangerous it was to drive a bus down the road with the tag axle unlocked.  Many of this type tag axles have been removed & replaced on the Wanderlodge LXi or welded to prevent turning.  And for the record, some LXi owners still have an active following tag and have not experienced any problems with it.  Let’s all hope that Newell does not ever have that problem.

I like slides in a bus but not too many. I think two slides make a lot of sense from the stand point of less maintenance and livability with the slides retracted. Could someone tell me if you have to crawl across the cross bed to get to the rear bath in a four slide coach? Or is there room enough around the foot of the bed? I did see a rear bath floorplan with an island bed that would appear not to restrict bathroom access.


Correct me if I’m wrong but it appears that the ‘06 Newell (see link below) is equipped with one (1) 3000w inverter and (6) 8D house batteries. I’m surprised or maybe ignorant of how Newell keeps the batteries charged. Is there an additional separate battery charger?

I did see that the ’06 on Bus-Stuff has only 5000#  towing & 500# tongue weight capacity?
 http://www.bus-stuff.com/2006Newell_TMS724.html  Is that typical?

As you can seeI have lots of questions about a Newell. I hope you will tolerate me and all my questions, I’m just trying to learn about Newells from the best source that I know.
Chuck