05-01-2021, 03:41 PM
I've seen posts addressing my questions before, not sure if it was on this forum or not. Seeing as this thread is titled "Changes in the chassis/drivability/livability through the years" I figured it was a good spot to address them.
My first Newell was a 1973, my current is a 1986. I realize there is a large gap of years inbetween, but I was curious about certain changes that I feel are significant to this thread.
1. My 73 had the top of the wheel wells protruding up through the floor. When they changed this it gave additional height to the storage bays and flattened the floors. I'm sure this also raised the center of gravity by my 86 certainly doesn't have any driveability issues from it.
2. My 73 had a combination leaf spring airbag suspension. I could change the ride height by getting under the coach and adjusting the ride height control valve, but it had no way to level the coach other than driving up on blocks. My 86 has the 8 airbag suspension and has a manual leveling system controls in the cockpit.
3. My 73 had a gasoline generator with a separate tank for gasoline. The generator exhausted directly under the coach. My 86 has a diesel generator using the same tanks as the engine, and it exhausts through the roof. This makes a huge difference, especially dry camping in a dusty environment.
I'm sure these improvements weren't made in a single model year, just curious when they evolved and if it was all models or through user options negotiated prior to manufacture.
My first Newell was a 1973, my current is a 1986. I realize there is a large gap of years inbetween, but I was curious about certain changes that I feel are significant to this thread.
1. My 73 had the top of the wheel wells protruding up through the floor. When they changed this it gave additional height to the storage bays and flattened the floors. I'm sure this also raised the center of gravity by my 86 certainly doesn't have any driveability issues from it.
2. My 73 had a combination leaf spring airbag suspension. I could change the ride height by getting under the coach and adjusting the ride height control valve, but it had no way to level the coach other than driving up on blocks. My 86 has the 8 airbag suspension and has a manual leveling system controls in the cockpit.
3. My 73 had a gasoline generator with a separate tank for gasoline. The generator exhausted directly under the coach. My 86 has a diesel generator using the same tanks as the engine, and it exhausts through the roof. This makes a huge difference, especially dry camping in a dusty environment.
I'm sure these improvements weren't made in a single model year, just curious when they evolved and if it was all models or through user options negotiated prior to manufacture.
Jon & Chris Everton
1986 40' Dog House #86
450 hp ISM 5 spd ZF Ecomat 2
2004 Range Rover L322 Toad