Its a funny thing, before knowing about Newell I was really headed in the direction of American Eagle. One big reason for it was a comment I'd seen on RV.Net where he said (and I'm paraphrasing a bit here), "I live in Hudson, Florida and have a 1995 40' American Eagle DP and would not hesitate to drive from here to Alaska"!
I sent him a PM about maintenance issues etc and he said American has been around for a long time, has the reputation for building a good motorhome, parts are available and American takes good care of their owners. That was good information to me and seemed to be supported from others who commented.
That was impressive to me and I started researching the American products and came away with a very good feeling about the American build! Then of course Newell came along and blew, even Prevost, out of the water!
Its their standard of excellence that first got my attention because they are so much more than just a pretty face. Its hard for me to compleatly wrap my mind around the maintainance issues never owning a motorhome. But one thing I know for sure, buying quality gives a much greater assurance of future good news! Hey I met you guys and I'm still committed to Newell...
Harry
As you will find out, RV is short for "Repair Vehicle". There will be maintenance required on ANY RV or it will eventually fold up like a cheap tent. While the systems are frequently more robust on a top end motorhome, their added complexity does increase the required preventative maintenance. That is the reason we harp on finding a coach that has maintenance records. I can't think of any system in a coach that benefits from neglect. They just don't self heal often so use them and when something starts acting up, fix it before it becomes a crisis.
Pay up front or pay on the installment plan, one breakdown at a time.
Hi Michael,
With me its the fear of the unknown. I've owned used Fords & Chevys, including a 1962 Corvair Monza. I loved that car even though it went through more oil than gas, but I digress. As I got older I moved up to new Cadillac's, Corvette's, Lincoln's and Mercedes. They became more and more sophisticated but they were cars and I understand cars!
My point is, just like all of you, we've owned cars most of our lives. Now don't worry guys, I rotate the air in the tires every 3,000 miles regardless of the vehicle!
Surprisingly with all of the motorhomes out there and all of the threads I've read on all kinds of issues. I don't think I've read any saying this motorhome is too much for me and I'm getting out of motor homing!
Michael, you are right of course, maintenance records are critical and I'd not even consider a coach without them. And as you and others have said, "have a pro check it out from stem to stern".
I guess if I do those two things I have done about as much as I can to have a good start. Buying the coach at the right price would be way up there as well me thinks... "Repair Vehicle" Yikes...
Thanks again one and all,
Harry
Michael
As I was told by a service writer one day after spending a winter at a deal left for vacation only to return that night. Well you know what RV stands for right? Not really but I guess I am about to find out. Yes Ruined Vacation. That's how I got my first Prevo. It was an expensive break down . Lol
Just so you know and it may not be practical, but Newell for I think it is 1100 will do a ful dpi inspection for you on any coach if you are worried about current condition. Now location maybe an issue but of it was within 500 miles I think I would do that.
I agree with that Marc, $1,100.00 is't bad for that kind of piece of mind!
When you have a breakdown how do you decide where to take your coach for service. I know that Newell is in Miami, OK and have a number of service centers around the country.
But if you're out west for example where there are no centers. Where do you take your coach, or have your coach towed for maintenance?
I know you guys and you don't have just anyone touch your coach so what's your system?
Harry
what i cant do myself i have a bus shop in mesa, az who is superb and reasonable. that is for mechanical stuff. for motorhome things almost entirely do it myself. i have found from past experience that you tend to get ripped off pretty easily on that stuff. for me, taking everything to newell is not even a remote possibility.
tom
This tread has been a very interesting read. But I'm curious about a different aspect of the OP's question.
Let's say the coach your considering has been lovingly maintained...sporting new tires & batteries, carrying a pedigree of yearly (expensive) visits to Newell. But it's now 10 years old and close to 100k in miles. I know the Detroit Diesel Super 60 engines are just at the "really broken in" stage and good for a lot more miles...but it's now a 10 year old house. What are the items you really need to take a hard look at for repair/replacement, and what sort of budget do you need to sock away?
For instance, the current owner just spent $$$ upgrading all the AV equipment. What's the useful life of the overhead A/C? How long would an Amana residential fridge last (and how would you ever get one in to replace it?)? Do AquaHots just get replacement parts, or is there a point that you install a new one? Does the air system last forever on just regular maintenance? I'm not worried about "non-essential" items (though a power shade failure wouldn't be inexpensive), but I am trying to figure out what could stop it dead in it's tracks or make it very uncomfortable or unsafe if that item fails (loss of AC in Tucson, or heat during the winters up north).
I was reading somewhere here about the replacement of a "six-pack" that had to do with leveling (I think). Is replacing something like that done every X years or every XX miles?
