Hi guys
I need some calming advice
I had a company build me a carport with 14 ft as the lowest
Lots of issues with town council initially would not let me put a door on since had to be a carport
When inspected the inspector said no it is a garage and qualifies
So then I asked if I may install a roll up door
So that was approved
The installation team was clearly informed it mut be 13.5
I also saw a picture of the height on a instrument panel in the coach
This morning I was listening to Bradd Pitts and Andrew and he reiterated that the coaches are 13 feet and 6 inches
So suddenly I start wondering and thinking is this new installed door high enough ( I still have not taken possession of my coach in Humble TX ( still in for paint repair)
Anyway I drove to my new bus carport and see it is 158 inches so so 13 feet 1 inch
Called the installer and asked can we move the stopper at the top up a few inches… they are going to come and see
So the reason for writing is to ask how much can one lower the coach before driving it into the parking space?
If they can get me 4 inches without totally re installing the door and I lower the coach a few inches I should be able to fit in with theoretically 4 inches of clearance
Would that be doable or can one not lower it down too much ( dumping airbags a bit) and drive slowly in?
Newby at this ?
Through the years, Newells have become taller. You are correct, Newell lists a height of 161" for the current coaches (p50's). I show that was the case at least since the beginning of the 2020 models. FMCA did a test on #1643 and listed the exterior height as 13'1". The 2020P in 2015 was listed as having an exterior height of 13'3". The floorplans that I have don't show the exterior height on them. I am not familiar with the amount of downward travel in the p50 so I am afraid I can't help you with that number. On the pre-2000i coaches you could lower the suspension 3-4" from ride height depending on how the ride height had been set before you started rubbing the outside drive tires on the fenders. That may no longer be a limiting factor on the newer models.
Hopefully someone with a p50 will chime in with their experience. I suspect that owners may measure to the height of different objects on the roof as various in motion satellite dishes would have different heights through the years and even different brands. Radio, cell phone and CB antenna used to be the first thing to drag but they are frequently flexible so of much less concern. Sounds like a conversation with Newell is in order for you as they would be the most authoritative source.
Thank you Michael for weighing in
It is interesting that you say the previous generation is a 2 or 3 inches lower than the P50 series
I for sure will reach out to them Monday
For sure starting early with my fun and games
So here is a picture of the total outside height of the P50 coach which indicates 13 ft and 5 inches
So seems like this generation has grown a few inches.
Assume it will still go through under that low bridge near the Newell plant?
Manuel,
What is the approach to the garage / carport like? Is it flat? The heights that are given (13’ 6”, 13’ 5” etc) are given at ride height. You can lower the coach a few inches and creep into the spot if it is level. I would be worried that I would forget to lower the coach and hit the door on the way in.
Have you considered “barn doors that would be hinged on the sides?
Bill
1) Assume nothing
2) Be positive about your exact height. Helpfull to post this info on the dash in case a quick decision has to be verified by the driver .
3) It is surprising how many secondary roads have overpasses uner 13' 6'
We noticed on Virginia's 17 mile Chesapeake Bay bridge/ tunnel the posted limit was 13 ft 6 inches, and there were scratch marks on the roof of the tunnel.
Enjoy that beautiful Newell..
Hi Bill
It is nice and flat infront of the building ( gravel at the moment) - I attached a few pictures
If that is the ride hight then maybe I can lower the coach a bit and I am having the installers return to see can they fix their error.
I include a picture or two[
attachment=9324][
attachment=9325]
Not clear one but for what it is worth
If the installers can move the stopper for the roll up door to be 3 inches higher ( that is without having to dismantle the whole roll up door and maybe having to redo the cross beam at the top) then with few inches drop it might work out
Maybe somebody with P50 can tell us how much can one dump air and still be safe and drive slowly forward.
But like somebody else remarked one better not forget about lowering
For sure will be tragic…?
I am for sure going to try and have the builders and installers to fix what they incorrectly installed ( but who knows what challenge that will present) so I am making backup plans if they say they can only gain 3-4 inches[
attachment=9324]
Sorry added a picture of a coach I had in my album but it would not delete when I pushed the button remove
Hi Guy
I will for sure add another label somewhere on the dash of the height
This Newell has that small picture as part of the electronic display (it is small) but probably would be great if they add some cameras to help with the whole hight view ( see another make has incorporates it to help)
Maybe the newest models have such cameras
I have got caught once at the Minniapolis airport with a camper in tow and had to drive with police escort up the traffic stream to be guided out of the situation and another time in Jersey City with a fifth wheel and road construction and many bridges and detour routes. I can testify to the stress that brings.
That's a nice garage space! Love the lighting.