so how does one judge value in a Newell purchses ?
so can we start with the frame ?
steer axle weight
drive axle weight
tag axle weight
engine , I would think they are all acceptable , is this true ?
al the cubeman
Newell custom builds their own chassis. Although most of the 'newer' Newells are 45' long, that is not even a safe assumption. There were a few made that were shorter and a few that were 47'. There were approximately 6 40' Newells built after 2002. Engines are more a matter of personal preference. In general, MOST Newells from mid 1994 model year until 2004 were powered by Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines. 2004-2005 Newell was offering either Caterpillar C12 or C13 or the Series 60. In 2006 the Cat C-15 became 'standard' with the Series 60 available at the customer's request. The 2010 models saw a discontinuance of the C15 and the 'standard' engine became the Cummins ISX650. Weight ratings by 1999 were 50,640, however, I know that Tuga's 1999 was 51,640 GVWR (17,640 front, 24,000 drive, 10,000 tag) with an actual front axle weight of 16,750. By 2006, the GVWR had increased to 59,580 and by 2009 to 63,600 pounds. The 2006 axle weight ratings were front 18,180, drive 26,400, tag 15,000. By 2009 those increased to front 18,700, drive 28,600, tag 16,000. The actual weight per axle varied widely depending on the floorplan and options specified for each specific coach. FMCA magazine tested a 2006 and the actual weights were front 17,770, drive 22,640, tag 13,740.
In general, large motorcoaches (Newell, Prevost, and while they were in production, Blue Bird) are tightest on load carrying capacity on the front axle.
Judging value in a Newell can be an issue. Blue Book and NADA do not list values for Newells. About the best you can do is try to find what similar model Newells with the same number of slides are selling for then factor in high usage (miles or generator), maintenance history and unusual options or enhancements. In the end, since motorcoaches are depreciating assets, finding one with the equipment, layout, colors and features that YOU and your spouse like is one of the most important criteria in determining their value to YOU.
Al,
I had my coach weighed on six individual wheel scales at Newell. I had it fully loaded as I travel. It was full of fuel, full of fresh water and I filled the black water tank to simulate a worse case scenario. My weight tag shows 50,640 gross: 17,640 steer, 23,000 drive, & 10,000 tag.
My actual weights were:
Steer axle weight:17,350
Drive axle weight:22,880
Tag axle weight:10,000
Total weight: 50,230
As for the engines, personal preference applies--Ford-Chevy debate. I had a Cummins in my Country Coach, with similar weight to horsepower rating as my Newell with the Detroit Diesel series 60. Series 60 has far more torque and is more responsive on the throttle. MPG are similar with both coaches. When evaluating diesel engines I would want to be as close as possible to 1 hp per 100 pounds.
Hope this is helpful......................
hi steve, what does newell charge to weigh the coach?
tom
Tom if you're an Escapees member they do weighing at North Ranch in Congress during the winter.
I think they charge $50
Tom,
I don't know. I never asked and their bills are not broken down to each job done.
Steve . your post has given us some great info , thank you . On Tues we plan to look at the 2 coaches in Fla . one is in Sanford the other in Clearwater .
Michael , we thank you for the Newell history , there is much to think about . I can see where excellent records of a coach, any coach weigh in to our decision of value .
I know that BB had issues wich required recalls , did Newell have any such issues we should be looking for ?
thank you in advance for your assistance .
Al
The major Newell recall was tires. Newell had used, with great success, Bridgestone and Goodyear tires in 11R24.5. As the use of slides increased the weight of the coaches, Newell switched to 22.5 tires. Unfortunately they found that the larger Bridgestones and Goodyears were not holding up well and issued a recall to change the front tires to Michelins. There have been several smaller recalls such as the 2004-2010 model recalls with SE-GI windows that were experiencing adhesive issues.
Al,
Once you find a coach that you are focused on, feel free to call Newell & speak with service. Give them the coach number and they will tell you if there is recall service that has not been done to that coach.
Thank you Steve and Michael , I will post again after we look these 2 over . We have wanted a Newell since the first time we layed eyes on one . It loks like our vision is within reach .
aL