• Allison operating temps
  Forum: Drivetrain
  Last Post: whited44
  10 hours ago
  » Replies: 34
  » Views: 23,690
• HWH Air Leveling Issues F...
  Forum: Air Operated Systems and Leaks
  Last Post: [email protected]
  11 hours ago
  » Replies: 15
  » Views: 6,313
• Tag axle bushing replacem...
  Forum: Suspension/Tires/Wheels
  Last Post: [email protected]
  Yesterday, 09:27 AM
  » Replies: 15
  » Views: 13,442
• Basement DuoTherm split A...
  Forum: Air Conditioning
  Last Post: Rixson
  06-07-2026, 06:42 AM
  » Replies: 3
  » Views: 412
• Bay Door Skin Repair Vide...
  Forum: Exterior
  Last Post: [email protected]
  06-06-2026, 06:01 PM
  » Replies: 5
  » Views: 213
• New owner of coach #485 1...
  Forum: Please introduce yourself
  Last Post: chadsuv
  06-05-2026, 03:08 PM
  » Replies: 8
  » Views: 387
• Steering rod 614610A — ca...
  Forum: Suspension/Tires/Wheels
  Last Post: [email protected]
  06-05-2026, 01:16 PM
  » Replies: 4
  » Views: 185
• Coach 384 For Sale
  Forum: Coaches for Sale (Please read the info in the Category description)
  Last Post: [email protected]
  06-05-2026, 04:55 AM
  » Replies: 2
  » Views: 411
• Merge Solenoid
  Forum: Electrical
  Last Post: [email protected]
  06-02-2026, 05:08 PM
  » Replies: 25
  » Views: 19,191
• Tire recommendations
  Forum: Suspension/Tires/Wheels
  Last Post: [email protected]
  06-02-2026, 02:04 PM
  » Replies: 30
  » Views: 9,605

• Forum posts:70,024
• Forum threads:8,348
• Members:4,318
• Latest member:Robcubelo

Hi, I just bought a Newell 2004 coach through an auction. I will pick it up next few days. I wonder if it comes with ower's operating manuals and maintenance guides. 
I currently own a "2001 Country Coach intrigue 40ds 2 Slides 40FT Turbo", which I am going to sell it.
I am brand new with Newell, so any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Back in 2016 I spent the winter working on my air system.  The first thing I did was replace all of the push in fittings with D.O.T. compression type air fittings.  My next process was to begin looking for air leaks.  I started by making a schematic of where the air line went so I could isolate the different components in the house air system.  These schematics have proven to be very helpful reference material in keeping my air system as leak free as possible.  As I tested each air line on the house side of the coach using a leak down tester, I  didn't consider the air line leak free until I got it to losing less than one pound of air loss in an hour.  This process took a considerable amount of time, but only a few dollars for the compression fittings.  Final result was the 110V air compressor running twice in 24 hours.  By far the most useful tool I used was the leak down tester.

Results after 6 years.   My 110V compressor still only runs twice a day if no usage.  In the last six years I have had 2 air leaks.  The first was the HWH compressor unloading valve.  The second was the bedroom slide seal developed a very small leak.  Using my schematics I was able to identify both air leaks in under ten minutes without getting under the coach.  I have not found a single air leak coming from any of the compression fittings that replaced the push in fittings.

Hopefully this will encourage the DIYers to eliminate your air leaks.

i have a friend looking for a stacker trailer.

pm or email me if you know of any

thanks

tom

Driver’s side mirror is noisy so I’d like to play around a bit with positioning.  Loosened the large nut on the bottom and can’t budge it.  Can’t remember if it was their site or another forum that said to give it a good tap, but the ones I’m giving it are not doing the trick.  Maybe I’m just being to gentle.  Any suggestions for breaking these free?

Also any advice on positioning would be great.  Coach is so quiet up front aside from this, passenger side is quiet as can be.

There is a 1/4" air line that is capped off in my water compartment. Any idea what it might be for?

UPDATE 10/05/2025 - Root Cause, know I know. Here’s the nuts and bolts.

Four years ago while on a Coach vacation, I started to experience a significant handling problem with my Newell.

Last week we completed a trip to Breckenridge Colorado from our home in Bentonville Arkansas.

The Coach performed well in the Rocky Mountains AND handled almost perfect. Almost…. More to come…

Here’s my recipe for success in a nutshell but it has been a steep and long learning curve involving many people and $$$$$.

1) ZF RAS Pressure Accumulator - That’s where my problems started. The diaphragm in the accumulator failed, the accumulator is only good for ten years if you’re lucky. When this happens, the TAG axle literally trails and is not held in the straight forward position for straight forward driving. The hydraulic pressure accumulator is responsible for holding the TAG axle straight forward when the steering wheel/steering axle is straight forward and within 5° left or right of center. I also set my ZF RAS system/accumulator to the ZF recommended pressure values of 10 bar nitrogen and 15 bar hydraulic. The system has been “bled” multiple times…. I have my opinion on that process and have probably posted that as well. It’s part of the secret recipe for success with the ZF RAS System. In the future I will accomplish additional modifications to my ZF RAS hydraulic lines and will post everything. Getting as much air out of the system is key to proper functionality.

2) TRAVEL HEIGHT ACCURACY- The Coach must be at the correct travel height front and rear, 11 1/4” on mine. The Steer Axle has one Height Control Valve (HCV) and the Drive Axle has two independent HCVs for each side. The Travel Height accuracy is critical for a proper ALL WHEEL ALIGNMENT on your Coach. If the Travel Height isn’t accurate and CONSISTENT, your bus WILL NOT driver/handle properly. I replaced all three HCVs in 2021 and didn’t realize the Steer Axle HCV was faulty until this year. I not only replaced the HCV but also reengineered the Steer Axle HCV actuating system. I’ve posted about it on this forum.

3) REPLACE ALL WORN ZF SUSPENSION COMPONENTS - I have replaced, or one could say, refurbished nearly all of my suspension. Some by necessity and some by desperation to make my Newell Great Again… Get to know your ZF Suspension. I’ve provided everything you need to know on this thread and probably in a few others. If you don’t know, you can’t grease any of the “ball joint” components.

4) ALL WHEEL ALIGNMENT - I could count the numerous times I’ve had my Newell aligned but it wasn’t until I took it to
Bill Rajewski in Columbia Missouri with Perry Legend Collision Center (573-442-7883) that the Coach drove properly. I’ve posted about this as well. Bill knows his business and knows how to make a vehicle roll straight down the highway. Trust me on this one because I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Richard taught me the old fashioned way of aligning a Newell using string, plum bobs, math, and your noggin. He set me off on the right course but I simply didn’t have the right environment or time to complete the process. I’m sure Richard has posted his process.

5) Last but not least…. and this is my opinion… the Hydraulic System (not the ZF RAS system which is a stand alone closed loop system). My Coach has one little VICKERS V20 engine driven hydraulic pimp that “services” two critical components on the Newell, Steering Gearbox and Cooling Fan Motor. As I said, in my not so humble opinion, this setup is a loosing battle in the need for the ZF Gearbox to “function” properly and to have enough hydraulic pump to turn that Big Ass Fan that sucks air through your Radiator, Charge Air Cooler, and Hydraulic Fluid Cooler… not to mention force unneeded hot air out of the engine compartment.
In addition to the short list I’ve posted, I’m modifying my system to provide the ZF Gearbox it’s own private hydraulic pump the engine driven VICKERS V-20. I’m ADDING an Allison 4000 PTO driven large EATON/DANFOS hydraulic pump for the cooling fan hydraulic motor. Dedicated pumps for dedicated systems. Once I’m done, the ZF Gearbox will never be starved of hydraulic pressure or flow because it shared a system with one pump. Additionally… and this is YUGE…. The cooling fan can/will be properly pitched for proper airflow through the Radiator/CAC/Cooler stack. I’ll post about this as well.


So there you go. That’s what I know as of today. “Learn as we Go… Grow as we Learn”… it’s what I tell my pilots that report to me…

I hope what I’ve learned will be a fast track to success for others. Learn from my experiences and mistakes so to speak…


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Read the Original Post Below ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’ve collected the following information using the ZF Data Plates on our 2005. The coach was built in 2004 as unit #744. I have no idea how long Newell used the ZF RL-85 suspension and drive train. The Drive Axle has a different designation (A-132/S-91/PP 476774).

Steer Axle Data Plates were located on the left and right steering hubs. 
Steer Tag Axle Data Plate was located on the aft side of the horizontal beam, left of centerline. 
Drive Axle Data Plate was located on the left driveshaft tube facing aft. The differential has its own data plate mounted on the housing.

Data plates may be difficult to see due road grime, they may have been covered by tape when the undercarriage was painted black. I used simple green HD to clean off the areas where the data plates are mounted. Note: Simple Green HD should not corroded metal parts. 

I worked with ZF technical customer service to identify the part numbers listed below. They provided me with diagrams and parts list which I’m also posting. ZF is a enormous German company that manufactures and supplies several lines of motor vehicle equipment. Maneuvering within their system is at first overwhelming and frustrating. I have requested from ZF availability and prices for the parts listed below. I will update information as it becomes available. 

Steer RL-85/E

Drive Axle A-132/S-91/PP


Steer Tag Axle RL-85/A


Steer Tag Axle Function, Maintenance, Inspection, Troubleshooting  


Steering Gearbox 8098



The following document covers several different types of ZF Servocom systems including the RAS, REAR AXLE STEERING. I urge every ZF owner to study the system so you have a solid understanding how your Active Steerable Tag system functions. It requires ANNUAL inspections and maintenance. There is a pressure accumulator that should be served annually and replaced after 10 years of service. 
Pressure accumulators in the ZF RAS look like a small metal soccer ball mounted in the frame between the drive and tag axle. The accumulator is pressurized with nitrogen and works in conjunction with the RAS closed loop hydraulic system pressurized to 250 psi. 
The nitrogen side of the accumulator can experience micro leaking of the valves used for testing and servicing. If the pressure in your tag system is not correct you may experience anomalies during operation. There is a pressure sensor installed in the system that is activated at or below 230 psi and turns a light on at the drivers position warning of low pressure situation. 
Low pressure in a tag system will manifest while backing up and the tag tires my not move in the correct direction. If the tag pressure is low enough the tires will turn in the wrong direction and backing up is impossible. Don’t force it! 

Steering Systems and Accessories for Commercial Vehicles


These are life limited parts steer axle and tag axle steer system. There may be additional parts such as steer axle hub bearings for the control arms. 

Steering Axle Tie rod Part # 0501.007.768 (one required)
Steering Axle Tie rod Part # 0501.007.769 (one required)
Steering Axle Tie rod Part # 0501.007.611 (sway bar link-two required)
Control arm bushing Part # 0501.314.963 (eight require)

Sway Bar Link Assembly - LEMFÖRDER 3079901
   

Steering Tag Axle Tie rod Part # 0501.005.797 (one required) 
   

I have not identified tie rod ends for the steer gearbox hydraulic assist system. 
I have not identified tie rod ends for the steer tag axle hydraulic actuator.

These documents provide a wealth of information about the ZF suspension. 
Lubrication and Maintenance 


Operating Manual


Repair Manual



Time in service is a limiting factor in these steering parts. Keep in mind the coach may have low mileage but time is an enemy to any of these parts. They live in a hostile environment far below the driver’s seat. The tie rod ends have rubber boots designed to protect the inner workings of these parts. If the boot is damaged in any way, the world of road grime and nature’s elements have an open door to enter and degrade the performance of these critical steering parts.

Hello my valid keypad won’t light up no power to it any thoughts

Hey All,
  When i first got my coach, I had an open threaded hole on the top of my waste tank. Turned out it was for the tank rinse system that directs hose water to either the top or bottom of the tank to rinse it out.  It had been epoxied back into the side of the tank at some point.
Well I was looking at something else and notices that it had separated again.

Are these ABS tanks? Any suggestions on the best epoxy or other repair goo to use?

I have rigged up a support system for this rather long and heave assembly so it shouldn't happen again... maybe!

                                                     2005 40' COACH #724 FOR SALE.  

                                                  One of two forty-footers produced in 2005

   In Feb of 2021, we went from a 2004 45' Newell to this beautiful 40' 2005.  Why?  To get a steerable tag axel.  It drives like a dream and is garaged in our carport at the LAKE OF THE OZARKS in Missouri except for our annual trip to a warmer place for winter.  SUPER LOW MILEAGE - 30,000 MI.   It is also, always plugged into AC.

Sadly, health issues make it necessary for me to sell it.   SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MORE.......

VIN 1N9406X8551011724     COACH #724  YEAR: 2005   MODEL: 400   MILEAGE: 30,000

Tires: 90% - No cracks in sidewals.  Certified satisfactory by Newell in Oct 2021

Caterpillar 500 HP C13 Diesel Engine (pre-DEF)   Allison 6-speed Automatic Transmision

Valid Truline Computerized Leveling System

3 SLIDES: 2 in Salon - 1 in Bedroom

FEATURES:
Anti-lock Braking System

Batteries: Engine 2-Heavy Duty Certified by Newell in 2021  House - 6 Heavy Duty (certified by Newell in 2021

Bays (3): 1 motorized bay in nose of coach, 1 large bay and 1 small bay in passenger side of coach

Diesel/Electric Aqua-Hot   Electric Heaters in Bath and under Desk   (3) Ducted Dometic Roof Air  Tri-Zone Thermostat

Girard Motorized Awings over windows including front door   In-Motion Satellite On Roof

Powertech 20Kw Generator in quiet box in driver-side bay   Rear Back-up Camera   Front Entrance 

Desk with large slide-out storage and desk drawer   SubZero 26cf Refrigerator with 2 Freezer Drawers & Ice Maker

German-Made Miele Dishwasher,  2-Burner Gaggenau cooktop, Sharp Microwave/Convection Oven  

Silver-Leaf Vehicle Monitor System   Yamaha Stereo Receiver with speakers throughout    Marble floor in Galley and Bath

Sculpted Carpet in Salon and Plush in Bedroom   Splendide Washer/Dryer in Cabinet in Bath   

2 Large Built-in cabinets in Bedroom with Plexiglass doors  

Collapsible Shelf in Bedroom to permit access to rear bath during travel.   

Side Custom Queen + bed (65" x 80") with motorized life for storage underneath bed

Ceiling Fan in Bedroom   42" TV Front and 50" 4K Active Smart TV in Rear  Direct TV Receiver in Salon

Rear Bath with generous shower, 2 large closets and drawers below closets in bath.

                                                  ASKING PRICE $200,000

                  * INSPECTION BY ADVANCE APPOINTMENT ONY AS WE LIVE IN IT FULL TIME *

                                   QUESTIONS: EMAIL: [email protected]

We are taking delivery on a 2023 Newell (#1750) next month, and I'm having a terrible time finding anyone that will insure it for full value.  Everyone seems to cap out at $1M stated value or less.  Several folks have suggested Ron Jarvie, and he doesn't have anything above $1M, either.  Does anyone have any suggestions?    Thank you