[Tyler]

Hi Tyler,
We are looking at the Wanderlodge, Newell… I like to get feedback as to market conditions, available coaches, and things to be aware of. What about Newell makes it your first choice?
Thx.

I always look for 2 primary things when shopping for a rig-- build quality and an active community. I've now full-timed in 3 rigs from defunct companies (1996 Safari Trek, 2000 Country Coach Magna, and currently 1987 Blue Bird Wanderlodge PT40) so an active community has always been a priority. To my own detriment I'm a stubborn DIY kind of person and having a support system like this forum is something I place a lot of value in.

So why do I want a Newell? Quality. I like knowing that the entire rig was manufactured in one place, they're still in business, and most of the people that built the rig are probably still there. I also appreciate true craftsmanship because when something inevitably breaks and I have to go digging I like seeing plumbing/wiring routed with intention and care. I've seen the quality on some friends' newer rigs and I walk away surprised that those things even get through quality control. 

Blue Bird was similar to Newell in that regard and I could go on for days about the build quality of my '87 Wanderlodge PT40. It's built like an absolute tank using premium materials and an incredibly well thought out design. There's also a huge cult following with a wealth of knowledge to keep you on the road.

I'm on Galveston island right now and we had one day of below freezing temperatures recently and the whole RV resort looked like it was preparing for the apocalypse. Blue Bird, like Newell, planned for that. I've got insulated plumbing with thermostatically controlled electric heaters in the walls where the water runs, 4 more electric heaters in the living areas, 2 roof airs with heat pumps, and 3 propane furnaces as a backup plan. This thing is 35 years old!

I subscribe to just about every diesel pusher classifieds website you could think of so I see a lot of different rigs come and go. For me personally, the only thing that will convince me to part ways with my Wanderlodge is a Newell-- that or a huge pile of cash...