Calling all Newell owners!
We have been looking at building a new coach. I have read just about everything there is and checked many websites, etc. (reading since June). The Prevost conversions are beautiful coaches. The t...
Forum Discussion
Well, today was the 'big' test drive of a 2014 Prevost with the 500 hp Volvo engine with 1,750 lb. ft. of torque.
First observation... very nice start off. We were able to to take the BIG hill on I-10 to the Chiriaco Summit Pass in southern California where I slowed to about 50 mph. I find that acceptable, we drove at least 50-60 miles round trip. The coach had about 3/4 tank of fuel. One thought that came to mind was that a larger engine would be heavier and use more fuel. There have to be some trade offs.
The steering was very smooth, the coach also rode smoothly. Small issue was that there was a very annoying rattle behind the driver area. I think it was a window shade or something in a cabinet. I'm sure it could be fixable but I wish it was not there to show how quiet the Prevost chassis could have been. Our Monaco coach is quieter surprisingly.
The driver's seat has a shock absorber and it was throwing me to each extreme which was not very good. Finally, the sales guy figured out how to soften the motion then it was OK. But, for a while there, It was hard to keep my feet on the pedals. The steering wheel adjustment is controlled by a pedal that you cannot see in the far upper left of the foot-well area. Once found, it allows the steering wheel to be adjusted forward/backwards/up and down.
We couldn't figure out which button was the exhaust brake so I couldn't use it. Somewhere along the line Marathon moved the button and it was not easy to find. So, I just had use of the service brakes which worked well but you have to press that baby to stop!
I would prefer a more electric driver's seat. It was obvious that I would not have been able to just jump in the coach and drive off. It is very different than any other normal everyday coach.
There is a 'jack-rabbit' switch that needs to be pushed to keep the engine at a higher RPM. We can do that with the cruise control on our coach. There was a ESR light that kept coming on (if I have the letters correct) that I want to see what it was for.
MM.
First observation... very nice start off. We were able to to take the BIG hill on I-10 to the Chiriaco Summit Pass in southern California where I slowed to about 50 mph. I find that acceptable, we drove at least 50-60 miles round trip. The coach had about 3/4 tank of fuel. One thought that came to mind was that a larger engine would be heavier and use more fuel. There have to be some trade offs.
The steering was very smooth, the coach also rode smoothly. Small issue was that there was a very annoying rattle behind the driver area. I think it was a window shade or something in a cabinet. I'm sure it could be fixable but I wish it was not there to show how quiet the Prevost chassis could have been. Our Monaco coach is quieter surprisingly.
The driver's seat has a shock absorber and it was throwing me to each extreme which was not very good. Finally, the sales guy figured out how to soften the motion then it was OK. But, for a while there, It was hard to keep my feet on the pedals. The steering wheel adjustment is controlled by a pedal that you cannot see in the far upper left of the foot-well area. Once found, it allows the steering wheel to be adjusted forward/backwards/up and down.
We couldn't figure out which button was the exhaust brake so I couldn't use it. Somewhere along the line Marathon moved the button and it was not easy to find. So, I just had use of the service brakes which worked well but you have to press that baby to stop!
I would prefer a more electric driver's seat. It was obvious that I would not have been able to just jump in the coach and drive off. It is very different than any other normal everyday coach.
There is a 'jack-rabbit' switch that needs to be pushed to keep the engine at a higher RPM. We can do that with the cruise control on our coach. There was a ESR light that kept coming on (if I have the letters correct) that I want to see what it was for.
MM.
