Oops… Went to buy Newmar then saw a Newell.

[Mondooker]

I went with a friend to buy a 2010 Newmar Essex but something happened… There was a Newell parked right next to it. It’s a 2003 we came to find out and the same money as the Newmar. The Newmar is a fine looking coach but the Newell oh my!

His main question was
1. Can I get the Newell worked on across the country?
2. Will the much more expensive Newell (when new) hold up better than Newmar?

You have any thoughts?

[LouLawrence]

It's more likely the MPG will be between 6 and 7. It's a lot of weight to push around.

[Bruce_Brown]

Any chance you have a link for them? I'd like to see both of them!

[Blaster_Man]

Mondooker wrote:
..I think I remember somewhere along the line that one rub against the Newell was its weight...

Yes very heavy, over 60k GVWR.

[Mondooker]

It's confirmed, he's getting the Newell, what a beautiful coach. One thing Newell had way before Prevost is slides. And the quad slide Newell's are cavernous inside and of course their overall fit and finish is second to none! I'm really happy for my friend and I'll admit a little envious. Thank you all for your kind responses.

I think I remember somewhere along the line that one rub against the Newell was its weight. I don't remember if it was total coach weight or front axle weight. Do you remember or am I thinking of another coach?

And to his credit he never asked me about mileage. So I told him 8'ish! I think that's right?

[wolfe10]

Second Chance wrote:
... there have been more posts lately on the three forums I frequent about some privately-owned parks not allowing RVs older than 10 or 15 years (depending on the park) into the park(s). We don't go places like that, anyway, so it wouldn't matter to us.

Rob

While certainly true on paper, EXTREMELY unlikely that a park would turn away any age Newell-- just send them a picture.

Those rules are to keep old "Sandford and Sons" beaters out of the park.

At least that was our experience when traveling in an over 10 year old Foretravel. Zero times we were turned down.

[Second_Chance]

This isn't directly related to your questions, but just a thought: there have been more posts lately on the three forums I frequent about some privately-owned parks not allowing RVs older than 10 or 15 years (depending on the park) into the park(s). We don't go places like that, anyway, so it wouldn't matter to us.

Rob

[folivier]

I've had 2 Newells. A 39' 1993 no slide and a 45' 1998 with 2 slides. Both were big steps above others in quality and construction. But like anything else condition is everything. Newell's are all custom built so you can't expect 2 different ones to be similar. A 2003 will probably have the Series 60 Detroit diesel with Allison World 6 speed transmission, a great combination.
Look at www.newellgurus.com for all of the info and expertise you need if your friend wants to consider a Newell.

[LouLawrence]

I previously had a 1988 Prevost which I ran for 20 years before buying this '98 so I know well the 8V92. That's actually one of the reasons I traded. Trying to find someone who knows how to work on the 8V92 is pretty tricky. They all died about 10 years ago!

[Mondooker]

Hi LouLawrence and great to hear from you.

I find we have something in common. I just sold my 1991 Prevost and know exactly what you're talking about. It's 30 years old, still in great shape! All the woodwork, cabinetry, counter tops etc. still look like new. And all the doors and drawers inside and outside the coach work perfectly. The build quality is just that good even after that many years! No disrespect intended to anyone but it's as you said. You cannot compare a Prevost and Newell to production coaches, you just can't! My engine was the 8V92 and you can have a little more difficulty finding folks who work on them. But that said, not too much! You have the Detroit series 60 diesel and there are many shops working on the Detroit engine and Allison Tranny. Maybe where you get in trouble is when some proprietary item needs work. Most times you can call the converter and they can give direction, but for things in general you can keep yourself on the road. I didn't know that there are places around the country to service Newell's. But I do remember seeing Newell's in a Prevost shop!

I wasn't sure about Newell because they're one brand made in one place. But I'm happy to hear what you said! As I said in my initial post, my friend was there to buy a Newmar Essex and just wanted me to see it. This Newell really knocked him for a loop and it is one beautiful coach. Two owner, all paperwork and always kept indoors! I believe he's buying it Friday!

[LouLawrence]

2: Absoultely.
1: Maybe, maybe not. It depends upon what it is that needs work.
We have a Prevost and any Detroit engine dealer can work on the engine/transmission. You would likely have a similar situation but it would be Caterpillar or Cummins. The interior is likely all household equipment so replaceable (not necessarily easily) but there are MANY places around the Country that deal with Prevost and Newell conversions. There are Newell dealers around the Country as well as the factory in Miami, OK (pronounced myama). You simply cannot go wrong with a Newell or Prevost conversion as long as you do your due diligence prior to purchase.
There is no comparison in quality. Newell wins hands down. That's not to say that there is anything wrong with the Newmar products. They just can't stand up to a side by side comparison with Prevost or Newell. If you are on a limited budget, you might lean toward the Newmar as service on these specialty vehicles can be pricy. We just arrived at the Prevost factory service center in Mira Loma, CA. We need routine maintenance as well as a new engine air compressor (likely $2000 with labor) and some other work that we hope will be minor. I have budgeted this to end up costing around $4000 but that will have been all the necessary maintenance in the last year. Expecting $5000-$10000 annually would not be out of line. Heck, you have to add in the long term costs like tires. All new tires (8 of them) is going to cost over $6000 but it's a cost that you have to account for every 7 years or so. Put a little money in your piggy bank each month to pay for the big expenses when they pop up. You would have the same expense with a Newmar when it's time for new tires.
I should note that our Prevost is a 1998, so 25 years old, so it's taken that long before a new engine air compressor was necessary. Our coach has been updated multiple times and would still stand up side by side with any modern coach on the market. 240V induction cooktop, stacked washer w/240V dryer and ride and handling that can't be beat.