Front or Mid-Entry Analysis

[GSrdr]

Entry Location Analysis:

Summary - Front entry is best when traveling and a mid-entry is best for camping.

The front entry is the classic location for bus passengers. It makes sense to cut the distance across the coach when there is frequent getting in and out. Just like when traveling from one location to another. The downside is the door is a source of noise which requires extra effort to reduce. Efforts like the airbag seal which Newell uses. Besides, I usually hit my head on the TV of front entry coaches.

The mid-entry makes a lot of sense when at a particular location. Frequent trips into and out of the coach when enjoying outdoor living will be to the bathroom and kitchen. Thus, eliminating foot traffic thru the living area makes a lot of sense. The downside of the mid-entry is the loss of galley counter space. In addition, there is some danger in having the stairs as a trip hazard.

What do you think?

[rheavn]

Wow, That is pretty good analysis. Never really thought that much about it. I've owned both & liked each. Wife prefers mid entry & I prefer front entry although neither is really that important to either one of us. To me a nice coach is a nice coach regardless of where the front door is located. When I started looking at Newells they only made a mid entry & it didn't discourage me at all.

JMHO.........................

[GSrdr]

I saw a photo here, where the owner of a 1980's Newell seemed to have added a hinged floor section to cover the stair opening. The result of this would be similar to the new front entry stair opening with cover.

http://www.newellclassic.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10158/DSC06195.JPG

If owners are "in for the night" a cover for the stair opening might be a good idea.

[jwe648]

The Mid-entry is one of Newell's Best features I feel. I tire of working around the copilot's chair with stores that you may bring on board.. I've looked hard for other coach's that provide the mid-entry.. you see some low end gassers and i think Foretravel provides one maybe some Birds.. but for the most part Newell is the one. Not really sure about the later model Newells but I have a drop-down door over the stairwell. I like the option of not having to walk thru the forward cabin for a beverage or to use the facilities.. But this is just one opinion.... but as with anything there are +/- on each..

[GSrdr]

I like that stair cover, simple and effective.

[HoosierDaddy]

Every Mid entry Newell I've seen has a stair cover. The cover on my '93 slides under the floor via an air cylinder. We are more likely to extend it during travel to prevent accidental falls into the stairwell.

[chockwald]

When we put in our wood floors and stairs we took out the hinged piece. I do have a piece I put down when the hideabed is out because one leg sits on that space, but we have learned to navigate without falling into the stairwell.....so far.

[prairieschooner]

We have found the stairwell cover to be invaluable for safety when we are in the coach. The stairwell cover is used every night and when underway and also helps to keep the dogs safer.