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Old 04-02-2011, 03:47 AM   #1
RFeldes
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Default Hello Newell Owners

I have been lurking for a while and decided to ask for an opinion from the "Experts" as a decision has been made. We, Debbie and I live in SW Louisiana and are natives. We have decided to liquidate after the ravaging all-be-it ass kicking by Hurricanes Rita and Ike in SW louisiana and seek a gentler, less earthshaking, flooding, and windy place to settle. Not looking to full time but take a break for a while and find a gentler place to settle with a more than occasional travel in the Newell. We will come back to find a 25lb sack of crawfish during season from time to time. lol. I am interested in the 40' unit in Texas with the Longhorn logo on the back, "that sucks", lol that was moved from Houston to http://www.legacycoachinc.com/Site/1...ssic_pics.html
It was on this site here for the longest time and E-Bay at 65k. Anyone have a leg up or history on this coach. I would appreciate input. Another question, if you don't mind, would this be your intro or a newer year as a starter. Please be honest about what you would do if you had a choice on the coaches and your past experiences as money is not a serious issue but the smart buy is for a "starter" as we have no experience. In advance thank you for allowing us to participate. I hope you understand what I am asking and that we look to your expertise as current Newell owners and by the way, I cook a bad-ass Gumbo and also look forward to meeting you all as you seem to be the kind of friendships we would enjoy. Thanks, Ralph and Debbie
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Old 04-02-2011, 04:25 AM   #2
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Welcome, we live in Thibodaux, Tuga is in Houma, Matt (express1) is in Raceland (sometimes), Steve Magown is in Monroe. So there are a few of us kinda local.
Don't know about that one but I have a '93 39 ft. Really like it. Of course the newer ones with series 60 are much nicer, but much more expensive. Depends on your budget. I figure I can buy a lot of diesel for the price difference.
We're happy with ours, really like the single rear axle for getting around. Plenty of room for my wife and me. If I had other people travelling with us I'd definately look at slides. So our '93 will be our first and hopefully last.
Understand your feeling about hurricanes, we plan to move soon a few miles north.
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Old 04-02-2011, 05:05 AM   #3
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That is a good looking '87 wide body. Interior looks great. Have you gone to see it yet? I think I saw that one on another site, as well as Ebay, but don't know anything about it mechanically. One thing to do if you are really interested is to draw oil samples from the engine, transmission, and coolant and have them tested. There is a lot you can learn about the condition of the engine, transmission and cooling system from having those samples tested. Steve Ward (Prarieschooner) can give you a lead on who to use. He uses a mail in system with pretty quick results.
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Old 04-02-2011, 12:12 PM   #4
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The coach you have identified looks beautiful in the photos! I'm not familiar with the coach you are looking at, but am familiar with buying coaches as I've owned five over a 30 year period. Before you start you need to realize that every time you change coaches it will cost you money. If it were me instead of looking for a "starter coach" I would be looking for my "dream coach". Identify what it is you & the wife want & need. Part of this process is finding out what is available. You need to find out historically when different features became available. This will help you identify what year range you need to look for. Do you want the series 60 engine? Do you want a Aqua Hot system? Do you want slides? Then buy the most coach you can easily afford realizing that these are depreciating assets. There are some great deals on the market these days. It is a buyers market. As an example I was looking for a 2002 Newell. I purchased a 1999 as I felt it was better equipped for the wife & I. No matter what Newell you purchase you will be thrilled and it will serve you well!

I hope this is helpful..........................
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Old 04-02-2011, 02:10 PM   #5
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To expand on what Steve said...... the coaches with 8v92's will usually have Dometic refrigerators, propane heater, and maybe stoves. This makes them easier to dry camp. Starting with the series 60's (around 95 I think) they should have Amana full size refrigs, electric stoves, aqua hot heaters, and are pretty much designed to be plugged in or run off of the generators. I've heard the battery system on these can last overnight but not much more, where the earlier ones with propane/electric refrigs can go longer.
It just depends on how you plan to use it.
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Old 04-02-2011, 02:12 PM   #6
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Ralph and Debbie,

Welcome to the forum!

I know the owner of the 1987 Newell Classic 40' you are looking at. He is a meticulous owner and he has spared no expense re-doing this coach. The coach is very clean and well maintained during the time he owned it. It has over 300,000 miles on it which is not necessarily a bad thing. I believe that laying a coach up and not using it for long periords is bad for the rubber seals and bushing and gaskets that are located throughout the coach. If you like the coach inside and out, I think it would be a good buy cosmetically and mechanically. The price is something that you need to determine for yourself.

Steve Bare's (rheavn) advice is right on the money! Talk to a lot of folks and do your home work and buy the coach that will service your needs the best. Steve's point about it costing you money each time you move up is the most painful part of ownership. These coaches depreciate about 4% per year; so the older coach you purchase the less depreciation cost is per year in dollars. However, there is of course a trade off in amenities.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages IMO:

A 1987 Newell will have an 8V92 Detroit Diesel engine (5.5 mpg) instead of the newer series 60 DD (7.5 mpg). At today's prices that is a savings of $2,762.60 per year based on 15,000 miles per year use and $3.80/gallon diesel.

A 1987 Newell will have a LP refrigerator instead of the Amana all electric household frig. Michael Day (fultiming) can chime in and tell you when Newell started with the Amana total electric refrigerators). The Amana will work better in hot weather and is more dependable; however, it requires an inverter and usually 6 house batteries to run it. The 6 batteries will cost from $1000 to $2500 depending on whether you use flooded cells or go with AGMs (Newell recommends AGMs). I have spent $1,000 re-building my inverter; it fried itself.
So as you can see, you don't get something for nothing.

A 1987 Newell will not have slides. There is a great deal of debate regarding slides but you need to decide if you want them or not depending on how you will use the coach. Slides are a personal choice. I like them and wouldn't have a coach without slides. Other people on this forum feel differently and are perfectly content without slides.

This 1987 Newell is a 40' and the majority of Newells sold are 45s. The 45s are naturally more roomy, but the cost is more and the turning radius is larger than the 40'.

I could go on but the gist of my point is this: the newer ones have newer innovations and amenities but cost more in purchase price and depreciation. You have to decide.

Buy the one that right for you and Debbie. Life is great in a Newell!

P.S. A good place to see Newells that range from 2012 models on down to 1999 and older is the Newell factory in Miami, OK. They have used coaches lined up and open for viewing Monday thru Thursday starting at 8:30 AM.
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Old 04-02-2011, 05:28 PM   #7
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howdy,

i agree with what the others have said here. my viewpoint is simple. if you find a newell that is well maintained, then the miles are not a huge issue. i have a 90 38' with the 8v92. the 2 stroke v92's were in a zillion over the road trucks, buses, boats, industrial applications for years. for the miles that a typical user does, (way less than 15k per year), you will never wear it out. even with 300k on it if well maintained. btw, i consistently get 6-6.5mpg towing a car and running the generator.

the only thing with higher mileage coaches is that that means there is more time to wear on the interior things and other systems. however, lower mileage coaches that are used extensively while parked can have the same wear. look at the race car owners coaches, they put alot more miles on but are maintained very well.

would i like to have a series 60....yes. am i happy enough with the 8v92....yea. when i bought mine 4 years ago, the series 60's were out of my price range...now they are more affordable.

my wife would love a 110v compressor type fridge. we have propane. and that is mostly because where we live in phoenix, the fridge will not get cold enough in the summer time. not a big deal because we dont live in it.

i happen to absolutely love the look of the 80's newells. i have been in many of the coaches of that vintage of the people on this forum. they are without exception amazingly nice.

i also love my 90. i could afford to upgrade to a 95 or newer to get a series 60 but a few things stop me....1)i have almost totally worked my way through my newell and learned, or refurbished or updated the various systems and interior. most because i wanted to and not because i needed to. 2). i have a 38' and right now anything longer wouldnt fit in my driveway. 3.) my newell has become part of my family. 4) i dont need anything any nicer, bigger or with a more manly engine. 5) i love the sound of the 2 stroke v92's.

the only thing i wish my coach had was the raised roof. mine was made for a short guy and he didnt pay the trivial amount to have a 4-6" higher ceiling like most of these have. i am 6 foot 2 and it is tall enough, but not alot of headroom. i also wish for my wife it had a traditional fridge. i could add one, but without adding more batteries, would not be able to dry camp at the nascar races like we do. or anywhere for that matter without running the genny all the time.

have fun and enjoy the new friends you will make which for me was the best part of getting a newell.

tom
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Old 04-02-2011, 09:50 PM   #8
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Well Guys, I am overwhelmed by your "very detailed and extensive replies". Looks like a little homework is in order and I will have to sit down and make notes pertaining to your overwhelming and kind suggestions. My mind is spinning. We do have some time as I said we are liquidating and selling four homes and I suspect it will take about a year in this economy.

I think we are going to enjoy this group...

If any of you come through Lake Charles we have an old empty Semi storage Yard in the woods with power and Water, Semi paint booth, lol and restrooms. It is now empty, clean and lit at night and gated. Available free, better tham walmart.... I will have to take a trip there and make sure but I believe there is 50 Amp service out there. It is located in Westlake back by the River. Just not on it. Casinos nearby.

Thanks again for your taking the time to so kindly advise. I am sure we will have more questions as we prod along. Definitely Newell!!!
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Old 04-02-2011, 11:36 PM   #9
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Hi Ralph and Debbie,
These guys have pretty well covered the bases. Minor points that I might add:
Are you mechanically inclined? An older coach will require more tinkering but may be easier to work on.
How big do you need? Newer coaches less than 42' are rare. My first Newell was a 1978 35' 96" wide...easy to maneuver but we wanted a little more room. I was looking for a late 80's 40' when I found a deal on our current 45' 102" wide w/tag axle. It is larger than we need and camp-sites for the big-rigs are sometimes scarce.
Tires are very important. I would recommend that you get a tire expert to determine the date the tires were produced before you buy. A blowout on these rigs can be very dangerous and expensive. I've seen tires that look fine come apart because of age.
DRIVE SEVERAL different ones and be sure you are comfortable...especially if you are not used to driving a larger vehicle. There are times when you only have one opportunity to make that tight turn if your flat towing a car behind you and cannot back up.
The coach you are looking at is beautiful...that was the vintage I was shopping for when I found our current '93. I like the classic style.
Stop in if you are in Indiana!

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Old 04-03-2011, 02:25 AM   #10
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Thank you "Hoosier" and the rest as I feel and want to address each post. We are getting ready to go to Austin and San Antonio this week for a one week restip. I will reply to each of your posts even on the road maybe honestly but will reply as you each took the time and I will also. I would guess mechanicaly I would be restricted to analog, motors, controllers, and such. I was a Navy Sub sailor and FBM Fire Control Systems Certificacion Petty officer/tech support which were both Analog/Digital. 8 years and got out honored and scared. Claustophobia, hence slides are a wish but not a pre-requisite, suck it up Ralph. I have dabbled in many things including Diagnostic Imaging since and that would be another story over a glass of wine. I believe I am competent, only in my mind, in the electrical/electronics end of a Newell I think i will with guidance from you guys get by. These big boys need big boys to play with Mechs. I'll jack it up but not ready to get under it. Unless...... I believe the tire rule is 4 years exposed to UV and if not dry rot hence change them and mileage well not sure about that. Your life "rides" on those. Thanks for your reply and I feel comfy here and would feel safe on the road with my "Backup" Thanks all.
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Old 04-03-2011, 05:10 PM   #11
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i want to add one last comment and that is to highlight what dean said. you really need to be somewhat mechanically inclined or willing to tackle most things (short of major engine work). if not, have a big fat checkbook as anyone who works on rv's newell or not values their labor rates very highly.

that is no different for any coach though.

happy sunday

tom.
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Old 04-03-2011, 06:56 PM   #12
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Ralph and Debbie: welcome to the forum and the Newell family. As you can tell from your responses, you've found a great place to gain knowledge about a Newell. I can only add, for your info, that Newell has a policy of placing a bumper to bumper warranty on a coach purchased from them (as long as it is not over 10 years old) We found this to be a huge benefit after our purchase. You also can test drive and investigate many different options and layouts in one location. They are great people to work with. Best wishes in your new venture.
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Old 04-03-2011, 07:45 PM   #13
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Thanks Tom..I have had Mechanical experience as I installed the first two CAT Scanners in Florida way back when. I also have a 47 GMC that I modified, not afraid of getting dirty.

Larry.. A trip to Oklahoma is on our must see list. Thank You.
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Old 04-05-2011, 03:18 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tuga View Post
Ralph and Debbie,

Welcome to the forum!

I know the owner of the 1987 Newell Classic 40' you are looking at. He is a meticulous owner and he has spared no expense re-doing this coach. The coach is very clean and well maintained during the time he owned it. It has over 300,000 miles on it which is not necessarily a bad thing. I believe that laying a coach up and not using it for long periords is bad for the rubber seals and bushing and gaskets that are located throughout the coach. If you like the coach inside and out, I think it would be a good buy cosmetically and mechanically. The price is something that you need to determine for yourself.

Steve Bare's (rheavn) advice is right on the money! Talk to a lot of folks and do your home work and buy the coach that will service your needs the best. Steve's point about it costing you money each time you move up is the most painful part of ownership. These coaches depreciate about 4% per year; so the older coach you purchase the less depreciation cost is per year in dollars. However, there is of course a trade off in amenities.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages IMO:

A 1987 Newell will have an 8V92 Detroit Diesel engine (5.5 mpg) instead of the newer series 60 DD (7.5 mpg). At today's prices that is a savings of $2,762.60 per year based on 15,000 miles per year use and $3.80/gallon diesel.

A 1987 Newell will have a LP refrigerator instead of the Amana all electric household frig. Michael Day (fultiming) can chime in and tell you when Newell started with the Amana total electric refrigerators). The Amana will work better in hot weather and is more dependable; however, it requires an inverter and usually 6 house batteries to run it. The 6 batteries will cost from $1000 to $2500 depending on whether you use flooded cells or go with AGMs (Newell recommends AGMs). I have spent $1,000 re-building my inverter; it fried itself.
So as you can see, you don't get something for nothing.

A 1987 Newell will not have slides. There is a great deal of debate regarding slides but you need to decide if you want them or not depending on how you will use the coach. Slides are a personal choice. I like them and wouldn't have a coach without slides. Other people on this forum feel differently and are perfectly content without slides.

This 1987 Newell is a 40' and the majority of Newells sold are 45s. The 45s are naturally more roomy, but the cost is more and the turning radius is larger than the 40'.

I could go on but the gist of my point is this: the newer ones have newer innovations and amenities but cost more in purchase price and depreciation. You have to decide.

Buy the one that right for you and Debbie. Life is great in a Newell!

P.S. A good place to see Newells that range from 2012 models on down to 1999 and older is the Newell factory in Miami, OK. They have used coaches lined up and open for viewing Monday thru Thursday starting at 8:30 AM.
Tuga, Thanks for your reply, We are headed for Houston tomorrow, We would love to see your friend's coach as we are looking for a 40' or less as we plan on a 20' enclosed trailer. We will be there a couple of days and back through from Austin the weekend following. Is the coach in Houston or Dallas? Once again thanks and all said considered. We will be online.
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