Looking at a Newell, any suggestions? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Airplane Guy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Looking at a Newell, any suggestions?

folivier · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well I am full timing in a '98 Newell double slide so I may be somewhat biased :)
But I'd be glad to answer any questions you have. PM me if you want, I'll try and tell you the good and bad. But I feel there is way more good than bad. Like any other brand you need to inspect it thoroughly.

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

We've been blessed to have met many Newell owners (including folivier), and tour a few. We're very impressed by them. Like any RV, there are problems - especially as things age. That just really can't be avoided.

Each Newell was custom made for the original owner, so each will have unique touches to it.

We definitely keep them on our list of quality RVs that can be a great used value with higher reliability.

- Cherie

rvingft · RV-Dreams Family Member

Every RV manufacturer has its fans and detractors ... that said Newell is a well-made coach. For independent ratings, based on design quality, safety and road worthiness - without sways from manufacturers or advertisers - you may want to check out what RV.org has to say. They sell you a database - either Motor homes or trailers - and you access their entire ratings by year, manufacturer, model, etc. Scores from 80 to 100, 4 stars out of 5 will get you a good investment - for the most part. Cost is around $150 - which can save you TONS of $$$ in NOT buying a poorly rated RV that looks pretty - and there are lots of them available anywhere.

I don't work for RV.org, but I used it to find our Allegro and know many others who have also. It's kind of like the Consumers' Reports of RV manufacturers. JD Gallant's history in the RV industry, and as an insurance adjuster goes back many, many years.

-- Edited by rvingft on Friday 22nd of November 2013 06:34:40 AM

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

You're going about this the right way by asking others that are out there in the RV world. Keep finding resources like this to ask. I think the Newell coach is great and have never heard anything that said otherwise although all RVs like everything else have issues. While you can use RV.org, I would use that as only one resource. Try to get some of the books published by this organization at your public library, if they don't have them on the shelf, they may be able to borrow them through another library in your state. Some manufacturers belong to RV.org and some don't not that it would make a difference in the rating but it makes me uncomfortable to know that some are helping to "fund" the "mission" and others not when being rated. I have been at a manufacturer that was being rated so............. Get all the input that you can before making your decision. Understand that all RVs depreciate rapidly so the "end" value will most likely be a disappointment.

Has RV.org became independent of memberships/donations from manufacturers yet?

-- Edited by SnowGypsy on Friday 22nd of November 2013 06:51:40 AM

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Newells were on our short list, and I'm on newellgurus. I like them, but I'm wondering if a DP really fits your needs. You say, "I want to use it for long weekends and a couple of two week trips a year until I retire in 3 years, then spend winters south in it." That sounds like your coach will spend much of the time sitting in one place, with only a little traveling. I would think that you might be better served by a towable. For what that Newell will cost you, you can buy a pretty nice 5'er or Airstream and the truck to pull it. You would have the truck for other uses, and I think your maintenance costs would be less.

If you are going to use it for the next three years as you describe and then start traveling more I'd say go for it. Someone else asked about a 2003 Rexhall that has only 900 miles on it. That's asking for trouble, and I'm afraid that if you bought the Newell and used it as you describe you'd find yourself in the same position.

Airplane Guy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dave,

South for the winter to me is traveling in the warmer states until it gets too hot then move more north......that would be my dream. Follow the best weather all year. Stay a couple days, a week then on to the next place you haven't seen.

blankstare

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sounds like you are planning the same thing we are. In that case a DP makes sense. Go look at some Newells, if you haven't already, and talk to the owners. One of the big pluses for Newell is the 24/7 factory support. Just call the factory's 800 number anytime, give them your coach number, and tell them what the problem is. If the person who answers the phone can't answer your question they will take your number and within 10 minutes someone who can answer your question will call you back and stay on the line until you either solve the problem or decide that more help is needed. Obviously this costs money, and since the current owners aren't charged anything for this it would seem that the cost is built into the initial price of the coach. We were looking at mid-80's coaches, and we told that this policy would benefit us, too, so apparently there is no age limit.