Sale of Newell Car Collection.

R-M Arizona Auction.

Arizona Biltmore Resort, Phoenix, Arizona.

The post Newell Rally: February 6 – 10, 2012 appeared first on Newell Coach.

Joint Motorcoach Country Club and Desert Shores Gala.

Featuring Patrick Thomas performing at the Desert Shores Clubhouse.

Sponsored by Liberty Coach and Newell Coach.

The post Newell Rally: March 2012 appeared first on Newell Coach.

Newell Coach Corporation and Tom Johnson Camping Center are partnering to provide expanded sales and service to their respective luxury motorcoach customers, including those in the Eastern U.S. and those in the motorsports racing community.

Miami, OK, February 22, 2012 — Newell Coach Corporation and Tom Johnson Camping Center have joined forces to provide expanded motorcoach sales and service to their respective customers. The partnership allows Tom Johnson Camping Center to assist their customers in the purchase of new and used Newell motorcoaches, and to also provide warranty and other services to Newell motorhome owners. This will benefit both companies’ customers, including a significant number who are members of the motorsports racing community.

“A number of our customers are interested in the type of large, ultra-luxury, innovative motorhome Newell manufactures,” said Tom Johnson Camping Center president, Tom Johnson. “After carefully evaluating Newell’s product and their history of integrity in their relationships with customers and business partners, we concluded that our two organizations were especially well suited to working together.”

“The Tom Johnson organization’s commitment to customer satisfaction will be a valuable asset to existing and prospective Newell coach owners, especially those in the Eastern U.S, and those near Marion and Charlotte, North Carolina, where the two Tom Johnson Camping Centers are located,” said Newell Coach president, Karl Blade. “The partnership will also offer Newell’s autoracing customers expanded levels of service.”

About Tom Johnson Camping Center
Founded in 1967, Tom Johnson Camping Center is located in Concord, and Marion, North Carolina. The inaugural recipient of the “Dave Altman Number-One RV Dealer” award, Tom Johnson Camping Center is one of the top-ten recreational vehicle dealerships in the nation. With expertise in sales, service, parts and rentals, Tom Johnson Camping Center offers a comprehensive selection of motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers and fold downs, as well as camping and rally space. For more information, visit Tom Johnson Camping Center, connect at facebook.com/tomjohnsoncamping, or contact Mark Eisenhart at 888-455-1440 or meisenhart@tomjohnsoncamping.com.

About Newell Coach
Newell Coach Corporation is the leading designer and manufacturer of custom luxury motorcoaches. Newell coaches feature state-of-the-art design and materials, custom furnishings and appliances, and full-time customer service and support. Based in Miami, Oklahoma, Newell has been manufacturing custom coaches since 1967.

For more information, email sales@newellcoach.com, or call us toll-free at: 1-888-363-9355.

The post Newell Coach and Tom Johnson Camping Center Partner to Expand Luxury Motorcoach Sales and Service appeared first on Newell Coach.

Newell Coach announced that it has just completed production of its first new-model motorhome featuring a stylish redesign by Porsche Design. The new model is now available.

Miami, OK (PRWEB) June 04, 2012 – Newell Coach Corporation, a leading manufacturer of custom luxury motorhomes, announced that it has just completed production of its first coach featuring an updated and innovative redesign by legendary Porsche Design (Porsche Design GmbH, a subsidiary of Porsche AG). The new-model coach is now available.

The new model features high-intensity-discharge (HID) xenon projector headlights that are supplemented by “string-of-pearl” LED daytime running lights. It also includes a handsome rear-taillight redesign inspired by the “cathedral” taillights of the 1955 and 1956 Packard. Genuine hard-chrome finishes add a jewel-like quality to the new design elements.

This is Newell’s second successful collaboration with Porsche Design. The first resulted in Newell’s ground-breaking 2006 model. The success of this most recent collaboration echoes that of the first.

“The new design is very impressive,” said Newell Coach president and CEO, Karl Blade. “Customers are giving us excellent feedback on its sleek, original styling. We’re also very pleased with how the project was handled. Even though it included cutting-edge innovations in materials and other design elements, Porsche completed the entire project without a hitch. We’re very glad to work with Porsche Design and to again see their stunning design contributions added to our coaches.”

ABOUT NEWELL COACH
Newell Coach Corporation is the leading designer and manufacturer of custom luxury motorcoaches. Newell coaches feature state-of-the-art design and top-quality materials, custom furnishings and appliances, and full-time customer service and support. Based in Miami, Oklahoma, Newell has been manufacturing custom coaches since 1967.

For more information, email: sales@newellcoach.com, or call toll-free:1-888-363-9355.

The post The New Newell Luxury Motorhome Features Innovative Redesign by Porsche appeared first on Newell Coach.

Newell Coach’s new VIP 4500 motor coach is designed to be used like a limousine, but offers more space, luxury and comfort than a limo can provide. It also offers Newell’s legendary engineering, design and performance in a vehicle that is designed primarily for group travel.

Miami, OK (PRWEB) June 12, 2012 – Newell Coach, the world’s leading manufacturer of super-luxurious motor homes, announced the release of its new VIP 4500 motor coach. The VIP 4500 is designed to be used like a corporate or private limousine, but offers more space, luxury and creature comforts than a limo can provide. This is in part because the interior is inspired by the spaciousness, flexibility, and sleekness of a large, private jet.

Available in lengths from 38 to 45 feet, the VIP 4500 offers the high-quality engineering, design and performance Newell is known for. Although the VIP is designed for group travel rather than recreation, its options include comfortable overnight accommodations for two, a galley, and full bath with shower.

Newell VIP 4500 features:
**Comfortably seats 12. (Optional packages for more passengers are available.)
**600-hp Cummins ISX engine, ZF active suspension, and EasiSteer electronic steering for optimal power, performance, ride and handling.
**State-of-the-art exterior styling by Porsche Design.
**Length can range from 38 feet to 45 feet.
**Options include half or full bath, galley, sofa sleeper, and audio-video entertainment systems.

“We’re excited to be offering this more luxurious alternative to limousine travel,” said Newell Coach president, Karl Blade. “The VIP is the perfect solution when you’re transporting executives to a meeting, friends to ‘the big game,’ or extended family to a holiday celebration an hour away. It offers guests a comfortable environment that promotes enjoyment and camaraderie.”

ABOUT NEWELL COACH
Newell Coach Corporation is the leading designer and manufacturer of custom luxury motor coaches. Newell coaches feature state-of-the-art design and top-quality materials, custom furnishings and appliances, and full-time customer service and support. Based in Miami, Oklahoma, Newell has been manufacturing custom coaches since 1967.

For more information, email sales@newellcoach.com, or call us toll-free at: 1-888-363-9355.

The post Newell Coach’s New VIP 4500 Motor Coach: More Than a Limousine appeared first on Newell Coach.

October Rally in New Orleans

The Big Easy – this is a place where centuries old architecture is the backdrop for a culture so invigorating, it’ll rouse your spirit. We will visit one of the most fun and authentic cities in America, New Orleans.

This will be a guest rally, and we encourage you to invite any of your (non-Newell) motor homing friends to join us. The more the  merrier!

Large, new RV resort

We will be located at the Pontchartrain Landing, a large, new facility boasting over 100 full-hookup sites overlooking one of New Orleans’ picturesque canals. We will be centrally located to the many wonderful sites, sounds, and smells of New Orleans, only a 15-minute drive from the French Quarter and Bourbon Street.

The original settlement of New Orleans, called Vieux Carré, French Quarter or simply The Quarter, is the oldest neighborhood in the city. Established by the French in 1718, the location was, and is still, a valuable site for trade due to its strategic position along the Mississippi River. We will have a professional guided tour of the French Quarter, of course.

The district as a whole, bound by Canal Street, Decatur Street, Esplanade Avenue, and Rampart Street, is a National Historic Landmark. The French Quarter boastsa storied history of international influence with cultural contributions from the French, Spanish, Italians, Sicilians, Africans, Irish and others – all evident in the development of this global port settlement.

So much of what makes New Orleans unique is captured in the melting pot atmosphere of the French Quarter – from the raucous party atmosphere of Bourbon Street to the bohemian elegance of Royal. It’s a neighborhood full of surprises and magic. 

Big Easy cuisine!

George Bernard Shaw once said, “There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” Whether or not you agree with Mr. Shaw, it is an indisputable fact that no place loves its food as sincerely – or as indulgently – as New Orleans. Some people eat to live, but New Orleanians live to eat. As a result, the city offers one of the most incredible – and incredibly diverse – concentrations of exceptional dining and unforgettable cuisine in the world. So we have included some very exceptional culinary experiences in our rally agenda, including dinner at Arnaud’s, brunch at Brennan’s (!), dinner at Emeril’s, and our finale dinner at The Commander’s Palace. For more delectable details on each of these exceptional establishments, information is seconds away on Google.

And more…

We have additional tours and shopping  opportunities on the agenda, with the option of taking  some free time to relax and digest if you prefer.

As is often the case, we need some lead time to finalize our various arrangements. The deadline for registration is September 17, 2012.

To register, please call Cindy Woods at 918-542-3344.

GPS Driving Instructions

Pontchartrain Landing, 6001 France Road, New Orleans, LA 70126

GPS Coordinates – 30 1.485N 90 2.120 W 

The post Newell Rally: The Big Easy Rally, October 8-12, 2012 appeared first on Newell Coach.

We hope you’ll join us for a Wild West rally in the heart of historic Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-May 3, 2013. The event will be full of Western-inspired activities we know you’ll enjoy—everything from Texas two-step, bull riding and BBQ, to a lavish private dinner at the elegant Modern Art Museum.

From frontier town to shining city

Once a dusty, lawless frontier town, Fort Worth is now one of the largest cities in Texas and the 16th-largest city in the U.S. It shines with the results of its downtown revitalization and urban renewal.

Home base in the heart of Fort Worth

Our home base will be the Will Rogers Memorial Center in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District, just minutes from downtown and all the activities we have planned. Our site is a paved VIP-RV area with full-hookups.

We’ll go honky-tonkin’

Our week begins with an evening at the famous Billy Bob’s—the world’s largest honky-tonk club. We’ll start with a cocktail party in our own private “saloon” amid relics of the Old West. We’ll then move to the adjacent arena for a bull-riding show that’s sure to get your blood pumping. And we’re talking real bulls, not the mechanical variety!

We then head back to our Newell saloon for a Texas BBQ fit for an oil baron. The evening will end with some good ole’ country music, complete with Texas two-steppin’, if that’s your thing.

Show me the money!

Another highlight will be a visit to the U.S. Bureau of Printing and Engraving, where you’ll be able to witness firsthand a miracle of our times: the creation of money that the government doesn’t really have! The bureau’s two floors of exhibits showcase the history of currency and the intricacies of the printing process.

Love that western cookin’

Fans of the Food Network may be familiar with Tim Love, the innovative chef and owner of two critically acclaimed restaurants—The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro and The Love Shack.

Known as much for his freewheeling personality as his innovative urban-western cuisine, Love is also an old friend of Grant Kernan, Newell’s new V.P. of Administration. This could add some interesting spice to our dinner at The Lonesome Dove.

Would you like some art with that?

Our grand finale will be a private function at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. With its focus on post–World War II art, the Modern’s collections include the beautiful, the stunning and the challenging. We’ll tour the museum, then enjoy cocktails and dinner in this amazing setting.

Register now!

Below, you’ll find the itinerary for our upcoming Wild West Rally in Fort Worth, Texas. Our schedule includes some exclusive activities created just for our group, as well as some tried-and-true Texas experiences. Please join us for what is sure to be a fun-filled four days! Be sure to sign up soon! The rally is filling up fast!

We hope you’ll join us for a rollicking good time in Fort Worth!

Note: You need no additional reservation if you’d like to arrive early or stay on after the rally ends. Just show up and specify that you’re with the Newell group in the VIP lot so you’ll be put in a proper spot. Rates are $60 per night.

If you have any questions regarding the agenda, feel free to contact Becky Dwyer
at (918) 397‑3104.

Please note that this agenda is tentative. Times and events may change slightly if and when the need arises.

Wild West Rally Prices
Coach and 2 people: $1,750
Coach and 1 person: $995
Each additional person: $755

Registration Deadline: April 17, 2013

To register, please call Cindy Woods at 888-3NEWELL (888-363-9355) ext. 204 by
April 17, 2013.

GPS Driving Instructions: ‎ Will Rogers Memorial Center

                                                                3401 West Lancaster Avenue
                                                                Fort Worth, TX 76107

See You in Fort Worth!

The post Rally in the Wild West!
Join Us in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-May 3, 2013 appeared first on Newell Coach.

We now recommend Mobil Delvac Elite 15W-40 motor oil for your Newell coach’s heavy-duty Cummins ISX diesel engine. This replaces our previous recommendation that you use Mobil Delvac 1.

The drain interval when using Delvac Elite 15W-40 remains the same as it was with our previously recommended oil: 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. But using Mobil Delvac Elite 15W-40 cuts the cost of fluids for your oil change by roughly 50 percent, saving you several hundred dollars on the cost of the oil itself.

Background

Since 1989, Newell has been using synthetic oils and fluids for original factory fill and coach maintenance. In recent years, however, Mobil has developed a high-quality line of motor oils that are blends of synthetic and conventional mineral-based oil rather than full synthetics. The blended oils provide performance advantages previously available only in the full synthetics, and at a significantly reduced cost. Mobil Delvac Elite 15W-40 is one of these blended products.

Mobil’s official information regarding Delvac Elite 15W‑40:

The quality and reliability built into Mobil Delvac Elite
15W-40…delivers the highest level of protection for new diesel
engines and older models.

Key benefits include:
•   Oxidation performance superior to most conventional oils.
•   Excellent anti-wear and anti-scuff properties.
•   Excellent low-temperature performance allows oil flow
     to critical bearing surfaces at start-up and controls low-temperature
     sludge formation in stop-and-go service.
•   Sheer stability protects engine parts at high operating
     temperatures and reduces oil consumption.

What about oil used in other components?

Generators: We continue to recommend Mobil Delvac 1 ESP full-synthetic lubricating oil for our generators. The recommended oil-drain interval is still 500 hours. For conventional or blended oils, the generator manufacturer specifies a 150-hour drain interval.

Transmissions: We continue to recommend Mobil Synthetic ATF for our transmissions. The Allison five-year warranty requires that you use an approved full-synthetic ATF in order to receive the five years of coverage.

Other components: We continue to recommend full-synthetic lubricants in selected other Newell components and ZF-specific lubricants for ZF components.

Still prefer full-synthetic engine oil?

The Newell Service Department continues to offer Mobil Delvac 1 ESP 5W-40 for those who prefer to use a full-synthetic motor oil.

The post Newell Maintenance Updates:
We Recommend Mobil Delvac Elite 15W-40 Motor Oil appeared first on Newell Coach.

Newell’s 2020P motorcoach is the newest, most elegant expression of motorcoach design, engineering, and technology. Its combination of fundamental and new features make the best even better and reinforce Newell’s position at the top of its ultra-luxury class of motorcoaches.

The Fundamentals

• Newell’s purpose-built body and chassis are constructed from the ground up to be a motorcoach – NOT a bus conversion. This provides functionality, space, and customization options no other brand can offer.
• Computer-controlled ZF active suspension adjusts suspension every 10 milliseconds for exceptional riding comfort, handling, and stability.
• EasiSteer™ electronic steering automatically adjusts to road conditions and side winds. This reduces steering effort, improves steering precision, and enhances stability.
• Cummins ISX 600 hp diesel engine offers more horsepower and torque than any bus conversion can provide.

New Features

• Bold new styling by Porsche Design includes refined chrome headlight and chrome door trim. The dramatic, cathedral-style taillights were inspired by the iconic 1955-1956 Packard.
• Revised instrument panel and new glass dash improve the visibility of all instrument readouts. Each driver can adjust the display to suit his or her height, steering-wheel setting, and seat position.
• Bamboo and reconstituted leather flooring materials can now be used with carpet, granite, or marble to create dramatic accents. Indio Show Coach 1475 features a dark bamboo floor with light granite inlays. An upcoming coach will combine bamboo flooring with leather inlays.
• Apple iPads with special apps let you control most coach systems from anywhere in the coach. This includes interior and exterior lights, shades, and window awnings. It can also include audio/video remote controls.

Come See the Newell 2020P

This winter and spring, the Newell 2020P will be on display in Florida and California. If you’re in an area where the coach is showing, come by and see it for yourself!

2013 Winter-Spring Display Schedule

Motorcoach Country Club, Indio, CA………………Early Jan. through Apr.
Outdoor Resorts RV Resort, Port St. Lucie, FL………………………Jan. 3-10
Tampa Super Show, Tampa, FL…………………………………………..Jan. 15-20
Riverbend Motorcoach Resort, Fort Myers, FL……………..Jan. 29-Feb. 6

For more information about the California display, or to make an appointment (optional), call: Jim Simms: (541) 912-7611 or Phil Cornelius (541) 953-3113.

For more information about the Florida displays, or to make an appointment (optional), call: Brian Pitts: (918) 791-8477.

The post The Newell 2020P:
Making the Best Even Better! appeared first on Newell Coach.

It’s Grant Kernan’s job to shadow Karl Blade (Newell Coach’s President and CEO for 30 years) and Pat Dwyer (Newell’s Executive V.P. of Sales and Karl’s son-in-law). He’s also working with Karl and Pat to define the company’s strategic direction.

That’s because in August of 2012, Grant joined Newell Coach as its Executive V.P. of Administration. He and Pat represent the future of Newell Coach; they will be Newell’s executive team when Karl retires. 

Here’s a bit of information about Grant and what he brings to Newell Coach.

Facts

•    Born in Edmond, OK. At age 10, moved to Weatherford, TX.
•    Attended Dartmouth College. Played football. Received a B.A. in Sociology.
•    After college, moved back to Texas and became a project manager.
•    Took graduate courses in business at Texas Christian University.
•    Moved to Miami, OK, in 2005.
•    Joined Newell in 2012
•    Currently lives in Grand Lake, OK, with wife Amber and two children, Jack, 8 and Ella, 5.

A passion for customer-driven innovation

Throughout his career, Grant has served in upper-management and marketing roles. He has worked at automotive and luxury cookware companies, Internet service providers and publishing houses. More recently and prior to joining Newell Coach, Grant was the CEO at F3 Brands, an automotive accessories manufacturer in Miami, Oklahoma.

Although Grant’s work has focused on consumer products and product development, he’s most inspired by people and customer-driven innovation.

“I like hearing what customers have to say, then using that information to get results,” he says. “There’s no better place to get ideas on how to improve a product than from those who use it.”

Focus at Newell

 In the short term, Grant is working closely with Karl and Pat to learn the Newell business, inside and out. But his longer-term goals are to “… develop strategic improvements in our operations so we continue to deliver the highest-quality products and services. That includes working on our Quality Assurance Program to optimize production efficiency. I’m learning as much as I can from everyone at Newell about what it takes to make the best motorcoach available. And I’m looking for ways to make our processes, products and services even better.”

“Newell is the best in the business and has a tremendous track record to show for it,” Grant continues. “Even during the recent economic downturn, Newell Coach survived, thanks to the support of our loyal customers and dedicated employees. I’m excited to get to know both of these groups better, and to build on the strong foundation that already exists at Newell.”

‘Spoiled for life’

Grant is optimistic about Newell’s future, and he’s looking forward to being a part of it. So is his family. “We’re excited about the adventure the motorcoach lifestyle offers,” he says. “And after taking my first weekend trip in a Newell Coach, I’m spoiled for life!”

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Newell Executive V.P. of Administration appeared first on Newell Coach.

It’s not too early to put our Northern Michigan Rally on your calendar! It takes place August 19-23, 2013 at the elegant Hearthside Grove Luxury Motorhome Resort in Petosky, MI. Be sure to stay tuned for details as they develop.

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August 19-23, 2013 appeared first on Newell Coach.

A distressed driver recently called to report that smoke was pouring from his Newell’s wheel wells. Descending a long grade had given his coach a bad—but avoidable—case of “hot wheels.” His wheels weren’t ruined. But they could have been. Following the tips below will help prevent hot wheels and will also help ensure that your trip down a mountain is as safe and pleasurable as the trip up!

1. Use your Jacobs engine brake (“Jake”) as much as possible. The Jake brake is controlled by the OFF/ON and HIGH/LOW switches located on the driver-side arm panel. The OFF/ON must be ON for the Jake to work. It then works automatically when the throttle is lifted. The exhaust valves in the engine cylinders stay closed after the compression cycle, and the air compression in the cylinders slows the vehicle.

2. To maximize your engine’s braking power, turn the Jake ON and the HIGH/LOW switch to HIGH. This engages all six cylinders. If this slows you too much, switch to LOW, and your Jake will work on four cylinders instead of six.

3. Even with the engine brake working and both switches on, you might need to downshift on steep grades. Start your descent in the gear you used to climb the hill, then fine-tune your gear and engine-brake selection based on how well the engine brake is holding your descent speed. If you select a gear that allows you to adjust your speed by switching between the HIGH and LOW engine-brake positions, you will rarely, if ever, need to use your air brakes during a descent.

NOTE: When you downshift to increase engine braking, don’t worry about over-revving the engine. The transmission automatically upshifts at approximately 2,400 RPM.

4. If you must use your air brakes, DON’T pump them or apply steady pressure during a descent. Instead, apply your brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown. When you’ve slowed to about 5 mph below your safe speed, release the brakes. If you’re in the correct gear, this should last for about three seconds. When you’ve accelerated again to your safe speed, repeat the process. If you must do this more than twice per minute, downshift to slow down. (See Tip 3.) Again, don’t worry about over-revving the engine. The transmission automatically upshifts at about 2,400 RPM.

5. If you’ve used your air brakes during a descent, and they’re “smokin’ hot,” DON’T immediately park at the bottom of the grade. Doing so can damage your wheels, rotors and pads. Instead, drive on for a few miles so air keeps flowing over the wheels, rotors and pads and allows the brakes to cool.

NOTE: If the Alcoa label near the outside rim of your stock aluminum wheels has blackened or blistered, or the blue dot on the label has turned to a reddish color, your wheels may have overheated. We recommend that you have the wheels and brakes inspected by a professional.

Happy driving!

John Clark
Newell V.P. of Customer Service

The post How to Prevent ‘Hot Wheels’:
5 Tips to Keep Your Cool on
Steep Roads appeared first on Newell Coach.

Newell’s “family” of customers includes many remarkable people who have combined hard work and success with a zest for the outdoors and the companionship of family and friends. Harry Hastings, Jr. of Little Rock, Arkansas, is the epitome of this spirited approach to life. “In our group of highly accomplished individuals,” says Newell President and CEO, Karl Blade, “Harry stands out as a true original.”

Early days

Harry’s love of camping was instilled 75 years ago when he started going on deer hunting trips with his dad, Harry Hastings, Sr. In those days, their microwave was a portable wood stove, their LED lighting was a Coleman lantern, their slide-out was a tent flap, and their air conditioning was the evening breeze.

The family moved from camping to RV’ing when Harry Sr. purchased an aluminum Spartan travel trailer immediately after World War II. It was the Newell of its day. Harry Jr. fondly remembers pulling it from Tulsa to Little Rock with his spiffy 1950 Chevy convertible. Luckily for him—and the Chevy’s 92-horsepower engine—there were no hills along the way.

From father to son

Harry Sr. imparted not only a love of the outdoors to his son, but also a strong work ethic and the ability to see and seize an opportunity. Harry Sr.’s successful ventures included a property-development business and a liquor and wine distribution company that is still in operation to this day.

When Harry Jr. grew up and completed college, he took over managing the family businesses. He did so with great flair, expanding and shaping them into his own impressive conglomerate of enterprises that included banking, industrial supplies and numerous other concerns.

In those years, Harry also met and married his wife Rosalyn (whom he calls “the love of my life”). They had three children who have also taken their place in the family businesses. At 86, Harry Jr. is still active in these companies, but his children now handle their day-to-day operation. The boldness, integrity and drive with which Harry Jr. has always conducted his businesses remain their core principles.

Contributions to Newell

In keeping with the Hastings tradition of enjoying their play every bit as much as their work, Harry and Rosalyn purchased their first Newell in 1982. Since then, they’ve purchased five more coaches, and each time, Harry has offered his own unique ideas to their design. Indeed, the Newell in its current form owes much to Harry’s contributions.

“In 1987, Harry asked us to raise the coach roofline six inches so he could have a walk-in closet over the rear engine,” Karl Blade explains. “Our assembly-area ceilings were too low, so we remodeled a building to accommodate his request. And we’re glad we did. Harry’s roofline design allowed us to develop our popular rear-bath floorplan and to also offer more headroom than our competition.”

Many adventures, lifelong friends

Harry and Rosalyn have been married 60 years and travelling with Newell for 30. “Rosalyn and I have seen the world,” Harry says. “We’ve had many adventures and have met many lifelong friends along the way. We’ve enjoyed every minute of it, but we both agree—there’s nothing like traveling in a Newell!”

According to Karl, this endorsement is hard to beat.

The post Harry Hastings, Jr.:
A True Original appeared first on Newell Coach.

Newell Snowbirds are an exotic lot whose range extends into California and Florida when the days shorten and temperatures in more northern latitudes drop.

They can be found roosting together at luxurious motorcoach resorts throughout Southern California and Florida, where they often eat, golf and socialize in small to medium-sized flocks. You can recognize them by their relaxed expressions, mid-winter tans, and the thoroughness with which they enjoy their ease and the company of friends and family.

The post Newell Gallery:
Snowbirds in Winter appeared first on Newell Coach.

As V.P. of Manufacturing, Chuck Evans—who joined Newell in August of 2012—heads up Newell’s production team. This is no small feat! After Newell engineers have helped the client create their dream coach on paper, Chuck oversees all aspects of the coach’s creation—from the welding of its chassis through the delivery of the coach some five months later. Chuck’s coordination of 12 work stations and over 100 highly specialized craftspeople requires great skill and a thorough understanding of what it takes to keep teams working together efficiently, productively and harmoniously.

 Fast facts

• Born and raised in Tulsa, OK.
• Took undergraduate courses in business administration at Tulsa Community College.
• Certified as a mediator by the Oklahoma State Supreme Court through the Tulsa Municipal Court Early Settlement Division. Conducted mediations for Tulsa Municipal Court.
• Certified in Emotional Intelligence training/consulting.
• Lives near Joplin, MO, with wife Gretchen. Grown children Charles, Charity, and Erinn live in Springfield, MO; Tulsa, OK; and Republic of Ghana, West Africa; respectively.

Training, coaching, leadership development

Chuck’s strengths include extensive experience in manufacturing and systems development. He also has a passion for helping others develop their skills. “Before coming to Newell, I spent 14 years at Kimberly-Clark where I taught, consulted and coached performance and leadership,” he says. “I also helped set up an experimental prototype manufacturing plant based on fully autonomous self-managing teams. This taught me a great deal about how to use high-performance work systems and Total Quality Management effectively.”

Focus at Newell

Chuck’s current focus at Newell involves working with the engineering and procurement teams to ensure the quality and on-time delivery of every coach the company builds. “My projects include supporting our Quality System effort, developing a world-class delivery process, and working with our purchasing department to ensure that our vendors align with Newell’s quality and cost goals. I also try to foster a work environment that promotes high performance and fun.”

Although Chuck is a relative newcomer to Newell Coach, his positive influence is already being felt. “Chuck has an uncanny ability to unite a team around a common purpose,” says Grant Kernan, Newell’s Executive V.P. and General Manager. “He’s also helping improve the quality of our coaches and the efficiency of our processes. We expect to see many more good things from Chuck in the years to come.”

‘It’s a delight to come to work’

When asked what he likes best about working at Newell Coach, Chuck is unabashedly enthusiastic. “It’s a delight to come to work every day and see the most outrageously gorgeous and sophisticated coaches in the world,” he says. “Plus, the Newell production leaders are the most committed I’ve ever seen. Without prompting, they work holidays, evenings and weekends, doing whatever it takes to delight our customers. When I think about Newell’s business leadership and commitment to customers and imagine adding a few new twists of my own, the word ‘excited’ is an understatement!”

The post Chuck Evans, Newell V.P. of Manufacturing:
‘Excited Is an Understatement’ appeared first on Newell Coach.

Rereading an article from the October 1993 issue of Newell’s News reminded me that Alice (my wife) once talked her way out of being issued a couple of hefty traffic citations, one of which pertained to an ongoing issue for Newell owners: How do you avoid being required to carry a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)? The story sheds some light on the subject and reveals how my own perspective has changed.

Here’s the 1993 article (slightly revised):

But wait, she DID need a CDL!

That was 20 years ago! And with age comes wisdom, right? I now know that my opinion that Alice didn’t need a CDL was wrong. Here’s why…

Commercial vs. private use

Operating a large motorhome for private use is exempt from the CDL requirement. If the use is commercial, however, a CDL is required. In Alice’s case, the officer was right that she needed a CDL, but wrong that the weight of the vehicle was the determining factor. Alice was driving a vehicle with “commercial” dealer plates, and she was doing so as an employee of the company. Both indicate commercial use, so a CDL was actually required.

Since few of us share Alice’s negotiating skills when confronted by an officer of the law whose lights are flashing, it’s well worth knowing how to avoid situations that would require a CDL. So we still recommend that you check your own state’s laws about CDLs.

As for how to get off scot-free after being caught doing 82 mph? You’ll have to ask Alice about that. Or bring her along as your driver.

Happy spring!

Karl Blade
Newell Coach Corp. President and CEO

The post View from the Corner Office:
How Alice Got Away With It! Or When Do You Need a CDL? appeared first on Newell Coach.

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Many of you have asked that we notify you about upcoming rallies as early as possible so you can plan for them. Here’s the first announcement of our 2014 spring rally. Stay tuned for details.

Lowcountry Luxury in Spring Newell Rally
Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort
Hilton Head, South Carolina
May 12-16, 2014

The post Spring 2014 Rally
Lowcountry Luxury appeared first on Newell Coach.

Recently, Newell president and CEO, Karl Blade received an interesting email from Tom Patterson, an expert in vintage travel trailers and motorhomes. Tom’s email included a forwarded 2001 Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) magazine article that is an even farther look back at the Newell before it was a Newell. Below, a slightly edited version of the article originally written by Steve Ault offers an interesting glimpse into the materials that made up the Newell’s direct predecessor—the Streamline Travel Home. It’s a reminder that, like other highly sophisticated organisms and machines, the Newell motorcoach of today is a product of evolution.

Memory Lane
By Steve Ault

^*For the colorful story of how L.K. Newell ended up purchasing the motorhome division of Streamline, see Our History.

The post The Streamline Travel Home
The Coach That Became the Newell appeared first on Newell Coach.

Coach generators are like people: They need regular “exercise.” And we all know that a quick trip to the refrigerator is not sufficient exercise to stay in shape. Likewise, idling your generator for a mere five minutes every other month or so is not enough to keep it in good running order. If you don’t run your generator long enough under sufficient load on a regular basis, it may not be ready when you need it. But it’s easy to keep your generator in shape if you follow a simple and correct workout routine.

How much, how often?
One way to keep your generator in good running order is to run it periodically under load for at least an hour. This allows sufficient time to heat up the windings, lubricate the seals, and drive out moisture buildup.

The best way to run your generator under load depends on the season. In warm weather, running all of the coach’s air conditioners with the thermostats set so all are cooling will do the job. During the colder months, running the electric Aqua-Hot in combination with the electric heaters should be sufficient.

How often this should be done is a matter of some debate in the RV industry. But many experts—including the engineers at Newell and Martin Diesel Generators—agree that running your generator under a load at least quarterly will keep your generator fit and ready for action.

Preventing strain on the alternator
I’m a big fan of using the generator when driving, especially in warm weather. But some people think they can save fuel by using an inverter/alternator combo to power their 110-volt air conditioning.

I recommend against this practice for several reasons.

For one thing, it doesn’t save you anything. Whether you use the main engine or the generator to produce the necessary power, the net fuel usage is virtually the same because increasing the load on the alternator causes the main engine to consume more fuel. In addition, using an inverter to power your air conditioner puts a heavy strain on your alternator, especially when ambient temperatures are high. This is because, unlike conventional trucks, where the alternator sits at the front of the engine in free-flowing air, your coach alternator sits in the back of the engine, where the heat is high and air flow is minimal.

Here’s another important issue: Where a truck has only two batteries to charge, your coach alternator has to keep eight batteries charged in addition to keeping the beer cold and the lights on. Given that it can cost as much as $2,000 or more to replace your alternator, I recommend that you use your generator instead, especially in warm weather.

Built to be used
If you’re worried that using your generator as I’ve suggested might wear it out, don’t be. During a service seminar I conducted at our recent Newell rally in Fort Worth, Texas, I asked seminar attendees whether any of them had ever seen a worn-out RV generator. the answer was a unanimous no. That corroborates my experience. In the Newell Service Department, we’ve seen coach generators with over 19,000 hours still going strong. And we’ve heard reports of generators with over 30,000 hours still operating. That’s equivalent to traveling about 1.6 million miles at 55 M.P.H.

The upshot
You own one of the finest generators on the market. So why not use it for the tasks it was intended rather than lose it due to underuse or neglect? And if you can’t use it frequently enough, giving it a proper workout on a regular basis in a well-ventilated area should keep it in fighting shape.

Happy Driving!

John Clark
Newell V.P. of Customer Service

P.S. Remember to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Half the fun is getting there—especially in a Newell!

The post Use It or Lose It
Keeping Your Generator Ready for Action appeared first on Newell Coach.