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Autumn Rally Preview: Boothbay Harbor, Maine, September 22-26, 2014

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Photo By Robert MitchellIt’s not too early to start planning to join us at our autumn rally in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

From our “central headquarters” at the Shore Hills RV Park, we’ll venture out to explore this beautiful region and all it has to offer. If Mother Nature cooperates, the leaves will be at their peak colors, and the weather will be mild.

We’re still working out the itinerary. As always, we’re planning activities and experiences that will highlight the best and most unique aspects of the region. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend the famed Fryeburg Fair in Fryeburg, Maine, a few days after the rally ends. If you’re interested in attending the Fryeburg Fair, let us know when you register for the rally. We’ll then provide you with information about special arrangements that will be available to those attending our rally.

For more information about the Fryeburg Fair, go to www.fryeburgfair.org.

Sign up for Boothbay Today!

To secure your spot and pre-register for the Boothbay rally, call Becky at 888.363.9355, ext. 209, or email her at beckyd@newellcoach.com.

The post Autumn Rally Preview: Boothbay Harbor, Maine, September 22-26, 2014 appeared first on Newell Coach.


Customer Profile: Don Freymiller

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Customer ProfileOne of Don Freymiller’s earliest memories is of riding his tricycle as fast as possible, back and forth in front of his grandmother’s house in Fennimore, Wisconsin. His older cousin owned a trucking company, and as Don pedaled up and down the sidewalk, he imagined he was driving one of his cousin’s big, shiny trucks.

This was a portent of things to come.

Although Don’s modest demeanor might suggest otherwise, he has not only run on wheels—and run hard and fast most of his life—but he has also managed to create one of the most successful refrigerated trucking companies in the country.

Boyhood on the farm

Don spent his youth working on his parents’ dairy farm in Fennimore, Wisconsin. The farm had no electricity, no running water, and no milking machines. So it’s no small feat that when Don was about 12 years old and his father fell ill, Don ran the farm by himself for a year. He milked cows, cleaned the barn, tended the herd, and kept things going—all while continuing to attend school each day. What this taught him about responsibility and the value of hard work has shaped his entire life.

The wheel turns

When Don was a bit older, his life took a fateful turn. The dairy business was struggling, so he started driving a cattle truck to help make ends meet. He then bought his own truck, and that led to starting his own trucking company.

The trucking business flourished. And despite encountering many of the challenges that are typical of a family enterprise, the Freymillers persevered over the years and made Freymiller, Inc. the great success it is today.

The journey to Newell

Don’s journey to becoming a Newell owner began when he purchased a small camper for his young family. Like so many Newell owners, the Freymillers progressed through a series RVs, until they purchased their first Newell 45.

The racing bug

Don’s trucking company was originally headquartered in Bakersfield, California. This is where he caught the car-racing bug and became a NASCAR team owner. He also became fast friends with motor-racing icon and fellow Newell owner, A.J. Foyt.

Better than airline travel

As Don drove across the Western United States to attend races, he entertained clients and promoted his trucking services along the way. He found that driving his Newell to visit clients was more effective and efficient than flying. One year, Don and his wife Manya travelled to 25 states and visited 80 customers—all in the comfort of their Newell.

A wealth of good spirit

These days, Don and Manya remain enthusiastic about their Newell. They spend the winter months at Desert Shores Resort in the Palm Springs area, living in their Newell. They also often join us at Newell rallies. And we’re always glad they do. Don and Manya bring a wealth of good spirit to the good life, wherever they go.

The post Customer Profile: Don Freymiller appeared first on Newell Coach.

Newell Spring Specials and Upgrade Packages

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After a long, hard winter, we know our customers will be hitting the road soon. Make sure you schedule time to come to the factory for your preventive maintenance services. We’ve extended our value pricing through the spring so our customers can take advantage of the cost savings. To be eligible for the discounted pricing, work must be completed before May 15th. Pricing includes parts and labor. Call now before the schedule is filled up!

Regular Price Spring Special
6-Month Preventive Maintenance $1100 $975
12-Month Preventive Maintenance $4500 $3995
For Detroit Diesel engines, deduct $700
25,000-Mile Preventive Maintenance $5500 $4895

 

Newell Upgrade Retrofit Packages – SPECIAL SPRING PRICING

We’re excited to offer special seasonal pricing on our most popular retrofit packages. Pricing includes parts and labor. To be eligible for the promotional pricing, work must be completed before May 15th.

Package Price, Parts, and Labor
EasiSteer Electronic Steering Retail Price $6400
Computer assisted to adjust to road conditions PROMO Price of $5995
Road King Shock Absorbers Retail Price Retail Price $5400
“Large bore” shocks for improved ride and handling PROMO Price of $4995
LED Patio Awning Lights Retail Price $1200
Full length accent lights for 16’ and 21’ awnings PROMO Price of $995
LED Entry Step Accent Lights Retail Price $550
Upgrade your step well with under-mounted lighting PROMO Price of $495

 

Check with your Newell Service Advisor as to which packages are available and recommended for your Newell.

View from the Corner Office: Breaking New Ground in Numerous Ways

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Hello from Miami!

Karl is enjoying a precious few remaining days in the desert before coming back to Miami, so I’ve commandeered the corner office until his return. Those that have visited us know that Karl and I share this office space. Quite literally, I occupy the corner of the corner office, so I feel qualified to take over his column for this edition of our newsletter. Don’t worry Karl, I’ll have all your office supplies back on your desk by the time you arrive.

So…what do I see when I look out the corner office window? I see dirt…lots of dirt. And I couldn’t be more excited. We have officially broken ground on our new 65,000 square foot production facility. After almost a year of planning, we anticipate transitioning into our new facility by mid-September. We will not only have more space to work in, but we expect significant efficiency gains in our manufacturing layout and flow. These improvements will allow us to spend more time where it counts: raising the bar on product quality, and pushing the envelope on new innovations for our customers.

Speaking of innovation: We are proud to announce the release of our new Intrepid Coach Management System©. You can check out the details of the new system in the article on page 3, but you simply have to see it to really appreciate the incredible user-friendly functionality.

The Intrepid System is just the latest in a string of new improvements that Newell has launched over the last two years. From significant increases in paint quality as a result of our new paint materials and advanced painting process, to greater variety in our flooring material, to our new interior designs, Newell has embraced a continuous improvement mentality with passion and excitement. Of course, an essential part of any continuous improvement process is feedback. I’m a sponge for feedback, and while some of it isn’t always easy to hear, I know firsthand how it can transform a person, a product, and a company. For Newell, it has resulted in significant process changes throughout our business. Beginning with the initial Interior Specification meeting, all the way through the final Executive Quality Review and our “Red Carpet” Customer Delivery, we have improved numerous business processes and practices. And the hard work is paying off. I can confidently say: The coaches we are designing and building today are the highest quality, most luxurious coaches we’ve ever manufactured. And that’s not just a proud general manager saying it. We’re measuring our success: Punchlist items at delivery and new coach warranty hours are both down significantly. All of this translates into higher customer satisfaction, the true measure of how a company is performing.

So, as you can tell, we have a lot of new and exciting things happening at Newell. If you’ve seen or driven a new Newell lately, we thank you. If you haven’t, it’s time you did. We hope to see you soon.

Best regards,

Grant Kernan Signature

Grant Kernan
Executive VP
Newell Coach Corp.

Intrepid System Update: Exciting New Option for House and Chassis Management

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Beginning with Coach 1533, Newell is introducing a new option for the coach management system. Developed exclusively for Newell, the fully integrated Intrepid™ Coach Management System delivers a simple yet comprehensive solution to monitoring and managing the multitude of systems that run the coach. It includes an oversized HD digital dashboard that is controlled by a knob located on the left arm panel, and three separate touchscreens located in the pilot overhead, galley, and bedroom.

Intrepid Dash-1-2
“Our goal was to design a system that was visually appealing, easy to use, and reliable,” said Newell General Manager, Grant Kernan. “With its state-of-the-art design and functionality, the Intrepid System delivers on all counts. From its touchscreen monitors to its customizable instrument cluster display, it offers features our customers will love.”

Galley Display-1
One of the most dramatic advancements is an integrated “Help Center” feature offering the customer in-depth instructions on the functionality of each component with a simple “pop-up” window. A separate Diagnostic Page provides clear, real-time monitoring of all critical coach systems, and alerts the customer if there are any concerns.

Intrepid-5
The new Intrepid system is available by option for all new orders. Newell Coach continues to offer the Silverleaf Total Coach Monitoring system as standard on all coaches.

Featured Coach: 1529 & 1530

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Coach 1529: The Epitome of Modern Elegance

The interior of Coach 1529 showcases an elegant color palette that makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to a modern sanctuary. As soon as you enter, the gorgeous grey wood veneer is the first thing that you’ll see. The grey offers a cool neutral color base that contrasts perfectly with the limestone and leather inlaid flooring. The intricate tumbled Italian travertine accents that add geometric detail, the custom glass under-lit sink in the half bath, and the carefully patterned bedding and upholstery are just a few of the luxurious details that make this coach stunning.

1529 Coach Photos-6
Coach 1529 also features a sofa design that combines leather and fabric. With the same level of quality and luxury that you would find in any high-end home, this coach is lacking in neither form or function.

1529 Coach Photos-8
The mechanical systems “under the hood” are up to Newell’s highest standards as well. With the Cummins ISX 600 hp diesel engine, Allison six-speed transmission, and ZF active suspension, Coach 1529 is ready to take you everywhere you want to go.

1529 Coach Photos-23

Coach 1530: A Warm Retreat

With our new premium agate countertop, the beautiful blond wood laminate, and the incredibly soft mohair carpet in the bedroom, coach 1530 is loaded with the newest and most luxurious options in a warm color palette of chocolates, whites, and blondes.

1530 Coach Photos-21
Now, let’s talk entertainment. Inside, Coach 1530 has a 46” Bose Videowave III TV on a lift in the salon. With built in surround sound, this TV eliminates the need for a separate home theatre system. Outside entertainment is just as fun with the 42” flat screen TV in the lower bay and the Bose surround sound bar and sub-woofer. The ultimate cinema experience is at your fingertips whether you choose to relax inside or outside.
1530 Coach Photos-14
Finally, the exterior paint on coach 1530 has an incredible new ghosted technique. We’ve incorporated subtle paint color differences that make the paint look as if it changes in different light. This added detail makes a stunningly beautiful impact.

1530 Coach Photos-4

Top Coach FAQ’s: Helpful Hints from Our Newell Service Team

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As we all know, owning a motorcoach as sophisticated as a Newell can be an incredible but sometimes challenging experience. Over many years, we have heard questions about every major system or component on the coach. Often a simple solution or helpful hint can get you back on the road or increase your comfort. We’ve compiled a few of the most frequently asked questions, and asked our service team to provide the answers below:

Service-3Q: What is the recommended ride mode for moving my slides in and out?

A: Newell recommends placing the Coach in TRAVEL mode whenever the slides are being extended or retracted. The chassis is under the least amount of stress in travel mode, avoiding possible binds during the slide movement process. Once the slides are out, the coach should be switched to AUTO mode to level the coach. Make sure you switch back to TRAVEL mode before retracting the slides. – Mike Ellis, Service Writer

 

 

 

 

Service-4Q: My toilet won’t flush – what should I do?

A: The most common cause of toilet malfunction is improper pressure or electrical failure. First, check for proper head pressures. Microphor toilets require a minimum of 60 PSI of air pressure. Check the air pressure gauge on the instrument panel and also make sure your 120v air compressor is turned on. Headhunter toilets require 60 PSI of water pressure. Check the pressure on the tank gauge in the plumbing bay and make sure your auxiliary water pump is turned on. If you have ample pressure, check your electrical panel for a blown fuse. For coaches with the Spyder wiring system, there is a 5 amp fuse in slot #83 on the Spyder panel, usually marked toilet valve or accessory. Replace it as necessary. – Jim Gering, Service Manager

 

Service-5Q: Should I drive with my engine, or Jake brake, in the “on” position?

A: How to use the Jake brake is largely a personal choice. The purpose of the Jake brake is to allow the engine power to help slow the coach with reduced need to operate your service brakes. This prevents unnecessary wear as well as excess heat that can build from long declines. Therefore we recommend using the Jake brake on long and/or steep hills. Some people keep the Jake brake on through normal terrain to avoid the back and forth action between accelerator and brake pedals. We do not recommend using the Jake brake where prohibited due to noise restrictions, or when travelling during slick or icy conditions. – Tommy Key, Assistant Service Manager

 

 

Service-2Q: My black water tank valve is stuck. How do I override the valve?

A: Late model Newell coaches have a manual dump tank valve that can be used in case of a malfunction of the electric switches. The manual valve is located in the passenger side water bay. It is attached to the rear wall of the bay and hooked up to the dump hose. Newell places a dedicated Allen wrench for the valve directly on top of the valve. In the center of the valve you will find a slot for the Allen wrench to turn the valve. Turn the wrench counter clockwise to open the valve, and clockwise to close it. – Jimmy Raymond, Service Writer

 

 

 

Service-1Q: It’s supposed to freeze tonight. What do I need to do to protect my coach plumbing?

A: Freezing temperatures can cause damage to exposed pipes and plumbing. Fortunately, your Newell is designed to keep important plumbing components above freezing temperatures. Operating the Aqua-Hot system with the large, heated reservoir located in the plumbing bay normally keeps the bay heated to about 30 degrees above ambient temperature in cold weather. To provide additional protection, confirm the 120v electric heater in the plumbing bay is set to approximately 50 degrees. Make sure you have ample power by plugging into the shoreline outlet or by keeping your generator running. Your Aqua-Hot system contains its own freeze protection, but select both diesel and electric power to prevent damage in case of power loss unless the coach is stored inside an enclosed storage area. When inside, do not activate the diesel heat mode of the Aqua-Hot as the diesel exhaust can damage the building. Make sure you retract both your water refill and your sewage hoses. Keeping them outside the coach’s bay doors will expose them to freezing temperatures and possible damage. – Creslie Clark, Service Writer

Rally Update: Beautiful New Mexico Rally

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It’s not too late to sign up for our upcoming rally that combines a special evening at The Unser Racing Museum in Albuquerque and then four exciting days in Santa Fe. We have had a wonderful response so far – you don’t want to miss this one!

Sunday, April 19
3:30pm Bus departs Santa Fe Skies
An Evening at the Unser Racing Museum Sponsored by Newell Coach
5:30pm Cocktails
6:30pm Dinner followed by a Q&A with Al Unser, Sr. & Al Unser, Jr.
Monday, April 20
Free morning to register and settle in and/or drive from Albuquerque
 3:00pm Show coaches open for display
4:30pm Depart by bus for Hacienda Dona Andrea for a cocktail party and dinner

Alb

Tuesday, April 21
8:00am Coffee and pastries in the clubhouse
 9:30am- Depart by bus for The Plaza and a 90 minute open-air trolley tour of
2:00pm Santa Fe
(Blankets will be provided if it’s chilly)
Lunch in town on your own –time to explore The Plaza area
4:15pm Optional  – Depart by bus for the Santa Fe School of Cooking for a hands-
on New Mexican Cooking Class
5:15pm Cocktails in the clubhouse for those not attending the class
6:00pm Depart by bus for the Santa Fe School of Cooking to enjoy the students’
hard work

raft2

Wednesday, April 22
8:00am Coffee and pastries in the clubhouse
 11:15am- Depart by bus for scenic river raft trip
5:00pm Choose from an easy float or a level 3 white water rapids trip – Water gear
will be offered by the raft company
(Gourmet box lunches will be provided to eat on the way)
6:00pm Cocktails in the clubhouse followed by BBQ dinner
Thursday, April 23
8:00am Coffee and pastries in the clubhouse
Free day to explore Santa Fe
3:45pm Newell owners open house (participation optional)
5:00pm Depart by bus for cocktail party and dinner at The International Museum
of Folk Art

Santa_Fe_Opera_1

Friday, April 24
8:00am Farewell coffee and pastries in the clubhouse

 

The deadline to register is April 1st, 2015. For more information or to register, please contact Becky Dwyer at 888.363.9355 ext. 209 or email at BeckyD@newellcoach.com.


View from the Corner Office: Reminiscing About Cars and Coaches

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I have had a serious car problem since birth in 1945; my motorhome problem is only since I met and was infected by Alice in 1972. These are both passions that are fun to share. Car guys and motorhome guys have personal lists of exciting cars and motorhomes that are their icons. What do old men do? They reminisce. So here are my icons. “Your results may vary.”

Cars:
1949 Cadillac Coupe de Ville.
Gorgeous facelifted styling (new in 1948) with small but radical tailfins, a trend-setting modern V8 engine and a much-to-be copied hardtop body design. Cadillac crushed their Lincoln and Imperial competition on the sales floor for the next decade.

1953 Chevrolet Corvette.
Incredible design, crude chassis, poor seller, but the start of the legend that has endured for over 60 years.

1953-Studebaker-Commander-Starliner-Front1953 Studebaker Starliner (Lowey) Coupe.
Stunning beauty, especially for the time, but destined to fail commercially. A tragedy.

1955 Chevrolet, any V8 model.
The ’54 was our grandfather’s car. The ’55 was what we coveted for our generation.

1955 Chrysler 300.
Awesome power (dominated NASCAR) and beautiful restrained styling.

1961 Lincoln Continental.
After the excesses of the ‘50s, clean, compact design; elegant luxury.

1961 Bel Air1961 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible.
The mystery car.

1963 Corvette Sting Ray Split Window Coupe.
I was a senior in high school and convinced my dad HE needed the radical new Sting Ray as his dealership “demonstrator.” He bit but seldom saw the car.

1963 Buick Riviera.
A timeless, gorgeous design, backed by a chassis that handled like a sports car.

Anyone who can identify the oddity about the mystery car above wins a Newell baseball cap, except for the owner of said car and his friends. The answer will be in the next newsletter.

Motorhomes came on my radar screen when I joined my dad in the family Chevrolet dealership in 1972 and met Alice. Alice’s dad Henry owned many travel trailers, then a mid-1960s Winnebago Chieftain, and finally a luxurious 1969 Condor. Henry’s aspirational motorhome? He wanted a Newell. No kidding! He passed away in 1971 before he had a chance to buy a Newell. He and I never met, and our Newell adventure was unrelated to his aspiration. But Alice and I believe that his intervention from heaven certainly had occurred.

Following is my (partial) list of iconic motorhomes from those early days:

1972 FMC 2900.
Advanced engineering and styling with then radical rear engine (gas) power. Superior handling and driving experience for the day. But very expensive to manufacture and a big money loser for the parent FMC corporation. The design also did not lend itself to models longer than the original 29 feet, and the FMC was discontinued in 1978.

1972 GMC Motorhome.
Sophisticated and attractive styling, front wheel drive, tiny 35-gallon fresh water tank. Great for tailgating, but terrible to live in. Although a good seller, it was an expensive-to-build design and limited to 26 feet. Like the FMC, this was an unprofitable venture. The GMC Motorhome was discontinued in 1978.

Chinook1973 Chinook 2200.
Alice’s and my first motorhome. Conventional, crude engineering, but many great memories for a couple in their 20s. Our icon but surely no one else’s.

1976 Blue Bird Wanderlodge.
Introduced in 1963, the marketing, dealer organization and the interior design received a very successful makeover in 1976, and Blue Bird dominated the big coach market for the next 20 years. I became a dealer, and Alice and I enjoyed several Blue Birds between 1976 and 1980. My two original partners in Newell also had been involved with Blue Bird, in management and as a coach owner. With the diesel Blue Bird still having a noisy front engine and the Newell a rear engine, the opportunity in 1979 for success with Newell, selling for about the same price, was clear. We jumped from Blue Bird to Newell, and never looked back.

Would you like to submit your choices and short descriptions of iconic cars and iconic motorhomes for us to share in an upcoming Newells News?

Enjoy your winter!

Karl Blade
President and CEO
Newell Coach Corp.

Introducing Newell’s New Production Facility: Out of the Old and Into the New

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Move Day!

The big day is finally here! After almost a year of process mapping and planning, and after 11 months of construction, Newell Coach is moving into its new state-of-the-art production facility. By the end of November, Chuck Evans and his team of coach builders will have sifted and sorted through our current 60-year old facility and moved our workbenches, equipment, inventory and 120+ team members into our spacious new building. Some of the key changes that you will notice include:

Greatly reduced travel distance and time between production bays.
Our new layout allows the coaches to simply pull forward to the next production station without the need to retract slides or drive around our campus.

In-line water testing.
This will allow our skinline department to immediately test for water intrusions without the need to travel to our service wash bay, and improve our ability to test for leaks earlier in the manufacturing process.

Better climate control for all!
We’ve added high volume fans throughout the facility, and HVAC in our cabinet shop to improve the working environment for our team, and the temperature control for our materials.

Improved inventory management.
Our new facility allows us to store and station parts closer to where they will be installed, and adds a new service inventory location to improve our service times.

A dedicated delivery bay.
We’ve already used this for a few lucky customers. The delivery bay provides a spacious, climate controlled setting to take delivery of your beautiful new coach. Our customers are loving it!

And many more!

All of these facility improvements will allow us to spend less time on in-process waste, and more time on the things that matter most: product innovation, quality improvement, and customer satisfaction. This investment is a great example of the commitment to our continued growth and to the future of the company.

The next time you come by Camp Newell, make sure you take the time for a plant tour. We’ll see you soon!

Featured Coach: 1551

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Show coach 1551 is a coach designed with entertaining in mind. Some of the special features include: a custom extending dinette, sofas on both sides of the salon, a 48” Curved UHD 3D TV in the overhead, porcelain tile flooring, premium mohair carpet in the bedroom, quartz countertops in both bathrooms, an underlit custom solid surface galley top, and gorgeous glass tile accents. There is a combination of a light and dark toned wood laminate that makes this chic coach stand out with style.

The exterior of coach 1551 cannot go unmentioned. With colors that accent the interior color palette, a modern paint design, and our new carbon fiber paint option, the exterior paint of this coach has a fresh yet timeless look.

It’s the details that make coach 1551 the stunning coach that it is. If you want to take a more in-depth look, you can take a video tour here.

Rally Preview: Ultimate Nashville Rally

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Announcing the Agenda and Registration Information for our Fun-Filled Spring 2016 Newell Rally in Nashville

April 18-22, 2016
Nashville KOA
2626 Music Valley Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
615.889.0282

Monday, April 18th
All Day Arrive, settle in, and pick up your Welcome Packets from your Newell hosts
3:00 pm Show coaches open for viewing
5:00 pm Depart by bus for former president Andrew Jackson’s historical mansion, Hermitage.  Admire the totally restored home showcasing many of president Jackson’s original belongings and stroll through the manicured gardens followed by a private cocktail party and dinner on the property.
Tuesday, April 19th
8:00 am Coffee and pastries in the Clubhouse
9:15 am Depart by bus for a private tour of the famous RCA Studio B where artists such as Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and many more recorded their hit songs.
11:30 am Lunch at Puckett’s Grocery
1:00 – 2:30 pm Tour the expansive Country Music Hall of Fame
5:00 pm “Whiskey Chic” cocktail party and dinner  in the Clubhouse
6:15 pm – 9:00 pm Depart by bus  to enjoy an evening in premier seats at the iconic Grand Ole Opry
Wednesday, April 20th
8:00 am Coffee and pastries in the Clubhouse
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Depart by bus for the Grand Ole Opry backstage tour where you will have the opportunity to get a picture on their world famous stage (10:30 tour)
Free afternoon
6:00 pm Depart by bus for a cocktail party and dinner at The Johnny Cash Museum.  Enjoy a live performance and stories from Johnny’s brother Tommy Cash.
Thursday, April 21st
8:00 am Coffee and pastries in the Clubhouse
Free day for museums, tours, shopping, relaxing
4:30pm Depart by bus for The Palm Steakhouse
7:00 – 9:00 pm Enjoy an evening in premier seats at the historic Ryman Theater for their Opry Country Classics Series
Friday, April 22nd
7:00 am Farewell coffee and Southern Style Biscuit Bar in the Clubhouse

Please plan to join us for what is sure to be a great time in this exciting city!

Pricing
Coach and 2 people        $2300
Coach and 1 person        $1350
Each additional person $1030

For questions or to register, please call Becky Dwyer at 888.363.9355 ext. 209 or email beckyd@newellcoach.com

 

The Ultimate Nashville Rally Recap

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We had a fantastic time exploring Nashville at our Ultimate Nashville Rally. We visited former President Andrew Jackson’s historical mansion, Hermitage, toured the famous RCA Studio B where artists such as Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and many more recorded their hit songs, and dined at some of Nashville’s finest restaurants.

The post The Ultimate Nashville Rally Recap appeared first on Newell Coach.

Newell Coach Introduces the Next Evolution of Design with the p50 Edition

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Miami, OK June 3rd, 2016 – Newell Coach, the market leader in ultra-luxury motorcoaches, announced today that it has introduced the new p50 Edition body styling for 2017 model year coaches.
1600 Watermark-4
“The p50 Edition represents the newest evolution in the design of our motorcoaches. For the first time in over 20 years, and in celebration of our upcoming 50-year anniversary, we have completely redesigned the exterior styling of our coaches from front-to-back. With the help of our partners at Porsche Design, the coach maintains the classic, muscular lines and contemporary styling that has long been a part of the Newell brand, but brings a fresh and modern design approach,” stated Grant Kernan, Newell’s General Manager. “For example, we’ve transitioned away from our use of surface-mounted doors in favor of flush-mounted replacements that give the coach a much sleeker look. The most dramatic aesthetic change is in our front cap. From the fierce spoiler, to the dramatic “full frontal” windshield, to the redesigned, chrome headlight buckets, the overall design is aggressive, but refined.”
1600 Watermark-3-2
The new p50 edition not only includes a completely new aesthetic design for the coach, but also incorporates the newest technological advances from Newell Coach. This includes push-button exterior door latches, an electric-actuated entry door, remote-controlled shore cord system, and all new cab window designs with a larger driver-side window opening. Additionally, the popular Intrepid™ Coach Management System comes as a standard option on all new orders.
1600 Watermark-5
“There has been an incredible transformation in our product over the last few years: new interior design elements, cutting-edge electronics, improved drive systems, and superior paint processes, to name just a few. The new p50 Edition body design is the latest advancement, and really showcases the commitment to the styling, luxury, innovation and quality that more and more people are coming to expect when buying a Newell,” said Kernan.

The new p50 Edition body styling comes standard for all new coach orders.

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 Introduces the Next Evolution of Design with the p50 Edition appeared first on Newell Coach.

View from the Corner Office: Things Have Changed – A Memoir

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In the 40 years Alice and I have been enjoying the “big coach” lifestyle, that lifestyle has radically changed. The big coach enthusiasts of that earlier time would simply not recognize how we use our coaches today, particularly our enjoyment of luxury motorcoach destination resorts which have become the focal point of the lifestyle for so many.

We acquired our first “big coach,” a Blue Bird Wanderlodge 31, in the late summer of 1976. At the time, the motorcoach lifestyle was largely centered around short stays at “campgrounds” in scenic state parks with waterfront or mountain settings within short distances. The occasional Blue Bird rallies or FMCA national conventions were the basis for most of our trips of longer than 100 miles. In fact, at that time FMCA was oriented to the big coach owners, and these conventions attracted hundreds of bus-style coaches (conversions, Blue Birds, and Newells). This is something that has certainly changed!

On the road, KOA Kampgrounds were considered the high-end RV facilities, although our kids preferred Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts. :o) Most KOAs (and Jellystone Parks) at the time were relatively newly constructed. The grounds offered a few paved sites, but consisted of mostly gravel roads inside the gates. Electrical service was virtually always limited to 30 amps, even 20 amps on many sites! That made running more than one air conditioner a non-starter without using the generator. Of course, this was seldom an issue for us in the generally cool Pacific Northwest.

A significant subset of the motorcoach enthusiasts made annual winter season trips into Mexico. Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo were among the more popular destinations. Those were the days before the triad of drugs, crime, and gangs took travel into Mexico in an expensive-looking motorcoach off the table (without an armored escort, that is).

Unbeknownst to many of us at the time, a quiet revolution was starting in the Southeast. Randall Henderson had founded Outdoor Resorts of America and began developing revolutionary destination motorcoach resorts. The first four opened in 1972. Three were in Florida and one was located in the Tennessee mountains. Soon, ORA developed several other luxury motorcoach resorts in the Southeast. In 1986, ORA came to the West Coast with the 1200+ site in Cathedral City (Palm Springs). The facility offered innovative amenities, including a 27-hole golf course and attractive water features.

Primarily inspired by the success of the Outdoor Resorts facilities, other new luxury motorcoach resorts began opening in the late 1980s and has continued to this day. Concentrated in California (Motorcoach Country Club and Desert Shores Resort) and Florida (Pelican Lake, Crystal Lake, Naples Motorcoach and Boat Club,) resorts also opened in other attractive locations, including Breckenridge, Colorado (Tiger Run) and northern Michigan (Hearthside Grove and Petoskey Motorcoach Resort) as well as many others.

karlThe evolution of the ultra-luxury bus-class motorcoaches has gone hand-in-hand with the development of these luxury destination resorts. Newells and our market competitors, of course, offer about twice the living space as well as the amenities of a luxury home. When Alice and I tell our friends in Oklahoma that we are spending the winter in Palm Springs “camping,” we do so tongue-in-cheek.

Whether you are hopping across the country in a series of rustic KOA’s, or parked for the full season in a luxury resort, we wish you well. Happy Camping!

Karl Blade
President and CEO
Newell Coach Corp.

The post View from the Corner Office: Things Have Changed – A Memoir appeared first on Newell Coach.


Introducing the Newell p50 Edition: The Evolution of Luxury

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The Newell p50 Editions are rolling off the line.

The p50 Edition represents the newest evolution in the design of our motorcoaches. For the first time in over 20 years, and in celebration of our upcoming 50-year anniversary, we have completely redesigned the exterior styling of our coaches from front-to-back. With the help of our partners at Porsche Design, the coach maintains the classic, muscular lines and contemporary styling that has long been a part of the Newell brand, but brings a fresh and modern design approach. For example, we’ve transitioned away from our use of surface-mounted engine compartment doors in favor of flush-mounted replacements that give the coach a much sleeker look. The most dramatic aesthetic change is in our front cap. From the fierce spoiler, to the dramatic “full frontal” windshield, to the redesigned, chrome headlight buckets, the overall design is aggressive, but refined.

The new p50 edition not only includes a completely new aesthetic design for the coach, but also incorporates the newest technological advances from Newell Coach. This includes new exterior lighting options, an electric-actuated entry door, remote-controlled shore cord system, and all new cab window designs with a larger driver-side window opening. Additionally, the popular Intrepid™ Coach Management System is standard on all new orders.

There has been an incredible transformation in our product over the last few years: new interior design elements, cutting-edge electronics, improved drive systems, and superior paint processes, to name just a few. The new p50 Edition body design is the latest advancement, and showcases the commitment to the styling, luxury, innovation and quality that more and more people are coming to expect when buying a Newell.

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The post Introducing the Newell p50 Edition: The Evolution of Luxury appeared first on Newell Coach.

Featured Coach 1605: The Next Level in Business Class Luxury

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Coach 1605 takes traveling for business to the next level! This sophisticated single-slide coach is loaded with all of the extras, deemed necessary, to make business synonymous with luxury. Top of the line performance and handling, sleek p50 edition exterior styling, and the beautifully designed interior are just a few of the details featured in this new business coach.

The interior of this stunning executive VIP layout includes dual jack-knife sofas in premium two-toned leather, a front galley with a Sub-Zero under-counter refrigerator, a rear galley which includes a full-size GE Monogram refrigerator, built in Brew Express coffee maker, and a Wolf two-burner induction cooktop. The center located lavatory includes an exquisite custom wall-surround shower, full-length mirror, Corian countertops, and an elegant glass accented backsplash.

View all photos and specifications of this gorgeous coach by clicking here!

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The post Featured Coach 1605: The Next Level in Business Class Luxury appeared first on Newell Coach.

Employee Profile: Peter Ellis

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Our long-time Controller, Chris Barbee, announced this summer that he and his wife would be returning to England. We are sad to see him go, but we wish him the best in his future endeavors. The new Director of Accounting has been selected and has been able to train with Chris for the last several weeks in order to make a smooth transition. Without further ado, meet Peter Ellis.

peter-ellis-1Why Newell Coach

When asked what initially drew Peter to Newell Coach, he said he was first drawn to Newell’s overall commitment to quality. “I love the care that goes into the craftsmanship of our coaches. These coaches are real tradecraft.” Being a small town boy himself, he was also excited for the opportunity to join a team with deep roots in its community. He has nearly 30 years of experience as an Accounting Professional and hopes to add to Newell’s high standard of customer satisfaction.

Building on the Successes of the Past

With experience in a variety of industries such as Ernst and Young, IBM, and Hertz, Peter is able to bring a fresh set of eyes to his position. He is committed to excellence and bringing a positive “can do” attitude to Newell. “I feel that we honor the history of the company [Newell] with a firm commitment to success in the future. I believe that we can always find a way to do what we need to do to succeed.”

Workplace Philosophy

Peter has emphasized the importance of meeting and exceeding customer expectations both internally and externally. Having led teams in work situations and community organizations, Peter’s approach is to listen and observe before he speaks. “We have a great accounting team currently, and my short term goal is to learn from them and then to help them achieve their future goals. By so doing, we help Newell achieve its future goals.”

Fast Facts:

  •  Currently living in Norman, OK, with his wife of 35 years, Terry. Looking to relocate to a local community when his home sells.
  •  Has 3 children, all married, and 8 grandchildren.
  •  Graduated from the University of Oklahoma and bleeds crimson and cream!
  •  Has worked in finance for some world-wide companies including Ernst and Young, IBM and Hertz.

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Seasonal Service Tips & Specials

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Have you checked your tire pressures lately? Did you know that running your front tire pressures just ten pounds below Michelin’s recommended pressure reduces your rated load carrying capacity by 1,640 pounds (our standard Michelin 365)? That’s like strapping two large motorcycles (or one horse) to your front bumper! Overloading the front end of your coach can lead to a dangerous tire blowout. You can greatly increase your tires performance and reliability by following these simple guidelines.

  • Follow the 75 m.p.h. maximum speed rating of your coach tires
  • Replace the front tires the earlier of five years or by tread wear
  • Keep the tire inflation for 365 front tires at 120 p.s.i.

In the event of a tire blowout, panic braking is the absolute worst thing you can do, as it often results in the loss of steering control. Instead, immediately add throttle. Yes, we said “add throttle.” Gently applying throttle for a few seconds will add forward thrust. This counters the tendency for the coach to steer in the direction of a blowout, and assists

in correcting the drag and sideways input generated by a front wheel dropping to the ground. Once you have control of the vehicle (and your bodily functions), apply the brakes carefully and only as necessary to come to a safe stop. Remember, the hard road surface is your friend, so don’t be in a hurry to move on to the soft shoulder until you have reduced your speed and gained control.

Newell Service Center Specials

With winter approaching, now is the perfect time to make sure your coach is operating at peak performance. Enjoy the peace of mind of having a thorough, bumper-to-bumper maintenance update and inspection at the Newell Service Center. We have value pricing in effect from now through December 15, 2016 for a number of service specials.

  • $150 OFF   6-Month Preventive Maintenance
  • $300 OFF  12-Month Preventive Mantenance
  • 10% OFF    Interior Remodel Labor
  • $4,799        Road King Shock Absorber Upgrade (coaches prior to the current ZF active suspension)

Contact a Newell Service Advisor for these and other service specials.

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50 Years of Newell and Innovation

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When L.K. Newell purchased the motorhome operations of the Streamline trailer company in 1967, he brought a passion for innovation, leading edge technology and engineering to the product. L.K.’s passion remains in our Newell DNA to this day.

Streamline built their coaches on Ford 1-ton chassis. L.K., recognizing using a third-party chassis as a huge limitation, immediately introduced a Newell designed chassis built in-house. Building our own chassis (and shell) has set the Newell apart for 50 years.

Throughout the 1970s, innovation enhanced our reputation of being a unique, leading-edge product. Of course, building our own chassis set the stage for L.K.’s most visionary achievements: the custom rear-engine Newell bridge-construction chassis introduced in 1970 and then diesel power in 1972. Both of these features were light-years ahead in the motorhome industry. Together with full basement storage and lengths of up to 40 feet, direct competition was nonexistent. At the time, bus conversions featured rear-engine diesel power, but were a very niche product being built in very limited numbers.

The 1980s brought more innovation. The Newell gas and diesel engines of the 1970s were typically 175 to 225 horsepower. This situation changed dramatically with the introduction of the Detroit Diesel 92 series engines that eventually reached 500 horsepower with the massive 8V92 in 1990.

In 1985, Newell pioneered the 102-inch wide body. While technically exceeding the 96-inch maximum width regulations in many states, these obsolete laws were almost never enforced. State-by-state and over time, the state regulations were amended to reflect reality.

Mid-1989 brought the introduction of the Newell 2000, a modern exterior design that set the industry design trend for the next decade. Then within a couple of years, Newell introduced the country’s first 45-foot motorhome. So within less than ten years, the typical Newell transitioned from 40 feet long and 86 inchs wide to 45 feet long by 102 inches wide. Huge change! The next “big deal” was slide-outs, first offered beginning in 1996. Newell’s slides, of course, were very advanced, offering the first flat-floors and the first inflatable air seals.

Progress did not slow in the new millennium. ZF suspension was a big step forward in 2002.  Engineered and produced in Germany, the system provides Newells with state-of-the-art ride and handling qualities along with an active steering tag axle for greatly improved maneuverability. In the summer of 2012, the ZF system was updated, adding computer-controlled dampers which adjust 10 times per second. Using multiple sensors for monitoring vehicle dynamics
and road conditions in real time, the computer chooses the correct damper setting, whether soft (while the coach is cruising along a smooth, straight interstate) or firm (while negotiating a tight turn). No other heavy-duty vehicle built in North America, be it a bus, truck, or motorhome, offers anything close to the ride, handling, and maneuverability of Newell’s ZF active suspension with the steering tag.

Since coaches delivered starting in the summer of 2011, Newell drivers have also enjoyed the benefits of EasiSteer electric power steering. EasiSteer automatically compensates for side loads from crosswinds or the crown of the highway, greatly increasing driver comfort and reducing fatigue on those long days behind the wheel. The driver can adjust the amount of power boost being delivered by EasiSteer depending on whether a light touch or firmer steering feel is preferred.

The first Newell body design created in partnership with Porsche Design was introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model. The design was freshened several times, culminating with a front-to-back update which was introduced last year. The result has been an industry-leading smooth, contemporary appearance with detailing comparable to a fine luxury automobile, yet always distinctively “Newell.”

Innovation is in Newell’s DNA.

The post 50 Years of Newell and Innovation appeared first on Newell Coach.

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