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.
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