2007 Essex

[deanjeep]

We currently have a 2000 Mountain Aire with just one slide. We are thinking about looking for a 2007 model Essex with the bath and a half floor plan. Was just wondering if there are any red flags with the 07 or maybe even the 08 Essex's.

Dean Miller

[Lug_Nut]

No known issues to my knowledge. The cooling package fan configuration went through several modifications but I beleive all were upgraded.
I have been very happy with mine. Mine is a model 4503 while you are looking at a 4508.

Peter

[Iron Man]

We have the 4502 and are very happy with it.

[Steve N Sal]

Glad you joined us. I'm sure you'll get the info you need in the search of your new rig. Enjoy the forum, be safe and Happy Motoring!!!

[Chickadee]

Dean:

Traded our 06 Mountain Aire for our current 4502, 08 Essex, and as real full timers we really like this rig. Have had no, what we'd call, MAJOR issues, except we're currently fussin around with one of the two bedroom slides (psngr./curb side) that doesn't seem to want to close without someone leaning against the outside to assist as it retracts. Even had Nappaneee work on it to no avail at last June appt., but will have to try again if we can get in to the shop on our way South in a week or so.

Steve & Lynette

[deanjeep]

Thanks so much for the info. I assume with the 500 horse engine none of you gave had any issues with overheating as you climb through the mountains??? This has been the only real issue we have had with our mountain aire but then we only have the 350 horse engine in ours.
Thanks again,
Dean

["007"]

Welcome Dean to the Newmar forum & irv2.
If you go to COM_NET2 link in Quick Tips you can find TGB's on any coach you may want to look at.
It has Brochures and Owners Manuals on coach's since 1999.

[OldHiker]

I have the 4508 and have had it for 4 years. Will not ever have the one bath model.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chickadee Dean: Have had no, what we'd call, MAJOR issues, except we're currently fussin around with one of the two bedroom slides (psngr./curb side) that doesn't seem to want to close without someone leaning against the outside to assist as it retracts. Even had Nappaneee work on it to no avail at last June appt., but will have to try again if we can get in to the shop on our way South in a week or so. Steve & Lynette

Have the same trouble with the main slide on our '02 DSDP too. Replaced the controller with no change. The slide quits just as it's starting to rise up. Had it "fixed" in 2004 but it's never really worked right.

[Iron Man]

We pull a Avalanche and have been over most of the west and had no overheating or power issues.

[ottffss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanjeep Was just wondering if there are any red flags with the 07

If the radiator fan is BLACK in color and the 90degree drive box attached to it is iron (use a magnet) you are up to date on the very ugly cooling fan issue. Otherwise you must get that updated from Spartan immediately. The problem parts were a non-black fan and an aluminum drive box (among many other items that are replaced along with those signature tell tale parts).

Search irv2 for the "dipstick burn through" issue and make sure that patch has also been done. This is a very minor thing that will look like a holy disaster if it happens. The Spartan fix is a piece of asbestos heat shielding tube covering the part of the plastic dipstick tube that goes right near the turbo.

Make sure the Spartan "tag axle" campaign has been done (if needed) by calling Spartan with the VIN.

Take a very close look at the tag air bags for any abrasion. There is an ongoing "non campaign" to shift the position of the tag bags about half an inch forward to relieve possible rubbing with a frame member by the tag bags. Those taking their rigs to Spartan will automatically get this inspection done and free replacement of bags and relocated mounting holes as needed - they might not even tell you they did it. You can tell if has been done if there is a second bolt hole drilled in the lower mounting plate immediately in front of the original (now unused) bolt hole through which the bag is now bolted.

Check the Newmar TSBs at the Newmar site - one that comes to mind is possibly one missing main battery interconnect wire.

Make absolutely sure the Norcold (if so equipped) refer has the "black box" Norcold refer recall installed. Again, search irv2 for pictures of what to look for.

Hope this helps...

[ottffss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanjeep had any issues with overheating as you climb through the mountains???

With the ISM on a K2 combo like the EX has, never even a flinch of temp issue towing numerous times over all the so called "nasty" passes - Eisenhower, Wolf, Show Low, and yes even Yosemite's Tioga Pass the absolute grand daddy power plant fryer of them all in the dead heat of summer while towing. Though coming down Tioga is the only time I have had to manually drop to first gear for engine braking at a whopping 10-15mph for 8miles, but I rarely had to hit the chassis brake.

But.... Do keep your cooling package reasonably clean. Air blow - from the inside out - the radiator once a year using a rubber tipped air gun to protect the delicate radiator fins. When I do I wind up totally dusting up the neighborhood every time. It holds that much dirt and dust.

[MBnKen]

You also might want to make sure the 2007 was made with the C-tek walls and not the old laminate. The old laminate will have the paint checking problem at some point and you will be looking at a fairly expensive fix. I am not sure if it was in the 2007 or 2008 model that was converted to C-tek.

[Iron Man]

Check with Newmar, mine was a later 07 and had ctec siding.