Comfort Drive video

[KenSherwin]

I'm getting ready to shoot a new video explaining the ColumnDrive (that's Comfort Drive in Newmarspeak). For those who have Comfort Drive, that points do you appreciate that I should include, and for those who don't have it, what can I explain. If you would rather PM me rather than post, please feel free. One thing I am already planning is to get a professional voice-over for the narration, rather than the way the other one was done.

All comments will be appreciated.

[KenSherwin]

I'm getting ready to shoot a new video explaining the ColumnDrive (that's Comfort Drive in Newmarspeak). For those who have Comfort Drive, that points do you appreciate that I should include, and for those who don't have it, what can I explain. If you would rather PM me rather than post, please feel free. One thing I am already planning is to get a professional voice-over for the narration, rather than the way the other one was done.

All comments will be appreciated.

[GaryKD]

I do not have CD. I have driven a demo coach with CD. What is meaningfull to me is:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>Auto self centering when driving at highway speeds(cross winds, high crown, etc)
<LI>Assistance during a tire rapidly loosing air
<LI>Ease (reduced driver input required) of staying straight, at highway speeds
<LI>When backing, the self centering capability that allows the driver to line the coach up and let go of the wheel to back in straight.[/list]
While the coach is parked, go cramp to cramp with the driver's pinky finger.

While parked, go to a cramp position and let the wheel return to center, without the coach moving.

[soricobob]

I don't have one either, but I was told that if I did my trade would be worth more!

[Bigblock]

One of the great benefits is no free play in the steering compared with conventional steering systems,lower driver fatigue at the end of the day,and the wonderful self centering ability while making a turn or low speed manuvering.Also hardly any kickback in the steering wheel.I just love it.!

[Explore America]

Hi Ken. I don't have Comfort Drive(CD), but have driven two Newmar coaches with CD installed. Probably the biggest misconception I've heard from people who do not understand CD, is that they're hesitant to own a coach with CD for the fear they will lose steering if CD should fail. They think it is strictly a "fly by wire" system. What they don't understand is that CD does not replace the steering on a Spartan Chassis. This point is not brought out in the CD video.

I think the point could be most effectively illustrated if you could rig a system which turns CD off during a demo drive, to show that the driver retains full steering control, even with CD off.

The only other point I could suggest is that IMO, the CD video would be more effective with a "without CD" video clip followed by "with CD" video clip, when illustrating each of the benefits of CD. Although the current CD video does verbally explain the difference, a visual demo would be much more effective.

For those who have not seen the current CD video, you can find it on Newmar's website here .

Good Luck!

-Robert

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[RVDude]

First, make the point that CD is not fly-by-wire but a computer controlled electrical assist on the existing hydraulic steering if I said that all right.

Then, drive through a Kansas 60mph crosswind with a single pinky finger for a few mins explaining what effort you are (not) using to maintain straight and narrow, especially as you duck under some bridges which shield the wind. Look ma, no effort and no sudden swerves as the wind is blocked.

THEN flick a switch to turn off CD and have the video showing you holding on for dear life and dodging any wind lulls. Can't get more convincing than that.

For the more geeky, I like to think of CD, right or wrong, as an electric stepping motor where the windings surround the steering column which is the armature. To me this shows a clear add-on component which provides additional and specific control. Ken, you being a designer of CD I would appreciate you thoughts if this is a valid way to think about it....

[Route 66]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I think the point could be most effectively illustrated if you could rig a system which turns CD off during a demo drive, to show that the driver retains full steering control, even with CD off. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Newmar's test drive coach at the factory does have that ability.