Defects With a New Coach

[P&GD]

Understanding that motor coaches are not built like cars and each coach is different, does anyone have an idea of the "usual" or average number of defects that one can expect when buying a new coach? I have an Essex which is pushing 35 separate issues ranging from chassis, electrical, fit and finish, to windows. We consider ourselves very fortunate in two previous Winnebago Class A's to have had less than 5 in total. Such a low amount of defects seems a bit lower than usual (not complaining though). Newmar has been honoring the warranty without a problem; just beginning to think my coach has taken too much of a shine to hanging out in the Service Garage.

Any thoughts on the subject are appreciated.

[akadeadeye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by P&GD Understanding that motor coaches are not built like cars and each coach is different, does anyone have an idea of the "usual" or average number of defects that one can expect when buying a new coach? I have an Essex which is pushing 35 separate issues ranging from chassis, electrical, fit and finish, to windows. We consider ourselves very fortunate in two previous Winnebago Class A's to have had less than 5 in total. Such a low amount of defects seems a bit lower than usual (not complaining though). Newmar has been honoring the warranty without a problem; just beginning to think my coach has taken too much of a shine to hanging out in the Service Garage. Any thoughts on the subject are appreciated.

We had a similar number of issues, all minor, the first year of ownership. Hardly any since then. A local dealer took care of the first few then we went to the Newmar factory before the warranty ran out and took care of some more, none critical. All the work was performed well and we have had no issues since then except for the "operator error" kind.

Don

[RickO]

Hi and

You can find a lot of opinions on this by using our search feature. It's very common to have a long list of items which need to be repaired under warranty on a new coach. You were very lucky to have only a hand full on your previous Winnies.

One of the best pieces of advice I've ever gotten was on our shake down weekend in our new Itasca 40DP. We were complete rookies and the guy in the spot next to us in a new Monaco told me to not get upset when I began finding things which needed to be fixed because it would take a year to get the bugs worked out of any new coach.

Turns out he was right.

I think the general feeling many of us have is that we feel when we spend big bucks on a new coach it should not come with so many problems... but they all do... regardless of whether we paid $100K or >$1M.

Good luck

Rick

[Steve N Sal]

Welcome to the forum and hope you enjoy your time here. We didn't buy ours new but it came with all the original workorders and paperwork and believe me it had the same issues you're talking about. We are so glad though that the original owners took care of all of them for us. Just a few minor things in the past four years but nothing we couldn't take care of. Hope you can enjoy all your travels after they iron out the problems which I'm sure they will. Be safe and Happy Motoring!!!!

[buckeyeduffer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO Hi and You can find a lot of opinions on this by using our search feature. It's very common to have a long list of items which need to be repaired under warranty on a new coach. You were very lucky to have only a hand full on your previous Winnies. One of the best pieces of advice I've ever gotten was on our shake down weekend in our new Itasca 40DP. We were complete rookies and the guy in the spot next to us in a new Monaco told me to not get upset when I began finding things which needed to be fixed because it would take a year to get the bugs worked out of any new coach. Turns out he was right. I think the general feeling many of us have is that we feel when we spend big bucks on a new coach it should not come with so many problems... but they all do... regardless of whether we paid $100K or >$1M. Good luck Rick

The "one year" to satisfaction was what we experienced as well. Finally got the last nagging issue solidly resolved at the three year point, (screwed up leveling system) which I think was an OEM problem that no one could find until Lazydays fixed it for us last month.

We originallly had a punch list of some 35-40 items, most fixed in 1st year. Our biggest B____/frustration was the lack of quality control at the Damon (Thor) factory and thier demonstrated attitude that extensive aftersale fixes is the industry norm and an accepatable way of doing business.

Our unit was down for over 125 days (in warranty service) for the final punch list to be completed. I felt a little better after talking to a Prevost owner(s) in New Orleans last November and they related the same experience.

[wa8yxm]

It varies from coach to coach. However I would expect ZERO, and be very willing to complain (As I did) when I find some. That said, I had no major issues with this coach save for loose screws.. one on a windshield wiper and several in the electrical main panel. I retightened the electrical screws and let the shop do the wiper (Since I was there already) only other issues warranty wise were a self-removing windshield (That was the big one ) and 3 recalls and one TSB. None of the recalls were major issues for me at least.. Though one resulted in a very funny story. The TSB was major but as it happned I was on the way to the shop (Factory warranty plant) when that manifested so it took me exactly NO time to get it fixed.

[GaryKD]

Hi P&GD,
I'm not sure where you are and where you are traveling in 2012, but like posted earlier and what I did; go the the factory with your list and get everything closed out. One just can't beat factory techs. You must have a reservation for the work you want done. To secure an appointment, please call Newmar Customer Support at 1-800-731-8300 or email Phil Stilley, service writer, at pstilley@newmarcorp.com.
Go to The Newmar Factory Service Center | Newmar Corporation to learn more.

I'm no longer under warranty. I have already made an appointment for July to get some items taken care of.

[Perry White]

That's the problem going back to factory. Might have to wait 3 months for appointment. Warranty's still running.Get a good Newmar dealer. Still might take a month. When your new coach is a year old, look me up, because that's how I usually buy mine. 1/2 price and the bugs already run out.

[GaryKD]

The appointment for July was my choice and for my convenience. Newmar had nothing to do with the date except to accept it. I do not know their backlog for a high line coach.

[P&GD]

My thanks to all for the quick replies.

[Perry White]

Last time I made appointment, I made it in middle of August and the first available was Nov 8th. ( and mine;s an Essex) Worth the wait for me, but I wasn't down.

["007"]

Welcome P&GD to the Newmar forum & irv2.
We have all experienced problems with coach's whether Newmars or SOB its just the nature of the beast I am afraid.
Even my gas coach has had a few in the first year your ESSEX has much more options and sophisticated options that need to be worked out by learning the how's or fixing what needs to be done to get working.
In Quick Tips & Mods there is much information on some of the problems that members have had and what they did to resolve them.
We are always here to help.
Congratulations good luck with your coach and many safe miles for you.
Enjoy the forum and do post often.

[read & learn]

P&GD If you make an appointment with the Factory while still under warranty and they will extend the warranty date to cover your problems if they can not get you into the factory before the warranty expires.

[dougburi]

Two points about motorhome problems:
1. One thing breaks everyday except on days when two things break.
2. No motorhome, from assembly to junkyard EVER has EVERYTHING working 100% right.

On that cheery note and to be serious; Perry White et. al. above have it right; 90% of problems happen in the first year and are fixed underwarranty. I suggest, as others have, that non-critical problems should be taken to the factory for the best service, knowledge, and parts availability, etc. As we move up in cost and complexity in a coach so does the number of problems that need addressing. It will get better - just hang in there.