King Aire? When Does It Get Good?

[Lug_Nut]

Today I was at North Trail picking up parts and stuff. They had three King Aires all open for inspection, so I did.
What a disappointment in some areas, not all.

First, the tile was square with the coach, not layed at a 45 degree angle. The 45 degree looks better and in general is more expensive in motor coaches, houses and more. It takes considerably more time and material to do the angle stuff. I guess the bean counters beat this one up.
Wow!!! The front seats. No embroidered model name in the head back rest "Essex", Mountain Aire". Just a fricken' seat. Looked like an entry level seat set. I guess the bean counters beat this one up.
The "leather" material quality, does not seem to equal the Essex or, for that matter, the Mountain Aire. I guess the bean counters beat this one up.

Unfortunitely I did not have time to totally check the unit out, but will in future. There are nice features that present great value on this coach, so why do they do these things to take away from that?

The key may be to order it custom. Pay what you have to to get the quality you want. Remember, these bean counters could never understand the benefits and features of this, and if they could, have absolutely no idea what it does or what it means. (No offence JL)

JetsMan, pay attention!

Peter

[Lug_Nut]

Today I was at North Trail picking up parts and stuff. They had three King Aires all open for inspection, so I did.
What a disappointment in some areas, not all.

First, the tile was square with the coach, not layed at a 45 degree angle. The 45 degree looks better and in general is more expensive in motor coaches, houses and more. It takes considerably more time and material to do the angle stuff. I guess the bean counters beat this one up.
Wow!!! The front seats. No embroidered model name in the head back rest "Essex", Mountain Aire". Just a fricken' seat. Looked like an entry level seat set. I guess the bean counters beat this one up.
The "leather" material quality, does not seem to equal the Essex or, for that matter, the Mountain Aire. I guess the bean counters beat this one up.

Unfortunitely I did not have time to totally check the unit out, but will in future. There are nice features that present great value on this coach, so why do they do these things to take away from that?

The key may be to order it custom. Pay what you have to to get the quality you want. Remember, these bean counters could never understand the benefits and features of this, and if they could, have absolutely no idea what it does or what it means. (No offence JL)

JetsMan, pay attention!

Peter

[Jestme13]

Maybe they decided to put the money into more quality that you can't see, (exorcising out the gremlins) then all the glitz that really means nothing. That would sound like money well spent to me.

[Lug_Nut]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Maybe they decided to put the money into more quality that you can't see, (exorcising out the gremlins) then all the glitz that really means nothing. That would sound like money well spent to me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

No, I don't think we are talking about glitz here. Floor covering paterns and seat trim and quality are base features of a high line product.

[Lane]

As a retired bean counter I feel compelled to come to the defense of all bean counters everywhere. First, unless you work for Star Bucks, there are no beans to count. Second, counting is a skill way beneath the advance math skills needed in the profession and most bean counters have forgotten how to count. So, what do we do? Even though I'm retired, the ethics of the profession still prevent me from divulging any details - other than to say there is massive guess work involved. Early in my career I was told by the president of an engineering firm that accounting should NOT be the tail that wags the dog. I soon learned the meaning of that analogy as we get hit with the stuff that excretes from the dog just below the tail. Now you know the real reason accountants wear eye shields. Specific to the points raised by "the skipper"�, the cost of placing the floor tile on a diagonal versus straight is (I'm guessing) about $352.63. The imprint on the seats is probably in the $5 to $5.25 range. Seems insignificant, but the accumulated cost of these saving factors could eventually be the difference in making a $700,000 coach affordable. I know the dealer discounts should be factored in but I cannot find my calculator. Ok, I have my visor on, let me have it.

[rebelsbeach]

John, in a declining RV market it's apparent that Newmar's bean counters are simply following suit with their counterparts across the board and "dumbing down" the offerings in favor of a tighter margin or at least in an attempt to match what everyone else is doing.

It's so funny.... The King Aire came into existence to "match" the Travel Supreme Select Limited which was it's counterpart on a K3 Chassis.
With the recent fiasco over in Wakarusa with regard to Travel Supreme, looks like Newmar won that battle for now.

It will be interesting to see the prolonged effect this floundering economy continues to have on the RV industry as fuel prices continue to rise and there becomes less and less money to spend on it in a familial situation.

[JavaJelly]

John,

Nice. Thanks for the morning smile.

[soricobob]

Lugnut-I appreciate the fact that the report you gave regarding the King Aires at North Trail included such detail. Those things are important to me.
However, I must point out a comment you made, with which I disagree. You stated that one could pay what you have to to get the quality you want: not so. You pay extra to get the features you want, you just hope for the quality.

[saydiver]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Lug_Nut:
Today I was at North Trail picking up parts and stuff. They had three King Aires all open for inspection, so I did.
What a disappointment in some areas, not all.

First, the tile was square with the coach, not layed at a 45 degree angle. The 45 degree looks better and in general is more expensive in motor coaches, houses and more. It takes considerably more time and material to do the angle stuff. I guess the bean counters beat this one up.
Wow!!! The front seats. No embroidered model name in the head back rest "Essex", Mountain Aire". Just a fricken' seat. Looked like an entry level seat set. I guess the bean counters beat this one up.
The "leather" material quality, does not seem to equal the Essex or, for that matter, the Mountain Aire. I guess the bean counters beat this one up.

Unfortunitely I did not have time to totally check the unit out, but will in future. There are nice features that present great value on this coach, so why do they do these things to take away from that?

The key may be to order it custom. Pay what you have to to get the quality you want. Remember, these bean counters could never understand the benefits and features of this, and if they could, have absolutely no idea what it does or what it means. (No offence JL)

JetsMan, pay attention!

Peter </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think Newmar created a less glizy design on purpose to appeal to people like DH and I who prefer a modern, less glitzy coach design and until they came out with the King Aire, we liked the design of the Mountain Aire over the Essex.
Sue

[Lug_Nut]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">However, I must point out a comment you made, with which I disagree. You stated that one could pay what you have to to get the quality you want: not so. You pay extra to get the features you want, you just hope for the quality. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is, sadly, the truth. Quality and price point have little to do with each other. But, let's face it, I never give up the chance to blame it on the bean counters.

John, Wow, you're good on a Sunday morning. You know I didn't really mean everything I said about the Bean............., Oh heck, I did. If you gave them their way, electric start would be an option on both the engine and generator.

Other than that, I love them!

Peter

[rebelsbeach]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">John, Wow, you're good on a Sunday morning. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Darn retiree syndrome kicking in again Peter.... I suffer from it as well!!

Today is SATURDAY

[Lug_Nut]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Darn retiree syndrome kicking in again Peter.... I suffer from it as well!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh yeh! That's because the clocks went ahead last week or so, plus I'm more west than you Bob. I think it's supposed to be nearly Sunday here.
Yep, the retiring syndrome.

Peter

[Jetsmania]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">JetsMan, pay attention! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi Peter!! Here I am! I wish you had more time to look. Your post could have taken up 2 pages. Please remember I have always said that the KGDB is an Essex on Steroids! With that said, I will answer your thoughts, and use your Essex as the measuring stick against it: I agree with the Tile, with Newmar trying to have a more contemporary look than Essex they turned it. It makes the coach look longer and wider when set like that. We will probably go with the Essex look. The front seats are way more comfortable then the Essex (if that is possible) and the passenger seat is wider. I missed the fact that the name of the coach is missing. Could it be they are waiting to put Jill & Paul on the seats?? I personally like the coach name on the seats! What you missed on your tour: The couches are made by Villa and the leather is as soft as the Essex. They have a much more modern look then the Essex. They are very hard when you sit on them. We will order ours with the nice and comfy double pillow back Essex couches. The multiple camera system is really nice. it can be viewed and controlled from both the dash and bedroom. Multiplex lighting and other controls are a great feature. The high gloss modern cabinets and hardware along with funky sinks, etc, appeal to those of us whom are not stuck in past generations of tradition! New for '09: 650HP A new drop dead entrance way. Most coaches are gettin an aprox. 2" wider doorway. KGDB only, will have a all Corian entrance way. Sides and steps are done in Corian. The steps have ropelighting under them. The steps also have removable covers (where the treads are) so that you can store shoes, etc. underneath. The steps are stationary. A cover slides accross them for when you are underway. Comfort Drive is now adjustable in all coaches. There are quite a few more changes, to many to list now. Most of them will be in Essex and possible MADP also. The MADP, Essex & KGDB all have come out with new floor plans. The most notable for us, the full wall slide with a bath and a half. It is available on all 3 models. I can keep going but I will close with this: Newmar has raised the KGDB aprox $14,000. For that you get a 650 HP (instead of a 600, Monaco charges $20,000 for that upgrade) electric power shades standard (the silhouette shades are an upgrade) a jaw dropping entrance, and a bunch of little things. Plus you are still on a K3 chassis which has a lot of upside over the K2. Is it worth the extra aprox $110,000? Good question. At this point Jill and I like the KGDB quite a bit. We feel Newmar has made the right steps towards making the KGDB seperate from the Essex, but have a ways to go. We still feel nothing in the market comes close to the KGDB at its price point or higher. It is still a great thing,that the Essex is the benchmark, that all other models try to compare to. I will gladly take a Essex on Steroids. I cannot wait for the Amigos and the Dr. to pick apart our KGDB if we go foward. In closing I will say: DR. PETER (with 650 Hp) you will be only a spec in my rear monitor!! Paul

[Route 66]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">DR. PETER (with 650 Hp) you will be only a spec in my rear monitor!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gregory! You've infected another one.