Newmar Essex vs. Marathon Prevost

[NealC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc_Mzyzrahk

[Mr.Mark]

That is an interesting video.

On the Prevost site, there is always an argument/comparison on whether to spend $850,000 on a new Newmar (or any other brand) or buying a used Prevost. The Prevost would be about 9-12 yrs. old depending on the converter (Liberty Coach, Marathon, Millennium, Featherlite, etc.).

The video is not really comparing apples to apples. A three yr. old 2016 Marathon would retail for about $1.4-$1.6M (depending on how many slides) vs. a 2019 Newmar. So, the price difference is not as high as shown.

Safe travels,
Mark

[Ricci]

Hi Neal - I've noticed a few of his YouTube videos. Generally they lack consistency and almost always miss the point. They also provide information that contradicts from one video to another other. The comparison between these motor homes makes no sense as they are two different products that basically share the fact that they are on wheels. It's a disservice to both coaches. But then again we know how important the presence of over spray is. I'm willing to bet if the Essex was more expensive he'd like it better. You learn a lot washing cars.


Tom

[Baffled]

Seems like a pointless comparison. The only merit in this would be if the Newmar came out close to even in the comparison, so why spend an extra mil+ when you can get the same quality for 1/3 of the price. Otherwise you better get a heck of a lot more for all the extra cash, which seems to be the case. Even then it's pretty hard to justify unless you're extremely wealthy.

[sheridany]

I have not watched the video.
I know a few owners of Prevosts coaches and what I hear from them almost universally putting quality and price points aside is the service network for the high end coaches is outstanding.

If you happen to have an issue, you can call and talk to someone who is knowledgeable and experienced. If you need to have it serviced or repaired, they will make the arrangements to find the service center and follow through on making sure you are taken care of. I also have heard the documentation and schematics is extensive for those coaches.

Likewise, one owner was showing me his bays and it is impressive how everything from electrical to amenities (fold out bbq, TV etc) are laid out but you pay for that. Is it worth that much more, it depends on the owner.

If you are not mechanically skilled and you want top line care/service, it might be worth it for peace of mind.

[tom chelbana]

In 2007 and 2008 Newmar built as few as 25 LONDON AIRE's that were special constructed off the assembly line that were the equal of the Prevost level for a fiberglass coach.
The cost at that time was 1 million dollars and still would have been a million dollars less then a Prevost. We have only seen about 5 since we saw the first one in 07. They really were special and we had heard that Newmar lost hundreds of thousands of dollars on each one. They were not built on a assembly which allowed Newmar to have the highest standard of quality. It would have been nice to compare a 08 LONDON AIRE to a 08 Prevost conversion which still would have cost a million dollars more. We have visited Marathon Prevost a couple times and with only building 25 or less coaches they can build a better coach then King Aire for 1 million more. We are lucky to have our LA as retired educators and have been happy with our Newmar's since 97.
Newmar Man

[Mr.Mark]

Originally Posted by tom chelbana

In 2007 and 2008 Newmar built as few as 25 LONDON AIRE's that were special constructed off the assembly line that were the equal of the Prevost level for a fiberglass coach.
The cost at that time was 1 million dollars and still would have been a million dollars less then a Prevost. We have only seen about 5 since we saw the first one in 07. They really were special and we had heard that Newmar lost hundreds of thousands of dollars on each one. They were not built on a assembly which allowed Newmar to have the highest standard of quality. It would have been nice to compare a 08 LONDON AIRE to a 08 Prevost conversion which still would have cost a million dollars more. We have visited Marathon Prevost a couple times and with only building 25 or less coaches they can build a better coach then King Aire for 1 million more. We are lucky to have our LA as retired educators and have been happy with our Newmar's since 97.
Newmar Man

Not sure if I understand exactly what you are saying. Are you talking about the 'fit and finish' on the inside of the London Aire was comparable to Prevost? Did Newmar use a different chassis? The slide mechanisms would be totally different too.

Prevost's have a Monocoque built chassis and heavy-duty commercial drive-train parts. Prevost have real front and rear bumpers and uses an extremely high quality fiberglass and stainless steel (XL Chassis's) exteriors.

I'm sure that model London Aire was a nice coach but built totally different than a Prevost.

Safe travels,
Mark

[univmd]

Originally Posted by Mr.Mark

Not sure if I understand exactly what you are saying. Are you talking about the 'fit and finish' on the inside of the London Aire was comparable to Prevost? Did Newmar use a different chassis? The slide mechanisms would be totally different too.

Prevost's have a Monocoque built chassis and heavy-duty commercial drive-train parts. Prevost have real front and rear bumpers and uses an extremely high quality fiberglass and stainless steel (XL Chassis's) exteriors.

I'm sure that model London Aire was a nice coach but built totally different than a Prevost.

Safe travels,
Mark

An 08 London Aire seems closer to a 2020 King Aire than an 08 Prevost.

[Road Pilot]

We had an Essex that we traded for a Millennium Prevost. We now own a 2018 Millennium. We owned the Essex for 3 years and spend many days in Nappanee or other repair facilties.

There is no comparison between a Prevost and a Newmar. I have been to the Newmar factory many times and I've been to the Prevost factory 3 times. They are built out of solid stainless steel. They are built to be over the road buses that will easily see 2 million miles. They are so many Prevost buses running around the country, service facilities are everywhere. And Prevost itself, if we have a problem with any year bus, we can call their 800 number and they will help us. 20 year old buses have electrical schematics and parts list on the web, by individual bus number.

I have had Monaco, Newmar and Prevost. We were not very lucky, our Newmar and the service we received fell well below Monaco and Prevost.

[rebelsbeach]

Originally Posted by univmd

An 08 London Aire seems closer to a 2020 King Aire than an 08 Prevost.

You owe me a new keyboard, as I just spit my sweet tea all over this one.

I was one of the sixteen or so retail LADB owners back in 2008... For giggles. do an iRV2 Newmar forum search for "Bob's LADB Adventures" or something of the sorts.... It was not a pretty experience. Newmar later admitted they were way over their head with what they were trying to do... I had pneumatic pocket doors and EPLEX and all sorts of goodies.... And lots of issues as well.

Last year I was at North Trail and came across an old "08 LADB that they couldn't "give" away because it still had issues they couldn't fix....Never knew what happened to that coach, but I assume it was wholesaled.

There's no comparison from the standpoint of an '08 LADB to anything made in 2020....

[NealC]

He's bashing Newmar again. I suggest all Newmar owners just not use this guy for detailing! Won't get my business.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJrgFWg2ayg

[tom chelbana]

Originally Posted by rebelsbeach

You owe me a new keyboard, as I just spit my sweet tea all over this one.

I was one of the sixteen or so retail LADB owners back in 2008... For giggles. do an iRV2 Newmar forum search for "Bob's LADB Adventures" or something of the sorts.... It was not a pretty experience. Newmar later admitted they were way over their head with what they were trying to do... I had pneumatic pocket doors and EPLEX and all sorts of goodies.... And lots of issues as well.

Last year I was at North Trail and came across an old "08 LADB that they couldn't "give" away because it still had issues they couldn't fix....Never knew what happened to that coach, but I assume it was wholesaled.

There's no comparison from the standpoint of an '08 LADB to anything made in 2020....

There is no comparison between any London Aire and any Grand Design. A big step backwards.
Newmar Man

[Ricci]

Neal - He also is acting as broker/sales agent on YouTube despite his saying he is just a man with a camera. Hope he gets sued, what a BS artist.


Tom

[RKins]

Originally Posted by tom chelbana

There is no comparison between any London Aire and any Grand Design. A big step backwards.
Newmar Man

Huh??? He didn't mention anything other than Newmar. Unless you quoted the wrong post.