Seeking Opinions on Newmar DP Motorhomes

[BucketList]

I am considering purchasing a Newmar DP motorhome........either an Essex or King Aire. Not sure if it will be a new 2012 or possibly used upwards of a max of 4 years old. I am interested in candid opinions of what this forum thinks of Newmar's reputation in the industry, their quality and their customer service. I did not want to first post this in the Newmar Forum Section since I believe I may get biased opinions. I will say that so far I am not impressed with the factory's customer care dept. I have placed 2 calls and 2 emails on inquiring about their product over the last 2 weeks and have yet to receive a reply.

[RickO]

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sure you'll get a lot of response to your question soon and, although I've never owned a Newmar, I'm sure it will be overwhelmingly positive based on my reading of many thousands of posts.

Best of luck.

Rick

[Mr_D]

We wouldn't have anything else unless we got a SUPER deal on it.

[DRL1950]

Got our new Ventana in October and have hd no issues at all, would highly reccomend

[Steve N Sal]

We love ours. The fit and finish is first class on the interior. I just wish they would have stepped up to the plate a little better regarding some issues they had with some exterior workmanship though. Would I purchase another one? Probably, but the exterior would get a real inspection.

[Qwert66]

Yes we would buy a Newmar again. Customer service is knowledgable and courtious. We have a 1999 and everything still works as planned. Of course it's a little dated but that is ok. We have made many calls for customer service and technical answers along the way on the chassis, engine as well as the coach as it was our first motor home and we were learning. The only downside we have is that the cost for their parts seems high vs other places and then they tack on a processing fee in addition to shipping. We think it's the industry causing the prices and the salesman on the other end of the line getting comissions - no proof just our opinion. Very happy overall with our Newmar experience.

[jv52]

I have a new to us 2006 Kountry Star. On our maiden trip out I blew a fuse in the front of the coach. I tried all breakers with no luck so I found Newmar customer service number and they were wonderful. He told me immediately that I needed to re-set the inverter breaker and stayed on the line until I found the switch outside the coach. I am very pleased with Newmar.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Sorry to hear that Newmar has not responded. I drove M/H"s for 3 years for a large West Coast delership. Every brand new and used before I decided on Newmar. I would buy again only coach I would consider, if I could afford, would be a Newell.
Several forum members could give you insight on Essex and King Aire-Jetsmania(Paul) has a 2012 King Aire, cwg (Chuck) and lugnut (Peter) have Essex.

[GaryKD]

Hi BucketList,
I have a positive view of Newmar products and the company. If you have not received a reply from Newmar, about a purchase, consider contacting John Sammut (jsammut@newmarcorp.com). There is something about Newmar you will not know, feel or see until after you make a purchase. The company is small enough that you become part of the Newmar family. I purchased an 05 KSDP (new) and the Miller family still greets me by name. If you purchase a King Aire or Essex you'll be provided additional numbers and names to call where ever and when ever you need assistance. When receiving service at the Newmar plant location, you'll be able to visit your coach and speak to the techs while service is being performed.

[DBeauchamp]

VR Emond, a RV dealer from Quebec city in Canada with an office in Margate Florida has a King Aire 2009 with about 10,000 miles on it. Their phone number in Quebec is 418-836-5050. The King Aire is in Florida at the Aztec RV Resort. My only connection with them is my purchase of my motorhome last August which turned out to be very pleasant. I am also very pleased with the product and I have called the factory a couple of times, they were very helpful.
www.vremondd.com

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBeauchamp VR Emond, a RV dealer from Quebec city in Canada with an office in Margate Florida has a King Aire 2009 with about 10,000 miles on it. Their phone number in Quebec is 418-836-5050. The King Aire is in Florida at the Aztec RV Resort. My only connection with them is my purchase of my motorhome last August which turned out to be very pleasant. I am also very pleased with the product and I have called the factory a couple of times, they were very helpful. www.vremondd.com

All in French and I haven't used French since I got out of high school in 1965! From what little I can see of the pictures it looks pretty nice though, wish they were higher resolution though.

[BucketList]

Thanks to all of you who have replied. I appreciate your insight! I am now going to post this question on the Newmar forum. I would however expect mostly positive comments there but in the end my goal is to make the best decision. Thanks to all again!

[Snomas1]

They give great customer service over the phone to help you solve a problem, especially if you are on the road. We felt that the interior finish and quality of materials were better than most MH mfgr's in the same price catagory.

[Perry White]

If you have the bucks and want to brag you have a new one go for it. I bought a two year old Essex three years ago and Nada says it's worth 80 grand more now than what I paid for it. first year of new most travels are to dealer or factory for hit list. I've seen '09 Essexs for under $290,000 with low mileage. Up to you. Only thing is on 2011's on down to '06's is that the E-Plex computers could cause you problems due to availability. I'd like to trade up to a newer one but I don't like the single windshield. Comfort Drive is nice so is full wall slide.. I'd go for another Essex in a dime store minute. Great service from the factory and haven't found a bad Newmar dealer service or parts Dept that I didn't like.
If you are thinking about one. take a trip up to Nappenne to the factory. That will clinch it.
Perry

Of course, my wife says if I didn't look forward to working on it, I'd be in the old folks home by now.