2006 Essex and E Plex concerns

[SmokyMtnMan]

I am considering a 2006 Newmar Essex to full time next year after I retire. I am concerned about the Essex after reading about the problems and complaints with the E Plex system. Is this a big problem? Any advice and comments are appreciated.

[Miked2145]

Take a look at this link for some helpful information

http://www.irv2.com/forums/showthrea...errerid=197893

[azSkier]

I have owned a 2006 Essex for 2 years. I posted some of my experience in Miked2145's link.

Since then, I have lost additional E-Plex functionality;
1. the bedroom controller failed due to heat in Phoenix
2. The current and voltage monitoring components failed because of a High Voltage situation at a new RV park. The surge protector shutdown power at 130V, but that was too much for those components to survive.

So, I only use E-plex to manage the ACs. I have purchased a 5 button Dometic controller, but have not used it yet.

E-Plex was nice in its day, but it is obsolete now. When you get your coach, you will be upgrading the inverter, the tank sensors and the ACs within the next few years... These components are aging out. When those components have been replaced, e-plex will be a distant memory and your coach will be working fine.

The rest of the coach is very well supported by Spartan, Cummins and Newmar. Overall, I consider this a better situation than owning a comparable coach from Monaco of that vintage.

Other upgrades to be aware of....
1. Slide out motors. Several of mine have been leaking oil and getting weaker. I have replaced the Salon Motor and will replace the kitchen motor before summer.
2. HydroHot. My controller was intermittent and the burner was leaking fuel and couldn't be fixed. I have replaced both.

TVs, radios, and the backup camera. I just finished replacing my backup camera with the wired unit from Rear View Safety. Got it from Costco for $199 and paid a tech about $350 to run the cable and install the camera.

I upgraded the inverter to the Magnum MSH3012. I also installed the Seelevel tank monitor.

The appliances won't last forever. I have replaced my refrigerator.

As for the chassis, my turbo has been replaced twice. And the EGR stuff is problematic... as it is for all ISMs of that era.

As you can see, the Essex has many systems. The e-plex situation kind of fades into the background.

I consider my 2006 Essex as the best option (at that price point and feature set) for continual modernization.

Hope this all helps!

["007"]

Welcome to the forum
Here is a Brochure and Owners Guide for the coach.

Below in my signature are links, one of others, to E-Plex info in QT's # 3 supplied by Essex members on forum and this link of ESSEX OWNER's discussions.

More info that maybe of interest.

This link will lead you to all TSB's and fixes for the coach.

As you can partially see much info on E-Plex in most cases people have had a problem, much with operation & programming, items can fail but with any older coach that will happen also.
Good luck in your quest.

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by SmokyMtnMan

I am considering a 2006 Newmar Essex to full time next year after I retire. I am concerned about the Essex after reading about the problems and complaints with the E Plex system. Is this a big problem? Any advice and comments are appreciated.

As AZSkier has mentioned, an Essex has lots of systems. Slightly related to your question is the vintage .... a 2005 Essex has a conventional electrical system and DOES NOT use E-Plex. Most of the other stuff in a 2005 is the same as a 2006.