5 Newmar Options - Worth it or Not?

[Dan McMartin]

There are several options Newmar offers (on the Bay Star at least, though I know they are also available on other coaches) that we are considering. Was wondering what you all thought. Some are new to 2018 so answers might be speculation and we may have to call the factory to get solid answers. Still, I'd like to know what you all think...

Rear Ladder? Looks spindly and probably not able to support my weight. I'd think buying our own would prove safer and maybe even cheaper.

Blu-Ray Players? Not expensive but more than we could buy them for. Is the wiring still there if I don't order them or would I have to run HDMI cables myself? I don't think that would be hard in our particular model, the 3113. The AV cabinet is right next to the TV in both cases.

Bose Solo 5 Sound Bar? More than double than what I could buy my own for and there are probably better options. It just sits under the TV so install would be simple. Leaning against.

Wifi Ranger Sky Pro? Leaning against this one too. We'd like to get one but at $700 more than I could purchase myself I could install my own. Unless Newmar installs some kind of cable penetration device that I could use for other purposes, doesn't seem worth it. I'd have to penetrate the roof later anyway to install any other gadgets like a Weboost.

6-way Power for Driver Seat? Seems like a waste for over $600. I don't have that in my Jeep and don't mind.

Thanks and look forward to your input

[chuckster52]

Originally Posted by Dan McMartin

There are several options Newmar offers (on the Bay Star at least, though I know they are also available on other coaches) that we are considering. Was wondering what you all thought. Some are new to 2018 so answers might be speculation and we may have to call the factory to get solid answers. Still, I'd like to know what you all think...

Rear Ladder? Looks spindly and probably not able to support my weight. I'd think buying our own would prove safer and maybe even cheaper.

Blu-Ray Players? Not expensive but more than we could buy them for. Is the wiring still there if I don't order them or would I have to run HDMI cables myself? I don't think that would be hard in our particular model, the 3113. The AV cabinet is right next to the TV in both cases.

Bose Solo 5 Sound Bar? More than double than what I could buy my own for and there are probably better options. It just sits under the TV so install would be simple. Leaning against.

Wifi Ranger Sky Pro? Leaning against this one too. We'd like to get one but at $700 more than I could purchase myself I could install my own. Unless Newmar installs some kind of cable penetration device that I could use for other purposes, doesn't seem worth it. I'd have to penetrate the roof later anyway to install any other gadgets like a Weboost.

6-way Power for Driver Seat? Seems like a waste for over $600. I don't have that in my Jeep and don't mind.

Thanks and look forward to your input

Hey, the only person who can say whether the options are worth it or not IS YOU THE BUYER OF THIS MOTORHOME....why would you even care if me or other people on think they are or aren't..you are the one paying...Chuck

[Skip426]

JMHO. Electronics are for the most part obsolete the day they hit the shelves, some owners report the warranty had expired on their devices before their coaches were built. .
Ladder supports my 285 lbs. and beats digging out one tall enough to access the roof for a 2 min inspection.

That being said , the power seat , for getting just the right position for max comfort on an all day drive.

[Dan McMartin]

Originally Posted by chuckster52

Hey, the only person who can say whether the options are worth it or not IS YOU THE BUYER OF THIS MOTORHOME....why would you even care if me or other people on think they are or aren't..you are the one paying...Chuck

I don't disagree but I don't discount the value of other folk's opinions, especially if they've owned a motorhome, possibly for years, and I have not. I'm not expecting others to make my decisions, just give me a little incite.

[Forkyfork]

Originally Posted by Dan McMartin

I don't disagree but I don't discount the value of other folk's opinions, especially if they've owned a motorhome, possibly for years, and I have not. I'm not expecting others to make my decisions, just give me a little incite.

If you are so inclined I would pass on the electronics especially if the wiring is there. However, if you cant do it without it looking rednecked then I would get the ones they offer. The advantage to factory wiring is its already hidden and you dont have to realize what you want to do wont be possible because of something in the way you didnt know about after drilling a hole somewhere. Also dont cheat yourself because you might never have the cash to do it. Wrapping it into financing can be an advantage that way.

I bought a rig with all the old tech and heavy CRTs that people passed up because they didnt want to deal with updating it. You pay for it now or later if you want top dollar on resale.

The ladder. I personally wont buy a rig without a ladder. I may still bring my own but what you think is a spindly ladder can hold quite a bit of weight. it is another "hole" in the roof and sides that requires attention/sealing just like anything else.

I used the ladder on my old class C a lot. I want to be able to get up top and address a situation quickly without having to dig a ladder out of some cubby its wedged into when I just want to go up there and see if the loud clunk was me cleaning an air vent cover off the roof going through some trees. lol Or heaven forbid you should rip the flexible roof part. I know someone that caught a tree, didnt check and the roof peeled up while driving. You are more likely to put off checking when you have to unpack half the basement to get the ladder out.

[BBelanger]

I wish there was a ladder on the DSDP. Having said that, it sure looks a lot cleaner without it.
Adjustable seat? Absolutely. Or learn to live with what they thought was the right position for you.
Blue Ray? They won't run wires for you to install your own stuff without it being a special, easier to get theirs. I am happy enough with the one provided.
Sound bar? I'm not that type of boomer and campgrounds are not the place to show off a sound system. But if you're into music, it might be worth it, again to have the wiring done.
Wifi ranger? Why would anyone spend any money on getting the worst internet in the world into their coach?
My 2

[Dan McMartin]

Originally Posted by Forkyfork

If you are so inclined I would pass on the electronics especially if the wiring is there. However, if you cant do it without it looking rednecked then I would get the ones they offer. The advantage to factory wiring is its already hidden and you dont have to realize what you want to do wont be possible because of something in the way you didnt know about after drilling a hole somewhere. Also dont cheat yourself because you might never have the cash to do it. Wrapping it into financing can be an advantage that way.

I bought a rig with all the old tech and heavy CRTs that people passed up because they didnt want to deal with updating it. You pay for it now or later if you want top dollar on resale.

The ladder. I personally wont buy a rig without a ladder. I may still bring my own but what you think is a spindly ladder can hold quite a bit of weight. it is another "hole" in the roof and sides that requires attention/sealing just like anything else.

I used the ladder on my old class C a lot. I want to be able to get up top and address a situation quickly without having to dig a ladder out of some cubby its wedged into when I just want to go up there and see if the loud clunk was me cleaning an air vent cover off the roof going through some trees. lol Or heaven forbid you should rip the flexible roof part. I know someone that caught a tree, didnt check and the roof peeled up while driving. You are more likely to put off checking when you have to unpack half the basement to get the ladder out.

I see the wisdom of the ladder. It's not much so I might as well go ahead and get it.

I tend to agree with the electronics. The sound bar seems to be a no brainer. It's not wired through the coach. It wires directly to the TV. I can find better ones and for less. I don't think I'll be getting that one.

The Wifi Ranger is an interesting quandary. It's something I believe we will invest in sooner or later. But I'd rather have a WeBoost to pull in weak cellular signals. Far more useful for our intended camping style but Newmar doesn't offer that. Only the Wingard with the expensive Wingard data plans.

If the Wifi Ranger includes some sort of roof penetration that I can use in the future for other gadgets, it's probably worth the $700 premium so as not to have to penetrate the roof again.

If it doesn't include that, maybe just a dedicated penetration that can't accommodate other gadgets, I would have to penetrate the roof again to add anything else. If I have to do it once anyway, why pay the extra $700?

I'm going to my dealer to see a 2018 Bay Star and it has a Wifi Ranger. I can take a look then and decide. I'd rather use Newmar's hole in the roof if I can but if not, I'll pass and make my own later.

[Luv2go]

We really like the power seat. I adjust it (more than just front to back) at least three times in a long trip, wish our Roadtrek had it, it's much more comfortable. My wife likes it because she can get it just right for her as well.

Another vote for ladder also. We use it all the time.

[knightstorm]

The ladder comes in handy - the label says it's rated for 300lbs.

The power seat makes it easier to change driving position on the go. I haven't seen the non-power version so I don't know if the upgrade also provides more adjustments. I would like to see more/adjustable lumbar support in the seat but that is not available.

If Newmar is mounting the router in the AV cabinet (outlets there are powered by the optional inverter) the cable route from the roof to the slide is a long one and easier to do when the coach is being built.

If you know what devices you will be adding, see if Newmar can pre-wire for them or install flexible conduit for future cable pulls.

My (2017 3113)unit has ordinary DVD players with HDMI cables run to the TVs. Swapping out one or both for blu-ray is easy.

This a little off topic, but try to set up your wireless devices on the 5G band. The last time I was out, I had trouble with a 2.4G peer-to-peer connection over 15 feet. I think campground wireless is going to turn into a real channel war as more people set up their own networks in a small area.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Dan McMartin

There are several options Newmar offers (on the Bay Star at least, though I know they are also available on other coaches) that we are considering. Was wondering what you all thought. Some are new to 2018 so answers might be speculation and we may have to call the factory to get solid answers. Still, I'd like to know what you all think...

Rear Ladder? Looks spindly and probably not able to support my weight. I'd think buying our own would prove safer and maybe even cheaper.



6-way Power for Driver Seat? Seems like a waste for over $600. I don't have that in my Jeep and don't mind.

Thanks and look forward to your input

Ladder - YES - When you need it - you will be Happy you have it - so the repairman can get to the roof.

6 way Power seat - YES - Don't leave home without it - if you ever need to pull a couple long days - you will thank Me.

No I don't enjoy getting my 240# on the roof but when necessary the ladder works.

Again we try to just take our time when we are in the Coach -but somedays I can Hear the Granddaughters and end up way out of my comfort zone.

In the scheme of things, that little extra will sure be appreciated later.

JMHO,

[Desertboyz]

Originally Posted by Dan McMartin

I

The Wifi Ranger is an interesting quandary. It's something I believe we will invest in sooner or later. But I'd rather have a WeBoost to pull in weak cellular signals. Far more useful for our intended camping style but Newmar doesn't offer that. Only the Wingard with the expensive Wingard data plans.

If the Wifi Ranger includes some sort of roof penetration that I can use in the future for other gadgets, it's probably worth the $700 premium so as not to have to penetrate the roof again.

We are going with the WiFi Ranger SkyPro option and are having a second connection run as a Special for our WeBoost for cellular connections.

[Lug_Nut]

I agree with those that say to order the 6 way seat. You have to consider that positioning it just right is not only for driving, but for turning around in camp.

I personally would go without the ladder. It is a much cleaner look and the roof can be accessed using a step ladder to reach a slide top and climbing over.

Peter

[vsheetz]

Ladder is also used as a flag pole mount point, ham radio antenna attachment, etc.

[vsheetz]

I would not buy the wifi Ranger option. For $500 less there are other viable options, if you need a wifi booster at all.