Any options or specials that you probably wouldn’t do again?

[Neemer]

I’m going over a build sheet for a new DSDP and would like to get some feedback from the group on a few of the options.

Girard package; I love the look, but am wary of the $$$. Anyone have buyer’s remorse?

Collision mitigation, adaptive cruise?

Sat dish for DTV. I’m not certain that this is worth the effort given the way streaming taking over this function.

That’s all at this point. I’ll have more questions, I’m sure.

 

[sheridany]

forget the hammock....i have never used. I have never used the outside tv either but then I am less than even part-time so others may opin differently. I think you are correct about satellite and I would spend the money to make the coach internet enabled to allow streaming as that appears to be the future. Hopefully, some of the experts will chime in. there is a thread on specials here on the forum...https://rvforums.com/threads/newmar-owners-post-your-specials.116/ that is really insightful.

 

[redbaron]

I would avoid the collision system. It has many troubles with false alerts, false braking, and is a bolt on item that will surely cause trouble down the road.

As for satellite, I struggled with that decision 2 years ago. I bought it, and we use it, but infrequently. I could get along without it most of the time.

I have Girard, and love the slide toppers and window awnings. They make the package worth while. The angle is such that water and debris never collect on the slide toppers.

The main awnings look cool, and the upgrade will be far more usable than the standard awning. The Girard main awning is less usable than the carefree or dometic, but neither are options available to you.

Must have heated floors. If you have never had them, just blindly trust and order. You will thank me.

Must order sanicon 700...its worth every penny.

 

[MapNerd]

I’m full time and we did not get the outside TV. We don’t even watch enough TV inside. As for the Girards, they’re nice but I wish I’d gotten the manual awnings in addition. The Girards can pretty much only be used when there is no wind at all. They can take a light breeze but anything that might blow a paper off a table and I bring em in. They’re an expensive repair of the wind damages them and I don’t trust that wind sensor one bit.

If you’re thinking of getting a Wifi Ranger, don’t. Just add a special to have newmar run a CAT6 and Coax cable up there from your DS/ODS front OHC. Then get a pep wave, cradlepoint or MoFi.

add a light to the pegboard bay. I use it for its intended purpose and really haven’t had any issues with tools falling as others may have, but the thing that bothers me the most about it is there is no light in that bay. It’s literally the only bay without a light and I don’t understand why.

do get the recessed docking lights.I’d mistakenly assumed that not getting that option would mean that my docking lights would just not be recessed into the body. The truth is that not getting that option means you don’t get any docking lights at all.

Personally, I’d steer clear of those driver assist functions for now. I haven’t seen even a major automaker do a good job with those yet, I can’t imagine FL or SP would do any better. I’d expect those systems to be much more primitive and subject to more false-negatives and positives. A huge problem in a 20-ton bus if you ask me.

 

[J&JD]

X2 or 3 or 4 on the heated floors. Worth every penny. Sure wish you could order HWH Active Air from Newmar.

 

[ARD]

Sat dish for DTV. I’m not certain that this is worth the effort given the way streaming taking over this function.

I wonder everyday why I still have an account with DTV when I hardly watch TV and when I do, I use my Roku or Apple TV to stream. If you do decide to get the satellite, I would recommend setting it up for Dish instead of DTV. DirectTV's future is not looking very good. Additionally, some of the major networks are no longer available on DTV.

 

[ARD]

Ditto on the heated floors. And I like my Girard Awnings....no buyer's remorse.

 

[Neal]

Hello, I'm here to confuse you!

When I'm somewhere long enough and in a nice camping destination I do enjoy my hammock but it takes up quite a bit of space in the slideout.

I would get the external TV. I rarely use it but you can always remove the TV and have a great storage area, more pegboard, whatever. Again, I'm never settled enough to use these things, always on the run. When I'm anchored down and the bugs which I despise aren't eating me alive then I'll use it.

My DISH TV is deactivated, not sure when I'll reactivate it. Apple TV and OTA is enough for me most of the time. If you have a good Internet setup then SAT is out. But if you are battling data caps, etc. then SAT may be your sanity.

 

[NWIP]

I like the adaptive cruise but wish I could turn off the collision mitigation system, of course ACC is part of it. I have outside TV and do use some and think it is of some resale value. I am not big on data as I am retired and so don’t stream a lot, I agree that if good internet is important and data cost is acceptable streaming would be the way to go.

 

[Neemer]

Great feedback! You are an awesome group.

 

[Fitztrux]

Stay away from the Euro Booth Dinette. You lose the queen size sofa bed plus is is not a comfortable option. Looks good though....

 

[redbaron]

Stay away from the Euro Booth Dinette. You lose the queen size sofa bed plus is is not a comfortable option. Looks good though....

That depends on floor plan if you lose the sofa. 4369 I have euro booth, large queen sleeper, and jack knife bed.

I find it comfortable for 1 per side...not so much for 2 per side.

 

[Fitztrux]

Makes sense. I have the 4326 Bunk Model.

 

[BuckyII]

I find it comfortable for 1 per side...not so much for 2 per side.

We also find it comfortable for 1 per side. And, the storage drawers under each bench are very handy.

 

[FSU Camper]

We upgraded each closet door to have auto LED lights when they open. Worth every penny and this was an inexpensive upgrade.

 

[Old-RV'er]

We put the Sat Antenna on the roof, but in hindsight, would have used a ground based unit, and saved the money. I also would not get the Sky Ranger unit, 5G is coming out in the next 2-3 years, and so it will be obsolete by then. I love the all electric coach, so would get all that, wish we had gotten the heated floors and we should have spent money on the Cherry interior.

Otherwise I like all the other stuff we got. NM Put in the macerator toilet, and that makes dumping easier, still got the slinky hose, but stuff is just a slurry. If I think of anything else, will list it here. Wish they had a fixed OTA antenna instead of the crank up model, but such is life.

 

[Neemer]

Any thoughts about the built-in nav system? I’m inclined to not go there.

 

[Old-RV'er]

All - I have heard the adaptive cruise control/collision avoidance has lots of braking issues. We did not have that as option. Two different folks at Mothership were talking about it, and both said it's more trouble than it's worth. The auto braking feature especially will put you through the windshield. I have NO personal experience with it, just what I heard.
No don't get the Roof Satellite feature, and if you choose to, have it setup for Dish, DTV is going down the tubes as ATT is wrecking the business. We cancelled ours, and OTA and using internet at home have more channels than when on DTV. Saving 60 a month doing that.
I found that updating the Onboard NAV in dash system keeps it working fine. What I don't like is it's planning/routing/campground location process is not like any other unit on the market. Planning a trip on RM "trip planner" site is fine, take some getting used to. I have been trying for 8 months to setup account on their system, no joy. The process of saving the trip to CHIP, is also not intuitive so takes a little getting used to.

We wish heated floors, and the cherry interior is beautiful if you like that color. One owner had lots of trouble with the induction range, ours has worked perfectly, his has too much voltage going to it, and believe that burns it out. He had 3 of them. Sure there is more once brain wakes up.

 

[Neemer]

We love cherry cabinetry, but unfortunately, cherry is not available on ‘21 models. Only a variety of maple finishes.

 

[Jabber Jaw]

For OTA , order the Razar automatic antenna. It searches for all the local & OTA channels, then all you have to do is go to your TV, and do a "channel scan", & it uploads the stations to your TV.

I ordered the Wineguard open face TV satellite for DISH! It is automatic, works well for me, & the really nice thing is that you can sign up for the "DISH, Pay as You Go" account. It is billed monthly, & if not using it, don't pay; then call & reactivate when needed. Plus there all all types of packages available, for sports, news, etc. Base package is just OK, not too may real good channels, in my opinion. Also the Wineguard has two coax connections, which means you can connect front & back TV's separately, view different channels, but has to be on the same satellite!

I did not order the Navigation system, as I had heard too many negatives about it. And FYI...Garmin RV770, RV895 both do a great job, & have lifetime updates at no cost!

It depends on the coach selected, & the model, but some have a "fireplace" available, & it has a built in heater. An enjoyable option, & creates great ambiance!

Last special I did was to replace the sofa with the "theater seating", which the DW & I both love! Power recliners, a nice console, & USB ports built in as well!

Folks have different wants, desires, & needs, and that is the beauty of ordering a Newmar!

And there are numerous knowledgeable Newmar owners in this forum, that can give you good advice & direction!

Enjoy the process, have fun, enjoy the coach, & safe travels!