2024 Newmar New Aire

[turbopilot]

Have you had any luck with Lithionics directly or are you getting the "go talk to your Newmar dealer" response?

Best,
-Mark

Yes, I am from the Victron world too. Just do it yourself. Just starting on this project but so far stalled because the installation manual is not on line.

It appears we need the 4 port combiner versus the 2 port combiner, associated battery cables, the battery and the setup instructions to tell Lithionics BMS about the additional amp hour capacity to calculate SOC correctly. NIRVC is pointing me to Master Tech to get it done. So I may have to wait until I pass through Indiana if don't find a resource out West.

 

[MarkMaxPayne]

Yes, I am from the Victron world too. Just do it yourself. Just starting on this project but so far stalled because the installation manual is not on line.

It appears we need the 4 port combiner versus the 2 port combiner, associated battery cables, the battery and the setup instructions to tell Lithionics BMS about the additional amp hour capacity to calculate SOC correctly. NIRVC is pointing me to Master Tech to get it done. So I may have to wait until I pass through Indiana if don't find a resource out West.

And I am out West as well. To me plug-in-play means it is supposed to be relatively easy to do. Even DIY easy... I believe it is easy, from what I've seen and done myself before, but if you cannot get your own dealer to do it or you have to spend 4+ days on the road each way to drive half across the country for a factory (or Master Tech) appointment, then it isn't plug-in-play.

Lithions had a 3 way combiner, do they not carry that any more? If not, the 4 way combiner will also require a jumper DIN connector for the unused port. IMHO: Newmar not installing the 3 way combiner and calling this plug-n-play is pushing the truth somewhat.

I also assume there is some procedure where the new battery has to be plugged in by itself, charged to the same level as the other 2 batteries, then the other 2 added back in so they start off somewhat near balanced.

I love the Master Tech videos they have out on their YouTube channel. They look very experienced on all things lithium (Lithionics and Battle Born), inverter chargers, alternators, and solar (with or without lithium), etc. For this supposed "plug-in-play" upgrade installation it would be curious if they would be willing to help address this gap in the market Newmar has created within their own dealer network. I'd order from them and install following their instructions in a heartbeat.

Best,
-Mark

 

[turbopilot]

I love the Master Tech videos they have out on their YouTube channel. They look very experienced on all things lithium (Lithionics and Battle Born), inverter chargers, alternators, and solar (with or without lithium), etc. For this supposed "plug-in-play" upgrade installation it would be curious if they would be willing to help address this gap in the market Newmar has created within their own dealer network. I'd order from them and install following their instructions in a heartbeat.

Best,
-Mark

There is a video on YouTube interviewing a Lithionics spokesman who have said they do not want to play to the DIY sector for "safety" reasons (obviously taking a shot at Victron). So I think we are stuck.

 

[turbopilot]

And I am out West as well.

New subject. Have you done a 4 corner weight on you 2023 3543? I am finding some interesting numbers as I compare the 2018 NA3343 to 2024 NA3543.

The 2018 NA3343 was very nose heavy. Without any cargo, just full diesel, my NA3343 only had about 1,800 lbs available before hitting the front axle GAWR. This was a big deal since most of the weight associated belly storage plus passengers in the front seats went to the front axle. I wonder if this was an issue in the blow out of the right front tire of the NA3343 in the video just posted on the Rettroband thread. They were full timers and likely carrying a lot of weight.

While the 2024 NA3543 is 2,195 lbs heavier before adding diesel than my 2018 NA3343 there was a significant amount of weight shifting that should have driven more weight to the rear wheels in the 2023/2024 models. For instance, the 3543 engine is 500 lbs heavier than the 3343 behind the rear wheels and the batteries are now 364 lbs lighter located far forward near the left front tire. All other things being equal the C/G of the 3543 coach had to shift aft with these weight shifts reducing the weight on the front axle.

The other factoids of interest. The Frieghtliner chassis weighs 100 lbs more than the Spartan chassis for 2024. Also the heaviest floor plan is the 3543 weighing 500 lbs more than the lightest floor plan the 3549. I have no idea why.

Here is the 4 corner weight for my 2018 3343. Note the company that did the weighing flagged my front axle weights with yellow as borderline.

 

[MarkMaxPayne]

New subject. Have you done a 4 corner weight on you 2023 3543?

Coming from a prior Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Class C I was very paranoid about weight. No 4 corner weight yet, but I was quite happy to see at a CAT Scales weigh in just after topping off fuel with full fuel and full fresh water, weight on the tow hitch, both driver and passenger in place, and a fully loaded rig (inside and in the basement) I had plenty of room to spare on both front and rear axles. Yay!

I am on the Spartan Chasis. Will get 4 corner weight at next RV show to see what I should move around underneath if I need better balance.

Best,
-Mark

 

[turbopilot]

Coming from a prior Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Class C I was very paranoid about weight. No 4 corner weight yet, but I was quite happy to see at a CAT Scales weigh in just after topping off fuel with full fuel and full fresh water, weight on the tow hitch, both driver and passenger in place, and a fully loaded rig (inside and in the basement) I had plenty of room to spare on both front and rear axles. Yay!

I am on the Spartan Chasis. Will get 4 corner weight at next RV show to see what I should move around underneath if I need better balance.

Best,
-Mark

That is good news. So that heavy engine is worth more than just more torque.

 

[Neal]

Factor in Lithium batteries vs. AGM's in forward weight as well.

 

[turbopilot]

Factor in Lithium batteries vs. AGM's in forward weight as wel

Yes, 364 lbs removed from the area behind the left front tire. What surprise me more was the fact the Freightliner chassis weighs more the Spartan. With all hype about a heavier chassis with the Spartan I thought it would have been the other way around.

 

[Rd1]

the Freightliner chassis weighs more the Spartan. With all hype about a heavier chassis with the Spartan I thought it would have been the other way around.

The 'reason' likely is due to newmar modifying the chassis rails. The original beams are removed and newmar installs their own, so they can lower the body within the frame rails. Newmar is likely adding alot more support to stabalize the freightliner version, hence the extra weight. But, the best proof is, when at newmar, one should go and visit the chassis lot. It used to be close to the old newmar camp ground (x the street). Or sometimes sun or early monday you can see the flat bed truck that brings chassis from freightliner and spartan to newmar is parked near the old campground.

IF you were to compare spartan chassis with like freightliner chassis, there is no comparison! The freightliner is the very cheaper version. NOw, if someone likes the way their freightliner handles, fair enough. But you have to see the 2 side by side to appreciate the differences.

If you go to any RV show, freightliner will likely not bring the same comparable chassis as spartan has on display. They will have other models, but not a comparable one. You do not need to be an ME, to appreciate the differences. Newmar factory may be about the only place you'll have a chance to compare the 2 like chassis from spartan and freightiner. btw, this is not a plug for spartan. just simple observation.

 

[turbopilot]

IF you were to compare spartan chassis with like freightliner chassis, there is no comparison! The freightliner is the very cheaper version. NOw, if someone likes the way their freightliner handles, fair enough. But you have to see the 2 side by side to appreciate the differences.

This is an area I know nothing about. I had a 2018 NA 3343 on a FreightLiner chassis and while I had a lot of problems with that coach, ride quality or frame issues were never an issue for me. It rode and handled great, mostly because it was so relatively small and nimble compared to a typical Class A. So I have no frame of reference about how a "cheaper version" of a chassis might impact the ownership experience. It just surprised me to see the FrieghtLiner version weigh in 100 lbs more than Spartan when so much of the hype around Spartan is the larger gauge steel used in the rails.

One other thought. I think it is possible these differences between Freightliner and Spartan chassis my be more appreciated in the long wheelbase Class A's. The New Aire is a "short bus" chassis without a very long run of chassis rails. The older 3343 NA was only a 206" wheelbase while the 3543 is only 20" longer at 226" for the wheelbase. So logically chassis strength is going to be much more important with 10' longer rails and the weight of the tag axle system going into the mix.