- Joined
- Jul 27, 2019
- Messages
- 11,599
- Location
- Midlothian, VA
- RV Year
- 2017
- RV Make
- Newmar
- RV Model
- Ventana 4037
- RV Length
- 40' 10"
- Chassis
- Freightliner XCR
- Engine
- Cummins 400 HP
- TOW/TOAD
- 2017 Chevy Colorado
- Fulltimer
- No
I attended the FL Custom Chassis presentation at Newmar hoots which I didn't think much would catch my attention but I was wrong. I was very impressed with the presentation on the technologies now available and things coming to FL chassis (plural). A new front suspension that apparently replaces IFS, I think they call it VFS which sounds interesting. The technology in the dash and getting all functionality up front is impressive. Good discussions on drive train, engine, engine braking, etc. that I wish I could remember completely and detail here but it was very informative. One thing the dash has integration for but Newmar and others don't use "yet" is the side warning system like cars have when someone is approaching at your side. I asked him after the presentation why we don't have it because that is the one thing with RV's are the blindspots and concerns of not seeing a small vehicle on our sides. He said the reason right now is the antenna system is large and ugly and it detracts from the lines and appearance of the motorhome. Of course I mentioned "well, cars have..." and I guess that doesn't work on these big rigs. Trucks have this and maybe keep an eye out for the ones that do and we'll see how large the side "puck" antennas or whatever are.
But I was impressed with the details of the latest generation of FL chassis work and integrations, technology, etc. that it makes me think...yeah, no, staying with what I have. But it is exciting and much needed work paving the way ahead and definitely leading the industry. Impressive!
Ohh, he said pull those lanyards in your wheel well 10-15 seconds every 6 months. And raised concerns over air dryer and/or filters and how important it is to change those I think it was either 1 or 3 years, can't remember, but it goes by the date on the filter, not the date of your service so ask and pay attention. I go to Gaffney every year so they handle this and I trust them.
Also of note is the OASIS service network of FL service centers means these are RV equipped and trained (standards of knowledge but also required tools and equipment) centers. I wasn't aware of what the "OASIS" tag meant but now I know. So if you need RV service, try to find an OASIS service center. But he said before going to any service, always call 800-FTL-HELP and they will tell you what you need and where you should go. This is for the lifetime of the coach, any owner, not original owner. They take this customer service offering extremely seriously and their top priority and want us to use it. He mentioned that they tried using "coach-net" for service one upon a time and it's an epic failure, their offering is about getting you towed, not providing expertise or services as they don't know the chassis system to the level needed, so they have taken the great efforts to make sure you have the assistance you need 24x7x365 as I personally validated when calling them on Labor Day with a breakdown and they answered and helped. They don't want you going to voicemail, they said you should expect someone will answer when you call - awesome! Warranty is now 5 years and 100,000 miles to align with Cummins.
I believe the OASIS service network is over 90 facilities and also they have supply centers strategically placed around the country to get you parts if not same day, definitely next day.
They are doing this right, very comforting to here all of this great detail and how they are supporting their customers.
But I was impressed with the details of the latest generation of FL chassis work and integrations, technology, etc. that it makes me think...yeah, no, staying with what I have. But it is exciting and much needed work paving the way ahead and definitely leading the industry. Impressive!
Ohh, he said pull those lanyards in your wheel well 10-15 seconds every 6 months. And raised concerns over air dryer and/or filters and how important it is to change those I think it was either 1 or 3 years, can't remember, but it goes by the date on the filter, not the date of your service so ask and pay attention. I go to Gaffney every year so they handle this and I trust them.
Also of note is the OASIS service network of FL service centers means these are RV equipped and trained (standards of knowledge but also required tools and equipment) centers. I wasn't aware of what the "OASIS" tag meant but now I know. So if you need RV service, try to find an OASIS service center. But he said before going to any service, always call 800-FTL-HELP and they will tell you what you need and where you should go. This is for the lifetime of the coach, any owner, not original owner. They take this customer service offering extremely seriously and their top priority and want us to use it. He mentioned that they tried using "coach-net" for service one upon a time and it's an epic failure, their offering is about getting you towed, not providing expertise or services as they don't know the chassis system to the level needed, so they have taken the great efforts to make sure you have the assistance you need 24x7x365 as I personally validated when calling them on Labor Day with a breakdown and they answered and helped. They don't want you going to voicemail, they said you should expect someone will answer when you call - awesome! Warranty is now 5 years and 100,000 miles to align with Cummins.
I believe the OASIS service network is over 90 facilities and also they have supply centers strategically placed around the country to get you parts if not same day, definitely next day.
They are doing this right, very comforting to here all of this great detail and how they are supporting their customers.
