Alert Girard Awning Mounts WRONG!!

[sheridany]

Send us pictures of your Newell and copy of your bank statement after the purchase please. Check out the steerable tag on @CaptainGizmo new coach...Flip a U turn on a regular road.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Ok gang...not real good news, here.

I got the engineering plans and, frankly, they raise more questions than they answer. I've called Newmar and spoken to, yet another rep, and seem to be going downhill in "attitude", but whatever, I have plenty of energy and volume left in me. The rep (Rick) seemed to be irritated with my questions as to the accuracy of the plans vs. how my coach was built. He said, "what difference does it make; just have the repair shop call us and we'll get them the information to get repair done."

I apologized for my desire to know exactly how my $400,000 coach was constructed BEFORE having someone CUT into the roof, if that's NOT what is needed.

Some major questions are on the table, waiting to see what they come up with:

1. I’m assuming the floor plan is, in fact, a DS4369 even though the graphic is not the right layout.
2. Page 1 and 2 are not commensurate with each other. Two different bracket and backer locations!
3. WHY did they move (and extend) the backer ONLY on the Driver Side when it’s the passenger side that has the awning and needs the mounts to support the weight of the arms?
4. So, the problem is, we don’t know if the wrong roof jig was used on my coach, and the backer AND the mount were NOT put in wrong location. OR, was the backer CORRECT, but somehow, just the MOUNT was put in the incorrect location?

These questions are very important, since they will dictate just HOW the repair shop makes the repair. IF the backer is, in fact, in the right spot but somehow the mount was incorrectly located, it’ll be a VERY simple task of moving the mounts to the right spot and fill in a half dozen screw holes. No hole will be cut in the roof.

I'm not certain where the problem in production occurred, but for your reference, mine was released in January 2019. These plans were revised way before that, so I don't feel it's a "mid-year" oooopie issue.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Send us pictures of your Newell and copy of your bank statement after the purchase please. Check out the steerable tag on @CaptainGizmo new coach...Flip a U turn on a regular road.

Been there, watched that. LOL

And, btw the way, my DS4369 will turn circles inside that Newell. But, I don't care since it's gonna be a perfect, trouble-free coach!!

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Been there, watched that. LOL

And, btw the way, my DS4369 will turn circles inside that Newell. But, I don't care since it's gonna be a perfect, trouble-free coach!!

I know several people with Newells and, while they are very nice coaches, they have issues too. There is no such thing as a "trouble-free coach."

And, if you need service on the road, you'll probably be going to some of the same places as Newmar owners go; Cummins and major RV dealers. Annually, it is recommended that you take your Newell coach back to the mother ship in Miami, Oklahoma, for service. Kinda sound like the annual Newmar pilgrimage to Nappanee, doesn't it?

TJ

 

[CTI2000]

Ok gang...not real good news, here.

I got the engineering plans and, frankly, they raise more questions than they answer. I've called Newmar and spoken to, yet another rep, and seem to be going downhill in "attitude", but whatever, I have plenty of energy and volume left in me. The rep (Rick) seemed to be irritated with my questions as to the accuracy of the plans vs. how my coach was built. He said, "what difference does it make; just have the repair shop call us and we'll get them the information to get repair done."

I apologized for my desire to know exactly how my $400,000 coach was constructed BEFORE having someone CUT into the roof, if that's NOT what is needed.

Some major questions are on the table, waiting to see what they come up with:

1. I’m assuming the floor plan is, in fact, a DS4369 even though the graphic is not the right layout.
2. Page 1 and 2 are not commensurate with each other. Two different bracket and backer locations!
3. WHY did they move (and extend) the backer ONLY on the Driver Side when it’s the passenger side that has the awning and needs the mounts to support the weight of the arms?
4. So, the problem is, we don’t know if the wrong roof jig was used on my coach, and the backer AND the mount were NOT put in wrong location. OR, was the backer CORRECT, but somehow, just the MOUNT was put in the incorrect location?

These questions are very important, since they will dictate just HOW the repair shop makes the repair. IF the backer is, in fact, in the right spot but somehow the mount was incorrectly located, it’ll be a VERY simple task of moving the mounts to the right spot and fill in a half dozen screw holes. No hole will be cut in the roof.

I'm not certain where the problem in production occurred, but for your reference, mine was released in January 2019. These plans were revised way before that, so I don't feel it's a "mid-year" oooopie issue.

Looking at the drawings they are marked “shown in jig position”. So I believe the drawing is upside down because the roof is built in a jig upside down and flipped over when complete to install. Look at the steering wheel in the drawing. If this is the case, there is a backer plate in the correct place on the passenger side 78 1/2” back on the forward awning and 80” from the front of the rear awning. That means they shouldn’t have to rip up your roof.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Wait, what? You're kidding...I wish someone had told me that paying $400,000 wasn't enough to get a coach without problems!!

Crap.

Upon your recommendation, I'm on the line with Newell right now. I'm happy to know that, by paying $2.2 million, I'll finally get a coach without problems! Wish I had done that in the first place!



P.S. For Sale: 2019 DS4369, loaded with Specials, immaculate condition, near perfect except for a minor awning issue, a rare find at $425,000 (will include awning and roof repairs), ready for immediate delivery...no...wait...will delivery after my Newell is finished in 6 months.

Think you hit the nail on the head! All I was saying is there is a difference between custom and production. If I bought a coach I would expect many little problems, all I could afford establishes that fact. If I bought a Newell I would not climb on the roof to figure out what the problem was, I would call customer service, I would not loose a minute of sleep worrying if they would cover their mistake either, they would send out a tech if they call them that, No more problem. The only problem with that is I like getting my hands dirty. For that matter I would order a new center bracket and put it where they should of and leave the one they misplaced in place and call it a day. Of course I wouldn't spend 1/4 mill on a coach because the accommodations would make me feel uncomfortable. OK, I could not afford it. The humble RV I own, is paid for and is my toy. If people admire any part of it it's because of my handy work, not because I bought it. That is how my mind ticks, what do you think?

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Hey guys. Can we please keep this thread on point please?

This is a very serious issue involving a lot of coaches, with very expensive awnings, and repairs that are pretty invasive.

I bit at the Newell “bait” and joked back. I don’t want this to thread to get sidetracked into a “what coach is perfect” post.

Thank you!

 

[MapNerd]

Looking at the drawings they are marked “shown in jig position”. So I believe the drawing is upside down because the roof is built in a jig upside down and flipped over when complete to install. Look at the steering wheel in the drawing. If this is the case, there is a backer plate in the correct place on the passenger side 78 1/2” back on the forward awning and 80” from the front of the rear awning. That means they shouldn’t have to rip up your roof.

Good eye!

 

[redbaron]

Looking at the drawings they are marked “shown in jig position”. So I believe the drawing is upside down because the roof is built in a jig upside down and flipped over when complete to install. Look at the steering wheel in the drawing. If this is the case, there is a backer plate in the correct place on the passenger side 78 1/2” back on the forward awning and 80” from the front of the rear awning. That means they shouldn’t have to rip up your roof.

I think @CTI2000 is onto something here..the entire image is mirrored...so the brackets are showing to be relocated properly.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Looking at the drawings they are marked “shown in jig position”. So I believe the drawing is upside down because the roof is built in a jig upside down and flipped over when complete to install. Look at the steering wheel in the drawing. If this is the case, there is a backer plate in the correct place on the passenger side 78 1/2” back on the forward awning and 80” from the front of the rear awning. That means they shouldn’t have to rip up your roof.

Wow, Sir...GOOD CATCH!! I feel stupid since I looked at those plans SO hard, trying to figure out why the floorplan was reversed. I don't know how I missed the steering wheel!

So, still trying to decipher why the drawings are different, it looks like the second page shows the revised location of the backing plates, as well as the faux covers being moved a bit. It says (T110) which I think is the code for the Girard Nova awnings.

I'm still not sure why they didn't modify the first page to show the new locations, because it shows the awning mount would hit the old location.

 

[redbaron]

First page was revised 7/3/18

The fix was made 4/16/19, when 2nd page was revised.

My production date was 7/30/2018, meaning mine was built as described on page 1. I will need to have my roof cut.

 

[redbaron]

HOLD THE PRESS!!!!

If what we actually have going on here is the awning from Page 2 are installed where the brackets from page 1 are located.....there is more wrong than what has been discussed so far.

If the original backer plates did NOT move, and 18' awnings where placed where originally a 21' and 14' awning where called for, then we have a huge problem.

@CaptainGizmo - can you clarify with your contact that page 1 is actually the one used for the T110 option package? There should be a 7/3/18 schematic for T110. That will correctly show our brackets. I don't think we have the proper page 1 document.

Reading the notes on page 2, we can hope that ONLY the middle bracket being discussed is the issue, but now we really need the proper 7/3/18 schematic to know for certain that we can breath easy.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

HOLD THE PRESS!!!!

If what we actually have going on here is the awning from Page 2 are installed where the brackets from page 1 are located.....there is more wrong than what has been discussed so far.

If the original backer plates did NOT move, and 18' awnings where placed where originally a 21' and 14' awning where called for, then we have a huge problem.

@CaptainGizmo - can you clarify with your contact that page 1 is actually the one used for the T110 option package? There should be a 7/3/18 schematic for T110. That will correctly show our brackets. I don't think we have the proper page 1 document.

Reading the notes on page 2, we can hope that ONLY the middle bracket being discussed is the issue, but now we really need the proper 7/3/18 schematic to know for certain that we can breath easy.

NOW yer pickin up what I'm throw'n down, Ronnie!

Yeah, I see the Revision Date on the first page too. I'd fall before the change as well. Still, the first drawing indicates "Revised awning brackets locations", yet are definitely NOT in the correct location as per Girard.

But, if you look, the second page's awnings are basically equal. I think this is the FAUX awning covers, which are on the driver side.

I have another "urgent" request in with Newmar to speak with 'SOMEONE' who can give me the RIGHT information!! As of now, like I said, these layout are not helping answer any questions.

 

[Neal]

Have you considered sharing what Newmar provided you with Girard and maybe they can determine with Newmar where the problem is and see why this is occurring?

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Have you considered sharing what Newmar provided you with Girard and maybe they can determine with Newmar where the problem is and see why this is occurring?

No, I haven't, Neal. I can, but would think they pretty much know. I'm comparing their install diagram right now.

 

[redbaron]

NOW yer pickin up what I'm throw'n down, Ronnie!

Yeah, I see the Revision Date on the first page too. I'd fall before the change as well. Still, the first drawing indicates "Revised awning brackets locations", yet are definitely NOT in the correct location as per Girard.

I have another "urgent" request in with Newmar to speak with 'SOMEONE' who can give me the RIGHT information!! As of now, like I said, these layout are not helping answer any questions.

It took me a while to read this, but I am hoping that they just sent you the wrong 1st revision. There must be multiple versions of Revision 1 for the Standard vs upgraded awning package.

On the order form, T220 is the standard option, with additional awning
T110 is the package for 2 Nova awnings, along with the slide out covers, entrance door, and power windows
T550 is the 2 Nova ILO standard awning.

Page 2 says T110/T550
Page 1 Says T220 --We need the original T110/T550

Based on the revision note, only the bracket for the front moved...lets hope that is true, and they didn't just run out of space on the notes line.

 

[FSU Camper]

Now I’m doing forensic work from my pictures at the mothership. Here is a 19+ 4369 that was located in the shop. What’s interesting is my mounting location appears to be correct for my 2019 4326.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

I wish I was near my coach, I'd run up on the roof and do some more measuring. But check it out. Here is the diagram from the Girard install instructions. It's exactly what is spec'd on page 1 of Newmar's layout. But, that location doesn't match their Page 2 description that the backer was moved to span Rafters 16-19.

 

[redbaron]

I wish I was near my coach, I'd run up on the roof and do some more measuring. But check it out. Here is the diagram from the Girard install instructions. It's exactly what is spec'd on page 1 of Newmar's layout. But, that location doesn't match their Page 2 description that the backer was moved to span Rafters 16-19.

That is for a 21' awning. We have an 18' awning.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

That is for a 21' awning. We have an 18' awning.

Ok, so that's odd, because our front awning is longer than our rear.
So, that makes the drawings even more of a problem. Oy!

I sure hope I get a call from Newmar tomorrow!