Newmar Factory Pickup (FPU/CPU) and Dealer Deliveries

[Underboss]

Ok have a date for production and CPU. Any additional info, tips or to do's while doing the p/u? I am staring cpu on Monday and my other half cannot get there until Friday. Then we will work our way back for a two week trip home.
I have crates already loaded for "necessities" any tips on things you did not bring but wish that you did? That question would apply to CPU or any pickup when heading without a coach. Thanks

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

Congrats on the new coach. My recommendation would be to bring an assortment of fuses, tools, including a multi-meter, for the trip home.

 

[Neal]

any tips on things you did not bring but wish that you did? That question would apply to CPU or any pickup when heading without a coach

Congrats! Please share your build, specials, colors, etc. if desired so we can live vicariously through you and also for others to get ideas from.

I arrived the night before and stayed in a hotel. The first day ended with me staying in the coach from that point forward. I had a great team and when I was first shown the coach I was given an hour or so to soak it in but also start looking things over. The coach will never look better, I wish it could have stayed there looking new to this day We broke it down such as day 1 was interior review (all systems, etc.) day 2 was exterior, day 3 was the start of fixup, after that I had some items I had them install such as an antenna (cellular) back in the day, my EMS, and that's about it. We went on the first drive I think it was Wednesday. I drove it a little after each day and on Friday noticed the steering wheel wasn't straight so they fixed that up too.

There were quite a few findings, some severe, most not, the FPU/CPU paid off although sad that's it's effectively a paid QA period with a tech at your side. I did two warranty visits the first year, 6 months and 12 months, the way they are booked out you should probably schedule those while at FPU. Both of which were significant and some were things I had done too such as the summit stainless added to the basements, etc. And of course the annual return for the never ending until it does end a few years down the road when the shakedown is complete and things settle in and you stop looking!

It's a lifetime experience. Enjoy every minute of this and please share!

What do you need to take? Basic tools you want to leave with including gloves, toilet paper, clothes, bedding, bathroom, etc. Consider bathroom mat(s) as I almost slipped on the wet tile floor and that would not have ended well. I'm a confirmed hoarder, every year is a thinning cycle. I need to sue Amazon! It's their fault!

 

[Underboss]

Thanks I have tools, electrical connectors, some wire, meters sheets, bath mat, towels , paper plates, utensils, water filter and softener ready to go. Also my garmin 1090, assorted charging cords, dash mounting plate for the garmin, 12v splitter and 12v extension cord, TST with booster for the toad. Starlink and a mifi.
Thanks for the daily info. I wonder if they would install my gen 3 on the roof?

 

[Neal]

I wonder if they would install my gen 3 on the roof?

They could but it will come after FPU is complete then they do service requests. I would consider a special to have a conduit run to the roof for ethernet cabling such as for this scenario. It really should be standard now with Newmar, Starlink is the thing, let's see if they adapt and understand customers' needs going forward.

Do you have a plan for them of how to install it? That's something to consider, where and how.

 

[Underboss]

They could but it will come after FPU is complete then they do service requests. I would consider a special to have a conduit run to the roof for ethernet cabling such as for this scenario. It really should be standard now with Newmar, Starlink is the thing, let's see if they adapt and understand customers' needs going forward.

Do you have a plan for them of how to install it? That's something to consider, where and how.

Well I can install myself in the mid bath cabinet. I know other have run the starlink cable from the roof to the overhead so I would think Newmar could do it.
So they take special requests after CPU while I am there?

 

[Neal]

So they take special requests after CPU while I am there?

Yes, why not? But it's if they have time. At some point your group leader will reach out to you with initial photos and start preparing for your visit. That's a good time to start asking questions like that.

 

[Jabber Jaw]

To me, when I was there, there were two important items to have, and a nice to have. Go to Lowe's or Home Depot and buy a "pancake compressor", they have a 150 psi gauge mounted, and will work to put air in tires, along with a 50' hose and a digital tire pressure gauge. The nice to have is an "infra-red" thermometer, with which to check tire temps.
Also recommend they check and make sure the "cores" are tightly installed and do not leak! {Ask me how I know}
I also took a TST-507 tire prsseure monitor system 8, 10, or 12 monitors, depending on coach, tag/no tag, and/or toad! I temporary suction cup mounted the receiver on the corner of the windshield, and needed no booster mounted at all. Still works great 6 years later.
Too me, the tires are a most critical component about a coach, as it is your contact surface, when being propelled down the road, and any potential issue that can monitored is needed, and can save, life ,limb, or injury! Not trying to be gloom & doom, just factual, as to the results of a potential failure, hat could be avoided!
CPU should be an enjoyable and fun time! Check & use each system, etc, and video, if possible when/what the "tech" is telling/showing you, and keep it as a reference! Sudies show we retain about 10% mentally, so it's nice to hav a reference!
Have FUN, and may you enjoy "MANY MILES OF SMILES"!!