Rotted floor under fresh tank

[mansracing]

On my 2018 Essex the floor under the fresh water tank is rotting out with holes in it.Anyone have this problem with their Newmar product?
Thanks
Randy

 

[stang37]

Several 2018 model coaches have had this problem. One in my traveling group has a 2018 DS and his complete basement floor in the back rotted out and the metal rusted thru. He thought about making the repair himself but eventually called Newmar. I believe it's a known problem. The water comes in thru the wheel wells in the lower front seam and the top front cross beam. They repaired at their cost the entire basement flooring. I believe it took about 2 weeks. Good luck.

 

[Neemer]

I’m familiar with the issue, as are many owners.

As @stang37 said, water intrusion from the wheel wells is a major cause. Not a cheap repair at Napannee.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

Is this something Newmar is universally warranting or SOL?

 

[Neemer]

They will take care of the water intrusion during the warranty period. After that you are on your own. This is one of those things you must address earlier rather than later. It was a $5K repair when I inquired about it several years ago.

 

[Stuart W]

A early telltale sign you have this problem is the water will wick up the pegboard compartment

 

[stang37]

They will take care of the water intrusion during the warranty period. After that you are on your own. This is one of those things you must address earlier rather than later. It was a $5K repair when I inquired about it several years ago.

My friends was repaired after warranty by Newmar at no cost to him in 2022. I would get with Newmar and push the issue. You have nothing to lose, but something to gain even if they only cover part of the repair.

 

[mansracing]

Stang37
How old was your friends MH?

 

[stang37]

Stang37
How old was your friends MH?

2018 DS

 

[mansracing]

Called Newmar and my closest Newmar service center with absolutely no help.All I get is its out of the 1 year warranty.I reminded them that this was one of there high end coaches and should last more than 5 years with this kind of problem. They didn't care.Does anybody know if the Fresh tank can be pulled out of the pass. side of the coach?Looks like I'm on my own.

 

[stang37]

I would if you haven't already take pictures and send to Newmar Essex CS person and the Service Manager. If not satisfied then on up the line. I would have a lot of no answers before giving up.

 

[Neemer]

Does anybody know if the Fresh tank can be pulled out of the pass. side of the coach?

I’ll caveat my response by saying I do not now nor have I ever owned an Essex.

However, assuming there are similarities…

If you remove the pegboard, all three tanks should be exposed with the fresh water tank being on the floor. You’ll need to pop the tank drain up through the floor, unclamp the pex plumbing, disconnect the overflow, and then you can slide the tank out the passenger side. This can all be accomplished without removing the wet bay control panel on the driver’s side if you have the flexibility of a teenager and the patience of Job.

It was a fairly challenging job for me.

 

[Neal]

The unfortunate irony is I know a guy that purchased a 2018 Essex from NIRVC. There were major issues with water and I think a gasket was not installed that I believe goes between the house and chassis, or something along that line. From what I believe NIRVC replaced the coach, not sure of the circumstances, but I'm guessing it may not have been the only case or who knows if that coach was later sold with the problem. Hopefully your situation is just a typical wheel well water intrusion such as I had and discovered with a soaked pegboard early on which Newmar fixed under warranty. But a good inspection sounds warranted.

 

[mansracing]

What type of test was performed to find the water leak?Just spraying water in the wheel wells?

 

[mansracing]

I’m fully committed now.The tank is out and the floor is rotted out with a big hole next to the wheel well.I would like to post some pictures but I’m not smart enough to do it.Can somebody give me some instructions on how to do it?
Thanks
Randy

 

[Neal]

You should see an Attach files button. Use that to attach pictures, etc.

 

[mansracing]

Thanks Neal,

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Click on the attach files at bottom of typing window, self explanatory after that.

 

[AuntieDodo]

That’s crazy for a 2018 multi hundreds of thousands priced coach and you and others being left in the cold.

Did Newmar fix whatever caused the problem in subsequent years?

How heartbreaking!

 

[lostinfla]

I agree. That should be covered under warranty as there was undeniably an issue since manufacture. I've found when calling Newmar, it's all in who you talk to. I've had some "agents" really try to help and some, well lets just say, not so helpful.