Tile Shortage?

[redbaron]

Jim: Newmar already takes that stance on the masterpiece finish. They now state it’s a 100Ft view for any imperfections.

I argued that point and won, but it was very difficult to.

Same with matching stain on wood. Its matches when viewed under normal lighting conditions, which don’t include the lights provided in the coach. It’s a dark coach with a flashlight held by a certified Newmar employee to determine the match.

I also won that point but again, very difficult

 

[Jim]

It looks flawless, sir… assuming you view it from a different county.

Which of course is NOT a quality standard, it's a geographical recommendation. If someone tried to sell a Picasso with a “view only from across the street” disclaimer, they’d be laughed out of the art world. But in Newmar-land? Totally acceptable, apparently.

Wood stain matches under normal lighting conditions. And of course, “normal lighting” apparently means:

• Not the lights in the coach,
• Not the lights anyone uses,
• And only illumination that comes from a certified Newmar flashlight, probably costing $299. (Available optionally)

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Wow - surprises like this aren’t fun.
On the other hand, not entirely surprised that tile would not under the couch, as the metal frame under the couch would be pressing against tile (most likely cracking the tile) and holes drilled through the tile to fasten the couch down.
Waiting to hear what Newmar’s response is.

 

[redbaron]

The only way to get all the tile you should is to order free standing table and recliners that are not the theatre style.

 

[Underboss]

Note to self: If I get a new coch order 10 extra tiles, just in case

 

[Jim]

Wow - surprises like this aren’t fun.
On the other hand, not entirely surprised that tile would not under the couch, as the metal frame under the couch would be pressing against tile (most likely cracking the tile) and holes drilled through the tile to fasten the couch down.
Waiting to hear what Newmar’s response is.

But every Newmar coach I’ve ever seen has had tile under the couches and dinette. It’s common practice for owners to pull one or both and replace them with theater seating or recliners. I did exactly that on my 2016 London Aire, and plenty of people on this forum have swapped out their couch, seating, desk, or whatever else to better suit their needs. You can forget changing these out in the future, unless by some stroke of luck you can find some additional tiles.

I don’t know when Newmar decided to start assembling their coaches like some kind of bargain-bin hobby project, but this is total BS. When someone drops this kind of money on a Newmar "Luxury RV", this is not what they expect to find.

 

[team bradfield]

Mine came with a stack of 8 extra tiles x 4' long and it has wall to wall tile, with our German shedder we pull the couch out to vacuum now and then

 

[Holdmybeer]

Mine came with a stack of 8 extra tiles x 4' long and it has wall to wall tile, with our German shedder we pull the couch out to vacuum now and then

Having the matching tile but not the matching grout could end up disappointing as well. If they didn't leave the grout, It might be wise to find out what specific grout ( brand name, color and composition, ie., sanded or non-sanded and plain cement which is porous and requires sealing or an epoxy type which is non-porpus and never needs sealing) and additive(s), if any, was used and secure a 5lb. bag, or gallon if premixed ( or epoxy) as well. I'm assuming they use a latex additive ( dry grout) to provide some flex to the cement grout, but like the amount of water used, latex can affect the shade of the dried grout.
Given the hobson's choice between torture on the rack and torture removing the grout from a field of floor tile, anyone who's experienced the latter will eagerly advise you to go with the former.
If it's the premixed, store it upside down, gravity will push out air, if any, in the container and prevent air from coming in over time.

 

[Jim]

I posted about this on the Newmar Owners Facebook Forum, and it seems most people believe I’m out of line for expecting tile under the couch. According to most, their tile only goes to the edge of the couch as well.

So now I’m honestly at a loss. I’ve been in several friends’ coaches from this forum, and their tile clearly ran wall-to-wall. My London Aire also had full tile beneath the furniture.

So who at Newmar decides which coaches get full tile coverage and which ones don’t? It feels completely inconsistent, and I’m curious as to how these decisions are made.

 

[Neal]

It's probably floor plan dependent and how furniture has to be secured.

 

[purring along]

I posted about this on the Newmar Owners Facebook Forum, and it seems most people believe I’m out of line for expecting tile under the couch. According to most, their tile only goes to the edge of the couch as well.

So now I’m honestly at a loss. I’ve been in several friends’ coaches from this forum, and their tile clearly ran wall-to-wall. My London Aire also had full tile beneath the furniture.

So who at Newmar decides which coaches get full tile coverage and which ones don’t? It feels completely inconsistent, and I’m curious as to how these decisions are made.

Jim the only place that didn't have tile was under our refrigerator in the dutch star. When we had the coach tetiled two years ago they went wall to wall leaving no space except under refrigerator. When picking up the coach they gave us extra boxes of tile. I guess that's what $54,000 gets you.

 

[Underboss]

I am thinking that if you ordered theater seating or recliners, its mandatory to tile all the way as it can be seen so it is priced in to the option. If you order what comes with it, ie the sofa, there is no need to tile all the way. I do not think Newmar is cutting any corners I just believe thats the process as it will be completely covered and there is no need to completely tile the floor. They do not plan for someone to remodel their coach later and not certain how they can be blamed for that.
When I did a house, I always ordered extra tile and gave it to the owner. Tile manufacturers change their patterns and colors every couple of years

 

[Jim]

I am thinking that if you ordered theater seating or recliners, its mandatory to tile all the way as it can be seen so it is priced in to the option. If you order what comes with it, ie the sofa, there is no need to tile all the way. I do not think Newmar is cutting any corners I just believe thats the process as it will be completely covered and there is no need to completely tile the floor. They do not plan for someone to remodel their coach later and not certain how they can be blamed for that.
When I did a house, I always ordered extra tile and gave it to the owner. Tile manufacturers change their patterns and colors every couple of years

I appreciate your perspective, and I understand what you’re saying about Newmar tiling based on the furniture ordered and it does make sense if shooting for production standardization.

That said, I think there are a couple of considerations worth keeping in mind. First, the furniture in these coaches will almost certainly wear out or be replaced long before the tile does. Designing an interior in a way that requires owners to install the exact same size seating just to avoid exposing subfloor doesn’t seem like the kind of design quality Newmar wants to be known for.

Second, many owners do make updates or substitutions over time, and having the flooring finished in a way that supports normal remodeling feels like a reasonable expectation, especially in their “Luxury Coach” lineup.

 

[murphysranch]

Gosh - you just reminded me that I ordered 10 tiles for my Bay Star. Its been several months. Wonder if my cc was charged...

 

[Jim]

Gosh - you just reminded me that I ordered 10 tiles for my Bay Star. Its been several months. Wonder if my cc was charged...

What do they look like? I might be able to use them.