I "thought" I had an interest in becoming an RV Tech, but one day I was asked to slide under one and help the REAL Tech pull wiring down the length of a big Class A. I can't remember the brand, BUT I do remember suddenly, out of the blue, never happening before, I had a panic attack. I hope and pray I never have one again. That day I realized I will NEVER crawl under another rig... I still have an interest in learning the "How-to's" of RV repair (interior) and LOVE watching your videos. They have taught me more than a year working for a local shop waiting for them to show/teach me refer, stove, furnace, etc. repair. You ARE truly a PRO.... and a humble one as well. THANK YOU for all you share because many of us are very thankful. My wife and I wish you and your family a blessed 2023, stay safe and stay out from under those monsters!!! Just watching YOU nearly brought back nightmares.... hahaha.

Knowing absolutely zero about the undercarriage of any RV I found this to be incredibly informative. I will never buy an RV without a full inspection no matter what the cost or age as you never know what you are going to find. You really are a star ⭐️ Andrew and I would suggest that you will never be short of work in your lifetime. Happy New Year and I’ll be seeing you soon 🤞🏼💕🇬🇧🇺🇸⭐️🕊️💫

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

I'd like to be a little short of work sometimes lol

@lorrieleaver2447

Жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert 😂😉

Your experience and demeanor are priceless! I have enjoyed your asides and out takes for some time now, and going under any coach is a seriously dangerous undertaking without proper supports. Stay well, and thank you for your knowledge and wisdom.

Smartest RV guy on KZread! It's a shame that there are not more guys like you!

Love the comments about your feet hanging out from under the coach

As a retired semi driver you really do a good job of pointing out how important a thorough inspection of the driveline, brakes, suspension, and all related hoses and clamps are. Really helps prevent more serious problems once you hit the road. Great job!

My bet on the bent control arms would be a tow operator used (or attempted to use) a axle lift instead of a wheel lift in a tow situation.

@EfficientRVer

Жыл бұрын

Many tow trucks do have stuff painted red, to match the paint something left behind on both control arms.

@MikeCris

Жыл бұрын

💯

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Could be

@raygunsforronnie847

Жыл бұрын

That could also explain the crushed genset exhaust.

@MikeCris

Жыл бұрын

@@raygunsforronnie847 Could have used the axle lift to change a tire?

Gotta love those Cat C15's at 118 k its barely broken in too bad the government stepped in and tried to fix something that wasnt broke most pre def engines will run forever nice job on the inspection

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

I really enjoy the lack of a nasty brown cloud most places

Love love love this video! Awesome idea showing us the underside of an aging coach.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Looked like all OEM parts under there and for a 15 year old motorcoach, the cracked boots are common. The bent A frame should give the owner an opportunity to replace some adjacent aged parts while a major(ish) A-arm replacement is done. A ZF transmission? Wow, those are found extensively in luxury motoryachts. Good quality.

Hello James. Out of all the RV Utube I watch. Your channel is the very best. Thank you sir. Happy new year my friend

we see the inside most often and roofs a lot, but rarely do we ever see under a coach; very interesting.

Great inspection 👍 You are the best. Keep these videos coming.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@bobmariano3731

Жыл бұрын

Agreed 👍 ⚾️

Very good inspection, thank you for bringing us along. Happy trails!

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Phil

Plz consider wearing Eye-Protection. Great vid! Thanks!

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

I usually have glasses on, sometimes it's just my safety squints

Very nice inspection, I'm sure the interesting party of this coach is very pleased with your time and your expertise, I myself is very impressed with your inspection. I could see where your valuable asset, I would be looking forward to using you in a future inspection and purchase of a coach.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thanks James, Those control arms are going to be pricey!

@EfficientRVer

Жыл бұрын

Yes. It might pay to see if there are go/no-go templates available to use in place to see if they're actually out of spec. Or have someone good with a 12 or 16 line laser construction level and machinist calipers, draw and dimension what is there, to compare them to dimensioned drawings of the parts, or new parts themselves. Something could look dented, bent, or actually be twisted, without actually changing the locations of connection points. But someone competent enough to verify the parts are still good, might spend more figuring that out, than just buying the new parts. A third option would be to remove them, buy new parts, see if you can repair them to match the new ones, and return those with maybe a restocking fee. That is more likely a move for an owner to make, rather than a dealer, because the dealer would forever be blamed if anything goes wrong, even if it also would have gone wrong with all new parts.

I'm always learning from you. Thank you!

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Greg

GREAT Inspection. Keep them coming...

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Knowing zero about the under carriage of an RV, you gave me a darn good education on the subject! Great Video.

Wow. That was an underbelly adventure! Thanks James.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Great inspection, James as always.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

625 HP Cat + 12 speed ZF = 1 Fast Son of a Gun! 👍🇺🇲

You are worth every dollar that this client spent. Good job.

James you always do a thorough job, no matter what the tasks.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Thank you for the video, just gives credence to what you say about always getting an inspection;. you proved yourself right again. Looked like red paint on the control arms, jumping a curb at a hospital red zone? Stay safe and healthy James.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Who knows?

I LEARN A LOT FROM YOU, YOUR VERY GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO,AND VERY THERL AND DETAILED!!!!!@

Wow, certainly quite a few systems packed very neatly in a small (ish) place. I learned a lot. Thanks for taking us on this journey with you. Looks like repairs would have been fairly cheap till you mentioned motor mounts….. If I were buying this coach I definitely repair everything you touched on. Probably replace every single bushing, torn or not just so I knew they were all good. Shame to replace one only to have the other side go in a month or 2. Motor mounts absolutely need replacing, hopefully that could be accomplished without removing the motor entirely. Not bad though all in all for 100k+ and 15 years of weather. I’m impressed. Newell is certainly a quality product.

Thank you for your wonderful video again please take care KY

Thank you! it was helpful to see the undercarriage. I like the quality of the Newell and appreciate a look at fifteen years of wear. Good work!

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Yow, I'm claustrophobic just watching! Very informative as always!

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

Great video as usually ! enjoyed the education on steering . Thanks so much !

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Very nice inspection and cool to see how the framework on a very expensive coach is different. Thank you

Awesome content, Thanks so much for all the educational videos.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

I really enjoy watching your videos, hope you had a wonderful holiday season!!!

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! You too!

Nice review and thank you for sharing it.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Happy New Year! Another nice inspection. From the ground up.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Same to you!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE VIDEO I NEVER GOT TO SEE UNDER ONE OF THESE MOTORHOMES BEFORE PRETTY COOL I HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE A WONDERFUL AND GREAT NEW YEAR 2023🖖🏽😊🇺🇲🇵🇷

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching

Great job James! I watch and lean for your inspections . I would love to bring my coach to Arizona to have you inspect it, I know something’s are not correct on it .

Great job as usual I have a series 60 in my Prevost and it’s a 14 liter very big but that cat 625 is enormous. I know from experience they are great engines. Keep bringing the great videos love the content.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Happy New Year James!

Every one should be Inspected before buying something that expensive

U R THE BEST IN THE BIZ!!!

nice too see undercarriage!

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Indeed!

Very detailed

Educational. Love it.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Mary

Scotty Kilmer recommended applying AT-205 Re-Seal on all the rubber under your auto to prevent the bushings and boots from cracking. I have been doing that to my cars for a few years with no cracking. Over the summer i did the same to the underside of my NLA so we will see. Have you heard of doing this to prolong the rubber???

Great video!

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Superb!!

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dan

Nice job with the inspection. Lot's to check under a diesel pusher. I try to crawl under mine ever so often. I have air bags as well on my Foretravel and install blocks under the frame when I raise the air bags all the way up. Gives me an additional 8 to 10 inches of clearance and as you know, you need every bit you can manage out of the HWH system. Last oil change and fuel was done on a tarp laying on sugar sand in Florida! Not fun that day! Stay safe and I enjoy your input.

Happy New year 🎉

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Happy New Year!

I did learn a lot about the 2008 Newell chassis with Cat C15 Diesel. I don't know why I'm interested in these multi million dollar touring motorhomes. I can only realistically image engaging their use for some type of financed group business. This tour of the Newell chassis is something I'd been wanting to see! Independent front suspension, but surprisingly the tag axle is non independent suspension solid axle. The tag axle is typically independent suspension allowing it to off load a large amount of ride and chassis control from the solid heavy rear drive axle. I think it is odd to see just one shock absorber about twice the size of that on a performance car on these vehicles weighing about ten times more. I'd think that relatively small shock absorber would need to have early by-pass valving to effectively disengage the shock on mildly serious impacts and they'd be prone to over heating. The fact that these relatively small shocks are regularly found leaking oil indicates even with early by-pass valving they still see over pressures blowing their seals. On off-road performance truck suspensions you regularly see multiple heavy duty shocks per wheel! And that is for a vehicle about one tenth the weight of one of these busses or class-A motorhomes. It was extremely interesting to include the architectural structural difference between Newell and Prevost. A huge long term value aspect of Prevost is it uses a very stiff stainless steel mono-coupe going throughout the sides and roof. The design display of the Newell chassis was a steel (it is prone to corroding) space frame somewhat similar in triangular structure to a mono-couple, but only going a little over the wheel wells and not including the sides or the roof of the vehicle.. At 14 years old there is no signs that the steel makeup of this Newell chassis verses stainless steel of the Prevost has had any serious corrosion issues, but there is a long term concern of that. It is easy to see Newell uses its total control over building its own chassis to provide extended options for a more optimum larger living space layout for a parked RV than can be had in a bus conversion. The old adage "you went to get there in a Prevost, but stay there in Newell" comes to mind. That Cat C15 at 625 hp and that could easily be turn up, is an engine I'd think people would hunger for today. I'd say think, because Cat withdrew from the over-the-road heavy duty Diesel market in 2008-9 due to Cat not thinking it was possible to meet Tier 3 emissions with regular Diesel engines and have them be reliable with reasonable drivability. Cat was right. Cat's Tier 2 engines which this Cat C15 would be, had expensive emissions system reliability issues that are well known and fixable, but expensive.

That’s a very nice ride.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

I think so too

The squeeking creeper added some spooky ambiance to the underside tour.

Great video James! I love seeing these top end coaches and how they last over time when compared to the rest of the market. One thing I noticed is you didn’t check the tire dates on it like you did on the Provost video, the drive tire tread looked a little worn but that could’ve been from the lighting.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

They were already getting new tires as part of the sale, so I took a bit of a shortcut. Good eye!

@nevea2be

Жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert That’s good. I couldn’t imagine you missing stuff but I can easily see how it’ll happen while filming. Keep up the great work!

Enjoyed watching this video..if plan to purchase another used coach..I may be contacting you for our inspection.

Great video!! Good thing you did the inspection rather than your buddy Matt as I don't think he would fit under there!!!

Great information, What is your opinion of the longevity of the steel over the Prevost stainless?. Watching the Bus Grease Monkey and the recent rust he has been repairing on buses, What will this look like down the road vs the Prevost.

@DLTJR1959

Жыл бұрын

IMHO, coming from a Wanderlodge owner, I don't think it matters that much. Most of the buses that Scott works on are 60 to 70 years old. Both Newell and Prevost are excellent. Parts availability on older coaches are an issue. The bigger concern is who is the converter for the Prevost. If they are still in business then you are OK. If they are not then you will have to get support from somewhere that is not the factory. Keep in mind that all Prevost and Newell's are custom ordered. None are exactly the same. Having access to schematics and build sheets is important. If a company is out of business that converted the Prevost, do you have access to the converter's build sheets?

Hey James, where's the safety glasses :)

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

I have the safety squints

Thank you, James! Curiously, there seems to be few, zerk fittings on the chassis components??? Is this normal/common? ps. Thanks for all you do... We're becoming better informed and educated due to your efforts!

Would you recommend replacing the missing undercoating insulation that was found?

Would it be safer to use a camera and observe the undercarriage on a monitor with such a lift? I'm aware that the Prevost center in the west valley can raise a 25 ton vehicle (or even a maintenance pit would work - that seems less ... risky). Has Newell considered making a Prevost all stainless steel design? That seems to the next logical step. I liked the shoutout to Andrew Steele. He's great for the variety of coaches he showcases, but the deep technical lore you provide is a great asset. Both combined? Priceless. PS : I did graphic design work / illustrations for Matco tools 30 years ago (through a service provider called Color Associates). Their graphics on their products - and on their fleet vehicles - chased me around for the better part of 20-plus years.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Awesome job on the graphics! :) Camera doesnt catch everything, need my hands

Great content James. I appreciate it. Our Wanderlodge is built similar. Two 9-1/2 c-channel beams are fully welded to a fully welded stainless steel bay structure that is then welded to a fully welded stainless steel upper frame. Newell uses aluminum for the side walls, Wanderlodge used stainless steel on the 450. Our 450 has fiberglass front and back caps with an aluminum roof. IMHO the underbelly is in excellent shape for a 15 year old coach. They are certainly built exceptionally robust. Thanks again.

@johnmartin2079

Жыл бұрын

I'm a 20 plus year wanderlodge technician worked at the Fort valley facility can't even compare 450 to a Newell chassis, those bird welders used regular mig welders with 035 wire for the joints, so you have a stainless steel frame with rusted joints?

@DLTJR1959

Жыл бұрын

@@johnmartin2079 I have no rusted joints. Did you work there when the 450 was built? My reference to the Newell was that the 450's frame was welded top and bottom to the c- channel frame like the Newell. Prevost's are full monocoque. Don't know what Bluebird used to weld the frames up with but no rust.

@johnmartin2079

Жыл бұрын

Indeed I worked at the Fort valley facility, from m380 to 450 too many recalls and flying around the country I was Imbarresed to work for them ,

@DLTJR1959

Жыл бұрын

@@johnmartin2079 I understand that the 450's and 380's were awful when introduced, especially the 450's. Ours was 13 years old when purchased with all those bugs sorted out. Originally purchased from Bleakly in Georgia from a James Wendel Hodges in Texas.

😂 "There's legs sticking out of this Newell" 😂

You forgot to check the king pins.

I could never get under one of those. Too claustrophobic. Happy New Year!!

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

It's not my favorite thing to do

Wonder if it got pulled/towed/lifted from those control arms? 12 speed transmission .. bet that coach can climb any hill at the posted speed towing a trailer!

thanlyou, no matter what always always learn something....till next time top or bottom something to learn

On the Prevost they normally use 6 jacks but if you use 4 just make sure to release the air to the tag axle to take away the downward force and lift it. That will prevent damage.

Looks like the owner hit some nasty road debris. I am also surprised that Newell would use such a chintzy style drain valve on the air tanks. Thanks for the video.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly

@mgabrysSF

Жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert Have they updated it on newer models perhaps? If not - you could put in a recommendation to their design team surely. They seem open to outside input as they hired people from outside their own.

Hey I have an off topic question. I installed a skylight a few years ago and used icon skylight butal sealant. Can I touch it up with dicor lap sealant? Love your channel BTW. Great info

Andrew Steele has a twin brother. 😂🎉

This is the first time I send a comment on any video. First, your video are always very interesting. On this one, I don't understand the bushing angle on tag axle control arm. The bushing closest to the axle is ok to me, but the frame end should be turned 90 degrees. The control arm moves up and down. This is not the orientation of the bushing. You can even see some bushing damage, while the other ones are very good. Left and right lower control arms are connected in a V shape to lock tag axle side to side motion. It is from factory, it should be ok, but I don't understand the design.

I would be taking pictures of the things that are wrong to put on my report. You may have done that already. Newell makes a nice bus.

I have no issue under my cars, however, crawling under the MASSIVE parts under my ‘17 King Aire just freaks me out just knowing how big and heavy those coaches are.

James I watched a video of yours from I think a few years ago on a Winnebago with basement A/C - heat where you put a new circuit board on it and showed that it worked good. I am looking at a National with Basement air and wondering if they can still be repaired and can get parts for them. Thought you being so knowledgeable would be a good one to ask? Thanks for any input you could give..

Great video. Why did you not lift it another foot to make the inspection easier?

@h5mind373

Жыл бұрын

He didn't want to risk damaging the tag axle air bags- was not certain they could hang freely.

I'm struck by the little amount of rust on the steel parts. Is that coach from the Southwest ? Also, I don't see any sign of grease anywhere underneath the coach. Are all joints permanently sealed ?

@billhooker3006

11 ай бұрын

Good question.....wish he would answer you.

Just because it's is top of the line, doesn't mean there's no issues.

Does that condenser coil for the dash AC need to be flushed ? Looked like it had a good bit of dust between the finning.

How would the bent control arm affect the RV, James? Would it affect the steering? The ability to hold a line? What? Thank you!

1987 HRC Imperial 33. Dometic RM3801. Replaced the cooling unit and it worked perfectly for two years until I defrosted and cleaned.. Now, it continues to cool until I turn off the front panel switch. I unplugged the gas valve and it stayed lit until I tapped on the valve. Does it need the 80v reverse pulse to shut off? No redundant valves. Just the one old style. Can I repair the valve for burrs or ledges?

Hopefully those lifts have lockout tag out capabilities. Dangerous work for sure!

So on pushers is there a V-Drive or is it straight to the drive axle. I know this seems like a stupid question because the shaft is straight, but I'm just confused on a north south engine that runs clockwise is able to spin a diff counter clockwise to propel if forward. Is there something interesting in the tranny? Also, can "tag" axles be lifted if they are not necessary?

Do you take pictures of the affected areas to augment your writing?

Hey Happy New Year. First didn't knew about under chassis inspection. It's this separate from the house inspection? Does every RV inspector will do it or do we need to requeste? What's the cost of under chassis inspection? I thought we need a mechanic to do this type of inspection. Thanks for ride. Will keep in mind for our next purchase.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

I generally dont do an inspection underneath unless it's requested or there is a problem

Never seen the underside of on of these things before. Man, there is a lot of stuff down there.

Is that a crack in upper control arm mount at 6:20.

Great educational video James. Here is what I don’t understand. That 2008 Newell has been on the PremiumCoach site for some time. In the text it says it was inspected by Newell on a yearly basis. Do I dare ask why it had obvious damage but was promoted as dialed in and ready to go by the dealership? Did the damage happen after Newell saw it? What responsibility does Premium have here? I am sure the potential buyer paid you to find something that should have been obvious to the business when it was accepted for consignment. I think most folks would expect disclosure of these issues up front. This video is more educational than you might imagine. I am not trying to disparage anyone but just trying to understand. Would you care to comment?

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

The owner was aware and consented to the video release and was pleased with the information. Premium Coach was pleased to have the information shared too as it shows the importance of inspection and dealer transparency. I have found any claims to 100% perfection from any party dubious at best and suspect at worst, which is why I stress the importance of inspections. Neither you or I negotiated the sale but my understanding is all parties were satisfied.

@w.lwells1388

Жыл бұрын

So we can assume there is little to no due diligence from the used coach dealers unless it is cosmetic or otherwise very visible to anyone. I guess I was expecting something more. I agree with others that your evaluation is critical for things that remain unseen by most. An independent inspection is critical and difficult to find. I have a Liberty coach and I bought it from the Liberty used division. Liberty is famous for fixing everything prior to sale of a used coach yet the window motors were nonfunctional as well as the main awning. Ideally you need a mechanical inspection and a house inspection and that usually means two inspections and two different inspectors. Buyer beware.

@bobmariano3731

Жыл бұрын

Very well said 👍

I would almost bet money that the lower control arm were bent by a tow truck trying to axle lift instead of using a wheel lift. If the coach hat hit something it would have damaged the from body panels which are lower than the control arms.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

me too, we both agree

Interesting video. I got claustrophobia just watching ....

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Its a little snug

Could you explain how the Tag Axle steering works, does the drive axle drag or does the tag axle lift the coach just a bit to reduce scuffing?

@joelwilman8712

7 ай бұрын

The tag axle has active steering to avoid scuffing.

All 6 of my batteries are dead while plugged into shore power. Do I have to remove everyone to charge, or can I charge all externally? Edit: Link to Andrew Steele video was very interesting.

If you have in depth knowledge of a Dometic RM3801 please help. Thermostat will only turn on the propane. I can turn the thermostat until it clicks off and the burner is still on. If I shut down the front panel power, it always shuts off the burner. I can unplug the gas valve power and the flame stays lit until I tap on the valve. Read something about an 80v pulse on this unit. Worked perfectly until I defrosted it. Now it continues cooling even after the thermostat shuts off. Mind blowing.

I am interest in the Thor 45BX, or the Berkshire the interior because of the cabinet make darker inside. But which one in your opinion on the brand name?

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

I recently drove a Berkshire from Oregon to Arizona and was really impressed by it

the way both air arms are marked up and the exhaust in the center is crushed it almost looks like a tow truck might’ve damaged it ?

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Who knows? The last tow truck damage I had was all the straps completely damaged the outside of the Tiffin Red we rebuilt

Before doing an inspection…do you look for items that are indicative to the represented miles that are on that particular coach?

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

I do check things like generator hours, tire wear. I don't do engine inspections.

Very interesting episode. Like these coaches, but I think the construction being steel is not as attractive as the Provost.

Rear Axle Steering question. You stated the rear steering is a 'Bump Stop' design. Can it be modified to increase the sharpness of a turn? ===== Also, to my eyes, that chassis looked like it has never had a grease job. How often should a chassis of this type get a complete grease job.

@DLTJR1959

Жыл бұрын

Rear axle is a tag. It follows the coach. The only advantage of a steerable tag is to reduce scuffing the rear tag tires. The coach pivots on the drive axle. The tag is just along for the ride. The turning radius of a coach is determined by the wheel base of the front axle, the drive axle, and the cut radius of the front tires. Since Newell has a steerable tag it should have the same turn radius as the front axle.

Maybe a tow truck bent the lower control arms and the generator exhaust?

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

It's always a possibility