The RV goes to the Doctor





August 2, 2018

Ever since we picked up the RV in Albany, NY back in February there have been a few things not working perfectly. But none of them made it difficult to live in so we adjusted and had no major problems. But we had planned all along to stop at the Newmar manufacturing and service area in Elkhart, Indiana when we were headed east. Then the day we left Clear Lake State Park, the radio died. Checking fuses did not help. So we were glad to be headed to Indiana.

Newmar puts out about 10 RV’s a day. They have a service area for repairs in or out of warranty. The service area was booked until September so they recommended an RV service nearby and they would cover what was under warranty. So we parked at that RV service and had only electric hook-up for 3 nights. During the repair time we took a tour of the Newmar plant and a tour of the RV museum.

Newmar manufactures an average of 10 RV’s per day. The RV starts with a chassis and the floor is put on first, then cabinets, then walls, then electric wiring and plumbing, then appliances and furniture and then the roof. We were able to see this in action at every station. The mostly men were working at a furious pace.. I do not know what they are paid but they have 50 multigeneration family members working there and the average worker stays 8 years. There are 800 employees. Newmar was the first RV to have “slideouts” starting in 1991. Quality assurance at the end of the line goes through many stages and we were very impressed with the work and would buy a Newmar again! (No pictures inside were allowed.)



The RV/Motorhome museum was more fun than we expected. People in the U.S. and Europe have been camping, glamping, and RV’ing for many years. We were able to see the early campers that just expanded on the covered wagon to the more modern RV’s with every convenience imaginable. Also they had some of the RV’s there that had been especially built for people like Mae West and
1929 Covered wagon tent/RV
1933 Camp car

1933 Camp car

1936 Roadhouse


1939 House trailer

1954

1954



Model T edition


Built to fit in a garage.


Charles Linbergh's
 
Built for Mae West 1931
Mae West's



1946 teardrop with 1930 Model A Ford


Don'tcha love the 1978 decor?

Various other interiors and RV's







It ended up that there was a fuse for the radio in the engine area that Steve did not know about. That, some lights that needed replaced, a new lock for the door that had broken week one, and door latches were fixed on the warranty. Because we are frequently without internet, the radio, and especially Sirius radio, is essential for Steve to listen to news, Nationals games, and music. Driving without it would become very monotonous for him because I just cannot talk and keep him entertained for 4-6 hours straight – news to all of you, I am sure.
Happy Camper



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