This thread documents the build of our 2015 New Horizons custom 5th wheel. Many people have asked about it, so I started this thread...

I'll put data/info on the website, but the pictures really tell the story. There are comments on the pictures so be sure to view them that way. Picture link at bottom of post. Feel free to ask questions on new stuff or why I did things a certain way. Feel free to criticize as well...   

This is the first "customer" 2015 New Horizons. It is following the show model down the "line". There are huge changes in the 2015 product line. I'll write an article on them soon - I'm waiting for New Horizons to get their customer newsletter out on that topic first. But I'll mention some of the changes here as we go along, and document them all in one place later. 

You will get to see our coach at the HDT Rally in Hutchinson, along with the NH show model, a DRV Elite Suite, Spacecraft, and NEW this year Forks will bring a Continental Coach (and JC, and Jay will be there with their new CC's). IMO, the BEST of the luxury custom coaches all in one place. And an entire day to see them, compare them, and ask questions. ALL are invited to the HDT Rally - you do not need an HDT, or even an RV to attend.  Like Howard and LInda's rallies this is an educational rally - it presents info on tow vehicles and other RV related topics. It's primary focus is on heavy tow vehicles.  HDTRALLY.com

Some of the custom things we did:

• Natural cherry cabinets - no stain. They will be pretty light to start with but will darken naturally to a honey color. The decor on this coach is much more "transitional" - between contemporary and traditional. Thus the color choice.
• Dark wood floor - hand scraped hickory - throughout the coach,including the bedroom. We love the hickory flooring - it is pretty much indestructible and easy to keep clean.
• Black Samsung Starion countertops with brown flecks and sparkles in it. This is on the kitchen counters and island, the bath vanity, and the bedside tables. All other tops are real cherry (bed vanity, ent. center, dining buffet).The floors and primary countertops are dark to contrast with the lighter wood.
• Buffet-style dinette. There is a shallow cabinet along the wall and the table is hung from it. All cherry. One leg for support. This makes it far easier for us "big boys" to get in/out of the table. Plus gives storage. Like you see in motorhomes.
• 100% coverage electric in-floor heat.
• The shower is from the Onyx Collection and is 3' x 4' with a tile insert. Very large and comfortable - again, for us "big boys". Clear glass sliding bypass doors. Shower is inset "into" the floor so it appears to be a walkin shower.
• Custom  subway tile backsplash in tumbled marble in the kitchen and bath area. Accent tile runs through it.  And a ribbon of the same accent tile runs through the shower.
• MCD powered shades.
• Entry door has window. Interior of door has powered MCD shade mounted on wall...like in motorhomes. This way we can see out the door window instead of it being frosted.
• Vessel sink in bath, of course.
• Bronze fixtures, and handles.
• Bed slide is 4" deeper than normal (32" deep instead of 28"). More walk space at foot of bed - deeper cabinets above and at sides of bed.
• Pullout side-slide  pantry for broom and utility storage next to refrigerator. (Like a BIG side-pull spice cabinet.)
• Painted silver to match the truck. Three coats of clear. Three coats is standard for 2015 - used to be two.
• Appliances/Fixtures
  • Residential 25cf. side by side refrigerator is in front of entry door. Stainless with water and ice in door. We like the side by side because you have a much larger and more accessible freezer section. No issue with boondocking with our electrical system.
  • Residential 30" GE Profile gas cooktop.
  • Residential 30" GE Cafe Advantium convection microwave.
  • 24" GE washer and dryer. The dryer is 120 volt. I could not find a 24" gas dryer. We chose not to use a residential 27" appliance pair - it caused too many floorplan issues. We chose not to use a 240 volt dryer - it uses too much power to be practical, although it could be done on 50 amp service. But running two AC units and other things at the same time as drying would be problematic. The washer and dryer are set side by side, not stacked. Storage above and below them. They are more at eye-level for Danielle. No bending over....
  • Fischer Paykel dishwasher drawer - same as in the past. I cannot find anything better.
  • 25" single bowl Swanstone sink (US2215) in Tahiti Desert color (kinda speckled tan) undermounted in the "black" Samsung countertop. We went with a smaller sink this time. 
• Pantry is relocated to be next to the cooktop (where the refrigerator was).
• Whole RV automation via wall switches/wall panels AND/OR via an iPad/Android tablet. Accessible from anywhere Internet reception is available. Automates all functions except HVAC.....HVAC is coming. Shades, genset, all AV components, tank levels, lighting, etc. Just like in the big Prevost busses. This package includes a tablet of your choice, a WiFiRanger Go2 router, all wiring, all panels, etc. The base lighting package without tablet is standard - the whole RV automation is optional.
• Electrical
  • Lots of extra outlets.
  • Three dedicated circuits for supplemental electric heaters
  • ALL LED 12-volt lighting. No 120-volt lights at all.
  • Whole house hardwired EMS (Progressive)
  • Front shore power twist lock input and 30' cord.
  • Rear shore power on powered reel - 30' cord.
  • Fireplace
  • Genset (5500 LP under the livingroom floor). I moved this from the 2012.
  • 1200 Ah of AGM Fullriver L16 batteries in front/right compartment to counterbalance kitchen slide weight.
  • Magnum 3000 watt hybrid inverter that can load share between shore power and inverter. Basically the battery bank can supplement shore power when on a 30 amp circuit.
  • 1200 watts of high voltage solar panels controlled by a MidNite Solar Classic controller. Trimetric RV2030 battery monitor (NOT the BMS from Magnum).
  • Ethernet: 2 from TV area, 1 from utility hookup center, one from solar controller
• Water/Sewer
  • Whole house Reverse Osmosis water system; stored in the 100 gallon fresh water tank with a boost pump. 
  • Three prefilters (sediment 5 micron, sediment 1 micron, charcoal) and two 100 GPD RO membranes.
  • Kitchen water feed for sink and refrigerator is post-processed through a charcoal filter to restore taste. 
  • 50' powered water hose reel.
  • Sewer macerator for normal use with provision to bypass for conventional dumping. Grey water bypass on macerator. Two convention sewer hose storage tubes to serve as backup to the macerator.
  • 16 gallon hot water heater
• Entertainment
  • 50" Samsung 6000 series LED TV on a lift.
  • Denon AV receiver surround 7.2
  • Boston Acoustics surround speakers
  • Yamaha center channel speaker inserted above fireplace.
  • Bedroom prewired for TV, but no TV.
  • Winegard Travler auto dish for DTV

• 8K Mor/Ryde IS axles, Dexter disc brakes, 17.5" Goodyear G114 tires, spoke wheels.
• BluDot brake actuation - air/hydraulic.
• Three cameras: right, left, backup. Three other cameras on truck: right side blindspot, hitch, drom. Second 7-pin umbilical cord carries camera signals and aux lines from trailer to truck.

That is some of the stuff. More to come.   Picture album is here......I'll update it as we go.

Great pix.  Great design ideas. New Horizons is certainly trying to keep the bar set very high. I foresee other builders copying some of them, particularly the additional storage compartments. The service bay being where it is(roadside behind the basement) really opens up space in the basement. That and the genset location. Who would have thought to put it under the living room? You say that servicing the genny is possible more or less comfortably, that should be a major plus. Doubt you could put it there with a frame using 10" I beam however. That will limit copying that idea to only the higher end builders.  All in all, so far, a well thought out design.

For us, 44.5 feet triple axle 5ers are almost certainly way out of our price range but maybe 38' of thoughtfully designed and equipped coach may be within reach. One can hope... or at least dream 

Look forward to seeing more.

Brian

biggaRView wrote:

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That and the genset location. Who would have thought to put it under the living room? You say that servicing the genny is possible more or less comfortably, that should be a major plus. Doubt you could put it there with a frame using 10" I beam however. That will limit copying that idea to only the higher end builders.  All in all, so far, a well thought out design.

For us, 44.5 feet triple axle 5ers are almost certainly way out of our price range but maybe 38' of thoughtfully designed and equipped coach may be within reach. One can hope... or at least dream 

Look forward to seeing more.

Brian

---

Well, actually we thought of it as did another NH builder.  There is plenty of room to get under our rig and service the generator.  Change the oil, etc.  If you have to remove it for major service panels are easily removed and you can get it out.  But changing the oil and filter is a snap.

The generator noise level is also quite low under the living room.  Actually lower than the typical front generator compartment; especially if you need to use it a night while sleeping.

We put in the rear side quarter fender storage compartment on our rig as well.  Wasted space now well utilized.  But the real bonus on our specific rig is a rear trunk that is over 3-1/2 feet deep and 4-/12 feet wide.  You would be amazed at all the space that rear trunk and generator move opens up in the front basement.  Better trailer front to back balance as well reducing pin weight but still at the recommend percentage level.  The rear axle has plenty of excess capacity to handle the genny and storage according to wheel by wheel weighing done by H & L. With the trailer fully loaded for travel with our stuff, 70 gallons of water plus some black and a bit of gray in the tanks, we still have 3,250 lbs of cargo capacity before hitting the trailer’s GVWR.  It’s quite a frame, tire and MOR/ryde IS axle combination. These are really well built as to strength.  They do build "smaller" trailers as well for those of us who just don't need 44.5'  We are very pleased with our layout for our traveling style.  That's the good part.  You can get almost exactly what you want.

Bill, I stand corrected. I wasn't attempting to give Jack credit for anything original but the genny placement is novel to say the least, and it certainly had not occurred to me.  I was referring to the apparent outside the box thinking(yourself included... tip 'o the hat) that even put it in that location rather the conventional thinking location which is in the front of the rig.

I'm all for anything that builds into rig design improvements in storage space.  Finding room for additional batteries, the genny, the invertor/charger and all the other important rig infrastructure that doesn't occupy high rent real estate in the basement seems like something that all builders should be doing.  Again, all this bodes well for us future FTers. Some where down the road we'll have to take a more critical look at the TV that will be needed to safely manage such a rig... if we go the custom route.

Any pix of your NH?

biggaRView wrote:

---

Bill, I stand corrected. I wasn't attempting to give Jack credit for anything original but the genny placement is novel to say the least, and it certainly had not occurred to me.  I was referring to the apparent outside the box thinking(yourself included... tip 'o the hat) that even put it in that location rather the conventional thinking location which is in the front of the rig.

I'm all for anything that builds into rig design improvements in storage space.  Finding room for additional batteries, the genny, the invertor/charger and all the other important rig infrastructure that doesn't occupy high rent real estate in the basement seems like something that all builders should be doing.  Again, all this bodes well for us future FTers. Some where down the road we'll have to take a more critical look at the TV that will be needed to safely manage such a rig... if we go the custom route.

Any pix of your NH?

-- Edited by biggaRView on Wednesday 28th of May 2014 11:11:29 AM

---

Brain, certainly no need for a “correction.”  Jack’s done a lot of work with NH and is some of the reason they’ve moved forward even more.  But we kind of “pushed them,” to quote the designer, with our rig.  Not so much great innovations, but much more rig in a slightly smaller box so to speak. Smaller by NH standards. Gee its only 38.5’ long.  We sort of worked at reinventing a type of rig they had but turned it into a Majestic with all that means including the frame.  Lots of work, but fun.

One of the “nothing things” we did was ask them to put the outside scare / flood lights under the awnings and on the slides so that the lights actually put light on the subject if you follow me when all the slides and awnings are deployed.  For us, this is a better arrangement.  The rig has superior ground clearance, tall ceilings even in the bedroom and more cargo capacity than we could ever use even with 100 gallons of fresh water.  There is also some custom electrical work that isn’t all that innovative as it is flexible.

One thing to keep in mind, a rig with lots of storage space that doesn’t have the GVWR to handle all that cargo is not going to work.  You have to have the frame, axles and tires to deal with all the weight that storage can create.

You should consider dropping by the plant and speaking with Cole before you decide they only make a rig “too big” or too costly.  It depends.  They can build pretty much what you want if you’re willing to put in the time to design it.  No, they are not inexpensive and for good reason. But they are “tanks” with a very nice living quality and as many amenities, or not, as you care to pay for.  Not for everyone, but we like it so far as it meets our needs quite well.  BTW, it tows and moreover stops like a dream.

I’ve got pictures but not posted.  I’ll see what I can do about that for you.

Bill

Bill and Linda's NH is a unique design vis the frame. It is very very nice. I almost adapted some of it for mine, but there are some barriers to doing so that will require some additional work - think a widebody built on Bills frame.

In our case - and in the case of the 2015 models going forward - we got additional ground clearance over previous Majestics by raising the belly 2" and the tail 2". For most people that is enough clearance.

What Bill said is accurate. New Horizons will build you anything you want. They have built more than a few short Majestics...from 32' - 35'. However, if I built one that short I would build on Bill's frame, not the widebody frame. I think it is a more flexible coach.

A New Horizons is not cheap - even a short one. But there is a reason for that - it is built with very good materials, lots of structure and there are lots of amenities. "You get what you pay for" applies here.

The genset under the livingroom has been done for years....just not as a standard feature. But it is an excellent place to put it on larger coaches.

The right/rear storage box has not been done before....mine is the first widebody, and Bill's is the first narrow body Majestic to have them. Bill's rear storage compartment that spans the rear can only be done on his narrow-body frame.

Our whole house RO system is the not the first one (probably second or third). Our 3'x4' walkin shower is the first one of that style. Our whole coach heated floor is the second one. (I edited for accuracy)

I saw Bill and Linda's new camper at the spring rally.  I thought the location of the generator would make it harder to work on, till I got under his rig. I am over 6'2" and had no problems with head  clearance. It is actually easier to service than my parents class C. After seeing their rig Cindy and I are trying to schedule a trip to the factory.

James

The Junkman wrote:

---

Maybe I missed it? But how much does one of these cost?

We went looking around the southwest trying to find a ambassador with in 3 states.. With a big one..No go.. so we could not buy something we never seen.. We wanted to see this brand, though..

---

 Depends on what you get of course…but our 2012 39 foot Majestic was about $200K list and about 20% less net after assorted discounts and negotiating.

Neil and Connie wrote:

---

The Junkman wrote:

---

Maybe I missed it? But how much does one of these cost?

We went looking around the southwest trying to find a ambassador with in 3 states.. With a big one..No go.. so we could not buy something we never seen.. We wanted to see this brand, though..

---

 Depends on what you get of course…but our 2012 39 foot Majestic was about $200K list and about 20% less net after assorted discounts and negotiating.

---

 Are you a ambassador? I bet they get a deeper discount?

I am not very knowledgeable..Nor do I want to spend endless hours figuring out a rv. 

Just wanted a decent one at a good price.

I will send in for the pricing and build sheets right now.. lol.. just to have a look.

Jack Mayer wrote:

---

The formula for GVWR takes into account the pin weight which will be on the truck. Which will be at least 6200 lbs. So the axles do not have to be rated to carry the entire GVWR.

The Dodge 3500 would be overloaded on the rear axle. Check the GVWR and GRAWR of your intended tow vehicle CAREFULLY to determine what it can actually pull. NEVER, go by the manufacturers "trailer towing" numbers. Always check the specs for YOUR setup. The GCWR is based on "marketing" numbers. No load in truck and single 150 lb driver, "horse trailer"-like frontal area on the trailer, and a gooseneck trailer (typically because goosenecks have less pin weight).

The Dodge 5500 might do it - I have not checked the specs....But Bill has and may chime in here....

---

Jack:

The RAM 5500HD will handle your trailer nicely by specifications.

The charts show the RAM 5500HD with appropriate upfits, including an aux 60 gallon tank and a hauler bed, tools, 3 people, ET Air-Hitch and an allowance for “stuff,” i.e. a truck I would build, can handle a 6,200lb pin and a 25,000lb trailer and not exceed any ratings nor be borderline.  The HD towing package is required naturally.

The RAM 3500HD and the F-450, including the 2015 model, would not be within specs even without an aux fuel tank or a hauler bed with your trailer.  Way over ratings; 1,000+ on the rear axle alone for the RAM and a lot more for the Ford; just not enough capacity in these trucks.

The problem naturally with not having a hauler bed to save weight is the issue of truck bed rail to trailer clearance which is present with all trucks post about 2011.  That’s the biggest issue I have with the new, more capable “pickup trucks” that can’t be solved without a hauler bed.  (Unless you have NH build your trailer to accommodate them as we did.  As you noted, they are “custom” - not just “optioned.”)

These numbers are based on the Body Builder’s guide for the truck.  Not the marketing nonsense which is impossible to achieve in the real use world.

Bill

Bill and Linda wrote:

---

Jack Mayer wrote:

---

The formula for GVWR takes into account the pin weight which will be on the truck. Which will be at least 6200 lbs. So the axles do not have to be rated to carry the entire GVWR.

The Dodge 3500 would be overloaded on the rear axle. Check the GVWR and GRAWR of your intended tow vehicle CAREFULLY to determine what it can actually pull. NEVER, go by the manufacturers "trailer towing" numbers. Always check the specs for YOUR setup. The GCWR is based on "marketing" numbers. No load in truck and single 150 lb driver, "horse trailer"-like frontal area on the trailer, and a gooseneck trailer (typically because goosenecks have less pin weight).

The Dodge 5500 might do it - I have not checked the specs....But Bill has and may chime in here....

---

 

 

Jack:

 

The RAM 5500HD will handle your trailer nicely by specifications.

The charts show the RAM 5500HD with appropriate upfits, including an aux 60 gallon tank and a hauler bed, tools, 3 people, ET Air-Hitch and an allowance for “stuff,” i.e. a truck I would build, can handle a 6,200lb pin and a 25,000lb trailer and not exceed any ratings nor be borderline.  The HD towing package is required naturally.

The RAM 3500HD and the F-450, including the 2015 model, would not be within specs even without an aux fuel tank or a hauler bed with your trailer.  Way over ratings; 1,000+ on the rear axle alone for the RAM and a lot more for the Ford; just not enough capacity in these trucks.

The problem naturally with not having a hauler bed to save weight is the issue of truck bed rail to trailer clearance which is present with all trucks post about 2011.  That’s the biggest issue I have with the new, more capable “pickup trucks” that can’t be solved without a hauler bed.  (Unless you have NH build your trailer to accommodate them as we did.  As you noted, they are “custom” - not just “optioned.”)

These numbers are based on the Body Builder’s guide for the truck.  Not the marketing nonsense which is impossible to achieve in the real use world.

Bill

 

 

-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Friday 30th of May 2014 05:03:08 PM

---

 What charts? 

Please educate us on why either one would not be in spec please.. 

oh wait.. are you talking the NH 6200 lb pin weight ? 

Not the 4300 from DRV.. So mine would be 1000 UNDER the limit? Correct ? 

I have followed this thread because of the design technicalities Jack is having designed into his new NH and it occurs to me that the part of the discussion pertaining to the TV seems to cover the limits of what brand X, Y or Z "could" tow.  I am fairly certain that most of todays crop of properly equipped P/U's "should" be able to do the job for their rated designs, however I don't get any sense of a comfort zone.  For example Jack stated, "A 22K trailer can easily be pulled by a Ram 3500 (a new one) assuming that you stay within the GVWR and the rear axle rating". Does that include a comfort zone(an arbitrary number to be sure) that I would feel safe.  I'd rather not pull something that tested the full capability of my TV or the hitch? Would 22K be the realistic limit of a Ram 3500's towing ability with a safety and design margin so as to not test it or me... all things being equal?  Sorry to go off topic a bit. The jury is still out for us on a HDT as a TV and therefore most of the heavy/really large 5ers too.

Separately and as long as Bill mentioned them, how much extra weight does a decent hauler bed add to the TV over the standard bed? An auxillary fuel tank(without fuel)?

Jack, you mentioned having 1200AH of battery capacity... could you elaborate a bit on that? You mentioned placing them in the front right of the rig. The invertor/charger, where would it be placed?  

-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 30th of May 2014 06:58:06 PM

The Junkman wrote:

---

Bill and Linda wrote:

---

Jack Mayer wrote:

---

The formula for GVWR takes into account the pin weight which will be on the truck. Which will be at least 6200 lbs. So the axles do not have to be rated to carry the entire GVWR.

The Dodge 3500 would be overloaded on the rear axle. Check the GVWR and GRAWR of your intended tow vehicle CAREFULLY to determine what it can actually pull. NEVER, go by the manufacturers "trailer towing" numbers. Always check the specs for YOUR setup. The GCWR is based on "marketing" numbers. No load in truck and single 150 lb driver, "horse trailer"-like frontal area on the trailer, and a gooseneck trailer (typically because goosenecks have less pin weight).

The Dodge 5500 might do it - I have not checked the specs....But Bill has and may chime in here....

---

 

 

Jack:

 

The RAM 5500HD will handle your trailer nicely by specifications.

The charts show the RAM 5500HD with appropriate upfits, including an aux 60 gallon tank and a hauler bed, tools, 3 people, ET Air-Hitch and an allowance for “stuff,” i.e. a truck I would build, can handle a 6,200lb pin and a 25,000lb trailer and not exceed any ratings nor be borderline.  The HD towing package is required naturally.

The RAM 3500HD and the F-450, including the 2015 model, would not be within specs even without an aux fuel tank or a hauler bed with your trailer.  Way over ratings; 1,000+ on the rear axle alone for the RAM and a lot more for the Ford; just not enough capacity in these trucks.

The problem naturally with not having a hauler bed to save weight is the issue of truck bed rail to trailer clearance which is present with all trucks post about 2011.  That’s the biggest issue I have with the new, more capable “pickup trucks” that can’t be solved without a hauler bed.  (Unless you have NH build your trailer to accommodate them as we did.  As you noted, they are “custom” - not just “optioned.”)

These numbers are based on the Body Builder’s guide for the truck.  Not the marketing nonsense which is impossible to achieve in the real use world.

Bill

 

 

-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Friday 30th of May 2014 05:03:08 PM

---

 What charts? 

Please educate us on why either one would not be in spec please.. 

oh wait.. are you talking the NH 6200 lb pin weight ? 

 

Not the 4300 from DRV.. So mine would be 1000 UNDER the limit? Correct ? 

 

-- Edited by The Junkman on Friday 30th of May 2014 06:52:51 PM

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The charts available from the RAM website for various iterations of the trucks.  But you also have to know the weights that you will be adding to the truck in addition to the base weights and naturally pick the chart that is specific to the truck in question.  Most of the marketing number are either best case, like a non-crew cab, or are generic under conditions that will never be obtainable.

And yes, I was answering Jack’s question concerning his trailer and the RAM 5500HD.  Not the DRV.

biggaRView wrote:

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Separately and as long as Bill mentioned them, how much extra weight does a decent hauler bed add to the TV over the standard bed? An auxillary fuel tank(without fuel)?

---

As always, it depends on what kind of bed, how much storage, how big is the aux tank (fuel is ~8.3lbs / gallon) and also how much does the hitch weigh – some are as much as 400 lbs with all the air system.  That’s one of the problems with these “generic” answers and specs from the manufactures. It is very easy to read numbers that look great, but don’t really tell the whole story.

My numbers are based on known weights for my equipment taken on known accurate scales.  But I can tell you in general that some hauler beds, hitch, tools and fuel can add 2,500lbs to a rear axle in no time.  “It depends” on the equipment chosen.

Can you use your TV (2012 Chevy 3500HD Duramax-Allison \ 4-Wheel Drive \ Air Ride

Classy Chassis RV Hauler Bed Conversion \ Aux Fuel Tank ) as an example?

biggaRView wrote:

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Can you use your TV (2012 Chevy 3500HD Duramax-Allison \ 4-Wheel Drive \ Air Ride

Classy Chassis RV Hauler Bed Conversion \ Aux Fuel Tank ) as an example?

---

What matters is your trailer and truck.  Not mine.  If you like I’d be glad to plug your numbers into my sheet for the RAM 3500HD and see what comes up - or the RAM5500HD. I know you’ve listed some above but send me the specs on the trailer you are considering via PM and I’ll see how they come out. Also, what your are considering to put on the truck. We're traveling so it may be a couple of days depending.  But this might be informative to you. 

Also, what are the weight specs on the axles for the trailer and how many axles is of interest.

Nope, not an ambassador…and i sort of figured that being one would get you a better deal…but Jack says they don't so I guess not.

Sometimes people get behind a product because they believe in the quality and the integrity of a company.....true that it is often about some monetary compensation, but not always.....At the end of the day, who really cares, We can all decide what products we like and see value in, and what products we want to pass on....

I have my hands full just figuring out what my own motivations are....never mind someone else's...

The fact Jack shares the details of his & Danielle's rig's construction is very gracious. For those of us that might consider a purchase, information is also a useful thing. For those of us that are not,.... well, information is a useful thing. We are future FTers, and the design ideas being installed in higher end rigs seemingly filter down to the middle and lower echelon rigs. This is a good thing.  Even if they don't get adopted by the mass market of RV builders, one can modify an existing rig with some of the ideas to improve their rigs with better engineering practices and useability features that the "pioneering" types, those on the leading edge, if you will, try out before and perfect before the rest us get the finished product. Their reasons can be altruistic or selfish but we all benefit regardless. More power to Jack and thanks.

New pictures starting at slide 35.  LINK.

Jack Mayer wrote:

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New pictures starting at slide 35.  LINK.

---

 Great stuff Jack, keep it coming.  I really like the clean battery bank and invertor and solar controller locations/set-up.  In the utility bay, the fresh water supply looks partially buried behind a panel. Is panel removeable for access?  My experience with hose reels is they, at some point, begin leaking. Is it serviceable? Cindi wants to know more about the under floor heat. Do the mats(?) extend to all areas under the wood floors? (including the storage area under the toilet room) How much of the coach heating is/will (your estimate) provided by the under floor heating? The floor plan shows a large unoccupied space at the back of the living room, we assume it has a couch there, NH, being a custom builder we'd prefer/like a desk/sewing/crafts center in part of that space, something like what Terry & Jo have so that would be easy to do.

While Junkman makes an interesting point about weight vis a vis the sturdiness of the frame construction, I'm with you on the desireability of strong bones to support the coach. Using less steel might save weight but introduces more flexing which can't be a good thing for the rest of the structure and its components especially while in motion. My thinking on the the big foot levelers tends to favor 6 vs 4 even on a rig strong enough that it can theoretically handle just 4. Can you comment on that?

Brian

The Junkman wrote:

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Too bad.. I would like to talk with a salesman from New Horizons.. I guess I would need to call one there?

That frame really looks like almost too much steel.. If there is such a thing? It's obvious where all the weight comes from. I would think you would not need so much steel, with a properly designed frame? Going to have go do some comparing...And call the salesman.

With only 1000 units , over 20 years.. That is pretty low volume. from where I am sitting, and a very good reason they are hard to find. I tried. I really would have like to see one.

I'm not saying they are bad.. of course, for the money .. they have to be good.. NH has no choice.

I like the cabinet faces.. and some of the options they offer.. Not much else.

But will put a call into Candie overthere, and see if she can sell me on why I might want a NH over a DRV.. or anything else, for that matter.

---

What are you going to compare to? A Spacecraft has as much or more structure, and is heavier than a NH. A Forks has as much or more structure and is heavier than a NH. How will you know how much weight is being carried on the structure in your comparison. Also, take into account how much cantilever there is on the upper deck and behind the axles. 

Why would you be calling sales at New Horizons if you just ordered a new coach? You are welcome to come see ours any time you like if you would like to see how they are built....or any other Ambassador in your area. And again, since you like so little of the coach - other than the cabinet faces - why would you bother looking at one? There are many good reasons to buy a NH over a DRV, but a DRV is not a bad coach. And since you have placed your order for one, you obviously feel it is the right coach for you.

NH is currently producing about 35 units a year. So you will not see them everyplace. In contrast, DRV produces well over 500 a year. Viewing a NH is best done at a major RV show like Tampa, or through an Ambassador.

biggaRView wrote:

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Jack Mayer wrote:

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New pictures starting at slide 35.  LINK.

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 Great stuff Jack, keep it coming.  I really like the clean battery bank and invertor and solar controller locations/set-up.  In the utility bay, the fresh water supply looks partially buried behind a panel. Is panel removeable for access?  My experience with hose reels is they, at some point, begin leaking. Is it serviceable? Cindi wants to know more about the under floor heat. Do the mats(?) extend to all areas under the wood floors? (including the storage area under the toilet room) How much of the coach heating is/will (your estimate) provided by the under floor heating? The floor plan shows a large unoccupied space at the back of the living room, we assume it has a couch there, NH, being a custom builder we'd prefer/like a desk/sewing/crafts center in part of that space, something like what Terry & Jo have so that would be easy to do.

While Junkman makes an interesting point about weight vis a vis the sturdiness of the frame construction, I'm with you on the desireability of strong bones to support the coach. Using less steel might save weight but introduces more flexing which can't be a good thing for the rest of the structure and its components especially while in motion. My thinking on the the big foot levelers tends to favor 6 vs 4 even on a rig strong enough that it can theoretically handle just 4. Can you comment on that?

Brian

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 The hose reel is serviceable. In practice they have not been an issue. But the access hatch is there to service it. And it can be removed.  The hose for the fresh water enters to the back of the utility panel...and that is accessible from the back and you can remove the front of the entire panel if required. Also, this is all PEX after the hose reel so that it is very unlikely there would be a leak. 

The underfloor heat is ONLY a supplement to the furnaces. As is the fireplace. Although it will probably heat the entire coach down into pretty cold temps. Right now the fireplace alone maintains the heat into the mid-low 20's. The heat is in all areas of the main floor not covered by a cabinet. It is not under cabinets. It is also not in slides - although it could be. I did not want it in the slides since the only habitable slide has just seating in it. It is not necessary.

The floorplan does not show a couch in the r3ear because we have our own furniture. It will have a Lazy Boy rocking reclining loveseat with two endtables. It can easily be desks, or a sewing table or anything you like. 

The Bigfoot has always been a stable platform on a frame that can handle 4-point leveling. It may be that 6-point is more stable...I've not seen any independent tests that would indicate that. I can tell you the Bigfoot is VERY stable. But you do need a frame that will allow use of it when getting to the longer spans. I find the DRV 43' with 6 point leveling no more stable than the Bigfoot, and I was able to go between a NH 41' and the DRV right next to each other at the HDT Rally. Which is superior? Heck if I know....The Bigfoot seems simpler to me... but that is not based on any testing....

Jack:

Took a peak at the new cabinets today in the wood shop.  They look great with some very nice grain and color texture in the wood.  Nice change for variety.  Linda likes them very much.  We still prefer the stained cherry but we know you’ll like the natural look as will others. 

They were doing some preliminary cabinet placement on the decking today.  Work progresses.  As you know the 2015 show model is right ahead of yours on the line.

Lots of activity in production, delivery and service.

Plan is to join some RV-Dreamers for dinner tomorrow night who are coming in to take a look.  I think we will have at least 6-8 RV-Dreamers around by Friday.

Bill

Jack,

Cindy and I got to see your new trailer this week. My first thought was it is big. We saw one of the built walls and it is long!  Your cabinets really are nice. The craftsmanship is just like a custom home builder. Cindy really likes the finish. The dovetail joints make for a very strong joint on the drawers. I got to see a new frame next to your trailer. I know why they are so heavy. There is a lot of metal used. After talking to Cole, I know this is truly a custom builder. They will try to accommodate every wish. Their latest project will be 53' with a gun safe located in livingroom slideout. We got to spend time with Bill and Linda. We learned alot. Now we have much to think about.

James