Suggested new options and parts for NuWa

[mmitc100]

I'm writing notes as fast as I can.         We'll get around to all these great suggestions as well as we can.  Of course there is about three years of engineering work involved.   But keep 'em coming.   MIKE

[kkro]

 OTOH, with the new marketing plan, Mike could offer some of the best and stock them for factory delivered units anyways.

It could get expensive having stuff on the shelf that doesn't turn over often. On a tour of Boeing several years ago for local pooh-baahs, we were taken through some areas not open to the public tours. I learned that each airplane purchaser selects his own avionics (to a point, I expect), the seats and their spacing, the galleys, tires, and many other things. Those items are purchased separately, then sent to Boeing for installation when the plane is built.

Maybe some options could be handled between Nu-Wa and the buyer the same way, or a blend of factory inventory and customer supplied items. It could also turn into a logistical nightmare. I wouldn't expect Nu-Wa to do the shopping from nonstandard vendors for all the oddball stuff people may want, but batteries could be ordered on-line and drop shipped to the plant. Same with a special TV or sound system. Then again, some suppliers may not be anxious to deal with retail customers.

Just some rambling thoughts.

[gtomlins]

One of the reasons I purchased a Nu Wa product (besides the company's reputation) was that they would do custom "stuff."  I would hate to see that disappear.  In fact, I think that concept should be better marketed.  I ordered my unit without the chairs or couch and got my own.  I would think the most empathetic way to state a desired option or feature would be when a person takes his/her unit and modifies it.  I have done several modifications, HOWEVER, I've noticed in the new models Nu Wa has incorporated many of those.  So, listed below are a few that they may have not done yet.  Most importantly, build quality units.  If you want to go after the vacation users (probably where most of the money is at) build the "less quality" under a different name and advertise it as such.

Options I have added(or are planning to add):
A retractable water hose that never needs to be disconnected (it winds up)
A built in dual water filter
Black water flush without attaching a separate hose (I believe the Champagne's had this but not the DA)
Rope LED lights in the closet so I can see under the shelf and see the number on my safe (which I use)
Put the remote for the Progressive EMS inside where I can read the voltage and turn off the unit if necessary
Converted the pantry cabinet from one deep, narrow cabinet to a pull out pantry so you can actually get to food items
Put in an LCD flat screen TV with storage behind it
Made the end tables next to the couch open up on top so they can be used as storage
Hinged the steps so they can be used as storage
Rebuilt the desk drawers so they go the full Length of the desk
Ran an extra cable to the back so I can add a cell phone antenna on the ladder
Added 12 volt LED work lights under the "fender skirts" so I can see to hook up in the dark
Added a permanently mounted TV cable in a rewindable container under a slide out
Put window locks on the access panel under the bedroom overhang so it would not drop down (the Velcro doesn't hold it)
A manual valve on sewer outlet just before cap
A remote tank gauge at dump valves with a water pump switch
Put vents on the AC in living room so they can be closed off or reduce the flow (i.e. so there is more flow to the bedroom, we only have one AC).
Small AC vent in bathroom (don't know if this is possible yet) in the DA

I wish I have gotten 8k axles as I will probably have them rebuilt and 17.5 tires (thanks Big Greg for costing me more money!)
It would have been nice to have some conduit and pull wires located in various places within the rig.

Thanks Mike for making quality units.

[mmitc100]

Great list of "adds" and suggestions.  Some will be worth researching.   Thanks,  MIKE

One of the reasons I purchased a Nu Wa product (besides the company's reputation) was that they would do custom "stuff."  I would hate to see that disappear.  In fact, I think that concept should be better marketed.  I ordered my unit without the chairs or couch and got my own.  I would think the most empathetic way to state a desired option or feature would be when a person takes his/her unit and modifies it.  I have done several modifications, HOWEVER, I've noticed in the new models Nu Wa has incorporated many of those.  So, listed below are a few that they may have not done yet.  Most importantly, build quality units.  If you want to go after the vacation users (probably where most of the money is at) build the "less quality" under a different name and advertise it as such.

Options I have added(or are planning to add):
A retractable water hose that never needs to be disconnected (it winds up)
A built in dual water filter
Black water flush without attaching a separate hose (I believe the Champagne's had this but not the DA)
Rope LED lights in the closet so I can see under the shelf and see the number on my safe (which I use)
Put the remote for the Progressive EMS inside where I can read the voltage and turn off the unit if necessary
Converted the pantry cabinet from one deep, narrow cabinet to a pull out pantry so you can actually get to food items
Put in an LCD flat screen TV with storage behind it
Made the end tables next to the couch open up on top so they can be used as storage
Hinged the steps so they can be used as storage
Rebuilt the desk drawers so they go the full Length of the desk
Ran an extra cable to the back so I can add a cell phone antenna on the ladder
Added 12 volt LED work lights under the "fender skirts" so I can see to hook up in the dark
Added a permanently mounted TV cable in a rewindable container under a slide out
Put window locks on the access panel under the bedroom overhang so it would not drop down (the Velcro doesn't hold it)
A manual valve on sewer outlet just before cap
A remote tank gauge at dump valves with a water pump switch
Put vents on the AC in living room so they can be closed off or reduce the flow (i.e. so there is more flow to the bedroom, we only have one AC).
Small AC vent in bathroom (don't know if this is possible yet) in the DA

I wish I have gotten 8k axles as I will probably have them rebuilt and 17.5 tires (thanks Big Greg for costing me more money!)
It would have been nice to have some conduit and pull wires located in various places within the rig.

Thanks Mike for making quality units.

[mmitc100]

You know I think posting this as a testimonial would be a good way to show website viewers that NuWa seeks suggestions from customers and that the forum members are very valuable resources to potential HitchHiker owners or any 5th wheel buyer for that matter.  May I have permission to post this info on the website?    MIKE

One of the reasons I purchased a Nu Wa product (besides the company's reputation) was that they would do custom "stuff."  I would hate to see that disappear.  In fact, I think that concept should be better marketed.  I ordered my unit without the chairs or couch and got my own.  I would think the most empathetic way to state a desired option or feature would be when a person takes his/her unit and modifies it.  I have done several modifications, HOWEVER, I've noticed in the new models Nu Wa has incorporated many of those.  So, listed below are a few that they may have not done yet.  Most importantly, build quality units.  If you want to go after the vacation users (probably where most of the money is at) build the "less quality" under a different name and advertise it as such.

Options I have added(or are planning to add):
A retractable water hose that never needs to be disconnected (it winds up)
A built in dual water filter
Black water flush without attaching a separate hose (I believe the Champagne's had this but not the DA)
Rope LED lights in the closet so I can see under the shelf and see the number on my safe (which I use)
Put the remote for the Progressive EMS inside where I can read the voltage and turn off the unit if necessary
Converted the pantry cabinet from one deep, narrow cabinet to a pull out pantry so you can actually get to food items
Put in an LCD flat screen TV with storage behind it
Made the end tables next to the couch open up on top so they can be used as storage
Hinged the steps so they can be used as storage
Rebuilt the desk drawers so they go the full Length of the desk
Ran an extra cable to the back so I can add a cell phone antenna on the ladder
Added 12 volt LED work lights under the "fender skirts" so I can see to hook up in the dark
Added a permanently mounted TV cable in a rewindable container under a slide out
Put window locks on the access panel under the bedroom overhang so it would not drop down (the Velcro doesn't hold it)
A manual valve on sewer outlet just before cap
A remote tank gauge at dump valves with a water pump switch
Put vents on the AC in living room so they can be closed off or reduce the flow (i.e. so there is more flow to the bedroom, we only have one AC).
Small AC vent in bathroom (don't know if this is possible yet) in the DA

I wish I have gotten 8k axles as I will probably have them rebuilt and 17.5 tires (thanks Big Greg for costing me more money!)
It would have been nice to have some conduit and pull wires located in various places within the rig.

Thanks Mike for making quality units.

[Don W]

Here's a topic that will be important to all of us going forward.   If you read my Atwood stove post about production efficiency (keep it simple) you hopefully respect the importance of balancing what options we offer versus the need for efficient production.   My options question here is several fold.  What "new" options do you feel NuWa should add, if any?   What options do you feel should become standard to eliminate stocking two different items?  And finally are there any options, which you feel are not important and should be eliminated entirely.  I know there will be many different types of responses and little agreement, but observing the comments helps me to confirm that NuWa is providing what is needed and wanted.   MIKE

Do not put any more Tow Max tires on the new rigs. Yes, I would have paid the difference in price for a better tire if I knew the factory had changed to Tow Max.
Tires, axles, and frames are what cause the most complaints that live forever on the web. Use the best you can get, it will pay off down the road when people discuss their brand of 5th wheel.
Quality control begins and ends at the factory.

[Jeff Collingwood]

My 2009 came with a pump switch in the bathroom.  It is very handy.  I agree with Greg S. that there should also be a switch at the outside shower.  A lot of suggestions people are making are already on my 09.  Mike does listen.
...Jeff....

Speaking of water pump switches, put one in the bathroom too!! That is something I need to do but just haven't yet.

Gary

[k7wwa]

  A lot of suggestions people are making are already on my 09.  Mike does listen.
...Jeff....

Hi Jeff

What about a usable manual with diagrams? Did you get one of them?

George

[huuligan]

My 2009 came with a pump switch in the bathroom.  It is very handy.  I agree with Greg S. that there should also be a switch at the outside shower.  A lot of suggestions people are making are already on my 09.  Mike does listen.
...Jeff....

Speaking of water pump switches, put one in the bathroom too!! That is something I need to do but just haven't yet.
Gary

That is great that they are putting the bathroom switch in now! Now if we can just get those overkill axles and a decent manual!! 

Gary

[HighwayRanger]

The suggestion about printing the manual individually for each coach seems like a smart one.  Just take the build sheet and print out the equipment found on a particular coach.  Obviously, some of it will be the same for each unit, but put the right stuff in a three-ring binder so we could add future information when we add or change components and we'd be all set.  My current SOB manual is okay, and is pretty good with stuff specific to my coach, but it's in a spiral binder so I can easily add pages.

Roy

[Jeff Collingwood]

No, the manual is not good and not very usable.  They would have to start from scratch to make one.  Maybe they could copy/update some other countries manual (I know there are good ones out there).
...Jeff...

  A lot of suggestions people are making are already on my 09.  Mike does listen.
...Jeff....

Hi Jeff

What about a usable manual with diagrams? Did you get one of them?

George

[brianwl]

Given the level of technology about these days, how about making the manual a CD in PDF format?  That way it would be searchable by keyword.  Save space too.

[HighwayRanger]

 

Even better idea!

Roy

[Hitchhiker]

A cord reel for the 50 amp cords like some motor homes would be a useful option. Press a button and the big, heavy cord rolls in our extends out. Also, some sort of factory installed indoor/outdoor thermometer that had better quality than the chintzy Chinese junk available as an add on now. Maybe it could be incorporated into the TV system or through the CD/DVD player with an onscreen display.

[kkro]

Does anyone listen to AM radio in their 5er? OK, maybe some. I was thinking of replacing the AM radio antenna (or is that pretending to be an FM antenna?) with a higher gain cell phone antenna for the tethering crowd. Maybe it could be made dual purpose.

[Jeff Collingwood]

We don't listen to radio in our rig at all.  If we did, we'd put in a CD, or listen to XM Radio on the dish.
...Jeff....

Does anyone listen to AM radio in their 5er? OK, maybe some. I was thinking of replacing the AM radio antenna (or is that pretending to be an FM antenna?) with a higher gain cell phone antenna for the tethering crowd. Maybe it could be made dual purpose.

[huuligan]

Does anyone listen to AM radio in their 5er? OK, maybe some. I was thinking of replacing the AM radio antenna (or is that pretending to be an FM antenna?) with a higher gain cell phone antenna for the tethering crowd. Maybe it could be made dual purpose.

Didn't know AM radio still existed!  Have never even tried ours. Tried the FM once but it was terrible. We listen to XM on DirecTV thru the surround sound system. If AM/FM stereo were an option I would NOT get it. If XM/Sirius were, I would get that.

Gary

[bobr]

my favorite radio station is k-off.   bob r

[Lynndiwagoner]

Mike, as far as spare parts......I would stock the fender skirts and associated stuff that gets ruined when you have the inevitable blow-out.  Also, decals seem to start curling after a few years, so keeping spares of these would be nice.

[mmitc100]

We do our best to keep all parts used in the production of trailers.  It's the neat gadgets and accessories that you all find in your travels that I want to identify.   MIKE

Mike, as far as spare parts......I would stock the fender skirts and associated stuff that gets ruined when you have the inevitable blow-out.  Also, decals seem to start curling after a few years, so keeping spares of these would be nice.

[HHDreamer]

One thing I would like to see is a quick connect for an LCD TV to be placed in the basement...     Spend a lot of time outside watching Sports and movies...   

Wes

[Hut]

Does anyone listen to AM radio in their 5er? OK, maybe some. I was thinking of replacing the AM radio antenna (or is that pretending to be an FM antenna?) with a higher gain cell phone antenna for the tethering crowd. Maybe it could be made dual purpose.

Didn't know AM radio still existed!  Have never even tried ours. Tried the FM once but it was terrible. We listen to XM on DirecTV thru the surround sound system. If AM/FM stereo were an option I would NOT get it. If XM/Sirius were, I would get that.

Gary

My thoughts exactly. 

[EdJ]

 My options question here is several fold.  What "new" options do you feel NuWa should add, if any?   What options do you feel should become standard to eliminate stocking two different items?  And finally are there any options, which you feel are not important and should be eliminated entirely.  I know there will be many different types of responses and little agreement, but observing the comments helps me to confirm that NuWa is providing what is needed and wanted.   MIKE

Here is an idea that is not exactly an option; or perhaps it could be.  Everyplace I have read about Eternabond, everyone praises the product as to  how good it is in stopping leaks on trailer roofs.  The caulking applied to the rubber roof now starts failing/cracking in a year or two.  It is a constant maintenance headache and causes very expensive water damage if not repaired quickly.  I have always wondered why Eternabond was not used in the initial trailer construction to stop the leaks from happening.  It would certainly be a great advertising point.

If this product could not be used due to the extra costs as standard build procedure, perhaps it could be offered as an option.  From all I have heard, it would be a very popular selection.

[stu 206]

One thing I would like to see is a quick connect for an LCD TV to be placed in the basement...     Spend a lot of time outside watching Sports and movies...   

Wes

Like maybe as cable outlet in Basement.....I have one Wes, ordered it on unit from factory....with an AC outlet right next to it....Vern

[bobr]

my 339rsb has an antenna hook up and power outlet on the curb side basement nest to the door.   bob r