Small Class A Motorhome Tour | Newmar Bay Star Full Walk-Through

[@pleyenterprise]

I am a new subscriber and finished your van series. Thank you for the 60 hours effort each weekly videos. Reading Joe's book now. I am watching your old video along. That brings back a lot of our memories when your went thru your Class A rig. We started our full-time in 2002 with our new a Newmar 40 foot 5th trailer Mountainaire, pulling with a Class 8 Volvo. After 2008 financial crisis, our online job ended. We concluded our full timing in 2011 and took a break from travel. I went back to work in an office in the East. A few months ago after 6.5 years, I retired at 61. Resuming our RV life and excited to travel again after selling our house. This time, we are going for a B van for the close-up experience which what we missed in the last round. That was how we found you guys along with other Vanlifer. We decided to build the B van with the Promaster diesel 3500 cargo van next year if not an expedition 4x4. So it will be a while. I feel the best when I build things as we both engineer and have itchy feet. Will meet you up down the road. My wife is German and I am Chinese, will love to RV both in China and Europe but no plan yet.

[@nancypatrick51]

LOVE the simple idea of the sticky note for locking the full side slide! We have a Ventana diesel and believe when we took it in for some warranty issues the maintenance crew did NOT check to see if they were locked before attempting to put it out. We like the security of having it locked even though they say it isn't necessary. LOVE your videos.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Nancy! The sticky note makes a big difference especially when it's bright pink. :) Hope your slide was fine and they didn't put it out in the locked position.

[@downundasvideos6402]

Without a doubt this is the most detailed and easiest to understand walk-though I've ever seen. Its a pity that dealers didn't do it like that. I would recommend this as a tutorial for any novice considering buying a large motorhome as it shows them what is involved and how the features work. Downunda - Melbourne Australia

[@Weretherussos]

Wow thank you for the compliment. We agree, especially since there are so many complex systems.

[@MultiRabe]

Humm, 5th time watching all 47mins of this video lol! This rig was like a mobile storage unit! Now I fully understand what a tumultuous task it was for you to get rid of things! Btw, after looking at this video NOW, I have to say that you & Kait did an EXCELLENT JOB of downsizing to fit what's essential in your Aktiv...🍻🍻🍻

[@raymondrace4837]

Great tour, I’m very tactile and appreciated the tour and demo. I am 6’6”, the driver seat is an important consideration with regard to the slide out distance behind the driver seat!

[@awakeningsister]

Wow! Thank you! Awesome video, I'm a complete newbie to this RV thing and haven't gotten an RV yet. This is so helpful.

[@Weretherussos]

You're very welcome and glad we could help!

[@l-bird]

LOL... I'm close to finishing your awesome book. It made me desire to come back and re-watch the tour of your Class A... it gave me a good visual of details in the book, and a good smile... thanks J and K :)

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you! I don't remember if I already asked but when you finish it, I'd love it if you left a review on Amazon. Thanks!

[@l-bird]

Absolutely! Not quite there yet, but when I finish, I'll head over to Amazon.... hope people are buying the book, it's well worth the read :)

[@SuperDv8]

Thank you for taking the time and explaining everything and what every button does. Pretty sure someone already said that but I didn't want to go thru all the comments. It was very informative since I'm looking/considering buying one one day. You're one of the few rv-ers that actually takes us with you on your road trips. Keep up the good work....

[@tomriley6006]

Excellent walk-thru, thank you! We replaced the foam for the dinette seat cushions because when seating four, the outboard persons were always uncomfortable and sliding off. With firmer foam, they are very comfortable and the cushions also stay "locked" in to the seat frames. Thank you, Kait, for demonstrating the slide locking tool. Our dealer did not and I could not figure it out. You guys are great! Tom

[@Weretherussos]

+Tom Riley Great idea with the foam...never would have thought of that. We didn't get an explanation on how to lock the slides either and were wondering what this funky steel tool was for.

[@jonthebru]

This is the best pitch for owning a small Class A over a small Class C. The front end looks very comfortable.

[@Weretherussos]

Yes it's really comfortable and we enjoy it!

[@niinjoosum]

Yeah I also have the residual water issue in my dump tank area. I added a another value as well. You only want that surprise to happen once. But love my Canyon Star.

[@cececl8n35]

The Newmar Company should be paying you for this video.

[@EtzEchad]

To keep the cushions from sliding, you might try using adhesive Velcro strips. Thanks for the very complete walk-through. It is really helpful.

[@Weretherussos]

+David Messer Thanks for the tip David and glad you enjoyed the video.

[@NewBeginningswithBudhiandCyndi]

That was a very detailed tour of your rig. Very nice. I hadn't seen the option of locking or unlocking the slides, thanks for that info.

[@Weretherussos]

You're very welcome.

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

Hi. Mr. & Mrs. Russo,.. This thorough video is very helpful. Going at length showing it all, the big, the small and the inbetween in immensely appreciated. Please keep on doing more such videos by showing it all at length and thoroughly. We who dont have an RV dont know how it all work and feels. If I may suggest taking video of while you driving, how it all looks while slides are in. Take as along with actual footage. I think many will say that we want more of actual and thorough footage of not just highlights of RV living and RV experiences and looks. We want the small and not just the aprkling beauties of RV/mobilehomes. Thank you very much, and I hope it gives you lots of high ratings and thumbs up.

[@jamessitati2325]

If I had this beautiful couple as my maths teachers I would score As, you really know how to explain stuff even to a layman like me, I wish you happy travels.

[@Weretherussos]

+James Sitati That's hilarious considering our math skills ;) Thanks for watching James!

[@lutinab5265]

I will be picking up my 2015 Bay Star 2903 in a few weeks. I'm a newbie and very nervous but your walk through has given me some peace of mind. Thank you for such a wonderful detailed video. And thank u for keeping this video up even though you no longer have this rig.

[@MultiRabe]

This vid popped up on my homepage this morning! How do you spell define dedication: watching this vid, for the fourth time, in its entirety (and the four multi minute ads in between)! For me, this is MY official "goodbye" to the only RV I know, thats associated with my falling in love with you guys! #BaystarsRock #SheWasAGoodShip

[@Weretherussos]

Yeah, she was a good ship. It was sad to see her go and I really do miss here at times like these when we are "stuck" but really looking forward to what's ahead.

[@MultiRabe]

We're the Russos Yes indeed! 🚐

[@LowsJuan]

Depending how hot the drawer underneath the stove top gets heat can age spices prematurely. 24:36 Another thing about the side window (awesome that they open) is it really let in a lot of light in. Less so in this case because of the width of your slide but if you have a small slide just for a love seat it actually creates a tunnel when extended. This darkens the interior, the side windows diminish the tunnel effect. Look at any class c with a murphy bed up front and see how much you miss the light from a window on that side. Looking at the windows in the bedroom have you though about getting a escape window/hatch in the back and a normal window on the slide. That is if they are not custom windows. There has to be a wrecker yard where damaged motorhomes go after a bad baker. Enjoyed your video!!!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks for the suggestions and things to look for. If we were to replace the rear window with an escape hatch it would be a completely custom job. We keep something in the bedroom we can break the window with if we need to get out...otherwise we have the smaller escape hatch on the side.

[@michaellee495]

Excellent! Very nice review. Best review I have ever seen.

[@Weretherussos]

+michael lee Thank you! We have more we're working on so stay tuned.

[@duathlete827]

I've seen a lot of walk-throughs but your's is by far the best I've seen. I felt like a buyer being told how to operate all of the systems. Great job! Very nice RV. Only thing I would not be thrilled with is how low you have to get to access some of the outside storage bays. Particularly hard with the slides out. Maybe not a big deal for young folks.

[@Weretherussos]

+Brian K Kinney Thanks Brian. I [Joe] have some issues getting into the bays when the slides are out because I have a bad back. That said, when they are in, the doors lift up fairly high and make life a lot easier. If we were buying another coach, we'd look for the doors that swing out to the side.

[@kawarthaleather6659]

the best review walkthrough I've seen.... thank you .... Steve

[@Weretherussos]

+STEVE'S FACTS you're welcome!

[@promises6414]

Thank you for this very thorough walk through; have been looking at a Newmar and you answered a lot of my questions

[@Weretherussos]

+Tamara P you're welcome!

[@polyplaner]

I'll be picking up my Newmar 3103 soon, thanks for this thorough video, it was very helpful and I'll be sure to check your others.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks and hope you enjoy our other of the videos!

[@bud1412]

Real good walk thru. This is one of the motorhomes we are thinking about, and you did a lot better job than the sales person. Look forward to more videos.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Chuck! Looking back at our walk through that the dealer did, we found a lot of inaccuracies so thought this would be helpful for people.

[@richt.5105]

So nice to see a detailed walk through, thanks guys. Nice 1.

[@danovido8946]

Loved the video! You two have it down and answered a lot of my questions about this particular Newmar model. Thanks : )

[@Weretherussos]

+Dano Vido you're welcome!

[@merrelljam]

Wow what a walk through. Great job.

[@Tygerlady99]

Thanks. You were very thorough.

[@rebeccal1835]

For the dinette cushions try a few strip of velcro to hold them in place. 😄 You have a beautiful home, thanks for sharing!!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks for the suggestion - but question for you. We have strips of Velcro that had adhesive backing and they won't stick to the cushions. Would you suggest sewing them on?

[@rebeccal1835]

+We're the Russos - You could absolutely sew a fabric velcro strip on, or you could also purchase a heat activated velcro...you can find it on Amazon. Hopefully one of those options will fix those slippy cushions! 😄 Have a great day!

[@Weretherussos]

Sounds like either of those options would work well - thank you again!

[@rebeccal1835]

+We're the Russos - Happy to help!

[@StarOne311]

When you were explaining on your TV Antenna> You mentioned a Check List that you had a link. I couldn't find it. Do you have it? Thanks!

[@scentmyhome]

Beautiful home! Have you tried the Contact grip liner for the dinette cushions? It is non-slip liner made for kitchen drawers, but I use it under my kitchen chair pads and it works pretty well.

[@Weretherussos]

That's a great idea and would keep us from having to attach Velcro to the cushions. Thanks!

[@1disneynut2]

Nice video. Regarding your cushions slipping, Have you tried using velcro? Doesn't need to be a big piece. We were planning on an Allegro, now you have given us something to think about.

[@Weretherussos]

+1disneynut2 Not yet, but it seems to be the consensus to try. We kind of prefer trying that rubbery drawer liner first - the problem with velcro is that you have to put it in exactly the same place on both cushions so it still works when you rotate them from bench to bench.

[@MultiRabe]

Very nice looking rig you have! It looks like the Titanic, compared to my 19ft class b lol!

[@dsm5862]

I really enjoyed your walk thru!!! My husband and I just bought a used 2013 Bay Star 2901 and are looking forward to getting out camping this summer (just picked it up Dec. 15th 2015. It went into storage right away). I love your idea about using the dinette for a lounge to watch movies, that would be wonderful. We also boondock so your suggestions are very helpful. Do you run the generator when you set up at your site where power is not available?? my old RV allowed me to keep the engine running while extending the slide room but this one does not. Enjoy and I am jealous. we have to wait for spring!!!

[@Weretherussos]

+11e We don't fire up the genny until we need to recharge the batteries. We have a small portable solar panel that will keep things topped off (weretherussos.com/renogy-100w-portable-solar-panel-review/) when its sunny. Otherwise we typically run the genny for about 2 hrs or so a day to make sure we recharge the batteries. We did swap the two 12v batteries for two 6v golf cart batteries and saw a nice improvement. Spring will be here soon enough and maybe we'll see you on the road!

[@dsm5862]

I was wondering if your Bay Star came with Tru Center on the steering?? I just noticed we have it on our 2013. If you have it, how do you like it??

[@Weretherussos]

No we don't have that on our coach and haven't heard of it. Was it factory installed? We ask because many people upgrade the suspension and steering with these gas coaches and that may not have been a factory add on (but probably good you got it).

[@dsm5862]

We just bought this Coach in Dec 2015 (had a Itasca Navion that we traded) so it was already there, must have been an add on. I have not used it yet but I hear good things about it. I am still learning/discovering things about RV, will be for a while!

[@jrboudreau]

Thanks for the great walk through. I'm used to the sales walk throughs and your's was very educational. We're in the market now and wondering how you like your rig? Many warranty issues?

[@Weretherussos]

John - we love our rig and we have had some things that needed to be taken care of via warranty but nothing major. This is to be expected with all RVs.

[@peggy1046]

we have missed your videos. are you back on the road soon!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks - we hope we'll be back on the road soon but we still don't have a delivery date on the new RV.

[@timsiddle1134]

Nice RV / great video good job ! - I'm shopping for one; I just have a quick question for now: you mentioned having some special stuff to clean bugs off the front; what do you use?

[@Weretherussos]

Used dryer sheets...works really well.

[@timsiddle1134]

You specifically said you had a special cleaner? Is it the dryer sheets you mentioned or do you have some sort of special cleaner solution that works really well with the diamond shield treatment - I’m assuming diamond shield protection comes on all the Newmar coaches; I’m looking to buy a used 2014 in few weeks. I had a Class A once, and getting all the bug splatter off the front was an issue for me.

[@jrboudreau]

Thanks!!

[@robertobeltramelli4138]

This is a very nice RV, thanks for the tour, you answered any questions in the next video. I am not familiar with class B? Have a wonderful travel year #2. I owned a Ham Radio Store in Chicago's western suburbs for 20 years, if either of you have any questions! Some Clubs run weekend crash courses for the Ham License. Check ARRL or VEC testing online. Practice tests are also available on line. One channel that I enjoy is "Mr Aviation 101" josh has 70,000 subscribers at age 21 and posts one every Monday since he is a Junior in College. Have a look some time, he narrates very nicely and has a gift for editing and audio mixing.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Roberto, we'll look Josh up and check out some of his stuff. Class B are the camper vans :)

[@jeffhoward9186]

Even through you don’t have a class A anymore, but you asked how to stop the cushion from slipping out. Use Velcro not the black stuff, but the white stuff.

[@amosjsoma]

When you bought this motor home did you give any consideration to having a composting toilet installed to replace the water flush toilet? I don't know for sure because I'm very new to all of this but several videos I've seen claim it an eliminate the need for a black tank. I seen enough on cleaning and draining the black tank to make me believe that getting rid of it would be a good thing. I repeat, I'm a newbie to this and could well be out in left field with this thought.

[@Weretherussos]

We did and actually tried one for a while...it wasn't for us and unless we wanted to cut holes in the RV, we couldn't go with something like the Nature's Head. There is a lot of misinformation about the black tank and its very easy to dump and deal with, not the nightmare some people make it out to be. Here is the article we wrote: weretherussos.com/composting-toilet-in-a-rv/

[@urbancowboy9511]

Sticky sticker velcro for your cushion so they won't slide out..

[@chelseafn104]

Excellent video!! Very well done!

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you!

[@erindavis1200]

try velcro on the bottom on the cushions

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks for the suggestion Erin!

[@dawnbates7533]

Strips of velcro to keep the seats from sliding

[@LaurieandBillRetired]

Very detailed, thanks!

[@vegasdavetv]

enjoying watching video now

[@Weretherussos]

+vegasdavetv Thanks Dave!

[@christinerusso7822]

So informative!

[@rpodadventure]

Thank you for this tour. I am considering upgrading my living space to a 2015-2016 Baystar Sport 2702 and I greatly appreciate seeing this tour. Can you please let me know what the fuel "economy" was for your Baystar Sport?

[@Weretherussos]

We were getting 6-8 mpg. It really depended on the terrain, etc

[@rpodadventure]

@@Weretherussos Thanks!

[@gvc56100]

very good job..... Guy

[@gfmucci]

I, too, love that folding desk on the right of the passenger seat. I was looking at a 2016 Sport 2903 and it just had a dinky folding cup holder. Can that desk be acquired as an add on?

[@Weretherussos]

I have no idea. I’d call Newmar and ask them

[@satnitelivegirl63]

just watched. ty for vid. and, oh ya, go pack go.

[@werrenskis]

Fun video! Home from Cuba and South Florida, Bokeelia. Cuba very very interesting - you'll see it a lot now that Obama is there! We paved the way for his visit!

[@Weretherussos]

+werrenskis Ha! You're trail blazers! Glad to hear it was an interesting trip.

[@markzwilsky3509]

BETTER Deliver info then the dealer... thanx

[@Weretherussos]

You're welcome Mark!

[@travelingwithrick]

I may of missed this, but does your coach have a gas or diesel engine?

[@BridgetStuart]

Gas

[@markfinley6899]

Thanks for the video. My wife and appreciated your videos. My wife is asian also and we have not ever seen a couple who is asian and american. We have a 25ft winnebego but will get a Newma this year. We want to meet you both one day. Please reply we you can and tell us more about you. Thanks

[@Weretherussos]

+Mark Finley Hey Guys! So happy you enjoyed the video. Not sure I could fit everything about us in this comment, but check out our other videos and website, weretherussos.com and you'll quickly learn more than you wanted to know - especially about Joe's coffee addiction. We love meeting fellow RVers so hopefully we can all meet one day.

[@kb3mpx]

I have several questions about the rv. Do you think that you can remove the sofa and replace it with a rv recliner couch or rv recliner chairs ? Would you be able to replace the rv couch with full size lazboy recliners like the on in somebody's house ?

[@enyoc3d]

33:40 what is 'screen mirroring' (rear tv) - can you broadcast from phone or tablet? Thanks for this great video! The only item I'm left wondering about is under the doghouse, how easy is it to get to the engine from the inside, and how much space is there for additional sound insulation?

[@Weretherussos]

John - for screen mirroring, both TVs have it but we haven't used it. We typically plug our laptop in through the extra HDMI connection and we've done the same thing with a Chromecast. We have not removed the dog house cover but have been underneath to change the oil. There is quite a bit of room under there and we've seen others who have added extra insulation (but been disappointed in the results). Our Newmar did seem quieter than other similar coaches we test drove.

[@aa9zz]

You showed an extra dump cover/handle to help stop the extra water from the dump. What Where did you get it?

[@Weretherussos]

+Phillip Smith it's the Valtera valve on this page weretherussos.com/our-store/

[@fredrodriguez7220]

Best review

[@craigwhite6489]

Does Kate drive the Motorhome

[@Weretherussos]

Yep all the time!

[@drewpeacock6234]

Did you shave to save space? 😂

[@williamduffy4585]

Velcro tape

[@Weretherussos]

+william duffy thanks for the suggestion William!

[@williamduffy4585]

It feels good to be acknowledged. The Velcro tape will work