I’m TRULY unimpressed with the manner in which Newmar and its CEO has handled an ONGOING VIN issue
Liz Amazing (of YouTube fame) just posted a significant update to “Newmar-gate.” My first post on this topic was made in October 2025. Liz’s new video has caused me to post a very timely update here on RV Across America (.net).
The core issue involves VIN Badging and involves (at least) Newmar and Spartan
Where and how VIN Badges are applied AND what U.S. Customs had to say to one Newmar owner about this. This owner is currently facing a $660,000. fine from the United States government! The problem is this issue may extend well beyond this one camper and its owner.
Please understand: I STILL like Newmar campers and how they’re built, BUT…
The company’s response to this entire situation has been PATHETIC – in particular the CEO’s response is UNacceptable. My video offers my take on the situation…
Don’t miss my Northwood Factory Tour HERE – a landmark video!
Summary Thoughts Newmar’s mess and Advice on Moving Forward…
Lack of VIN Badging (or NON-compliant badging) on a Newmar w/ Spartan chassis (2022 King Aire model)
Proper VIN badging is not only mandated by law, it is vital to prevent fraud and theft
This VIN badging issue MAY extend to other motorhome manufacturers
Problem identified by U.S. Customs when the camper’s owner crossed the border. Their $1.6million Newmar was flagged as it was being brought into the USA with the intent to sell it. The campers owner was fined $660k – this appears to be for export/import with intent to transact. The camper’s owner is going to court this month regarding the fine by US Customs.
- Note: Transporting a camper across the international border with the intent to sell triggers a deeper inspection by US Customs – including paperwork.
Scott Buchanan of SW Luxury Coaches was to be the buyer – he is the focus of Liz’s interview – he laments that Newmar one of the best made products and yet…
Casey Tubman (President of Newmar) initially promised to look into this. That was SIXTEEN months ago – since then he has stepped back and been non-responsive to (apparently) all parties on this matter.
2027 Newmars have been rebadged with a riveted plate inside the coach – they had been using paper tags onto the coach (can easily be removed from wall paper) – law had been in effect since 2010
Liz (of Liz Amazing) reached out to Newmar & Winnebago – no response – her video has 144k views, 7k likes – it applies pressure to these deadbeats errr… executives.
Stay Tuned for a continued exploration of Central Utah with Isaac – coming soon!
Closing Thoughts
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Alan,
That’s nice, let’s say Newmar would have stepped in and flown out there to Canada near Detroit and brought the say rivited VIN plates AKA badges. Put them on and said problem solved.
Let’s hypothesize, because we do not know what the border agent would have done next. But for the sake of argument they drive it in to the border and now they look at it and they still can’t find the chassis VIN. That’s assigned by the primary builder of the incomplete vehicle. Now what? Isn’t that where they were looking to begin with.
Totally agree with the problem with the Newmar label, cheep. I know I have one. But mine is on the Freightliner. Oh. Bad news Freightliner does what they are supposed to do. Rivet the VIN badge right below the radiator on the chassis in the back. Why do these guys do it? To save money, of course not that costs more to make the emblem (badge) and put it on with two rivets. Imagine that Spartan apparently is not why, they assign the VIN to incomplete chassis.
I guess we missed the entire point. Newmar has had an issue with their badging but maybe this made them think more in line with what the customer wants/needs to feel good and at same token satisfy the issue at hand. Where is Spartan in this? All good there?
I just don’t understand how most people think with the opinion of Newmar being the fault. They bear some responsibility for not making their label perforated or cut up so it destructs if removed. But what about the frame?
Let’s look at it another way, say the Motorhome burns to a crisp all occupants are fine and not hurt. How would you identify that particular king air? All is left is the frame and block. ????
I like to know.
Tom
Tom,
Here’s how I see it – Newmar is THE manufacturer. They compile hundreds of components/parts that they do not manufacture and produce a functioning motorhome – and frankly one with a good reputation. The end user (the owner) does NOT and should NOT need to know the source of the parts Newmar compiled to make the camper. Further, the end user should NOT need to know VIN badging laws as established by the USA. Newmar however NEEDS to know ALL this – and – to ensure that ALL parts (including the Spartan chassis) are IN compliance with ALL current laws.
So, NO, I do not let Newmar off the hook. They SHOULD have insisted that Spartan’s chassis be IN compliance with US laws before building and selling the camper (and how many others?!)
Al
Thanks Alan
Hope its useful info.
Al