Dill
Nashville, TN
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Joined: 03/16/2005
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We are looking at a Jayco Seneca 35GS. We can get a fully loaded Seneca for the price of a used Class A. We have looked for a while, loved the Phaeton, but just can't go the price. For price range, what else should we look at besides the Seneca?
Also, (yes we need to shop) how does the Seneca with 6600 engine handle over mountains if pulling a trailer or a car?
We currently have a Paradise Point 5th wheel and love it. But we won't pull motorcycle trailer behind the 5th wheel (although we've seen it done.)
ddnd dill9090@bellsouth.net
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kc2kj
Merchantville, NJ
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Joined: 01/04/2006
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I have a 2005 Seneca 34SS with the 6600 Duramax and mountains are no problem. Went up Fancy Gap grade (SW Virginia) and had no problem pulling a 2300 lb saturn toad. I have a Predator 40 HP tune installed (40 additional HP) and a Pyrometer (Eghaust Gas Temperature - EGT guage) and only had to drop back to 45 mph with 4th gear (used Tow Haul selection to lockout overdrive on hill) at the worst part of the hill climb. The total weight (guess) was about 23,000 lbs. I kept the pyro at about 1250-1300 degrees (F), ~2500-2800 rpm, and the water temperature guage went up to mid scale (well within nominal) and the transmission temp guage went up to the middle of the acceptable region.
Fancy Gap, if you are not familiar with it, is a long 4-5 mile 6 or 7 percent grade right at the NC/Va boarder on interstate highway.
Mike
kc2kj@mac.com
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Jeff&Laura
Elk Grove
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Joined: 10/14/2004
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KC2KJ...can you please tell me what kind of MPG you get with your Seneca. I was recently looking at one at an RV show here in Sacramento. I drove it and the salesman said to only expect 5-6 mpg. I thought this was a bit strange considering I get 8mpg with a 34' class A Allegro powered by a Ford 460.
Thanks
Jeff
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Dill
Nashville, TN
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Jeff&Laura, how would you compare driving your Allegro to the Seneca...and general comparison? If we did go class A, it would be a Tiffin product most likely.
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woodallmd
TN, USA
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Joined: 05/21/2002
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Dill, we drove our 1999 Allegro 33' 1-slide Ford V-10 up that Fancy Gap grade with no problem. We are the second owner and have never had any problem with this Tiffin product. If we were to buy another Class A, it would be a Tiffin product.
2003 M-B Cruiser
1999 Allegro 33' w/1 slide V-10
2003 Honda CRV EX
Buddy (Chihuahua)
Holly (Maltese)
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MS Bowhunter
Collierville TN
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Joined: 10/27/2006
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Performance in the hills or mountains will be close to the same on the Seneca and Pheaton. I would also say that the Seneca would be an easier driving motorhome in terms of intimidation. They both have advantages and disadvantages. I would recomend looking and test driving some new ones, both A and C. And the decide which you like best. If it is the A, then start looking for a used one. If possible, do your test driving on a windy day.
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kc2kj
Merchantville, NJ
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Jeff and Laura,
I get about 9 to 9.5 mpg with the predator tuner set at 40 HP increase. I recommend getting a pyro to ensure the egts are under control. I like the fuel mileage of the Seneca.
Mike
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