We are looking at new & used coaches. We will be using it a few long weekends & a couple 1 to 2 week trips a year over the next 4 years. It is just me & my wife. We are 55 at this time & have never owned an RV of any kind. We will be renting one in September for a week & we expect to like it enough to purchase one.
So far I like the Tiffin product & for a 1st RV for a few weeks a year we are thinking about a 36 footer (even though we do like the 39-40 also).
Any opinion on the Bay front diesel & vs. the Phaeton in about 36-37”??????
There is no comparison here when you look at each. Drive each and pay attention to the ride and noise levels and you will buy the Phaeton. I am not bashing the FRED and comparing it with a gasser - I would take the FRED......BUT comparing it to a medium level DP - Take the DP.
2003 Newmar DSDP 4005 dual slide king bed Spartan 350 Cummins 2004 Jeep Liberty 4X4 tow, SeaEagle boat in basement
Here is my 2 cents. We have been doing the exact same looking. Originally looked at the Phaeton, wanted it and could not LIVE without it.... Gas prices soared and we started to examine the lowly Allegro Bay FRED. Well, after reading all the MPG posts on the Tiffin Forum regarding the FRED... that is my pick. At it's worst in the mountains it gets 9.5 to 10 pulling a toad and on the flat they are reporting 12-13 MPG. This compared to a Phaeton which is a strong 7.5 MPG. Now, granted, I am a newby also, and prone to be a bit on the tight wad side, but I can not find any reason to throw 3-4 MPG away. I have heard all of the reason's why I really "need" a DP, but I feel I really need to get out in my MOHO, not let it sit in storage somewhere. Again, JMHO
Get what you really like or you will be trading soon. I have driven the Fred just to see how it was. It reminded me of our gas coaches much more work in the wind. We take long trips and I could not live with it. The air ride is worth the price. And as for milage ours avgs around 9 or so if driven under 70. not bad for a 41 footer and in my opion not to far off of what the Fred really avgs. Don't take me wrong both are good just prefer the air ride.
I just bought the Allegro 35 QBA on a FRED chassis. I like it, but is is no DP. I bought the FRED as it was just barely more expensive than the Chevy Workhorse or the Ford gassers. I like the FRED chasssis. But, it is not in the league Phaeton.
IMO, you are not comparing apples to apples. The Phaeton would get my vote and I own a FRED. But, if you are comparing the same coach on a Workhorse, Ford, or FRED, I would and did choose the FRED.
Good Luck!
Jim and Deanna
Tiffin Allegro 35QBA 2007 Carson Trailer 22' Titan TH Trailer Toad
Me, Wife, Boy/12, Boy/9, Girl/7
1985 Toyota 4Runner FIVE quads, THREE kids, TWO motorcycles, ONE wife, ONE dog, ONE cat!
My guess is that you are looking at the Tiffin Allegro Bay model #38TGB in the "FRED" as it is the closest in size to a 36 or 40 foot Phaeton. Well, you can buy that same AB38TGB for about $13,000.00 less as a gasser. Now before you reply that you don't want a gasser, think about the fact that $13,000.00 buys a lot of gas, gas is cheaper than diesel, maintenance is less costly with a gasser, and if you buy the #38TGB, once you arrive at the RV park, it's just as roomy inside as a gasser as it is as the "FRED". If you could visit a Tiffin dealer that has two identical Allegro Bay 38TGB's, one as a "FRED" and the other being gas, the amenities and everything else on the inside is exactly the same. And do you really think that owning a diesel powered motor home is going to cause you to have more fun once you arrive at your destination? Or, do you really think your going to sleep better at night inside a diesel powered motor home vs a gasser. We actually slept better inside our 1996 Fleetwood Tioga 31N than we do in our 2004 Allegro Bay 37DB, because the Tioga had a roof vent directly over our head and we were able to circulate fresh air through the bedroom. IMHO, I would try to find a MH that has a livable floor plan that is very nice inside for the least amount of money! If money is no object, go ahead and buy the Phaeton. We take long trips in our Alegro Bay 37DB and I find it very easy to drive. Granted that bumpy roads can be a little unsettling, but the new set of Koni FSD shocks being installed this coming Thursday should help remedy that! Good luck with whatever you decide to buy. Chuck/Bagman.
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