We've had both. We're now on our second Phaeton. Does that tell you something? I like the full through-and-through basement that the Phaeton has--and we have very good cargo-carrying-capacity (CCC). It is tough getting an appointment with Tiffin @ Red Bay, but once you're in, the service is fantastic!
I wouldn't worry about Tiffin being a small company, the Phaeton is the number one selling deisel and the Allegro bus is number three. As far as I know they are the only mfg that has not cut back on production.
I second the comment from dleslie125. The weight of the coach and CCC left on each axle is very important to how you can use it. If the vehicles are on the lot, get them weighed as they sit and calculate what's left for loading on each axle.
On almost all of the coaches I looked at, the rear axles have little capacity left after extras are added in. That doesn't mean they can't be used, just that you must be careful about where you load the heavy items. In our case, it took some juggling to get capacity for 1/2 tank of water on the rear axles. We are still well under the total capacity (1200 lbs) but within 250 lbs of the rear axle rating with full fuel and half water.
Having the galley forward could be an advantage in this area.
Havings said all of this, don't buy just for weight carrying - it HAS to be a floor plan and a coach which you both like and it must have adequate CCC in the right places.
One last comment - out in the west, the 400 horses really helps.
2005 Country Coach Inspire DaVinci 40'
2008 Honda CRV Dinghy
Roy
The Cummins 350hp is no where equal to the Cummins 360hp. The ISBXT only has 750 lb torque compared to the ISC's 1050 lb torque. Drive the D to see if it has enough torque to get you up hills and onto freeways in a safe manner. The rest seems quite comparable. Also, I have had my D since 2001 and have had no problem in Fleetwood's support or getting service.
Buy the Tiffin. Last year we bought a brand new Bounder. Before leaving the dealers lot, we found 51 things wrong. All the windows leaked, warping all the counter tops, walls, and floors. The dealer contacted Dwain Maxum at Fleetwood. He told us, in a nasty way, that all they would be willing to do is repair the things that were wrong. The dealer told him that most of the things had to be replaced. He told them that Fleetwood didn't have to replace anything. Things were repaired with popsical sticks and bubblegum. The back TV fell off the wall and we were told that it couldn't be fixed so tough luck. We went from the east coast to the west coast and went to every Fleetwood dealers we could find. They all used the same excuse. We were told that they had paying customer and they would come first. They would schedual us 3 to 4 weeks for warentee work. After waiting the 3 & 4 week, we would be told that it would be another month to schedual us in. It was the same at all dealers, big and small. We finall traded our NEW leaking Bounder in for a used coach and now are happy to have a coach that doesn't give us any problems. Beleve me, get the Tiffin. I have seen Mr. Tiffin come to a dealer to help because the customer was having trouble. Very impressive to me.
1998 American Eagle,40ft,325 Cummins engine,1 slide.
2001 Jeep Wrangler Toad, Blue Ox Hitch & Blue Ox Toad Break.
Without a doubt, Tiffin is your best choice. There is no comparing the "after the sale" customer support.
Karen and Warren
"Counting the days 'til retirement"
Sophie and Sam, our two Yorkies
Austin, Texas is home. Also, look for us
in Rockport / Fulton on the Texas coast
Quote: Last year we bought a brand new Bounder. Before leaving the dealers lot, we found 51 things wrong. All the windows leaked, warping all the counter tops, walls, and floors.
Maybe its just me, but with 51 things wrong, I believe I would have asked them to fix a few before I drove away.....
'02 Beaver 40' Patriot Thunder
CAT C12 455hp
Jeep Grand Cherokee Ron & Jane 2007 - 08
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