Community Forums

dmcquinn · 08-01-2014, 02:17 PM

We hope to have our house sold in the next few months.
Our long-awaited plan for over five years has been to sell our house this year, purchase our Tiffin Phaeton 40qbh, and be full-timers ... but ... after reading your comments regarding the numerous issues caused by the lessening quality of your Tiffin units as well as disappointing and frustrating service experiences at Red Bay, we are for the first time reconsidering ...is a Tiffin unit really the right choice.
We are so disappointed in what we have read here because while we knew we would be faced with issues in the unit, we felt that the outstanding customer service from Red Bay (that we have been reading about for years) would still make Tiffin by far the best choice for us. The QBH looked like the perfect floor plan for us and thought the Tiffin over-all quality was outstanding.
We don't want to purchase our long-awaited dream and have it turn out to be an on-going nightmare.
If you had it do over again, would you buy your Tiffin unit?

DieselTech39 · 08-01-2014, 02:27 PM

Glad you're aboard. Best of luck in your decision. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.

Bdhicks · 08-01-2014, 02:28 PM

I have some friends that did last year, exactly what you are doing. They bought a Tiffin Phaeton 36 footer. They had 2 issues on there first week heading south for the winter. Both relatively minor. Slide would notextend( electrical connection) easy fix. There washing maching died. That's it. Remember you are hearing the 1% of all coaches out there. I love this sight, but usually people are figuring out from a large pool of people what is what. You will be fine and the coach will be fine. Enjoy the journey!

PushedAround · 08-01-2014, 02:39 PM

Tiffin coaches are great. Some have a few more problems than others, but Tiffin really does try to build them right, and they certainly stand behind them. And for full-timing, a Tiffin has more usable cabinet space and will hold more storage than just about any other brand out there. Relax and enjoy it.

Selah · 08-01-2014, 02:41 PM

Remember that forums such as this are where people post there problems in hopes that someone else has had similar problems and to learn how it was fixed. I really don't think Tiffin has any more problems than Newmar or Winabago/Itaska Phaeton's are the most popular MH out there so your going to see more overall posts. Percentage wise I thing the big three are about equal.

Pigman1 · 08-01-2014, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmcquinn

If you had it do over again, would you buy your Tiffin unit?

Yep, we did. We had a 2008 40' bus we bought new, and then bought this one. All rigs have a few warts, but Tiffin tries hard and doesn't blow you off.

Rbhein · 08-01-2014, 03:37 PM

Yes, would buy another Tiffin in a minute.

AlKat · 08-01-2014, 03:38 PM

We have a 2012 40' Phaeton and we love it. Again, there were a few problems, but Tiffin was great at resolving them. We were going to order a 2015 43' Alegro Bus, as the floor plan was perfect for us, but it has been discontinued and the 45' doesn't have a pantry. We ordered a 45' Entegra Anthem instead for the floor plan and the large pantry. We only hope we enjoy it as much as we did the Phaeton. I'm sure you will be happy with your Phaeton. You get a lot for your money.

tedgard01 · 08-01-2014, 03:48 PM

Just remember, people that post are usually the ones with an issue, but you never hear much from the majority of folks that don't have issues.

Also, the house had issues that required fixing, and an RV will require ongoing maintenance and repairs. An RV is a house that is traveling down the road at 60 to 70 MPH.... There are bound to be some issues.

dabrooks · 08-01-2014, 05:51 PM

You should take a trip to Red Bay and watch them build them. I was impressed and maybe it will help you make up your mind.

**pasdad1** · 08-01-2014, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dabrooks

You should take a trip to Red Bay and watch them build them. I was impressed and maybe it will help you make up your mind.

Then visit the Newmar and Entegra factories as well. Researching before buying is half the fun !

mrv8outboard · 08-02-2014, 08:37 AM

Yes I would and will again. You hear the stories good and bad. I have found most new coaches end up needing anything form a few teaks to some repair and not all are the RV manufacturers responsibility (chassis,engine,transmission manufacturers). But I will tell you from personal experience Tiffin as well as Bob Tiffin stand behind what they manufacture better than most companies not just RV manufacturers. Enjoy what ever you purchase. Hope to see you on the road soon.

dmcquinn · 08-02-2014, 08:40 AM

We have spent over 5 years comparing RV brands-both construction, floor plans, amenities, quality, and customer service. Tiffin always came out on top for us. The unit that was perfect for us was the Phaeton 40QBH. Every time we pass an RV lot with Tiffin units, we stop and go thru them. Plus, we have been to Red Bay two years ago to see the units being built.
That is why at this point, we were just heartsick if the customer service and unit quality were no longer the same level as in the past years.
So we really appreciate your feedback.
I guess you are right... most of the comments in the forum were from people with issues because the owners are looking for feedback from others with the same issues.
We are so relieved to look at the comments in that way. We do love that QBH unit and would be so disappointed to find that we would have to change our plans.
One thing, tho, I think that we might go ahead and visit the Newmar and Entegra factories as a comparison. We do hear owners discussing Newmar and Entegra units favorably.

itgeekgal · 08-02-2014, 09:56 AM

We are considering trading in our 09 Phaeton for a new Newmar Dutch Star next year, but the switch would occur because of the huge variety of Newmar floorplans at the 43ft size (compared to 1 floorplan for Phaeton), Newmar's comfort steering, and because Newmar (we understand) is very flexible about making customizations during the build.

We have been very satisfied with our Phaeton quality, with the Tiffin company and the excellent service they have provided.