Community Forums

BCG · 12-03-2008, 08:50 AM

The wife and I are looking at new Phaetons. Other than falling in love with the Phaetons and Allegro Busses, her only real requirement is that the toilet must be separate from the shower. My only requirement is $$$$. So as not to bother all of you with our internal squabbles, I had the following general questions and was looking for feedback from experienced Tiffin owners.

1. Is the Powerglide chassis significantly better than the Freightliner or Spartan to warrant going into a Bus?

2. Looking at the QRH or QBH models, the list price is approaching that of the low-end Bus. For the $$ difference, would the 40' Bus be a better choice (we do not need the extra 2' or tag axle)?

3. None of the models on the lots are exactly what we wanted, most have much more. Other than the bathroom requirements above, the only other this is to have recliners instead of a second couch. Should we order a unit rather than by one off the lot? Which would be cheaper?

4. What would we reasonably expect the dealer to discount off MSRP, 20%, 25%, 30%?

We are looking to pull the trigger by the end of the year and would appreciate any input.

Hope to be a Tiffin owner soon!
Yuan & Gwen

BCG · 12-03-2008, 08:50 AM

The wife and I are looking at new Phaetons. Other than falling in love with the Phaetons and Allegro Busses, her only real requirement is that the toilet must be separate from the shower. My only requirement is $$$$. So as not to bother all of you with our internal squabbles, I had the following general questions and was looking for feedback from experienced Tiffin owners.

1. Is the Powerglide chassis significantly better than the Freightliner or Spartan to warrant going into a Bus?

2. Looking at the QRH or QBH models, the list price is approaching that of the low-end Bus. For the $$ difference, would the 40' Bus be a better choice (we do not need the extra 2' or tag axle)?

3. None of the models on the lots are exactly what we wanted, most have much more. Other than the bathroom requirements above, the only other this is to have recliners instead of a second couch. Should we order a unit rather than by one off the lot? Which would be cheaper?

4. What would we reasonably expect the dealer to discount off MSRP, 20%, 25%, 30%?

We are looking to pull the trigger by the end of the year and would appreciate any input.

Hope to be a Tiffin owner soon!
Yuan & Gwen

Buddy and Beverly · 12-04-2008, 04:50 AM

I would not consider anything other than the Powerglide. We owned an '06 Alpine, which is known as the best driving coach out there, and it was great (the driving, that is). Our '09 Bus drives even better. The designer of the Alpine Peak chassis designed the Powerglide. We believe he made improvements. We are so happy with our Bus. You are searching at the right place for value for money. Our Alpine cost more in '06 than our '09 Bus cost, but we think we got far more in the Bus.

Beverly and Buddy

Cousin Ed · 12-04-2008, 05:08 AM

I am a firm believer in ordering. Why should you pay for all sorts of options you don't want? Also with the kind of money you are going to lay out, you should get exactly what you want. I believe you can get a better deal because the dealer won't pay any "floorplan" on a MH that will be sold within a week of its arrival.

CLM · 12-04-2008, 06:01 AM

I would have paid more to order what I wanted than to accept the 2008 bus they had on their lot. I could have gotten more off if I hadn't had a trade, too.
For me, though, it had way more on it than I needed, so why pay more to order an '09 with fewer options. I, also, wanted the 36 foot model and that is what I got. Just got it the first of November so am getting to know it better now.
I drove it from Louisville, KY to southeastern Virginia. Wow, some major hills on I64!
I love how it drives and handles. I didn't expect it to be so smooth. It is the powerglide chassis.
Good luck in whatever you choose.

RamblinThree · 12-05-2008, 01:35 PM

We bought the Freightliner chassis, 60' whee; cut and national service program. I would now consider the powerglide because of my confidence in all that Tiffin does
The Bus has several advantages #1 100% Wood cabinets. #2 Bigger chassis #3 425HP w/side radiater. HydroHot option(I would make this the #1 option check out the benefits) Residential Refer.
With a factory order you should expect to get 25% off of list. Check out Bankston Motor Homes in Huntsville, AL. Outstanding customer service, close to the factory.
I'm currently at the factory in Red Bay for service. These people are AWSOME.

historyljc · 12-05-2008, 03:45 PM

I like and enjoy my Phaeton. If I had my druthers and pocket book to match, I be driving a 1 1/2 bath Allegro Bus on a Power Glide chassis as decked out as Tiffin could make it. On the hand, the Phaeton 1 1/2 bath is not that shabby either. With the Allegro Bay on a Power Glide chassis, maybe we'll soon be able to get the Phaeton on that chassis also. As soon as I put another 480,622 miles on mine, I'll consider it worn out and I'll be ready to trade.