Tiffin vs Newmar

[akadeadeye]

The last I heard it was 3 per day for Newmar, and if quantity counts, then count me out. I guess many other manufacturers would win that race besides Tiffin and Newmar, huh?

From what I can tell both Tiffin and Newmar are great companies with great service after the sale. You can't go wrong with either.

Of course, we are partial to the Nappanee, Indiana company, Newmar, even if they made one every other day.

Don

[Mike Thomas]

We used a service to buy our last motorhome. The fellow's name was Billy Ross out of Conyers, Georgia. You can catch his website at www.personalrvshopper.com. He and his wife are really nice folks. They will visit with you to help you determine what you want/need. Then he will go out and find it. They were in the RV business for many years, and know it inside and out. The very modest fee that he charges is more than offset by the money and time saved.

[Raca-roni]

Don,
I agree with what you say about quantity vs quality. When I ordered my two previously owned Newmar coaches they were built in 6-8 weeks. My Tiffin was built in 12 weeks. I don't think there is a quantity issue here, but a demand issue. Go look at the new Phaeton, Allegro Bus and the Zephyr. You will flip when you see what you are getting for what you are paying for.
i.e. A Dutch Star is in a similar price range as my Bus and there is no comparion......JM2CW !

[akadeadeye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raca-roni Don, I agree with what you say about quantity vs quality. When I ordered my two previously owned Newmar coaches they were built in 6-8 weeks. My Tiffin was built in 12 weeks. I don't think there is a quantity issue here, but a demand issue. Go look at the new Phaeton, Allegro Bus and the Zephyr. You will flip when you see what you are getting for what you are paying for. i.e. A Dutch Star is in a similar price range as my Bus and there is no comparion......JM2CW !

Disagree. Definitely a quantity issue. However, I would never bash a Tiffin product as you have bashed Newmar. Tiffin makes a great motorhome and there is good quality there also. It is my experience that Newmar is equal in those categories.

Don

[Raca-roni]

Don,
How many Newmar coaches have you owned? I'ver owned three over the years. The last one was not good. I'm expressing my opinion....Sorry if I stepped on your toes........ No offense......

[dirko]

Hi Ho: For what it's worth I believe that either could be very good or a bunch of problems. Whenever you are looking at a coach that old there are a whole bunch of issues that depend on the care and maintenance the unit has had. Some of us take good care, are proactive, and provide proper maintenance. Others don't.

I would try to determine what kind of care the coach has had and the condition of each of the systems. That doesn't mean that I would reject any that needs something replaced or repaired. It just means that the price needs to reflect the conditioin. AND I would need to have the time, skills, and patience to cope with whatever problems exist.

There can be 10 to 20 thousand dollars in bringing everything up to snuff. Batteries, tires, engine, drive train and HVAC are examples of expensive systems.

I would worry far less about the brand than the condition.

So,

[Spook]

I purchased my Phaeton on retirement,(2010) I love the coach. My main reason for purchasing a Tiffin was because of all the glowing reports about quality, and service. The fact that they're factory is close to where I live helped also (Florida)
Having said that, I came out of a Newmar (1995) Dutch Star, this was one of the best coaches on the road,IMO Very few problems in over 10 years of ownership. I would be thrilled if the Tiffin treats me as well.
I guess my point is either coach builder makes a quality product, a lot of the responsibility lies with the buyer to keep up their end of the purchase.
Spook

[read & learn]

We have some friends who are buying a new Coach, they came to us as what to buy Newmar or a Tiffin . Told them both Coaches were great. We than compared what each Company was offering and they decided on a Tiffin.
I think Newmar has to take a good look at what Tiffin is offering for the money. Comfort control just doesn't make up for what other Companies are offering.
Next coach will be a Newmar, for us it is Matt Miller of Newmar who is just as open to customers as Bob Tiffin is to his customers.

[jackrobinryan]

I visited both of those vendors when shopping for our new coach. Was impressed by many factors of each one.

Ended up buying because of floorplan and chassis (gas vs diesel)

Bought a Winnie and have not needed to go back to my dealer even once for service or trouble in the 4+ years we have owned it.

I know both of the vendors you are considering have great reputaions for after the sale service. I'm just glad I bought one that hasn't need all that great service, so far.

(your experience may vary.)

[wardy]

jackrobinryan: from the looks of your signature (sway...) your rig has not been quite as care free as you imply.

[jackrobinryan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wardy jackrobinryan: from the looks of your signature (sway...) your rig has not been quite as care free as you imply.

disagree there. It was quite easy and trouble free to add those things that I suspected, before hand, would make the coach ride and handle as I wanted.

I have nothing against either Tiffin or Newmar. Both can be great choices. I would LOVE to own a tag MountainAire or Zephyr that has been as trouble free as my current coach.

happy motoring!
j

[shore515]

Those issues were resolved years ago.

[TW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by padre44 My experience with Newmar (2011 Bay Star 2901) is that there are too many things wrong and they don't stand behind it. Customer service has been poor. I wouldn't buy another one.

We have a 2008 BAY STAR 2901 (bought it NEW) and do not need Customer Service.
I would stick in our case with NEWMAR.

[newmar owner]

I am on my 4th Newmar, all Dutch Stars. Dealers are all different. I had oppertunity to visit the Newmar plant with a few issues. They were very friendly and efficient. Fixed all of the issues I had on the list and a couple they thought needed attention. NEVER a question. Looking to buy another and looked at both Tiffin Bus and another dutch star. The powerglide chassis appears good, but they have a weight rating on the rear axle of 22,000 lbs. Do some homework and ask someone besides the dealer about this. Legal limit is 20,000 lbs. On a 40 ft bus, with options, and fuel and water, check the gross weight. Newmar went to a tag on their 40's to cover the legal limits. Back to the one verses the other though, Tiffin has many very nice options as standard, but it also is reflected in the price. Depending on what you want or need, I think weight and complexity of the standard or optional items and, floorplans, is the difference. Both are good products, and both companies have their financial health, so both will be there when you need them.