Community Forums

Railhead · 05-13-2016, 05:27 AM

As I progress into the RV lifestyle, I get to learn about what I will buy next time.
In the Railroad business, a FRED isn't what a FRED is in the RV world. Anyway, I think it will be my next step up. Other than Tiffin and Gulfstream, where do I look, brand wise? I am going to aim for a 2006 or 2007 model year. Did Winnebago make one?
It seem like they were only made for a few years?
Any owners want to speak up? Thanks in advance.
Jim

TonyMac · 05-13-2016, 10:06 AM

Seems to me, after considerable time on this and other rv sites, that all rvs are both magnificent and crap. Brand might be a good second step, but look for floor plan. A wonderful brand with bunkbeds would not fit my lifestyle. And actually, I was almost adamant about mid entry door, side swing compartments. I took a dining table instead of the dinette, because I got everything else and more. I'd start with floor plan, and look at whatever comes close, then compare brands yourself by looking at the quality of construction.

I know what FRED is in Air Force aviation, it's the name we gave the C-5, and can be referred to as the Frigging Ridiculous Economic Disaster in polite company. What is it in the rv iworld, and the rr world?

Fred and Bonnie · 05-13-2016, 12:57 PM

To my knowledge only Tiffin built a front engine diesel in the late 2000's, lasted just a couple of years, lack of demand.

I believe it was marketed as a "Allegro Bay"

Fred

Gary RVRoamer · 05-13-2016, 01:33 PM

It was mostly Tiffin and Gulfstream, and Gulfstream didn't make many either. However, the 2009-2010 Damon Outlaw is listed as being on the Freightliner MC chasssis (aka FRED) and also the 2010-2011 Damon Avanti.

Bucky1320 · 05-13-2016, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyMac

Seems to me, after considerable time on this and other rv sites, that all rvs are both magnificent and crap.

I just wanted to quote this! So true!

Railhead · 05-13-2016, 01:39 PM

In the RR world a FRED is a "flashing rear end device", it took the place of a caboose. In RV terms it is a FRont Engine Diesel.
Not a FLUF or BUFF either!!

TonyMac · 05-13-2016, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Railhead

In the RR world a FRED is a "flashing rear end device", it took the place of a caboose. In RV terms it is a FRont Engine Diesel.
Not a FLUF or BUFF either!!

OK, I learned something new. Time to get drunk.

chuckftboy · 05-13-2016, 07:53 PM

I once owned a 1998 Newmar, Kountry Star that was a FRED. Back then the 5.9 was only 210 HP and it was in front of a 4 speed Allison so top end was around 63 MPH, no rocket but it always got 8.5 GPH and was easy to work on with good access to the engine.

Electra 225 · 05-13-2016, 10:07 PM

Check these out Jim. Nice floor plan too.

2008 Newmar GRANDSTAR 38, Idaho Falls ID - - RVtrader.com

2008 Newmar Grand Star 3750, Gordonville TX - - RVtrader.com

2008 Newmar Grand Star 3750, Orland FL - - RVtrader.com

2008 Newmar Grand Star 3750, NEW CASTLE PA - - RVtrader.com

2008 Newmar Grand Star 3750, Great Bend KS - - RVtrader.com

UncleBilly · 05-13-2016, 10:07 PM

How about the Monaco Vesta. Check The Wynn's website, they bought a new one. Sure was nice modern looking rig...

1996 Country Coach Intrigue 😜

Gary RVRoamer · 05-14-2016, 08:38 AM

Just for the record, there is the FRED, which is a marketing tradename specifically for the Freightliner MC & MCL front diesel chassis chassis, and the generic "Fred", which merely means any "front engine diesel".

George Schweikle · 05-14-2016, 08:44 AM

I think the FRED term is used for class A chassis only. The Mercedes Class B, B+ and Class C, "Super C" built on medium duty truck chassis, as well as the big toterhomes also have front engine diesels, but I have never heard these referred to as FRED's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Railhead

...FRED... In RV terms it is a FRont Engine Diesel...

Roger G · 05-14-2016, 09:56 AM

My brother in law has a 2011 Thor Serrano FRED. Don't know if they still make it.

sheltiepap · 05-14-2016, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Railhead

As I progress into the RV lifestyle, I get to learn about what I will buy next time.
In the Railroad business, a FRED isn't what a FRED is in the RV world. Anyway, I think it will be my next step up. Other than Tiffin and Gulfstream, where do I look, brand wise? I am going to aim for a 2006 or 2007 model year. Did Winnebago make one?
It seem like they were only made for a few years?
Any owners want to speak up? Thanks in advance.
Jim

Hi Jim, my husband and I currently own a 2008 Tiffin Allegro FRED 35 ft. I love the way it drives - don't even notice trucks passing me. Also like the floor plan because we travel with dogs and their crates fit nicely on the bunk beds so they are confined during travel and whenever we need them to be still. The engine is noisy but we have enjoyed it. We are currently in the process of upgrading to the Tiffin UA model but not because we did not like the FRED.