Community Forums

RecPro · 02-15-2016, 09:07 PM

Hi Everyone,

We are fairly new to this forum and have been working through the process of purchasing our first coach. At this point we are looking at a 2009 Tiffin Allegro Bus with the 43QGP floor plan from 2010 and 37,000 miles. As compared to other pre-owned coaches we have seen, this coach appears to be in great condition.

Are there any specific issues or concerns with this particular model & year? What are some of the trade offs for that year, as compared with newer pre-owned models from say 2013 or 2014? Should we anticipate any difficulty selling/trading a 10 year old coach, if in three years, we are looking to purchase something new?

Thanks in advance,
Paul

jfran304 · 02-15-2016, 09:18 PM

Hi Paul,

I'm not sure if the 2009 Bus was included but Tiffin had a problem with roof rails cracking, wet bay floors deteriorating and I think cracks in the slide out fiberglass.

You can call Tiffin and find out if the repairs have been done and if they haven't you can inspect it yourself or have someone inspect it.

Check out the Tiffin RV Network for more information. It is a website for Tiffin owners.

Jon

2 Stroker · 02-16-2016, 12:48 PM

I would check DS front slide for known water problems also

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f106/resi...on-277698.html
2 stroker

RecPro · 02-16-2016, 01:51 PM

Hi Jon and 2 Stroker,
Thank you very much for the information. The owner specifically addressed the replacement of the wet bay floor which had already been addressed on a visit to Red Bay.
We will followup regarding the roof rails cracking and the Fiberglas and water issues with the slide.
The unit does have an optional residential fridge with freezer below. Are their specific issues we should be checking?
Thanks again,
Paul

2 Stroker · 02-16-2016, 04:31 PM

Check for fogged windows. I have had all mine fixed by Dave Root out of Bend, Or. Cost about $3800

2 stroker

jfran304 · 02-16-2016, 08:45 PM

Hi Paul,

I can't think of any other problems.

Join the Tiffin RV Network and you will find a lot more information.

Jon

RecPro · 02-20-2016, 02:45 PM

Thanks again for all the information. The owner verified the roof rails were replaced at Red Bay. Tiffin also inspected for fiberglass cracks in the DS slide and didn't find any issues.

We have joined the Tiffin RV network and will be checking there for more information.

We did get a chance to test drive the coach in FL and for the most part it went very well. One issue was a vibration in the steering wheel at about 60 mph. The owner suggested it would improve once the "tires warmed up" and it did seem to get better. He also indicated he had a similar issue when the coach was new and a tire store told him there was an issue with the mounting of the front tires which caused the tires to "bow". The 2 front tires were replaced under warranty.

We were driving on a 2 lane state highway and the coach seemed to track fairly straight and not "pull" to the side. I don't know if I was being overly sensitive to the vibration, but it seemed to return for short periods and at various speeds during the drive.

Any thoughts on this? Could this be a result of 7 year old tires with 37K miles? Is this something that could be researched and addressed during a PDI?

Thanks again,
Paul

jfran304 · 02-20-2016, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RecPro

Thanks again for all the information. The owner verified the roof rails were replaced at Red Bay. Tiffin also inspected for fiberglass cracks in the DS slide and didn't find any issues.

We have joined the Tiffin RV network and will be checking there for more information.

We did get a chance to test drive the coach in FL and for the most part it went very well. One issue was a vibration in the steering wheel at about 60 mph. The owner suggested it would improve once the "tires warmed up" and it did seem to get better. He also indicated he had a similar issue when the coach was new and a tire store told him there was an issue with the mounting of the front tires which caused the tires to "bow". The 2 front tires were replaced under warranty.

We were driving on a 2 lane state highway and the coach seemed to track fairly straight and not "pull" to the side. I don't know if I was being overly sensitive to the vibration, but it seemed to return for short periods and at various speeds during the drive.

Any thoughts on this? Could this be a result of 7 year old tires with 37K miles? Is this something that could be researched and addressed during a PDI?

Thanks again,
Paul

Most people will tell you that if the tires are 7 years old it is time to replace them. If not replaced have them inspected by a good dealer.

Jon

2 Stroker · 02-21-2016, 12:55 PM

When I got my Country Coach it had 7 year old Goodyear 670RV tires and on the trip home on I-5 it was a work out keeping it in my lane with only 17000mi on them. The first thing I did was to get a full set of Michelin through FMCA what a difference plus I had a 4 corner wt done to see what psi to run in them and a good TPM system all good.

2 stroker

RecPro · 02-22-2016, 12:32 PM

Thanks again 2 Stroker. Tire replacement seems to a recurring theme in the comments we have received.

Any rough general guidelines what 8 new tires, 4 corner weight and TPM system would cost?

jfran304 · 02-22-2016, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RecPro

Thanks again 2 Stroker. Tire replacement seems to a recurring theme in the comments we have received.

Any rough general guidelines what 8 new tires, 4 corner weight and TPM system would cost?

Join the FMCA and you can purchase Michelins through them at a discount at participating dealers.

There are all kinds of TPM Systems and the prices vary. Do a search and you will find that everybody's is the best.

Jon