Allegro Bus vs. Newmar and Entegra

[az99]

Looking for a new MH. The four I am considering are an Allegro Bus,Newmar DS or MA or Entegra Anthem. The specs and walk thrus are easy to compare but one thing that bothers me is as soon as a comparo like this comes up on other forums the Tiffin is always said to have less insulation and noisier. Has anyone on this forum owned both and could give your opinions? Thanx

[skypilot_1]

Newells have the best insulated coaches. If thats what your interested in. just sayn

[wjohnson913]

We haven't owned all three but have been through all three plants and watched the build processes of all three.
The biggest differences in sound is Tiffin uses rigid foam insulation while the others use mostly fiberglass batt insulation. Rigid foam can be a very effective in thermal properties but not near as good in sound attenuation. Newmar now includes its "polar pak" ceiling insulation on at least some models (maybe all) it was optional for years. I think Entegra does a better job with front and rear cap insulation than most anybody.
Only being a Tiffin ownwer but spending a lot of times in the others the I find the biggest difference in sound is when it is raining. The fiberglass insulation does a better job at muting that.
There are lot of variables in thermal efficiencies of any structure. Windows, solar heat gain, air infiltration etc. We have had our unit in extreme high temperature enviorments and have had no problems keeping the unit quite cool and comfortable but we have 3 15K A/Cs. Been able to avoid extreme cold areas.
All three are great manufactures and I'd be proud to own any one of them. Any RV is a series of trade offs so find the one the fits most of your needs and wants the best and go have fun!

[az99]

Originally Posted by skypilot_1

Newells have the best insulated coaches. If thats what your interested in. just sayn

I am just interested in the models I listed.

[heathtx]

I did a thorough (I think for our needs) comparison of 40' coaches. Below is what I came up with across Aspire, Allegro Bus and Newmar Dutch Star (DS).
All had 450HP Cummins, Allison, Independent Front Suspension. I only looked at 2019 specs.

DS had:
1. Tag Axle
2. Less cargo space
3. Batt insulation (does it sag over time?)
4. Full driver side wall slide (really nice and big)
5. OK size holding tanks
6. Step at rear of floor

Aspire had:
1. 100gal fuel
2. OK size cargo space
3. really good floor construction (multi layer wood and foam)
4. 4 slides
5. 2 house batteries (no option for more)
6. Manual living area shades (not electric)
7. best front door retention/sealing
8. Step at rear of floor

Allegro Bus had
1. biggest (150 gal) fuel
2. largest water & holding tanks (bigger for 2019)
3. largest cargo space (bigger for 2019)
4. 4 slides
5. 6 house batteries (AGM as option)
6. really good floor construction (multi layer wood and foam)
7. best coach wide control system
8. Flat floor front to rear

Your opinion may vary on how important some items are to you. That's why all companies make their coaches.

[az99]

Like I said in the OP, I have all the specs and they are easy to compare as is a tour of the coaches. What I would like some opinions on is the insulation of the Tiffin vs. the others in real world comparative use. Owners who had others.

[TonyDi]

I can't say as to which model is quieter, I do know that I can rarely hear anything outside my DS if my windows are closed.

[KennyGolub]

I'm sitting here in our 2015 Allegro bus and can't hear all the kiddies outside and running around, if that's what you're wondering about.


I've never owned any of the others, but we have no complaint on noise or being able to keep it warm or cool in here. We are fulltime and on those occassions in Florida during the winter when the temps drop a bit, we only need the floor heat to keep us nice and toasty warm.


I wouldn't mind owning any of the coaches you mentioned.


-

[FryDaddy]

Originally Posted by heathtx

I did a thorough (I think for our needs) comparison of 40' coaches. Below is what I came up with across Aspire, Allegro Bus and Newmar Dutch Star (DS).
All had 450HP Cummins, Allison, Independent Front Suspension. I only looked at 2019 specs.

DS had:
1. Tag Axle
2. Less cargo space
3. Batt insulation (does it sag over time?)
4. Full driver side wall slide (really nice and big)
5. OK size holding tanks
6. Step at rear of floor

Aspire had:
1. 100gal fuel
2. OK size cargo space
3. really good floor construction (multi layer wood and foam)
4. 4 slides
5. 2 house batteries (no option for more)
6. Manual living area shades (not electric)
7. best front door retention/sealing
8. Step at rear of floor

Allegro Bus had
1. biggest (150 gal) fuel
2. largest water & holding tanks (bigger for 2019)
3. largest cargo space (bigger for 2019)
4. 4 slides
5. 6 house batteries (AGM as option)
6. really good floor construction (multi layer wood and foam)
7. best coach wide control system
8. Flat floor front to rear

Your opinion may vary on how important some items are to you. That's why all companies make their coaches.

What is a rear floor step?

[heathtx]

Originally Posted by FryDaddy

What is a rear floor step?

Most diesel pusher coaches have about a 4" high step up in the rear of the coach where the engine is. Some steps are full width for a rear bathroom or closet, some are irregularly shaped.

There is usually a removable floor piece to provide access for engine maintenance/repairs.

[Josh2129]

In the last four years I’ve owned an Entegra Aspire, Newman Mountain Aire, and Tiffin Zephyr. Sound wise, the Mountain Aire was quieter in the rain and when parked, the Zephyr has been the quietest driving, much less wind noise and few squeaks and rattles. The Zephyr and Mountain Aire have been the easiest to cool in the summer heat, hopefully the newer Aspires have improved. I haven’t been able to compare the Zephyr in extreme cold weather yet, but the Mountain Aire and Aspire will keep you toasty in single digit temps.

[Ann n Gene]

That’s hardly a fair comparison. The Aspire is Entegras entry level big coach, the Mountain Aire is Newmars mid-high level coach and your Zephyr if Tiffin highest level coach. Many dollars difference and hard to compare. All JMHO

[jlturner]

Originally Posted by heathtx

I did a thorough (I think for our needs) comparison of 40' coaches. Below is what I came up with across Aspire, Allegro Bus and Newmar Dutch Star (DS).

All had 450HP Cummins, Allison, Independent Front Suspension. I only looked at 2019 specs.



DS had:

1. Tag Axle

2. Less cargo space

3. Batt insulation (does it sag over time?)

4. Full driver side wall slide (really nice and big)

5. OK size holding tanks

6. Step at rear of floor



Aspire had:

1. 100gal fuel

2. OK size cargo space

3. really good floor construction (multi layer wood and foam)

4. 4 slides

5. 2 house batteries (no option for more)

6. Manual living area shades (not electric)

7. best front door retention/sealing

8. Step at rear of floor



Allegro Bus had

1. biggest (150 gal) fuel

2. largest water & holding tanks (bigger for 2019)

3. largest cargo space (bigger for 2019)

4. 4 slides

5. 6 house batteries (AGM as option)

6. really good floor construction (multi layer wood and foam)

7. best coach wide control system

8. Flat floor front to rear



Your opinion may vary on how important some items are to you. That's why all companies make their coaches.

Don’t forget, AB has three air conditioners and 150 gallon fuel tank. DS has two air conditioners and 100 gallons fuel tank.

[Bob Hyatt]

Another note. Some grumble about rain noise in a tiffin. You should climb up on the roof and walk to the front. Feels like you are walking on a concrete slab. The rigid foam might not be the best sound insulator, but it is a really good heat/cold insulator (along with the plywood sheathing, etc). And the ducted A/C system really quiets the A/C (and heating if you have heat pumps) down to a whisper compared to those that just vent directly though the roof and down into the coach. We were in Texas with mega-heat in July. Had no problems keeping the coach at 72-74 degrees, staying in an RV resort with no trees (but great Dish satellite access in return). Personally, I like the sound of rain on the roof at night.