Tiffin DP vs. Newmar DP driveability main concern

[texgirl]

Currently own a Winnebago 36z gasser.. looking to upgrade to DP. Main reason leaning towards Newmar over Tiffin is comfort drive and tag axle... seems you can get tag more available with newmar.. which from what I have read offers more stability in wind better driveability in general.

Main reason for upgrading is driveability... enjoying the drive maybe?? Would be nice vs. cabinets rattling and rough rides and being pushed around on the road etc.

Looking for those who have experience with both and or tell me about your driving experience in your phaeton or bus? Does Tiffin offer any sort of comfort drive system?

Looking for used probably 2018-2022 maybe older bus or newer phaeton to keep my budget.. same with newmar considering ventana or dutchstar.

Thank you!!

[JayneFairley]

Originally Posted by texgirl

Currently own a Winnebago 36z gasser.. looking to upgrade to DP. Main reason leaning towards Newmar over Tiffin is comfort drive and tag axle... seems you can get tag more available with newmar.. which from what I have read offers more stability in wind better driveability in general.

Main reason for upgrading is driveability... enjoying the drive maybe?? Would be nice vs. cabinets rattling and rough rides and being pushed around on the road etc.

Looking for those who have experience with both and or tell me about your driving experience in your phaeton or bus? Does Tiffin offer any sort of comfort drive system?

Looking for used probably 2018-2022 maybe older bus or newer phaeton to keep my budget.. same with newmar considering ventana or dutchstar.

Thank you!!

Hello Texgirl -

I would definitely recommend a test drive to see which you like best. In those model years, the Bus was made exclusively on our own PowerGlide Chassis. The Phaeton would have been available on both PowerGlide or Freightliner, depending on the floor plan. If you'd like to go back and check out any of those model year brochures, you can access them on our website at www.tiffinmotorhomes.com/shopping tools/brochures and from there you can select Phaeton or Bus and see the brochure from any of the model years you are interested in to get specs on any of them. If your shopping leads you to considering a new 2026, we have some great new changes that you may be very interested in, the information on those models will be coming out very soon! In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at my contact info below.

Happy travels!

[d23haynes57]

Keep in mind that a tag axle is a HP and fuel economy hit. Tires go from 6 to 8 and you get another set of brakes and air bags to service. While the back becomes more "planted" the front still works the same. The ride improvement from the tag is partly due to increased weight, how it is distributed.

[garykk]

If you’re looking for improved handling, the Tiffins on a Powerglide chassis with IFS will be an improvement over straight axle front ends.
Our bus handles like a dream you could steer with one hand if you wanted, no wandering or pulling to either side.
I think the smallest coach with tag axles is about 42’, the max 45’.

[bentjm]

I had a 2005 Newmar Mountain Aire 4032. I now have a 2022 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40IP.

Neither with a tag. The Newmar did not have Comfort Drive.

Have put 13,000 miles on my Tiffin in the last 10 months. It is easy riding and very stable. The only modification i have done is upgrading to Koni Evo shocks.

Since i have never had Comfort Drive, I can't speak to it's usefulness. People that have it swear by it. However, if you get a Newmar with Comfort Drive, make sure it is the second generation. The first generation was discontinued and there are no repair parts for some of the critical components.

[spuds]

Originally Posted by texgirl

Looking for used probably 2018-2022 maybe older bus or newer phaeton to keep my budget.. same with newmar considering ventana or dutchstar.

Not sure in the Tiffin lineup, but with Newmar the Ventana will be rear radiator and the DutchStar side radiator.

[pasdad1]

When I was shopping, I test drove both (on different days), a Tiffin Alegro Bus 45 OPP, and several Newmar DutchStars all with comfort drive and tag axles.

The comfort drive made a huge impression on me, and that’s ultimately what I bought.

I say definitely go with the tag axle. Ignore the naysayers that complain it’s two extra tires and brakes to maintain. The tag makes all the difference in drivability, extra stopping ability, and load carrying capacity. You will never wear out the brakes in your lifetime, that’s a fact…. because the engine brake is that good.

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

When I was shopping, I test drove both (on different days), a Tiffin Alegro Bus 45 OPP, and several Newmar DutchStars all with comfort drive and tag axles.

The comfort drive made a huge impression on me, and that’s ultimately what I bought.

I say definitely go with the tag axle. Ignore the naysayers that complain it’s two extra tires and brakes to maintain. The tag makes all the difference in drivability, extra stopping ability, and load carrying capacity. You will never wear out the brakes in your lifetime, that’s a fact…. because the engine brake is that good.

I am not a nay sayer, just a realist. I now own a rig with a tag. All I am suggesting is that there are some increased costs, and they need to be planed for. As for never wearing brakes out, that is mostly true. But the lack of brake use makes for other maintenance concerns.
Coaches stored outside especially in damp and corrosive (coastal) environments will have rusted drums and rotor, seized linkages, rods, adjusters, slider pins, etc., the pad or shoe linings getting rust jacked off the backing plates.

[d23haynes57]

The Motor Coach Store seems to be collecting some Newmar's for sale.

https://www.themotorcoachstore.com/motorcoach-showroom/

[Ricci]

Hi Texgirl - Your jump from a Sightseer to any diesel pusher is going to take you to another whole dimension. We have over the years owned multiple Nerwmar and Tiffin coaches.

Here are some things to consider. Yes, in most driving a coach without a tag will preform as well. In heavy winds the tag is a plus. But it comes at a cost as noted above and in basement space. A 40 foot coach with a tag has the basement storage of a 43 foot coach with a tag. It depends on how you want to use the coach.

We owned both a Phaeton and two Buses. The Bus both on the Tiffin PowerGlide and the FL Powerglide are excellent. But you are too early to the game for the TRW computerized steering assist (a wonderful item). Hang on a year or two and you might see that adopted at Tiffin, at least by rumor.

We also had two Dutch Star 4369s. Newmar Ventana and Dutch Star have a lot to be proud of as both are excellent coaches. If you go that route be sure to get the Spartan chassis. The issue is level of quality of the ammenities and the rear radiator vs. side. In older Newmars, aside from the high line models, electronics were always a few years behind. But cabinetry and over all quality is excellent.
It's a tough decision and being as it is your money go what makes you feel secure and good for your use. If it were me and I was buying a used coach a 2018 Dutch Star or an Allegro Bus from the same time would be my choice.

Good luck and don't forget to get a good inspection before you buy and pick a dealer that will be there for you. NIRVC and Steinbring are my recommendations.

Tom

[jerhofer]

While at Freightliner in Gaffney last year to have annual service done, I met a couple with a Newmar where the comfort steering had failed. It was out of warranty.

I checked out right after they did and the clerk said that she had never seen a higher bill that the one for the Newmar owners.

[texgirl]

Thank you all soooo much for your advice and experience.. I appreciate it so very much! I need to reread it all again to soak it up but again such great information from so many experienced owners and it is so amazing the knowledge and support on this forum!

I have been wanting to do this for years and I just want to make the best decision I possibly can and the right one to last me a long time..

[texgirl]

Originally Posted by jerhofer

While at Freightliner in Gaffney last year to have annual service done, I met a couple with a Newmar where the comfort steering had failed. It was out of warranty.

I checked out right after they did and the clerk said that she had never seen a higher bill that the one for the Newmar owners.

this is no fun for sure!! I will test drive both but buying used its hard as well...finding ones local enough to see etc! Thank you again for your 2cents!

[texgirl]

Originally Posted by Ricci

Hi Texgirl - Your jump from a Sightseer to any diesel pusher is going to take you to another whole dimension. We have over the years owned multiple Nerwmar and Tiffin coaches.

Here are some things to consider. Yes, in most driving a coach without a tag will preform as well. In heavy winds the tag is a plus. But it comes at a cost as noted above and in basement space. A 40 foot coach with a tag has the basement storage of a 43 foot coach with a tag. It depends on how you want to use the coach.

We owned both a Phaeton and two Buses. The Bus both on the Tiffin PowerGlide and the FL Powerglide are excellent. But you are too early to the game for the TRW computerized steering assist (a wonderful item). Hang on a year or two and you might see that adopted at Tiffin, at least by rumor.

We also had two Dutch Star 4369s. Newmar Ventana and Dutch Star have a lot to be proud of as both are excellent coaches. If you go that route be sure to get the Spartan chassis. The issue is level of quality of the ammenities and the rear radiator vs. side. In older Newmars, aside from the high line models, electronics were always a few years behind. But cabinetry and over all quality is excellent.
It's a tough decision and being as it is your money go what makes you feel secure and good for your use. If it were me and I was buying a used coach a 2018 Dutch Star or an Allegro Bus from the same time would be my choice.

Good luck and don't forget to get a good inspection before you buy and pick a dealer that will be there for you. NIRVC and Steinbring are my recommendations.

Tom

Agree!! I have heard it will be night and day.. cant wait to test drive! I agree..leaning same direction. dutch or bus... I just read so much about the tag axle and how much people once they have one would never go back sort of thing.. do you have one now? I wonder why Newmar seems to put them on most 40 foot coaches and Tiffin doesnt?