Community Forums

radar4simons · 11-19-2012, 10:19 PM

I am possibly negotiating on a 2007 Allegro Tiffin with a front-end diesel.

I have only heard of "diesel pushers." Any feedback on the reliability.

Keep in mind we will be at least 8,000 (enclosed trailer, Razr, 3 bikes.)

Thanks
Linda

ernieh · 11-20-2012, 12:00 AM

Keep in mind that the FRED chassis is your basic gas chassis with a diesel engine. No air brakes or air suspension.

Mr_D · 11-20-2012, 12:14 AM

Could be noisy in the front under hard use.

Extra heat in the cabin like a front engine gas unit.

To me it seems they kept the worst of both a gas and diesel unit and combined them.

Steel spring suspension, hyd brakes, engine between the driver/passenger seats, lower weight rating than a DP.

But some people do like them, I'm not sold on the combo though!

michelb · 11-20-2012, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Could be noisy in the front under hard use.

Extra heat in the cabin like a front engine gas unit.

To me it seems they kept the worst of both a gas and diesel unit and combined them.

Steel spring suspension, hyd brakes, engine between the driver/passenger seats, lower weight rating than a DP.

But some people do like them, I'm not sold on the combo though!

It's not a DP but I'd have to disagree that it's the worst of both gas and diesel.

IMO, it's very much in the middle, 'better' than a gasser but not as 'good' as a DP. Drive it to see for yourself but I don't believe they are significantly louder than a front engine gasser and you'll likely have a more powerful engine that gets better mileage and is most likely on a better chassis (I actually really don't know all gassers are not FREDs). You'll probably also have a greater range than gassers.

Ask anyone who works in construction or a farm if they'd rather have a gas pickup or a diesel pickup and you'll have your answer.

The one problem with the FRED's I think is the price premium over the gasser. For that difference you have to wonder if you really are getting that much more and if you should just spend a bit more and get a DP (I suspect both of these are probably reasons why Tiffin abandonned the FREDs)

62Morgan · 11-20-2012, 08:28 AM

You're planning to tow 8,000# trailer load with a mere 5,000# rated hitch? Check hitch rating and the weight decal for the limits on this coach to see if what you plan is safely within it's capability.

vsheetz · 11-20-2012, 12:27 PM

Nothing wrong with a FRED, as long as you understand the differnces to a pusher, as have been outlined here by others. Many folks with Ford F53 gassers would like to see the Ford PowerStroke diesel to provide a FRED configuration option.

jfran304 · 11-20-2012, 01:08 PM

Check out the Tiffin RV Network and you will find some satisfied owners of the Freds.

Tiffin RV Network

I think the frame is built by Freightliner and is stronger than the gasser frames.

Jon

paz · 11-20-2012, 01:38 PM

The FRED chassis is the subject of a recall (or soon will be if it's not already) because of sticking of brake calipers. These units have Bosch brakes, and the recall is similar to the recall a few years ago that Workhorse had. If you are interested in purchasing a FRED, get the chassis VIN and run it past Freightliner to see if the recall has been done.

BFlinn181 · 11-20-2012, 03:22 PM

Noise is actually better in a diesel than a gasser because of the much lower RPM. In my diesel auto I'm cruising highway speeds at about 1900-2000 RPM. A similar gas auto, same make, is turning upwards of 3000 and is much louder. I think I'd rather be sitting on a diesel climbing a hill than a V-8 or V-10 winding up to climb the same hill.

rg neumann · 11-20-2012, 03:40 PM

If you expand the search, Monaco Vesta is a FRED with air brakes, air ride and the 20122 model has exhaust brakes. Used 2011 have been available for approx 110.

georgetown350 · 11-20-2012, 03:54 PM

A coach of that weight does not need air brakes. The engine brake alone is almost enough to bring you to a stop. Our coach is similar except that the engine is in the back. I'm happy with it.

CampDaven · 11-20-2012, 07:51 PM

Freds are maligned and missunderstood. Less noise than front gas. About $80,000 less than comparable DP.

I love mine!

hanko · 11-21-2012, 06:49 AM

I think the bounder classic is the only fred still in production. Its a new model with the cumapart 6.7 air brakes and air suspension

willysr2 · 11-22-2012, 11:59 AM

I own a FRED and it is not noisy, good gas milage 10+, handles and stops fine. The brakes have just been changed out by frieightliner and work well. It has an excellent Cummins engine and with the freightliner chassis I can get service all over the country. Its easy to service and I do most myself. The big drawback is that the Owen generator is under the bed in the back and I don't run it at night while sleeping. That is sometimes a bind in hot or cold situations while boon docking. The ride can be a bit rough without air suspension on a bumpy road but then I don't have the trouble that air systems can get with moisture etc. The turbo brake is great coming down mountains and in towns and really slows me down. Tiffin has been good with support. So if you get a deal on one in my opinion it is a good move.