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smilano · 11-10-2011, 03:27 PM

Hello from Atlanta, GA-home for now

Just returned from a road trip that included RV Boot Camp in Livingston TX and the as luck would have it, learned of a great 2007 Phaeton just consigned and nearby and at a great price and in great condition; well maintained and all manuals and records in the coach. After months of lurking, researching, and looking at Tiffins I think this is the one. Haven't even had time to create a profile here but decided to get started posting

I went through it very carefully twice and have a deposit on it subject to a professional inspection.

The MH is at Motor Home Specialist near Ft Worth TX--was hoping someone on the forum might know of a good outfit to do a more thorough job; and perhaps someone could outline what I should I expect?? MHS has a local outfit they recommend AllRV but wanted to make some other calls

I did a search of the forum but most threads were for New PDI

Also, I noted problems in the wet bay flooring as well as a couple of fogged windows--I understand TMH will take care of that??? thoughts???

thanks in advance for all the help. The house is sold; the downsizing complete; stuff in storage; now just need a rig!!!

historyljc · 11-10-2011, 11:40 PM

Welcome smilano. Before I would purchase, the present owner would have to take care of getting the windows replaced and the wet bay floor fixed (replaced) unless you're just getting that great of deal that you don't mind taking it to Red Bay to have them do it. Call the serial number to Red Bay service and ask them if it is still under warranty.

smilano · 11-11-2011, 04:37 AM

thanks for the welcome note and for responding--I have spoken to Red Bay and they'll take care of it--I want to head to REd Bay anyway to have some add'l work/mods done by a couple of other folks there too-

paz · 11-11-2011, 06:29 AM

smilano -

I believe the window warranty is parts and labor for the first 2 years and parts only for the third year, so you are out of luck there. We have had several windows repaired at Suncoast Designers in Florida, and we have 2 more to do again this year. They charge $200 to $250 per window, and you can take the windows out and ship them or you can drive your RV there (they have free hookups to stay overnight). The price is the same. There are other places that do the repairs (one in Elkhart and one in Arkansas), but I can't remember the names and I don't know their prices.

Call Tiffin about the wet bay floor repair. I don't know how long they cover that repair. They have several places around the country to do those repairs, but it is probably easiest to go to Red Bay since it sounds like you will be full-timers. The repairs can usually be done in one day, but figure on spending up to a week in Red Bay waiting to get in depending on what time of you go (spring and fall are busiest because of snowbirds).

The other well-known problem Tiffin has had is cracks in the radii along the edges of the roof. This problem started around 2007, which is when Tiffin started using one-piece fiberglass roofs. The roof was previously flat fiberglass on the top with radiused aluminum rails along the edges. Make sure the inspector climbs up on the roof to see if the motorhome has a one-piece roof, and if it does, have him check the edge radii for cracks. Cracks usually appear first in areas that are painted black. If the radii are separate rails, it is likely they have already been replaced.

Good luck, and let us know how the inspection goes and what you decide.

smilano · 11-11-2011, 07:03 AM

thanks for all the great input--I will definitely get the roof closely inspected--thanks for the heads up--I thought that problem had started later

CoastieSCPO · 11-11-2011, 11:32 AM

smilano, welcome and we wish you safe and enjoyable travels. Paz is right on regarding the roof rail cracks. My 04 has an almost flat fiberglass roof, but separate curved roof rails. I have to watch closely where the to sections are joined together making certain that the caulking is good, but there are no problems with the aluminum rails after 8 years. Good luck with the Phaeton.

historyljc · 11-11-2011, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smilano

thanks for the welcome note and for responding--I have spoken to Red Bay and they'll take care of it--I want to head to REd Bay anyway to have some add'l work/mods done by a couple of other folks there too-

It's always a joy to go to Red Bay. Going to get cold there real soon. Don't forget lunch at the Piggly Wiggly.

smilano · 11-11-2011, 01:50 PM

thanks to you two as well--appreciate the comments

did have a chance to go to Red Bay last week at the front end of my road trip to inspect a couple of rigs--took the factory tour--very interesting to see these things made--will have to check out PW next time!!

jfran304 · 11-11-2011, 01:56 PM

Smilano,

Check out this site for information on Tiffin Motor Homes by owners.

TiffinRVNetwork

Good Luck,
Jon

smilano · 11-11-2011, 02:03 PM

J
thanks for the tip--did that last night--and now will do some more specific research now that I have settled on a Tiffin--looks like there's lots of info there too

JSPERRELLA · 11-11-2011, 02:29 PM

We were also at the boot camp and I am not sure afterthey told of the issues and problems of RVING I would have still purchased my one month old 2009 Allegro Bus. Nah! Would have purchased it any way. Good luck

smilano · 11-11-2011, 02:39 PM

John and Becky
small world--I had also laughed about the stories and the little bit of fear they served up--but it's time to throw caution to the wind!!! after the seminar, I was mapping my next couple of dealer visits and saw the Phaeton posted--figure it was meant to be

enjoy your new rig too--see you down the road