Community Forums

Gotta_P · 07-05-2011, 10:59 AM

Looking at the new Phaeton and noticed they offer three chassis, Spartan, Freightliner, and their own, the PowerGlide. Any advantage of one over the other? My thought process says go with the PowerGlide being as it's manufactured by Tiffin, it should be serviced by Tiffin and preclude the need to go somewhere else for Chassis service? True? Thoughts?

DriVer · 07-05-2011, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gotta_P

Looking at the new Phaeton and noticed they offer three chassis, Spartan, Freightliner, and their own, the PowerGlide.

Paul, The advantage of going with Freightliner is that they have a wide area dealer network that feature excellent assets for parts and service. They also have a a owner/customer based resource called Camp Freightliner, a 2 day course, which I am 100% certain that you would enjoy. The web based resources are also excellent at accessfreightliner.com and their 24/7 call center is manned by a chassis technician not a secretary. Gaffney, SC is also the home of the 1st Oasis Service Center (top notch) and it's relatively near to where you live.

Gotta_P · 07-05-2011, 12:33 PM

Thanks! I have heard very good reviews about the Gaffney, SC Service Center from fellow WIT members. We visited the Tiffin Plant after our last WIT outing and took a tour of the factory. Was very impressed. It's not that far from home either, and I was thinking the "one stop shop" for chassis and body was a good thing! We are tired of the finger pointing we've gotten from Winnabago when they say it's a chassis problem. Call me old fashion, but I bought the RV from Winnebago, just like I bought our CRV from Honda, and our Seirra from GMC. When we have a problem (regardless of where it is) they take care of it and don't send me down the road saying it's a chassis problem go see those guys! I know this is not unique to just Winnebago, which is why we're researching Tiffin if we decide to go with a DP in the future...

Cruzer · 07-05-2011, 12:35 PM

One a single axle coach it's either FL or Powerglide. On a tag axle it's the Spartan. I would opt for the Powerglide over the FL on a single axle coach. It does a better job in the details and has a better construction design. Tiffin has signed up Cummins Coach Care and most FL dealerships for warranty service. You also can have access to the engineers who build the chassis with a phone call, should you ever need to talk to them. The Powerglide does have a huge acceptance rate amongst it's many satisfied owners. On a tag axle, the Spartan is a good chassis as well so you're covered there. No tag axle Powerglides for the Phaeton as of yet.

Gotta_P · 07-05-2011, 01:03 PM

What about the availability of a Chassis Manual for the Power Glide Chassis? I signed up for the Tiffin Forum and there's a guy over there who's really beating the dead horse (even includes graphics) over the lack of a Power Glide Chassis manual for the Phaeton. Claims he doesn't know any of the required maintenance schedules, capacities, etc, for the PG Chassis. Is it really that big a deal? Not many DP owners I know do their own maintenance...

Thanks for your insight into the availability of service centers for the PG Chassis, do you know if the FL Service Center in Gaffney, SC is on Tiffin's list? They definately get high marks by the Winnebago owners in our club with FL Chassis'.

Cruzer · 07-05-2011, 08:46 PM

Tiffin is always a little late in getting documentation out on new products or changes. I understand that the first of the Powerglide manuals are now being made ready and shipping. As to where you can get them seviced, just give them a call and they'll be happy to send you a list. However, call next week because they are shut down the week of the 4th.