Community Forums

mlegue2 · 04-18-2012, 08:49 PM

My husband and I are in the process of purchasing our first MH. We currently have a Lux 5th wheel which we are trading. We have finaaly narrowed down to three:
2006 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40
2008 Monaco Camelot 42
2003 TS Select 45
I personally like the TS floor plan is great but want to make a good choice on handling and the ride ect. Any info would be helpful at this point.
Thanks

Mr_D · 04-18-2012, 09:07 PM

The one that has the best interior layout that you both like should be your choice. Any of the three would be good. The Tiffin is the only one that the factory is still there to support though. But parts and service are available for all.

Gary RVRoamer · 04-19-2012, 08:02 AM

Three excellent choices. I would lean toward the TS or Camelot myself, and if the TS size and floor plan is what best suits you, that would be the choice. The TS is an orphan (no factory anywhere), but that is not a real issue with motorhomes because chassis is a standard one, as are all the appliances and systems. You might only have a problem if you needed a replacement front cap or other major body part.

vito.a · 04-19-2012, 02:11 PM

All very nice motor homes. There are some differences in bluebook values.
NADA base retail:
2006 40’ Allegro Bus, $151,540
2008 42’ Camelot, $209,900
2003 45’ Travel Supreme 45, $146,430

The Camelot and the Travel Supreme both have a tag axle which will greatly improve road manners. The 40’ Allegro bus does not have a tag, (but a 42’ Allegro bus model does). I would demote the 40’ Allegro for this.
The Allegro Bus and the Camelot have a Cummins 8.9L ISL 400hp engine. This is a great engine, but some ISL’s have had wrist pin issues which can result in catastrophic engine destruction. If these coaches were in that group, you would expect that it had been fixed by now or not affected. The Travel Supreme has a larger Cummins ISM 500hp engine. This is a very good motor home power plant as it has one of the power highest outputs for its weight. If you plan on towing a trailer or travel through mountainous areas, the ISM would be a big advantage. When a coach is equipped with the larger ISM engine it also has the larger Allison 4000 series transmission as well as larger cooling and axles.
The big tie breaker would be the floor plan. How many slide outs does each have? A three or four slide coach has a large advantage in living room spaceover a two slide coach.
Another option is Aqua Hot system. This is a very nice feature in cold weather as it gives you unlimited hot water as well as heat from 150 gal of diesel fuel. Do all these coaches have an Aqua Hot system?
A related feature is air conditioners. The larger 42-45’ coaches usually come with three A/C or heat pumps. This is a big advantage if you live in a warm climate.
Finally, what is the mileage and condition of each coach? NADA bluebook says to not include mileage when assigning a bluebook value to a diesel coach, but I guarantee you a dealer will greatly discount a coach you are trading in that has high mileage.
Best of luck!

deandec · 04-20-2012, 11:08 AM

I suspect the TS and the Camelot have Aqua Hot and Air leveling. The Aqua Hot is a $12,000 option at list price and cannot be added later. We really enjoy the air leveling.

But....floor plan and type of use (regarding length) should be the deciding factors.

If we were to decide on a 45' to replace our 38', we would have to obtain a different class driver's license, and a different storage location.

Also, we would not be able to service or prepare the rig at home prior to trips, which we can do now.

Finding places to overnite, could also be a challenge with the longer rigs.

You have picked some great alternatives. Have fun.

bigdomino · 04-20-2012, 12:50 PM

Gary made a comment that only one had a factory for support. This is not true. The Monaco factory is ere in Oregon and Indiana. There is also a repair center in Florida that was part of the factory and now privately owned that can provide factory type support.

Good luck on your search. I really like e Monaco. Great chassis..

Steve

JimM68 · 04-20-2012, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdomino

I really like e Monaco. Great chassis..

Steve

Worth saying again. Monaco's roadmaster chassis is both unique and the best in the industry.
(note I'm no expert, though I am biased because I own one)

Steve N Sal · 04-20-2012, 01:37 PM

If the the TS has the floorplan you like that should be the choice. The heavies as their called with the tags will give you the best handling charecteristics and carrying capacity for sure. Good luck with your decision.

Thewellz · 04-20-2012, 05:21 PM

hi there, just an add on to all the other good advice, I also think the floor plan is the most important factor, however the tiffin with the shorter wheel base probably wont 'stick' to the road as well, but If maintenence costs and budget matter a slightly simpler chassis may be the way to go... the more bells and whistles the more the chance something might eventually cost you to repair.(ie more air bags and valves,computerized leveling systems,tires and brakes on a tag axle, possibly larger sumps for oil trans fluid ect.and every other computerized or sensored option available).Just something to think about with larger machines, however these may be a non issue for some people looking in this price range.