Tiffin Allegro RED v Newmar Ventana

[Finance]

We liked the floor plan and interiors of the Tiffin. But the lack of double pane windows was a deal breaker for us.

You might also want to look under the baggage compartments of a few Tiffins. I found skimpy paint and rust on more than a few that were only a year or so old. Not to say that Newmar is perfect (I've found deficits in the chassis paint on both of ours), but their rust prevention is better in my experience.

[Kimik]

Hi, we had a Tiffin RED 38QBA, overall a good motorhome, everyone talks about how great the customer service is at Tiffin, we had the sidewall crack (about 5"long) right where the bedroom slide comes in, the unit was 2 years old. I tried to convince Tiffin that even though our 1 year warranty was over their own literature states the fibreglass construction has a 5 year warranty....true but only for delimitation not cracking. I found that odd. The repair of the crack was only cosmetic and did not address the weak spot in the side which caused the crack in the first place, still cost me approximately $3000.00. We started looking at a Ventana but ultimately let our selves get talked into a new Dutch Star. Although our new Dutch Star doesn't arrive for a few more weeks I can tell you we test drove a new Ventana and two different DS. Very impressed by the differences in the drive. Highly recommend you follow the advice previously offered and test drive both units (on and off highway for a min 30 minutes each) before making your choice.

Cheers Mike

[JCGibson]

Originally Posted by Finance

We liked the floor plan and interiors of the Tiffin. But the lack of double pane windows was a deal breaker for us.

You might also want to look under the baggage compartments of a few Tiffins. I found skimpy paint and rust on more than a few that were only a year or so old. Not to say that Newmar is perfect (I've found deficits in the chassis paint on both of ours), but their rust prevention is better in my experience.

Tiffin doors are aluminum and can't rust. They are also much more stout. No way I would put my full weight on our Ventana's doors. All Tiffin doors are built the same regardless if you get a Open Road or a Bus. Tiffin basement compartments are much better in my opinion. We didn't like the carpet covering in our Ventana.

[Logan Oregon]

"Last RV first would be nice but a DS4369 type endgame too intimidating for now."

If you're truly looking for something 37' or larger, a 40' or 43' is not a stretch at all. Ventana also has the 4369 floor plan. That was the clincher for us. The Dutch Star was more expensive, and we didn't see enough difference for our needs to go the extra dollars.

I agree with the other posters that the floorplan is one of the major keys. it's the one part of the coach you will ALWAYS use and live with.

[Finance]

Originally Posted by JCGibson

Tiffin doors are aluminum and can't rust. They are also much more stout. No way I would put my full weight on our Ventana's doors. All Tiffin doors are built the same regardless if you get a Open Road or a Bus. Tiffin basement compartments are much better in my opinion. We didn't like the carpet covering in our Ventana.

I'm talking about the steel framing below the bins. I've seen a number of them bare steel unpainted on the inward facing surface and bottom. The side facing out that's easily visible is always painted.

[MajorVictory]

All thoughtful and appropriate replies.

Leaning toward Ventana if only for mainly the double pane windows, roof insulation and most importantly floor plan as mentioned above. Truely no mistake or second best with a Tiffin but south Florida heat is always an issue to mitagate.

I just test drove my first motorhome and believe I was fighting the comfort Drive, see sawing a Ventana 3709. Sales said I was perfect but he was a nice salesman.

With two tall teens, the bath and a half under 38 feet is appealing particularly if I can get the new flexsteal couch that raises into twin bunk beds. I saw one in a dutchstar and it was over six feet long. My dream floor plan would be two bathrooms and two recliners Oposite a couch/bunk as I don’t need a fireplace usually across from the standard couch in a 3709. Might have to look at a 40 with tag to get the perfect layout but parking in particular as well as turning longer rigs are not appealing for this noob. Would a 40’ with tag turn and maneuver same/similar to a 38’? Not a stretch for a 43 all of the sudden which I want to avoid.

As significant as this good problem choice seems currently, storage, learning camp/resort ritual hook ups, maintainence, making time to steal away for trips and mostly convincing the family I’m not crazy to take this ‘journey’ on will make it seem simple... sharing your good experience is priceless and hope to be able to do same in future.

[Winemaker2]

Just a comment re Comfort Drive....
It's very hard to really get a feel for what it does and if you like it w a test drive.
Each person finds a comfortable setting or range they prefer. Sone... myself included change the setting at diffetent tome & conditions.
The more I experiment and use it the more I appreciate it.
Didn't know anything about it when we purchased used but SOOO glad I got lucky.

[charli3]

Make sure you check access to bath and refrigerator with slides closed.

[dezolen]

I try and try to like a Newmar over Tiffin but it won’t happen. First I can’t stand their interior decors and lack of both inside and outside storage space. Tiffin beats Newmar hands down in those categories. Can’t beat English Chestnut cabinet colour. The half bath on all Newmars have barely enough space to be useable unless you are a child. Teho

[harleyjt]

Originally Posted by dezolen

I try and try to like a Newmar over Tiffin but it won’t happen. First I can’t stand their interior decors and lack of both inside and outside storage space. Tiffin beats Newmar hands down in those categories. Can’t beat English Chestnut cabinet colour. Teho

For the most part it would be hard to get me into a Tiffin over a Newmar. But I have to agree, the Tiffin cabinetry in English Chestnut is beautiful. And, I think just better quality cabinetry than Newmar's standard vinyl wrapped stuff. They use solid doors but the frames are not solid wood.
jt

[TonyDi]

Originally Posted by harleyjt

For the most part it would be hard to get me into a Tiffin over a Newmar. But I have to agree, the Tiffin cabinetry in English Chestnut is beautiful. And, I think just better quality cabinetry than Newmar's standard vinyl wrapped stuff. They use solid doors but the frames are not solid wood.
jt

Cabinetry in my Dutch Star is solid wood. There is no vinyl wrapping.

[harleyjt]

Originally Posted by TonyDi

Cabinetry in my Dutch Star is solid wood. There is no vinyl wrapping.

Things must have changed. Reviewing the current features, it appears the vinyl wrapped frames may be used only on the gassers. Diesels appear to now be solid wood. Sorry if I miss spoke.
jt

[Vacationfools]

Originally Posted by MajorVictory

All thoughtful and appropriate replies.



Leaning toward Ventana if only for mainly the double pane windows, roof insulation and most importantly floor plan as mentioned above. Truely no mistake or second best with a Tiffin but south Florida heat is always an issue to mitagate.



I just test drove my first motorhome and believe I was fighting the comfort Drive, see sawing a Ventana 3709. Sales said I was perfect but he was a nice salesman.



With two tall teens, the bath and a half under 38 feet is appealing particularly if I can get the new flexsteal couch that raises into twin bunk beds. I saw one in a dutchstar and it was over six feet long. My dream floor plan would be two bathrooms and two recliners Oposite a couch/bunk as I don’t need a fireplace usually across from the standard couch in a 3709. Might have to look at a 40 with tag to get the perfect layout but parking in particular as well as turning longer rigs are not appealing for this noob. Would a 40’ with tag turn and maneuver same/similar to a 38’? Not a stretch for a 43 all of the sudden which I want to avoid.



As significant as this good problem choice seems currently, storage, learning camp/resort ritual hook ups, maintainence, making time to steal away for trips and mostly convincing the family I’m not crazy to take this ‘journey’ on will make it seem simple... sharing your good experience is priceless and hope to be able to do same in future.

The first time I drove a Newmar with comfort drive I felt the same as you. After some time behind the wheel you learn how to relax and let the CD work for you. Now when I get behind the wheel I feel it is a pleasure to drive and wouldn’t want anything but.

[bmwrider1946]

Our good friends just purchased the Newmar Ventana 3412 and we just purchased the Allegro Red 33AA. Same chassis and transmission and basically the same length within 10 inches. The Newmar definitely had several features which were superior to the Tiffin including double pane windows and the drive control system. I will be adding Blue Ox Trucenter and some suspension upgrades which should take care of most of the differences in the ride and handling. Big difference for us was the fact that we paid nearly $70,000 less for our new coach. Both are 2018 models. We actually like the floor plan on the Tiffin product a little better and there was no king bed option on the Newmar.

Both are great coaches and I think you have to look at how they are going to be used.