Community Forums

tizzyfit · 03-12-2017, 08:49 AM

Are service records available on both? By the way, the side radiator is important from the standpoint of servicing the rear end of the engine. Things like belts, water pump, alternator are a relatively easy swap-out. Just doing the twice yearly cleaning of the radiator on a rear radiator set-up is a chore compared to the side radiator on the Newmar.
As for the "homey" feel. Both of these options are at least 1/2 way into the timeline for updating carpet/tile/furniture etc., so what's it going to take money wise to make the Newmar "homey" to you?

dms · 03-12-2017, 09:14 AM

From one who has had both (new), buy the Newmar! The Tiffin is a lot of coach in its price point when comparing to the Newmar equivalents, but Newmar wins hands down when comparing quality, ride, design and service. I had nothing but trouble with the 2014 Phaeton and dealer service was very poor. Red Bay appointments are frustrating and plan to spend a lot of time there getting things corrected that shouldn't have occured, most if not all due to lack of decent QC.

Newmar QC is excellent as is dealer knowledge and service quality. Service appointments at the factory (if you need it) are run like a swiss watch.

Before you buyand as an idicator of quality, crawl the basement and inspect the wiring harness(s) on both. This will give you an idea of the time spent in production QC. The Tiffin is just thrown in with wires hanging from front to back. Newmar is neatly routed, strapped and insulated throughout. Newmar coaches are much more insulated and Tiffin has nil insulation (no front cap insulation at all, etc).

Like the man says, "you can pay me now or pay me later". The Tiffin price points are better, but a Newmar equivalent coach is more for the money, as you get comfort drive, better suspension and a smoother and quieter ride.

I know that most Tiffin owners will chime in and my intent is not to start a feeding frenzy, but I've had both and have found no comparison between the two in terms of issues, build quality, ride, design and service.

dlennick · 03-12-2017, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dms

From one who has had both (new), buy the Newmar! The Tiffin is a lot of coach in its price point when comparing to the Newmar equivalents, but Newmar wins hands down when comparing quality, ride, design and service. I had nothing but trouble with the 2014 Phaeton and dealer service was very poor. Red Bay appointments are frustrating and plan to spend a lot of time there getting things corrected that shouldn't have occured, most if not all due to lack of decent QC.

Newmar QC is excellent as is dealer knowledge and service quality. Service appointments at the factory (if you need it) are run like a swiss watch.

Before you buyand as an idicator of quality, crawl the basement and inspect the wiring harness(s) on both. This will give you an idea of the time spent in production QC. The Tiffin is just thrown in with wires hanging from front to back. Newmar is neatly routed, strapped and insulated throughout. Newmar coaches are much more insulated and Tiffin has nil insulation (no front cap insulation at all, etc).

Like the man says, "you can pay me now or pay me later". The Tiffin price points are better, but a Newmar equivalent coach is more for the money, as you get comfort drive, better suspension and a smoother and quieter ride.

I know that most Tiffin owners will chime in and my intent is not to start a feeding frenzy, but I've had both and have found no comparison between the two in terms of issues, build quality, ride, design and service.

I'm sure my husband will be thrilled with your post. We really appreciate your insite!

jim27358 · 03-12-2017, 10:47 AM

I think I would do some more looking and find one you both can agree on. Sounds like hubby is looking more at drive ability and maintenance and you at floor plan and storage. You both are looking at very important issues when it comes to such an important purchase. Keep looking.

Cousin Ed · 03-12-2017, 11:23 AM

It doesn't matter if you are driving down the road or parked the Dutch Star will be much quieter.

dlennick · 03-12-2017, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim27358

I think I would do some more looking and find one you both can agree on. Sounds like hubby is looking more at drive ability and maintenance and you at floor plan and storage. You both are looking at very important issues when it comes to such an important purchase. Keep looking.

Lol, it's taken us months to narrow it down to two! Thank you.

dlennick · 03-12-2017, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cousin Ed

It doesn't matter if you are driving down the road or parked the Dutch Star will be much quieter.

Thank you!

**pasdad1** · 03-12-2017, 11:48 AM

You can always change things in the DutchStar like flooring, furniture, etc to cater to your likes. The things you can't change are the "bones" .....which are better in the Newmar than the Tiffin.

Have you had a paid professional RV inspector give a report? This is similar to having a home inspection done before buying real estate.

If one coach comes up with hidden serious issues, you can choose the other one.

smlranger · 03-12-2017, 11:50 AM

As Dutch Star Don noted, you are comparing a more entry-level (Phaeton) coach to the mid level (Dutch Star). You will get more 'coach' for your money with the Dutch Star, IMO. Also, I suspect either of them have floor plans you like since you say you have been shopping for a long time and have narrowed your choice to these two. While the 'homey' feel is important, it doesn't speak to overall quality. I owned a travel trailer one time that looked 'homey' but we soon learned it was not good quality.

Also, if you plan to travel a lot in the coach, how it handles and drives will be very important to whomever is doing the driving. The tag axle and comfort drive on the DS will make it the better driving/handling coach.

Between those two, no question I would go for the Newmar.

Stripe34 · 03-12-2017, 11:57 AM

So, go for the gold & tell DH you'll go for DSDP4018 *if* you can order new, exactly the way you want it :-).

jim27358 · 03-12-2017, 06:20 PM

Understand completely but it's a big investment for one of you to settle for something you really aren't happy with.

manderson2228 · 03-12-2017, 07:02 PM

Man.. Those are two great coaches either way!!! You can't lose in this decision, unless you go against mama!!

**TonyDi** · 03-12-2017, 08:51 PM

To me the single biggest selling point of a Newmar is Comfort Steer. When you drive long distances it is a godsend.

curtsr · 03-12-2017, 09:35 PM

The Phaeton has been and still is the number one selling mid-level class A coach. The interior fit and finish is superior to Newmar. Cabinets are all hardwood no press or particle board. Tiffin also has more storage than Newmar. Phaeton 42 foot models have a tag axle and drive every bit as good as Newmar and don't require steering assistance. So don't make your decision based on the Newmar salesman in this thread. Pick the coach that meet your needs.