Hello, we are looking at a new 17 Tiffin Phaeton 440H and also a Berkshire XLT 43C-450. We are replacing our 2010 Newmar Canyon Star 3920 gasser toy hauler. Both coaches are obvious steps up from our current coach but the Tiffin is $26K more than the Berkshire when all is said and done. The last thing we want is buyers remorse for either overspending or trying to save money and not get as much quality and we thought we were getting. Can anyone shed any light on pluses and minuses after owning and experiencing these coaches? We know the major differences such as the chassis, independent front versus non-independent front. Aqua Hot versus Truma continuous hot water heater, rear radiator versus side and others. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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I don't know anything about Berkshires, but if you're possibly getting your Phaeton quote from a local dealer, I would suggest getting a one from either one or both of the following dealers:Davis Motorhome Mart, Memphis, TNSherman RV, Sherman, MSWe live in NV and purchased from Davis at a price that more than made up for the cost of the trip both ways. As an added benefit we were close to Red Bay (Sherman is even closer), so it was a no-brainer to head there to take care of a few items. Under Tiffin's new scheduling process, new coaches go to the head of the line for service. When we arrived on Thursday the place was packed, but we could have gotten in to a bay on Monday, however we had a previous appointment with an outside vendor for that day that we couldn't change. We got into a bay on Tuesday.

BobGed wrote:I don't know anything about Berkshires, but if you're possibly getting your Phaeton quote from a local dealer, I would suggest getting a one from either one or both of the following dealers:Davis Motorhome Mart, Memphis, TNSherman RV, Sherman, MSWe live in NV and purchased from Davis at a price that more than made up for the cost of the trip both ways. As an added benefit we were close to Red Bay (Sherman is even closer), so it was a no-brainer to head there to take care of a few items. Under Tiffin's new scheduling process, new coaches go to the head of the line for service. When we arrived on Thursday the place was packed, but we could have gotten in to a bay on Monday, however we had a previous appointment with an outside vendor for that day that we couldn't change. We got into a bay on Tuesday.+1If you are not getting about 25 percent off of retail, it would pay you to contact one of those dealers. Of, course at this point in the year, you may have to get a 2018!

accsys wrote:BobGed wrote:I don't know anything about Berkshires, but if you're possibly getting your Phaeton quote from a local dealer, I would suggest getting a one from either one or both of the following dealers:Davis Motorhome Mart, Memphis, TNSherman RV, Sherman, MSWe live in NV and purchased from Davis at a price that more than made up for the cost of the trip both ways. As an added benefit we were close to Red Bay (Sherman is even closer), so it was a no-brainer to head there to take care of a few items. Under Tiffin's new scheduling process, new coaches go to the head of the line for service. When we arrived on Thursday the place was packed, but we could have gotten in to a bay on Monday, however we had a previous appointment with an outside vendor for that day that we couldn't change. We got into a bay on Tuesday.+1If you are not getting about 25 percent off of retail, it would pay you to contact one of those dealers. Of, course at this point in the year, you may have to get a 2018!I would think the 2018's should be out now. My brother bought one gas and three diesels from Davis (currently a '15 Tiffin Allegro Bus). My other brother has bought one TT and one 5th wheel from Davis. When we were pricing them back in 2007 for an Allegro Bus, their price was very competitive (ending up buying the Dynasty in CA).Good luck,MM.

You already know about Newmars; their diesels are hard to beat!

17 Tiffin Phaeton or Berkshire XLT? | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

cvbdsl
Explorer
Jun 04, 2017
Having looked at several MHs over the last few months including Berkshires I would say go for a Tiffen.

All the used Berkshires showed premature wear inside and they seemed to depreciate faster that other makes of the same year? The main issue seems to be the use of cheap products inside. They look really good new but just seem to have used veneers instead of wood, cheap hinges that seem to come lose etc, even the seats seemed to have more wear marks after just a few years.

The chassis engine etc are pretty well the same across most brands so that wasn't an issue.

These are just my impressions, don't mean to insult any Berkshire owners.

Chris
Blaster_Man
Explorer
Jun 03, 2017
Never owned either brand, but if I had to choose between a Tiffin and a Forest River....Tiffin wins.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jun 03, 2017
"Does IFS have a tighter turning radius?" Usually YES but it it has a 365 tire then no compared to a 315.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Jun 03, 2017
Ivylog wrote:
Solid front axle, side radiator, AquaHot, and tires bigger than 275. I do not understand the need for a bath and half MH.

Based on the poor quality of a Forest River 5er a friend has and a new Berkshire DP that had to go back to the factory to try and fix all the leaks...:S

Doesn't the IFS have a tighter turning radius?

We have a bath and a half and I can tell you it does come in handy. We made out just fine with the split bath in the Dynasty but once I had to make a mad dash to the campground facilities as the 'thrown' was taken.

I had a spinal cord injury several years ago that makes going to the 'tinkletorium' imperative. Thank goodness I made a 98 percent recovery. :)

MM.
Bob___Ann
Explorer
Jun 02, 2017
I agree with the others as far as getting a quote from Davis and Sherman. They will also give you a quote on your trade sight unseen. Also yes they are quoting on 2018's now. We do enjoy our Tiffin as this is our second. They stand behind what they sell. I saw the comment on the bath and a half. We love it and will never have one without it again. Good luck on your decision
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jun 02, 2017
Solid front axle, side radiator, AquaHot, and tires bigger than 275. I do not understand the need for a bath and half MH.

Based on the poor quality of a Forest River 5er a friend has and a new Berkshire DP that had to go back to the factory to try and fix all the leaks...:S
tropical36
Explorer
Jun 01, 2017
DVREDC5 wrote:
Hello, we are looking at a new 17 Tiffin Phaeton 440H and also a Berkshire XLT 43C-450. We are replacing our 2010 Newmar Canyon Star 3920 gasser toy hauler. Both coaches are obvious steps up from our current coach but the Tiffin is $26K more than the Berkshire when all is said and done. The last thing we want is buyers remorse for either overspending or trying to save money and not get as much quality and we thought we were getting. Can anyone shed any light on pluses and minuses after owning and experiencing these coaches? We know the major differences such as the chassis, independent front versus non-independent front. Aqua Hot versus Truma continuous hot water heater, rear radiator versus side and others.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Of the two, I'd go with the Tiffen, but then again, I wouldn't be narrowing it down to those two for my purchase either. However this isn't what you asked, so......
Ed_C
Explorer
Jun 01, 2017
You already know about Newmars; their diesels are hard to beat!
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Jun 01, 2017
accsys wrote:
BobGed wrote:
I don't know anything about Berkshires, but if you're possibly getting your Phaeton quote from a local dealer, I would suggest getting a one from either one or both of the following dealers:

Davis Motorhome Mart, Memphis, TN
Sherman RV, Sherman, MS

We live in NV and purchased from Davis at a price that more than made up for the cost of the trip both ways. As an added benefit we were close to Red Bay (Sherman is even closer), so it was a no-brainer to head there to take care of a few items.

Under Tiffin's new scheduling process, new coaches go to the head of the line for service. When we arrived on Thursday the place was packed, but we could have gotten in to a bay on Monday, however we had a previous appointment with an outside vendor for that day that we couldn't change. We got into a bay on Tuesday.

+1
If you are not getting about 25 percent off of retail, it would pay you to contact one of those dealers. Of, course at this point in the year, you may have to get a 2018!

I would think the 2018's should be out now.

My brother bought one gas and three diesels from Davis (currently a '15 Tiffin Allegro Bus). My other brother has bought one TT and one 5th wheel from Davis. When we were pricing them back in 2007 for an Allegro Bus, their price was very competitive (ending up buying the Dynasty in CA).

Good luck,
MM.
accsys
Explorer
Jun 01, 2017
BobGed wrote:
I don't know anything about Berkshires, but if you're possibly getting your Phaeton quote from a local dealer, I would suggest getting a one from either one or both of the following dealers:

Davis Motorhome Mart, Memphis, TN
Sherman RV, Sherman, MS

We live in NV and purchased from Davis at a price that more than made up for the cost of the trip both ways. As an added benefit we were close to Red Bay (Sherman is even closer), so it was a no-brainer to head there to take care of a few items.

Under Tiffin's new scheduling process, new coaches go to the head of the line for service. When we arrived on Thursday the place was packed, but we could have gotten in to a bay on Monday, however we had a previous appointment with an outside vendor for that day that we couldn't change. We got into a bay on Tuesday.

+1
If you are not getting about 25 percent off of retail, it would pay you to contact one of those dealers. Of, course at this point in the year, you may have to get a 2018!