2004 Tiffin Allegro Bay vs. 2008 Fleetwood Fiesta

soren wrote:

mrsmangeri wrote:
A friend of mine is actually advising against the GM vortec engine - he says his last rig had that engine and anytime he had a problem it was super hard to find parts. Thoughts?

Can't imagine exactly where your friend would be looking for parts, that there would be issues? Course there is a big difference between asking a kid at Autozone about something the doesn't instantly appear on his screen, and a lifer at NAPA who could hand you half the parts for that motor just from memory. Failing that, there is the Chevy dealer, where I would bet every part for that motor is available in a few days, or less. Were not talking about a Deere or Perkins diesel here, it's a popular truck engine built by one of the biggest engine manufacturers in the world.

Yeah - hmm. He said that workhorse is out of business and that's why it was so difficult- and, for example, one time he needed a new fuel pump and a dealer quoted him $650 for the part alone. Then he called someone else who reluctantly gave him a GM cross-reference number for the part and was able to find it that way for $250. Does that sound right at all or was he just looking in the wrong places?

At this point- we're sure that we want a Tiffin. It's been pretty difficult to find one around here that competes with the one in PA that we went to see. Not sure if that warrants spending more $$ on it, though. The lowest he'll go is the average market value, even though he's a private seller. What do you all think? It's in beautiful condition.

mrsmangeri wrote:
A friend of mine is actually advising against the GM vortec engine - he says his last rig had that engine and anytime he had a problem it was super hard to find parts. Thoughts?

Can't imagine exactly where your friend would be looking for parts, that there would be issues? Course there is a big difference between asking a kid at Autozone about something the doesn't instantly appear on his screen, and a lifer at NAPA who could hand you half the parts for that motor just from memory. Failing that, there is the Chevy dealer, where I would bet every part for that motor is available in a few days, or less. Were not talking about a Deere or Perkins diesel here, it's a popular truck engine built by one of the biggest engine manufacturers in the world.

mrsmangeri wrote:
A friend of mine is actually advising against the GM vortec engine - he says his last rig had that engine and anytime he had a problem it was super hard to find parts. Thoughts?

I'm a Ford guy, but I would have zero issues with the GM/Allison combination.

My only hesitation/concern would be the brakes, but if the recall was done they should be fine.

I'd be more concerned with the wet bay issues on the Tiffin. See if that one was effected and if so, was it fixed before any damage was done.

My parents '05 had it, and even after a trip to Red Bay the baggage doors still wouldn't close properly - it was "sinking".

Good luck in your search.

mrsmangeri wrote:
A friend of mine is actually advising against the GM vortec engine - he says his last rig had that engine and anytime he had a problem it was super hard to find parts. Thoughts?

I wonder what parts would hard to get? Chassis parts should not be a problem, all electronics for the engine are standard GM. The 8.1 is used in many stationary generators, wind machines, and marine aps. There is always a possibility of a "bad" build, but anyone could have that problem. Make sure you are satisfied with the MH.

A friend of mine is actually advising against the GM vortec engine - he says his last rig had that engine and anytime he had a problem it was super hard to find parts. Thoughts?

The 2004 Allegro Bay 37DB is a very comfortable coach to live in and the 5 Speed Allison Tranny mated to the 8.1 Vortec is a good combo. Put 80,000 miles on our Tiffin and when I put it up FOR SALE just parked in front of our commercial building, it sold in 3 hours. So fast it made my head spin and the only advertisement was a FOR SALE sign on two windows. Plus, it has a much longer wheel base. JMHO, Bags.

That's what I thought (btw, we know that we for sure don't want the Fleetwood). I was always under the impression that the average retail was what most dealers were selling for (not owners).

Mike is faster than I am. There is very little that is extra on Fleetwood's, like a bedroom TV, or Sat system, and they do not add much for them. Low book is what a private seller would like to get for one in excellent condition. Always go back a second time, as the shock and awe will wear off.

Just looked at both rv pics. Fleetwood looks a little plainer on the inside but if you need/want bunks? Don't add in anything from nada 99% is standard equipment. If not his loss.

Tiffin nada



Fleetwood

wildmanbaker wrote:
There is some confusion on the Fleetwood sub categories. The Fiesta was the low end MH with true basement storage and 1.5" walls. The Fiesta replaced the Flair, which was a Bounder without the standard extras. The Fiesta in that age is a true MH/basement unit. All Fleetwood's have the same construction on the house side and are very solid. If they both have the same equipment, dual pane windows recliner vs. fixed chair, sat. dish. than choose the one you want. Norco refridagator is a problem unit, but when installed correctly will work better than a Dometic. Workhorse chassis, brakes, brakes, brakes. If you are mechanical and know something about disk brakes, they should not be a problem. It is just like buying a house, except it moves. Verify that everything does work, do not take anyone's word for it. If it is plugged in, ask them to unplug it and start the gen and start the ACs, then do the walk through for everything operating as it should. Test everything at least once. If the ref is not cold stick around at least 2 hours to see if it is cooling, if it has an ice maker test to see it does operate. Does the water heater work? Slides operate smoothly and seal both extended and stored. Leveling system really level? If you are able get on the roof to check things out, bring a creeper to get underneath to just look on things, ask about anything you think is unusual. Does the entertainment systems work, test all.

Thank you so much! Everything seems to be in tip top shape!