Hi there!I would really appreciate any input anyone might have on the subject. I've narrowed my shopping down to these two units, and would really appreciate any suggestions. Both models have acceptable floorplans, although I guess I'd give Tiffin the edge in that area. I'm really looking for input on build, drivability, power for towing, reliability, storage area and the like. There is about a foot difference in length, different engine, etc, and is just way too much for me to balance.There seems to be a fair amount of supply of both of these in the 2010/2011 range, with mileage around 10K miles. Prices seem to be in the $80-95K range for most of them.ANY input would be much appreciated.Thank you!Tom

We've owned both. Our first Class A was a Damon. Our current rig is a Tiffin. In my opinion, you will get better service after the sale from Tiffin.Dale

I suspect both coaches would have the same basic Ford chassis so the real choice after the floorplan is the Thor/Damon brand or Tiffin Allegro for coach build quality and manufacturers support after the sale. Tiffin is the easy choice.

tom855 wrote: I'm really looking for input on build, drivability, power for towing, reliability, storage area and the like. There is about a foot difference in length, different engine, etc, and is just way too much for me to balance.TomTiffin, Tiffin, Tiffin...but wait!Not so fast, Kemo Sabe! While I agree Tiffin has the best overall quality, the OP is asking for help with drivability, power, storage area etc. Drivability will depend on many factors including number of air bags, diesel, size of engine etc. He has not provided any info as to what engines are in each coach other than they have different engines. As for storage, are the compartments in the slides, think very shallow, or are they pass thrus? I short, I'd give the nod to Tiffin for build...there's not enough information provided to make an intelligent decision on the other questions....Dennis

Advice? - 2011 Damon Challenger 376 or Tiffin Allegro 35QBA

16 Replies

wny_pat1
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
Definitely Tiffin, no comparison!
tom855
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
Fantastic feedback. Thank you!
Finally
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
We have owned both. We've had 9 RV's. BY FAR, Damon is the WORST we ever had. They were bought by Thor, and I think Thor changed their name. Thor provided NO customer service. We still feel terrible that the Damon Ultrasport is probably still out there on the road.

We've owned 2 Tiffins, and by FAR they have been the best. Tiffin even helps second, third owners, etc. Tiffin has never failed us.
Richert
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
Tiffin with no hesitation!
mustang652
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
Tiffin by all means. I've owned several units since 1987 and one was a used '04 Allegro Bay. Coach-wise was the best quality unit I've owned. I just did not care for the Chevy 8.1L and Allison combo, so after a couple of years, I traded it for a used Winnebago on an F-53 chassis. I wouldn't tell anyone not to buy a Thor, but I'll voice my experience and let you decide what you want to buy. I just got rid of a 2014 Thor Daybreak after five months of ownership because it was in the shop for 4 and 1/2 months for slide problems, to include track and motor replace, body work to square opening for the slide, subtle body damage done at the factory and/or the delivery company. Slide out failed fifth day of a trip back to Vegas. Trying to limp back into Las Vegas with the malfunctioning slide we met a guy on the road who's 2013 Challenger had been in the shop for 10 of the 12 months he had owned and was in route back to the shop for additional repairs needed on the sewer system.
mena661
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
In case someone didn't mention this already....Tiffin. :B
tom855
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
All great input. Thank you!
nodine
Explorer
Oct 12, 2013
In my humble opinion the only way to know how the coaches will handle is to drive them. The next best thing would be to get input from folks who own those exact coaches with the same floorplan. A lot has to do with weight distribution and over hang out behind the rear axle. And remember, almost every RV built will handle just fine below 40 MPH, although some will exhibit large side to side motion entering and exiting venues such as service stations. If you really want to know how it handles take it out on the interstate with the big trucks and even better pick a windy day. Having owned dually diesel trucks and large 5th wheels we had a rude awakening when we purchased our first motorhome. The second coach and our current coach also had handling issues when we purchased it, although not as sever as the first one. After quite a few dollars we now have this coach handling extremely well.

Most folks purchase RV's based on looks and floorplan, which is understandable since they plan to spend some time living in it. We had to learn the hard way that if you want to do any traveling and would like to drive for more than 2 hours without fatigue, then put handling at the top of the list.

Bob
Lipets
Explorer
Oct 12, 2013
A new 2014 tiffin can be found for $110K

$80-95K for a 2010/11?
Executive45
Explorer III
Oct 11, 2013
tom855 wrote:
I should have included that in the detail.

Damon is a Ford 6.8L Triton V10. Tiffin is the same.

Thanks!

My vote then is for the Tiffin...and it sounds like the wife like the floor plan better anyway....Dennis