FRED

DO NOT buy a FRED because it is a diesel. Only buy it if you like the coach. The early years of the FRED built Allegros were some of Tiffin's lower end models. The construction quality was less than my parents Allegro Bay gasser. I think they were trying to keep the price down. Somehow, you need to completely ignore the fact that it is a diesel, and just shop as if it is just another coach. Filter that out of you mind.

We have the HR with the Ford V10 and f53 chassis. It does all we need for it to do. The FRED just looks like a good upgrade for the money and miles. It is also something we might be able to full-time in when we retire. We drove the Allegro FRED and it drove straighter than our gas burner. I don't know that the brakes worked as good (which seemed odd for the few miles on it) but it did have engine brakes and worked better when switched on. All in all the noise level was lower in the FRED. There is a diesel pusher on the lot as well. A longer unit with much more on it, but at a price that is almost $40,000 more. We didn't have time to drive that one and probably won't consider it over the price. Maybe if the note isn't too much higher we can work the DP onto our list.

But I am finding forums that state the Allegro came with an Allison transmission that is weaker than most and won't pull as much as even the Ford V10 gas rig. Anybody find this true?

I believe the Fred is a 300 hp 5.9L front end diesel. It would have less performance on hills than the gas versions. If you can get a good price on it and don't plan on a lot of trips out west it may be fine. I would test drive the Fred and each gas version first to see if the engine noise is bearable. The one I test drove was very noisy up front.

Hi,

I do know someone who has one, and they really liked it. He got really good mileage with it, and liked it a lot. His prior RV was a E-450 with a diesel engine and it would have been pretty noisy. He said his FRED was pretty quiet. The larger engines have a low RPM and don't make a lot of noise because of the low engine speed. Still the turbo noise will be there.

Good luck with your decision to buy a newer motorhome!

Fred.