Midlevel newer vs higher level older

Don't get hung up on chassis brands, both have good points and bad points. I've had both and both can do the job. Also, if you are looking at prices, comparing an Eagle to a Rev is apples to oranges.

timjet wrote:
Probably a question many people have to answer. Just getting opinions. Perhaps an example will help:
'11 Tiffin Phaeton 40 vs '07American Eagle 40/Fleetwood Revolution 40

Tiffin uses the Freightline chassis while Liberty is used in the other 2.

Weight carrying capacities are greater with the Fleetwoods. Should this even be a real concern?

Interior appointments seem about the same.

Newer is always better- less chance of having to fix things. But higher quality is better for durability.

Assuming an example in each coach meets your floor plan desires, and each coach checks out mechanically, what would you choose. Your gonna pay more for the newer coach of course, but looking for opinions.

You buy what I bought of course.....lol
I've already done the research for you and not many are aware of what the FW REV actually is.
Keep in mind, that the Fleetwood mentioned was built on the Americian Platform, so it's not really a Fleetwood as per say, even though it was their top of the line, that year.
I've also found that it has some features, that aren't on some models carrying the American name, like the digital readout for engine diagnostics. Interior wood furnishings and quality are hard to beat and the leather is some of the most durable and softer than found anywhere in the industry.
The chassis is actually a Spartan, like Foretravel, Entegra and some other top brands uses, with some mods by Fleetwood and hence the Liberty name. It still says Spartan on the steering wheel, however and Spartan supplies the tech and parts for it.
It has the Spartan dual speed hydro driven side radiator and a deal breaker for me. Side rad that is.
Has a Cat engine which I like at 20 more HP than the Tiffin and without the later pollution gimmicks. Especially with not having to buy DEF fluid.
You'll find that the rear axle weight, when loaded will be pretty much right on and it'll be way lighter on the front. This is especially true with the 1 1/2 bath models, like ours.
Not knocking Tiffin, but in this particular case, you'll probably pay more for it and get less.
With the REV, as long as you buy it right and it's clean with low mileage, it should serve you well.
They were very popular, so there's a lot of them around to choose from.

One thing to keep in mind is that motorhomes depreciate rapidly for 10-12 years then the depreciation curve flattens off considerably and it becomes much more about condition and features. Of course a large part of the reason for this sharp bend in curve is that most lending institutions will not offer loans on motorhomes over 10 years of age, a few will finance out to the 12 year point, so you tend to see an abrupt price drop when comparing 2 identical units on either side of this line. When I was shopping in this age range (ended up buying a 2002 model about 6-7 weeks ago) I that those under the magic 12 year old point were selling for at least 1/3 more than the price of the 14-15 year olds.

Timjet, if you are financing, it might be easier on the 2011.

If everything is equal (condition, maintenance, etc.), go with the floor plan that works best for you. But, I think I would lean towards the newer unit.

Are the TV's in the Fleetwood the newer flat type? Also keep in mind that air bags for the air suspension also have date codes and may have to be replaced in the near future.

Good luck and safe travels,
MM.

Chose Tiffin not comparable to Fleetwood plus 4 years newer is great, the 07 needs new tires if it does not have them already - age counts on MH tires not wear