Tiffin or Newmar

The good news is Tiffin has a wonderful reputation for excellent factory service after the sale. The bad news is so many know about it.

We've owned (3) Newmars now, my parents owned 1 Tiffin. I personally worked on their Tiffin more in 5 years than I have all 3 of our Newmars combined.

If I were shopping today Tiffin would not be a brand I would consider.

Also keep in mind the Tiffin is a laminate built coach, and if it's laminated it can delaminate. The Newmar used a hung wall method and cannot delaminate.

For me this one would be an easy choice.

On the rust issue jyrostng posted above, look at the date of purchase; I'd about promise that was driven on salty roads and never cleaned when it landed. We live in Northern NY, and the stuff they put on the roads makes EVERYTHING rust. The local Toyota dealer has replacement frames delivered by the truck load (honestly). My brother recently traded in a 2 year old Chevy truck with a not so great looking frame. Salt affects everything, regardless of brand. There is a reason ours never see snow.

You don't need dealer support for a 12 yr. motorhome. There are many good places that will work on the mechanics.

Which would you have the best dealer support closest to you?

If I was looking at a 12 year old DP, (which I kind of am!), I would do as another poster suggested. Move up the line to a Dutch Star or Mountain air, and the Allegro Bus by Tiffin.

Good luck!

jyrostng wrote:

Dougjpr wrote:
Looking at a 2005 Tiffin Phaeton 40 QDH and a 2005 Newmar Kountry Star 3909

Any thoughts or experiences with either

Thanks

Doug

If you are considering one or the other, you might look at this thread
Newmar possible rust issue

We had a 2004 Newmar with no rust issues and never heard of this problem on the Newmar forums.

The party in the link lives on the shore in New Jersey. Once when we spent 2 weeks at the beach in Alabama we had to wash our bikes daily. Other campers warned us that if you don't, the bikes would soon rust. Salt air is hard on anything.

I think I would go with the Tiffin. It is hard to get any other company that will step forward like Bob.

Have seen some bad Newmars which makes me think they are over rated.

Dougjpr wrote:
Looking at a 2005 Tiffin Phaeton 40 QDH and a 2005 Newmar Kountry Star 3909

Any thoughts or experiences with either

Thanks

Doug

If you are considering one or the other, you might look at this thread
Newmar possible rust issue

Dougjpr wrote:
Looking at a 2005 Tiffin Phaeton 40 QDH and a 2005 Newmar Kountry Star 3909

Any thoughts or experiences with either

Thanks

Doug

I shopped extensively in that time frame and My Second Choice was Newmar.

Tried really hard to like Tiffin - but they lacked a lot - and even with the "Bob Tiffin" stories it was just not even close in the level of quality fit and finish, Newmar a TS were head and shoulder above Tiffin.

I would not be afraid of going a year or two older and stepping up a level or two to Dutchstar or Mountain Aire. I think you will be even more impressed, even with an older unit.

JMHO,

Doug, if they are both identical in condition, mileage, etc., I would start at the top.

Good roof (fiberglass or aluminum)....the rubber type wouldn't be my first choice.
Side radiator
Cummins vs. Caterpillar (both are good, Caterpillar is out of the OTR business).
Floor plan

Good luck,
MM.

Newmar.

If one of the had a side radiator that would be my choice. I like those DPs where you open the rear hatch and the whole engine is in view. Easy to work on.