Tiffin Phaeton Aqua Hot -- 400D good enough?
In the process of picking out a motorhome...and I keep coming back to Tiffin. Drove an Open Road Allegro...and we really liked the coach itself...but after driving a diesel it would have to be the Allegro Red or Phaeton. Looking at 38QBA or 40QKH. Anyway...in comparing the two I found that Aqua Hot is now an option on the Phaeton which is part of their "All electric coach" option at $8,120. I know it includes the Aqua Hot system...but I'll assume that means it completely eliminates all propane from the coach -- including stove. It's already using a residential fridge.
I found an article this morning that talks about which Aqua Hot. The Phaeton uses the 400D whereas the Bus uses the 450D. A quick comparison shows them to be very similar units -- same BTU rating, about the same GPM, and the same fuel consumption. But...and here is where I'm trying to determine how important -- the 400D only uses two sources of energy to heat the water -- a 1650w heating element or a diesel burner whereas the 450D can use the heating element, diesel burner, and also heat from the diesel engine. So that means the 400D in the Phaeton cannot offer cold engine start assistance...or heat the coach while travelling without using the diesel burner or running the generator. Is what it is...but was more curious about the cold starts. Only diesel I've owned has been my diesel pickup truck....and cold starts aren't an issue for it...so was looking for some feedback on whether the 400D is worth the cost of admission.
Thanks.
I found an article this morning that talks about which Aqua Hot. The Phaeton uses the 400D whereas the Bus uses the 450D. A quick comparison shows them to be very similar units -- same BTU rating, about the same GPM, and the same fuel consumption. But...and here is where I'm trying to determine how important -- the 400D only uses two sources of energy to heat the water -- a 1650w heating element or a diesel burner whereas the 450D can use the heating element, diesel burner, and also heat from the diesel engine. So that means the 400D in the Phaeton cannot offer cold engine start assistance...or heat the coach while travelling without using the diesel burner or running the generator. Is what it is...but was more curious about the cold starts. Only diesel I've owned has been my diesel pickup truck....and cold starts aren't an issue for it...so was looking for some feedback on whether the 400D is worth the cost of admission.
Thanks.
