Forum Discussion

delraypossum's avatar
delraypossum
Explorer
Dec 30, 2013

Tiffin Phaeton or Fleetwood Revolution

Hi we are new to this forum and have been full timing for a year now. We are looking to upgrade our MH now that we know we are in this for the long haul!

We have narrowed down to 2 MH's both 2008, 40ft DP and looking for input/experience with either of these.

Phaeton 40 QSH with a Cummins 360 and freightliner chassis

Fleetwood Revolution LE 40R Cummins 400 Spartan XC Series chassis

Appreciate any comments!

Bob and Sue
2004 Monaco Knight
  • The LE is the Revolution's spartan liberty chassis. Some say one of the strongest chassis ever. Mine too is on this chassis, not he same as the regular Revolutions. Check the weights, and you will be surprised.
  • kdk wrote:
    I would look more at the Tiffin, had a new Fleetwood 5th wheel which was by far the worst RV on the planet, and customer support was extremely poor and will never own another one again. I won't say Tiffin hasn't had any problems but they have a better history of taking care of their customers.JMHO
    Blessings; kdk


    Has absolutely nothing to do with present day Fleetwood. They do not manufacture 5th wheels.

    Spartan Chassis=excellent ride, design and support

    Spartan Chassis=side radiator vs rear

    American Coach will treat you like you just bought a $500K new unit whenever you call.
  • Bod an Sue,

    The 2008 Revolution LE is a beam front axle. Take a look at the load carrying capacity on the 40R. With a full wall slide, full tile and only a single rear axle it could limit what you can take with you. My 40E (bath and 1/2) model the capacity is about #3500. The 40R has to weigh a lot more and has the same chassis. Otherwise the Revolution is a great coach with a good ride especially if your coming up from a smaller coach.

    Dave
    2007 Rev 40E
  • If it were a even coin flip and you had a choice between side mount radiator or rear radiator I would pick the coach with the side option to save time and trouble down the line.
    I am not saving that it IS a coin flip as I don't know enough about either, just saying that might be a choice if everything else fits your needs.
  • Both being equal, the Revolution, hands down. 10x better chassis, much better engine and customer support is equal. Now if there is a large disparity in price or condition, then it would take some thinking. People that try and say Tiffin builds a better coach, conveniently forget all the problems they have just like any other coach, leaking roofs was and I hear IS still a major problem with the Tiffin line.
  • I would look more at the Tiffin, had a new Fleetwood 5th wheel which was by far the worst RV on the planet, and customer support was extremely poor and will never own another one again. I won't say Tiffin hasn't had any problems but they have a better history of taking care of their customers.JMHO
    Blessings; kdk
  • The Revolution is a more high end coach than the Phaeton. The Revolution should have IFS (independent front suspension) and a side radiator. IFS will give you a better ride and side radiator will save bucks/effort when you need to replace things like belts, hoses and other stuff attached to the engine.

    According to folks with other American coach products (the Revolution was made on the same line as American Eagles, Traditions, etc.), American Coach provides good support, as does Tiffin.

    If you like the floor plans and both coaches have been properly cared for, either would likely be a good choice. For me, the side radiator would be an important factor assuming all other things are good.
  • Take a good look at both and DRIVE them..Spartan makes a killer chassis and they stand behind it..Fleetwood did move the Revolution to its American line which gives above average support...Also 400 HP ISL engine is proven 360 engine has to be driven..Nothing wrong with Tiffin if it is in better shape but do not be afraid of the Fleetwood..Tiffin stands behind its product...but you need to DRIVE them as the chassis and engines are different.
  • My choice would be the Tiffin. They offer good customer service as well as building a good rig. Fleetwood would probably be a fairly good choice too. Not noted for their good customer service in the past. There has been the turmoil of a recent bankruptcy and it's a new co. They have recently acquired Monaco from Navistar so it remains to be seen how or if they will even support past products.
    Right now I would have to say Tiffin is the most stable builder of the 2.