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Bob_P13's avatar
Bob_P13
Explorer
Sep 15, 2016

What to watch out for

I will be looking at possibly purchasing a 2003 Tiffin Bus with the Cummings 350 hp. After reading the Tiffin forum and seeing the problems owners have experienced with there motorhomes I will enter into the deal with eye wide open. Are there areas of perticular concern that I should focus on? I've read about leaky storage compartments and slider floor issues. Any unique problems with this engine. I was looking at a 2004 Bluebird motorhome with the 400 hp Cummins and read a lot about blown head gaskets. Not sure if the 350 has the same issue or not.
I'm not expecting perfection with anything that is 13 years old but I mostly want to look for problematic areas with this particular year, make and model.
Thanks
Class A

6 Replies

  • hotjag1's avatar
    hotjag1
    Explorer II
    Sep 18, 2016
    I have a 2003 Allegro Bus and have not had any of the problems that I read about on the Tiffin forums. The slides have worked perfectly and I have no soft floor issues on the slides either. I checked the flooring in my wet bay area and it also is very solid, so no issues there.
    The only issues that I have had to deal with were engine related(leaking fuel pumps), and a new refer cooling unit. The coach itself has been trouble-free.
    As with any coach, check it closely for water leaks and good service records.
  • usersmanual's avatar
    usersmanual
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2016
    Bob P13 wrote:
    I will be looking at possibly purchasing a 2003 Tiffin Bus with the Cummings 350 hp. After reading the Tiffin forum and seeing the problems owners have experienced with there motorhomes I will enter into the deal with eye wide open. Are there areas of perticular concern that I should focus on? I've read about leaky storage compartments and slider floor issues. Any unique problems with this engine. I was looking at a 2004 Bluebird motorhome with the 400 hp Cummins and read a lot about blown head gaskets. Not sure if the 350 has the same issue or not.
    I'm not expecting perfection with anything that is 13 years old but I mostly want to look for problematic areas with this particular year, make and model.
    Thanks

    The ISC 350 has no problems out of the ordinary that iam aware of
    I owned a 2002 AB for a few years.Never experienced any real problems with it? no slide issues etc.Did not like the solid front axle system verses the IFS on my 2008
    overall it was a decent MH with no problems
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Sep 15, 2016
    A #53 block is a ISB 5.9L engine not the ISC 350. Have never heard of head gasket problems
    with a ISL. The ISL is a stroked ISC... both good engines.
  • crasster's avatar
    crasster
    Explorer II
    Sep 15, 2016
    Always get a trusted mechanic. Many small mechanic shops will be happy to inspect. Most mechanics should at least be able to understand the functions of the coach. Also give it a solid 1 over yourself - especially in the house part of the coach.
  • johnhicks's avatar
    johnhicks
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2016
    Pull oil, coolant and tranmission fluid samples before you buy. Also there's a #53 block that tends to crack; I don't know what years that is.
  • bullydogs1's avatar
    bullydogs1
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2016
    I'd look for an RV tech to get paid to come inspect before you buy...you won't buy an issue free coach, but the 150 to 200 is worth it for peace of mind.

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