2022 Zephyr or Cornerstone - Which Should I Buy?

[keithos27]

Hi there, first post so I hope this is the right place (I didn't find anything when I searched). I have a 2021 Airstream Globetrotter and am looking to upgrade from a travel trailer to a Class A. Price wise I'm looking at a brand new Class A - either a Zephyr 45 or a Cornerstone 45 D. I've tried to do as much research online as possible, and I haven't seen either in person yet (I know, I know... I plan to, and to hopefully drive both too).

During my research it appears a lot of folks say the Cornerstone is the "best driving" Class A in this price range (is that due to the Spartan K3 chassis, or specifically the independent front suspension?) yet I don't see a lot of commentary on how Tiffin's proprietary chassis drives/handles. I don't want to overlook this section as this is very important to me (aesthetics are as well, but that I guess is a personal preference)... I want something that is reliable, doesn't squeak/rattle, won't beat me up over a long drive, doesn't feel like a boat on the road, etc. After all these are over half a million dollars, lol!

Also, in general is one considered "better" than the other overall? From my hours and hours of YouTube reviews (no, that doesn't make me an expert, haha) it looks to me like the Zephyr has more appliance upgrades/offerings, tile throughout, and possibly a nicer appointed driving area. Also, I believe Tiffin has been around much longer (not sure if that really matters... and doesn't Thor basically own all of them now?). Does one have better customer service? The warranty on the Tiffin seems really short to me, whereas Cornerstone is longer.

Any and all advice, recommendations, opinions is most certainly welcomed! I plan on driving both and seeing both in person, just not super easy at the moment. So all "research" I can do online will help me in the meantime.

If there is anything I am overlooking (chassis, aesthetics, floorpan, toilet space - I'm 6'5", warranty, price, etc.) please do let me know.

Thanks so much in advance! 🙂

-Keith

[keithos27]

Can anyone comment on chassis and ride comfort?

[hypoxia]

Ranger Smith wrote:
No but my rv is 43' and has the Aquahot 450 and it heats the RV just fine.

On electric there is a huge difference between the Aqua-Hot 450 with One 1650 Watt element and the 600 series which has Two 2000 Watt elements. IMHO, If Cornerstone skimps on that one item I just assume they also skimp on other items.

[Ranger_Smith]

keithos27 wrote:

LouLawrence wrote:

Holy Moley! For that kind of cash you could buy a used Prevost that's 10 steps above any of those new plastic coaches! Check it out at Prevost-Stuff or Prevost Community. Don't pay more for 4th best!

Not seeing any Prevosts for that price that aren't 15+ years old and either non-slide or very much not my style/taste inside.

We aren't full-timers so while I'd LOVE a Prevost I also want a new coach that has the features/amenities of 2022 (not 2007).

Sometimes the features of a "new" coach are not that great. Lots of issues with the NEW coaches and DEF sensors, Spyder Control Systems going bonkers, etc.

[keithos27]

lryrob9301 wrote:
I agree, for that kind of money i would be looking for a used Newell, Marathon, or Liberty coach. Ten times better construction quality and driveability.

Used Newells that I'm seeing are in similar category to Prevost... too old, or too expensive. 😞

[keithos27]

LouLawrence wrote:

Holy Moley! For that kind of cash you could buy a used Prevost that's 10 steps above any of those new plastic coaches! Check it out at Prevost-Stuff or Prevost Community. Don't pay more for 4th best!

Not seeing any Prevosts for that price that aren't 15+ years old and either non-slide or very much not my style/taste inside.

We aren't full-timers so while I'd LOVE a Prevost I also want a new coach that has the features/amenities of 2022 (not 2007).

[lryrob9301]

I agree, for that kind of money i would be looking for a used Newell, Marathon, or Liberty coach. Ten times better construction quality and driveability.

[LouLawrence]

keithos27 wrote:
Hi there, first post so I hope this is the right place (I didn't find anything when I searched). I have a 2021 Airstream Globetrotter and am looking to upgrade from a travel trailer to a Class A. Price wise I'm looking at a brand new Class A - either a Zephyr 45 or a Cornerstone 45 D. I've tried to do as much research online as possible, and I haven't seen either in person yet (I know, I know... I plan to, and to hopefully drive both too).

During my research it appears a lot of folks say the Cornerstone is the "best driving" Class A in this price range (is that due to the Spartan K3 chassis, or specifically the independent front suspension?) yet I don't see a lot of commentary on how Tiffin's proprietary chassis drives/handles. I don't want to overlook this section as this is very important to me (aesthetics are as well, but that I guess is a personal preference)... I want something that is reliable, doesn't squeak/rattle, won't beat me up over a long drive, doesn't feel like a boat on the road, etc. After all these are over half a million dollars, lol!

Also, in general is one considered "better" than the other overall? From my hours and hours of YouTube reviews (no, that doesn't make me an expert, haha) it looks to me like the Zephyr has more appliance upgrades/offerings, tile throughout, and possibly a nicer appointed driving area. Also, I believe Tiffin has been around much longer (not sure if that really matters... and doesn't Thor basically own all of them now?). Does one have better customer service? The warranty on the Tiffin seems really short to me, whereas Cornerstone is longer.

Any and all advice, recommendations, opinions is most certainly welcomed! I plan on driving both and seeing both in person, just not super easy at the moment. So all "research" I can do online will help me in the meantime.

If there is anything I am overlooking (chassis, aesthetics, floorpan, toilet space - I'm 6'5", warranty, price, etc.) please do let me know.

Thanks so much in advance! 🙂

-Keith

Holy Moley! For that kind of cash you could buy a used Prevost that's 10 steps above any of those new plastic coaches! Check it out at Prevost-Stuff or Prevost Community. Don't pay more for 4th best!

[keithos27]

Appreciate all of the comments and insights...

Can y'all explain to a dummy like me what the Newmar coaches (in the same price rage - not the King Aire) offer and why they might be better? Looking at new only and absolute price max will be what a Zephyr can be had for (after discount). Trying to keep this apples to apples... otherwise feel free to suggest a Newell Prevost for millions. 😛

[Ranger_Smith]

RetiredRealtorRick wrote:
Just my opinion, I'd buy a Tiffin product before I'd buy an Entegra product. That being said, with both of them now being owned by Thor, who knows?? Might be the right time to seriously throw Newmar into the mix, as has been previously mentioned.

Entegra is a Fancied up Jayco . . . As I said earlier . . . That kind of cash can get you into a nice used Newell or Foretravel.

[RetiredRealtorR]

Just my opinion, I'd buy a Tiffin product before I'd buy an Entegra product. That being said, with both of them now being owned by Thor, who knows?? Might be the right time to seriously throw Newmar into the mix, as has been previously mentioned.

[Ranger_Smith]

No but my rv is 43' and has the Aquahot 450 and it heats the RV just fine.

[keithos27]

Any additional thoughts besides the Aqua Hot?

[Ranger_Smith]

hypoxia wrote:
When I looked at Cornerstone I saw it has the little 450 Aqua-Hot so I didn't consider it any farther.

Something like that needs the Aquahot 600 system.

[keithos27]

hypoxia wrote:
When I looked at Cornerstone I saw it has the little 450 Aqua-Hot so I didn't consider it any farther.

Why is that? What did you get?

[hypoxia]

When I looked at Cornerstone I saw it has the little 450 Aqua-Hot so I didn't consider it any farther.