Considering buying a Tiffin Allegro 36UA

I'm considering buying a Tiffin Allegro 36UA. I owned a Winnebago Adventurer about 15 years ago and haven't owned anything since. We had casual use but where quite satisfied with our experience. We are hitting a time in our life where we think we will make good use of one again. We will have a mixed use of weekend trips in the Pacific NW, a few 1-2 week trips every now and then, and will use it as overflow housing for family that comes to visit.

The things that attract me to this model are the bunk sleeping for our two kids (so we can keep using the couch and table in the evening and morning), as well as the heating options while plugged in. I like some of the cheaper/smaller options with bunks like the Forest River FR3 32DS and the Winnebago Storm... but their heating options are propane even while plugged in. I think the step up in size and space will be worth it given our desire to use as addition guest space. I don't think it is worth me jumping up to the next tier at this time (200K+)

A few questions for anyone who can share some thoughts and info:

This unit doesn't appear to have seat-belts in the dinette, only 3 in the couch. Can they be added and why would the Tiffen have left them out in the dinette but have them in the sofa? Would adding them go against the better judgement of the manufacturer?

The list price is about 180K. I'm reading in this forum that most negotiations end up in the 35% to 20% off msrp range. At this time of year with this brand and model should I expect one end or another of this range? I know the onslaught of rain has hurt sales for the start of the year.

It has hook ups for a combined washer dryer in the lower cabinet of the full bath. Should I allow the dealer to add the brand they carry or look aftermarket?

Any other models in this price range that I would be making a mistake not to consider. I think Fleetwood has a bunk model in this range (or maybe slightly less)... but no dealers around me (Eastern Washington). Worth a roadtrip to Oregon to check out?

Many thanks
Don

Class A

accsys
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
You would probably get much better information if you joined and posted this on the Tiffin RV Network where there are many Tiffin owners and most likely several 36UA owners. Though manyy of us frequent this and other forums, there is a real concentration of knowledge on the Tiffin forum.
Mile_High
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
DonGi wrote:

The things that attract me to this model are the bunk sleeping for our two kids (so we can keep using the couch and table in the evening and morning), as well as the heating options while plugged in.

For the electric heating option, are you talking about the heat pumps or does it have an alternative to the standard LP furnace? Heat pumps are great, but will shut down below 40 degrees or so as they are no longer effective for heating. Once they shutdown, the gas furnace would need to come on.
Alabama_Jim
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
The only thing I can add to this discussion is; Tiffin has one of the best reputations in the RV Industry and they are built in Northwest Alabama in Red Bay, Alabama.
DonGi
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
Thanks accsys... I will check it out.

Yes Mile High, I was refering to the heat pumps. Was hoping the heat pumps would allow long uses without rapidly draining the LP tank. I will re-calibrate my thinking knowing the effectiveness in the cold.

Thanks.
georgelesley
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
Heat pumps are wonderful for chilly mornings and have the added benefit of removing humidity from the inside air which is always a concern in an RV. Electric heaters or gas furnaces do not

Another option is and on electric heaters for the furnace. I think it is called cheap heat or something like that. Tiffin might be willing to add it on during construction for a price of course. That would be the time to do it if possible.
AllegroD
Nomad
Mar 30, 2017
We have a 36LA. As stated, the heat pump is great, down to 40. We use ours for heat at night. Our fireplace provides heat as a space heater would. This works well for us as this allows the bedroom to be a couple degrees lower than the front. The heat pump is run from the front thermostat, as is all heat. The rear thermostat only controls the rear AC (no rear furnace). If the temp gets down to 32, you will want to use the propane heat as primary source, as that has a tube into the wet bay.

Another way to heat the wet bay is to add a small 200w space/personal heater into the wet bay.
hanko
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
I find that the heat pump, along with the fire place and occasionally a portable electric space heater will keep it very comfortable in the coldest of temps. Providing your plugged into a 50 amp service
Mile_High
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
Fireplace and space heaters are great alternatives, you just have to be aware of the temps in your basement and wet bay. If it gets too far below freezing, those spaces can freeze without the furnace to heat them.

I wonder if you couldn't put a small electric ceramic heater in the basement on these motorhomes to overcome that issue.
crasster
Explorer II
Mar 31, 2017
Tiffin just makes a very good coach. I've always appreciated their quality, price, and service. It's not a top of the line thing, but they are just very practical.
Bruce_Brown
Moderator
Mar 31, 2017
For the $$$ you're talking be sure to take a look at a Newmar Canyon Star 3925. It has bunks plus 2 full baths, and with 2 kids I think you'd appreciate that. :B

Newmar Canyon Star

Or for quite a bit less, the shorter Bay Star also offers bunks;

Bay Star w/ Bunks

Heat pumps are available on either choice.

As to the Tiffin part, a lot of people like them, my parents had one, I'm in the minority. I worked on theirs a lot. Some stuff not too serious, the wet bay part was pretty serious. Today that issue has reportedly been corrected.