Older RV choice ... Tiffin Zephyr vs Holiday Rambler

[beaubeau]

Hi! I'm getting back into a Class A mood, after owning a 2005 gas Bounder and now a small TT.

I am looking at 2001 Tiffin Zephyr with 48,000 miles on a CAT 450 engine.
And I am also looking at a 2008 Holiday Rambler gas-engined Arista with 22,000 miles on the Ford chassis (same as the Bounder I used to have).

The Zephyr is $60k and the Arista is $45k.

The Zephyr is 42 feet and the Arista is 34 feet, but I think the Arista has more floor space -- it has 3 slides versus the Zephyr's 1 slide.

Both my girlfriend and I have driven the Zephyr and like it -- but the Arista would have to be bought sight-unseen due to it's distance from me.

The Arista, mechanically, isn't intimidating to me. I figure it's gotta be a lot like the Bounder and I had no trouble caring for it.

The Zephyr is a beast -- I don't even know where to start looking for things that might be wrong with it.

What should I look for in 15 year old Tiffin? I know, for instance, that some of the window glass seals have failed leaving it with some foggy windows. And the clear coat has had a hard life in places.

What kind of depreciation could I expect from each of these over the next 5 years?

How much would I expect to spend on maintenance over the next 5 years?

Any and all advice will be very much appreciated...

[prstlk]

The critter count might make the opposing slides a better idea. You didn't mention size of fur bags but in our case it's much better than or our single slide to now have 4.
I would still prefer a dp over a gasser any day. Noise, ride, handling, fuel economy, reliability for starters.
Jmho

[beaubeau]

wolfe10 I could easily have misheard the salesman about the engine....

[wolfe10]

Was not aware that the Zephyr was ever built with a Caterpillar engine.

Thought all were Cummins. Not that it makes a difference, both are excellent engines.

[Alphamonk]

Also, the rear diesel will be much, much quieter in the front as far as conversations while under way. I owned a 2005 Allegro Bus.(A step down from the Zephyr). Loved everything about it. You cannot compare the ride of the Zephyr with any gas rigs. They simply do not compare. However, it all depends on your requirements. You may be surprised how quickly you get used to the extra length when driving.

[RV_daytrader]

6 dogs??? ... that may put a lot of campgrounds off your list of places to stay!

[beaubeau]

Thanks everyone. We actually think that either coach would fit our needs. We would mainly use it for weekend trips with our dogs, but we would also love to take it cross-country for weeks at a time. I think the HR would be more maneuverable, for instance in parking lots and in campgrounds. But I think the Zephyr would be far superior on the roads between campgrounds. We travel with six dogs, so floorspace is important. I like the idea of a gas engine, since I know nothing about diesels. But I like the idea of one slide versus three slides simply from a points-of-failure angle.
Anyhow, thanks everyone.

[ncrowley]

You are comparing 2 very different coaches. Before you purchase a coach, you first need to decide whether you want gas or diesel, how long do you want it, want floor plan do you want, etc. All of this has been discussed in other forums. Do a search and you will find lots of good information. Then you can establish your criteria and start your search.

[2gypsies1]

beaubeau wrote:

The Zephyr is 42 feet and the Arista is 34 feet, but I think the Arista has more floor space -- it has 3 slides versus the Zephyr's 1 slide.

Slides just add floor space. They take away from basement and quite often, upstairs storage space.

What do you prefer? Do you need the storage space or are you going to dance? 🙂

[Ivylog]

Mind explaining how you came up with 2700 and 1800?

[Artum_Snowbird]

It seems more and more people are going for smaller lighter rigs these days. Getting a 42 foot rig 15 years old, and expecting to sell it again in five years is a bit of a gamble. Even expecting to want it for five years is too.

Certainly Tiffins with big powerful engines are lovely rigs though. They really are made to cruise effortlessly down and up the roads with heavy tows behind. Gassers can tow too, but you will really notice the difference.

My estimate, diesel will cost $2700 a year, gas unit $1800 a year. Depreciation will be similar, $2000 per year.

Ease of ownership.. one is likely to be driven to destination, long stays. The other will like shorter trips, easier to pull over and view the sights.

Chance of a big bill? A bit more likely with the diesel IMHO.

That's my estimation only, from reading this forum for ten years or so.

[smlranger]

You are trying to compare two entirely different animals. IMO, you would be well served to slow down and first think about what you need/want in terms of floor plan/space, how you will use it (short weekend trips vs. longer trips over mountains, etc.), what you intend to tow with it (will you want to tow a car along?), what kind of stuff do you want to take with you, etc.

Once you develop your list of criteria, start looking for a coach that best meets that criteria within your budget. The most important thing in any used coach is how it has been maintained. There are a lot of choices in both the gas and diesel family.