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jonlin's avatar
jonlin
Explorer
May 06, 2017

Phaeton Motorhome

Wen are looking at purchasing a 2009 Phaeton 40QTH. Does anyone have any experience or know anything about this year and model Phaeton. We have never had a residential fridge... How long will 6 batteries run the fridge??? Any other things we need to be aware of???

Thanks for your help...
John

Additional Information:

Condition: Used Year: 2009

Make: Tiffin Motorhomes Model: PHAETON 40QTHClass: Class A
Mileage: 26,000, Fuel Type: DIESEL, Engine Type: 360hp, Sleeping Capacity: 6, Air Conditioners: 3, Awnings: yes, Slide Outs: 4, Length: 40, Water Capacity: 90, Leveling Jacks: yes, Exterior Color: Black/Silver, Interior Color: Tan

Description/Comments:

100 Gal fuel tank w/ right or left fill, 10 KW Cummins Onan Generator, King Bed- Sleep Number, Ceiling Fan, SS Residential Refrigerator, 4 TV's- 3 inside/ 1 outside, 3 AC/ Heat Pump Units, Propane Furnace, 10 Gal Water Heater- Propane/Elect, 4 Slides w/New Awnings, New Main Awning, Holding tanks- 90 Fresh, 70 Gray, 50 Black, Central Vac System, Stack Washer/Dryer, 10,000lb Tow Capacity, Cameras- R/L Turn, Rear, 6 House Batteries, 2 Full width cargo storage drawers, Auto Leveling System, All Tires less than 2 years old
Class A
  • Mr_Mark1's avatar
    Mr_Mark1
    Explorer
    May 06, 2017
    Jonlin, you are considering one of the most popular motorhomes on the market.

    Six batteries will run your fridge for most of a day but that will depend on the use of other items. Generally, it is recommended to run the generator 2 hrs. in the morning and 2 hrs. in the evening if you are boondocking.

    If this coach is on the original batteries, they might be at the end of their life. If you do need to replace the batteries, consider AGM's, they are cleaner and you don't have to worry so much about sulfating and watering the batteries. That a big pain in the hiney.

    Check tire date codes too.

    Good luck, those are popular motorhomes.
    MM.
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    May 06, 2017
    We really liked the Phaeton when we looked. The only think wierd I remember was the continuous hot water but looks like the 2009 had a standard hot water tank. Not saying the continuous was bad, just nothing I had experience with.

    We have the six batteries (gasmat) as well and it seems to be a nice balance for the fridge (same model as ours) and I thought we got over 35 hours with it, but I may have to re-try again and check voltage.
  • lj2654's avatar
    lj2654
    Explorer
    May 06, 2017
    this is a well sought after coach with good reviews. I think that the asking price is too high based on many similar coaches the same year. I would be thinking more in the 110-115 range. But other than that a good coach.
  • hanko's avatar
    hanko
    Explorer
    May 06, 2017
    roof rails, and wet bay floor rotting were issues, most have been back to red bay for a fix, make sure this one has
  • Teacher_s_Pet's avatar
    Teacher_s_Pet
    Explorer
    May 06, 2017
    The big three, roof rails, make sure wet bay has white composite plastic floor (had ours changed out twice, 1st time wrapped marine plywood, 2nd time composite found the cracked nut on shower drain 2nd time), check the outside corners of floor of the driver's side front slide out for softness from bottom side. Ours being an '06 did not have the roof rail problem, but the other two were changed at Red Bay.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    May 06, 2017
    From my recent DIY install of a residential, two batteries should power it for 24+ hours with the ice maker turned off. My 21 cuft draws 96 watts when running less than half the time... 8 amps times 10-12 hours equals 80-96 AH which is less than 50% of two batteries. Once it went all LED... lights and TVs I'm down to 2 hours/day generator time (instead of 4) although I do get 10-14 amps of solar mid day.

    When the DW starts dinner you crank the generator for 1-2 hours and again in the morning if you make coffee... run the generator whenever you are using something that likes a lot of amps.
  • Bruce_Brown's avatar
    Bruce_Brown
    Moderator
    May 06, 2017
    For that kind of $$$ you could get a lot more MH, or spend a lot less on better, IMO, of course.

    Many like their Tiffins. My parents even bought one based on my recommendation. I'd never do that again.
  • Bob___Ann's avatar
    Bob___Ann
    Explorer
    May 07, 2017
    hanko wrote:
    roof rails, and wet bay floor rotting were issues, most have been back to red bay for a fix, make sure this one has


    Jonlin
    As stated in previous post be sure to check out the items listed above. At 8 years you will need new tires and as stated the batteries will need replacement if they have not been already. You might be able to work into the deal. Other then that the Phaeton is a nice coach. We are enjoying ours since 2013. Before that we had an Allegro Bay for 9 years. We have really enjoyed working with Tiffin as they make a great coach. Phaeton is the number one selling coach in the country. Good luck with your decision.

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