Tiffin or National ??

We currently have an 03 Tiffin Phaeton and briefly had a 99 National Tradewind so I've owed both brands.

I think both are well built and decent quality although there were some things that bugged me with the Tradewind's design (e.g. most ceiling lights only had switch on the light itself (no wall switch) which didn't work well with us since we have young kids (i.e. too short to reach the ceiling), the pull-out sofa bed pretty much went all the way to the wall so you have to move the barrel chair and can't walk by, accessing chassis fuses was quite awkward, hard to access sink if slide was in, etc. Not huge issues but does make me question some of their design. On the other hand, Tiffin labels everything, everything seems well thought out and laid out.

That said, I wouldn't rule either out. I do think that $53k might be too much for a National Seabreeze - the resale on pretty much all Nationals is really bad. I also have some concerns with a unit that might have sat that long.

I would really be worried about rodents chewing wires if it has been sitting that long.

Not knowing the rig's length makes it difficult to get a handle on value, checking on rvtrader.com you have to look at 2006 to find a Southwind just under 60M, so the asking price sounds decent, and considering it is not cherry due to be sitting on a storage lot, presumed not covered would require a serious examination of the roof sealing and interior ceiling everywhere inside closets etc. to ensure no water damage occurred. Having only 6,000 miles could also be detrimental, there again having a proper inspection by a certified tech would be in order. JMHO.

Good luck in your endeavor.

Tiffin and I've seen lesser coaches (same year) for more than that asking price.

I also have a National and yes National went under, but there is nothing on my RV that would require National to still be around. Remember the RV builder for the most part is just an assembler. Anything that gets broken down the road can pretty much be fixed by anybody. The people who lost out were those that still had time on their factory warranty when National went under.

beany wrote:
Hi All...
Not to sound confused ( but I am ) I'm hoping for a few opinions on two choices I'm considering for a new ( er ) RV.
1) A 2005 Tiffin Allegro on a workhorse with 60,000 miles. Very clean , always garaged, 40 grand. Or
2) A 2007 Seabreeze on a ford platform with 6,000 miles. But kept in a storage lot so not so cherry 53,000 thou.
I know the variables are practically endless , but any gut feelings out there ??
As Always, Thanks Beany

Beany- I own a 2005 National seabreeze 8321LX with 33,000 mile on it, yes its out of business but so far so good I'm very happy with mine, and yes that price is way too high. shop around. you will be surprise what you can find out there.:W

Would be Tiffin for me, but either way you go I hope you don't pay that much. Those prices seem very high for both of those rigs you describe.

Ranger Smith,

I, too like the Tiffin brand, but a used MH whose builder went out of business means little, or nothing in the selection. Up to the buyer,m of course, but very little on a MH is proprietary. Chassis is Ford/Chevy, fridge is Norcold/Dometic, generator is Onan/Generac, etc.

National made very high quality RVs, many of which are still motoring nicely down the road today!

I still say, floorplan, amenities and condition are as important as who made it. Certainly, Tiffin is one of thew more highy rated brands, there are thousands of older, orphan rigs on the road.

Just my 2c....

Happy Trails!

Darryl

Tiffin.

I believe National is out of business