We were at the suburban Chicago RV show this week and really liked the Tiffin Class A models on display, and were especially intrigued with their Front Engine Diesel. Any first-hand experience you can relay about these units would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
George
wmalefyt said
07:21 AM Feb 18, 2007
George,
We looked at them briefly at the local Tiffin dealer. One thing I learned is that they don't have any "air-ride suspension" like most diesel pushers. I would sure want to give one a good test drive to see how the ride is and to also compare other features with the diesel pushers.
We like the quiet ride with our diesel pusher. With the engine in the back we can carry on a normal conversation while driving without shouting at each other.
We were really at the dealer to look at 5th wheels so didn't give the FRED as serious look.
jomago said
07:57 AM Feb 18, 2007
Back in 1992 GBM brought out a front end Diesel in the Encounter series. Needless to say it was priced almost $30K more than the gas engine. Drove one and couldn't see much difference over gas. There were three at different Dealers and they stayed on the lots for over a year. Don't know why they didn't sell but guess the $30K extra didn't help.
bjoyce said
11:50 AM Feb 18, 2007
As jomago said, this is not the first time a front-engine diesel has been tried. Newmar tried the experiment in the late 1990's I was told and they did not sell well. There are now some gas pushers coming on the market, they are all trying to find a way to get marketshare.
The first reviews of the FRED say it pulls quite well and is fairly quiet. No air ride as wmalefyt says, actually no air anything with the FRED including air brakes so you lose those advantages of a diesel pusher. The Cummins ISB is a good engine. I would test drive a Workhorse W25.5 and the biggest Ford chassis along with the FRED to see if the price bump is worth it to you.
Thank you.
George
We looked at them briefly at the local Tiffin dealer. One thing I learned is that they don't have any "air-ride suspension" like most diesel pushers. I would sure want to give one a good test drive to see how the ride is and to also compare other features with the diesel pushers.
We like the quiet ride with our diesel pusher. With the engine in the back we can carry on a normal conversation while driving without shouting at each other.
We were really at the dealer to look at 5th wheels so didn't give the FRED as serious look.
The first reviews of the FRED say it pulls quite well and is fairly quiet. No air ride as wmalefyt says, actually no air anything with the FRED including air brakes so you lose those advantages of a diesel pusher. The Cummins ISB is a good engine. I would test drive a Workhorse W25.5 and the biggest Ford chassis along with the FRED to see if the price bump is worth it to you.