1492
Virginia, USA
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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mcc1229 wrote:Thanks for the good information. Back to the chassis question I would like to know two things:
1) Is the powerglide chassis the only choice for the chassis under the Allegro bus or is the Freightliner IFS an option??
You have a choice of either a Freightliner, Spartan, or Powerglide Chassis.
mcc1229 wrote:2) What type of service network does jones & son have. Where do you go for warranty, recalls, etc with a Jones chassis???
See for yourself! Just input a Zip Code and select "Powerglide Service Centers" under the Search Type to find a service center(s) here.
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1492
Virginia, USA
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chastho wrote:You don't need to worry about the health of Bob, the son's are pretty much running the company now so there should not be any changes.
I agree! Bob Tiffin is doing what he does best, marketing, PR, and dealer relations. My understanding is that his sons run the day to day operations at Tiffin. He is one of the most energetic people I've met at his age, and he doesn't appear to be slowing down. He is also one of the most upfront principles of a MH manufacturer I've spoken with. Last year I spent quite a bit of time with him talking about the manufacturing process, including who he uses for his cap and mold designs. He went into so much detail, more than I was expecting, and basically outlined a step by step process.
On another occasion I asked Bob about modifying the rear bath of a coach to include handicap assist bars on the step area and in the bath. No sooner did I finish my sentence, Bob was already heading to the back of the coach to see exactly where and how they would install reinforcements to accommodate those bars. What's funny is that I've asked similar questions to other MH manufacturing reps., much younger than Bob by the way, who never left their seat on the couch in front of the coach, and just basically said the factory should be able to figure something out. So I'm not sure where all these questions of Bob's health are coming from, as he is more energetic than the vast majority of factory reps. I've met. 
My suggestion is that if you have questions about the Allegro Bus or the Powerglide chassis, call Tiffin and ask to speak with Bob Tiffin. Believe me, you'll learn more about the Powerglide chassis than you could ever imagine. Just make sure you set aside enough time! 
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JUrban
Delaware
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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When we got our Bus, the dealer had the 40' in all three chassis, so I drove all three. The Freightliner was our choice. It didn't sway as much as the Spartan or Powerglide on fast lane changes, or on slow speed hard wheel cuts, and didn't dive as much on hard braking. VERY hard stopping seemed about equal on all three. The Freightliner definitely had a firmer suspension, which is more in line to what I wanted, but everyone's preferences differ.
Drive all three if the 43 is offered in all, and then decide.
John
2008 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40' QSP
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Toad
BlueOx Aventa LX Tow Bar
SMI Air Force One toad brake
Copilot Live Laptop 10 GPS
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09FLSTC
Out West
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One of my favorite companies and I've not even been there yet. I bought the Pheaton because that's what i can afford right now and have not been let down. I want to upgrade already but not because of the quality, because I want more power. I'll post that in a minute in a new thread.
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iansmith@rogers.com
Courtice, Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 02/14/2008
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WE are very happy with our powerglide chassis. I too was worried about service being in Canada. So far no problems as the major components are all industry standard, Cummins engine, Allison transmission Tuthill axles along with suspension and brakes. This means most centres (Canadian spelling for centers)can do most warranty work. I have had one small job done on the road and Tiffin was quick to step up and take care of it. We are very happy with our Tiffin and the powerglide and would highly recommend both....Ian
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mcc1229
Piedmont NC
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Joined: 11/26/2005
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JUrban wrote:When we got our Bus, the dealer had the 40' in all three chassis, so I drove all three. The Freightliner was our choice. It didn't sway as much as the Spartan or Powerglide on fast lane changes, or on slow speed hard wheel cuts, and didn't dive as much on hard braking. VERY hard stopping seemed about equal on all three. The Freightliner definitely had a firmer suspension, which is more in line to what I wanted, but everyone's preferences differ.
Drive all three if the 43 is offered in all, and then decide.
John
I visited a local dealer today. The salesman said that starting in 2010 the Powerglide was the only chassis option for the Allegro Bus. I was concerned about this and I called Red Bay this afternoon and spent about 30 minutes on the phone with a very helpful and knowledgeable salesperson. He said that the salesman was wrong. They will gladly except an order for a 2010 coach on the Freightliner IFS. They prefer the Powerglide for some very good reasons. But he said if I had concerns about the service network just specify a Freightliner. First class operation from all I see
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oneolddog
Vancouver
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Joined: 11/29/2008
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I factory ordered a 36' 2009 Allegro Bus which I got in March. Since I chose Tiffin's 36' QSP the only chassis option I had was to go with their Powerglide as the 36QSP unlike the other Allegro Bus models is only available with the Powerglide chassis.
I have already had to deal with a chassis issue as the Bus needed wheel bearings and an alignment after it was delivered to me. I live outside of Vancouver, BC Canada. After a week at service my dealer told me that they were finding it difficult for someone to service it. I called Tiffin and Bob Tiffin himself got involved and it got fixed.
I would have preferred to have a Freightliner or Spartan chassis so I could walk in the door and say "it is yours fix it". I have never driven a Bus with any other chassis and have limited driving experience with these things so I cannot give an opinion regarding driving characteristics.
I am enjoying the my Bus when everything is working and it drives like a dream to me. I just got back from a long trip and although I normally drive the speed limit when I had a long straight away with no other cars around I took it up over 90 MPH and was impressed at how smooth with no vibrations it was.
As for the "tiffinrvnetwork.com" site: Some good people, some good advice at times but I find it to be a "Tiffin love in" don't expect too many non-bias opinions there.
Adam
2009 Allegro Bus 36QSP
Shurflo 5.7 pump
Progressive Amp/Surge protector
HID headlights
Front side windows tinted
Complete new home theatre audio system
37" TV in front to replace 32"
Built in radar
+
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WTD44
Ca.
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Joined: 09/01/2003
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Unlike many who post to this forum, ( defend only what you have bought--run down the rest ) I will say that from everything I have heard & seen, a Tiffin built product is one of the best for the money. While most of the other manufacturers have shut down, they remain in business. That alone must be indicitive of something.
'07 H.R. Scepter 40 ' PDQ
Cummins 400 ISL
Alison 6 speed World
08 CR-V
Wife and,
Sparky the Wonder Dog
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mcc1229
Piedmont NC
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WTD44 wrote:Unlike many who post to this forum, ( defend only what you have bought--run down the rest ) I will say that from everything I have heard & seen, a Tiffin built product is one of the best for the money. While most of the other manufacturers have shut down, they remain in business. That alone must be indicitive of something.
To clarify myself - in no way do I wish to run down Tiffin. The Allegro bus is my choice. I think Tiffin is in a class all its own. My only concern was the service network that is in place for the Jones/Powerglide chassis. I have first hand knowledge of Freightliner and I know their service network is unsurpassed in my experience. I have had two recalls on my Freightliner chassis and both were taken care of at the factory service center in Gaffney. I have also utilized their Oasis network while on the road. I have not yet determined who would handle a recall of a Jones Chassis. I checked with my local Cummins dealer and they were OK with any engine concerns but were not expressing any interest in warranty issues for the chassis.
My concern was addressed by Tiffin stating that they would build a 2010 Allegro Bus on a Freightliner IFS chassis if specified when ordered.
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