I'm at my wit's end trying to decide between these two premium manufacturers! I've been researching for months and keep going in circles. Currently own a 2019 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40ip and absolutely love it, but we're looking to upgrade to a 45-footer and suddenly questioning everything.
Everyone says both Tiffin and Newmar are top-tier quality, but I need to understand the real differences. What makes each brand stand out? Is Tiffin's customer service really that much better, or is it just hype? Are Newmar's interiors actually more luxurious, or is that just marketing?
I've read every forum post and review I can find, but I really need someone to break down the key differences so I can make a decision and move forward. We're not buying new, looking at newer used models, but this choice is keeping me up at night!
Both Tiffin and Newmar are premium quality. Tiffin known for exceptional customer service and lifetime structural warranty. Newmar often has more luxurious interiors. At this level, visit both and choose based on floor plan and personal preference.
Since you're happy with your 2019 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40IP and considering moving to a 45-foot model, both Tiffin and Newmar are excellent choices in that size range. Having worked on both brands extensively, I'd say stick with Tiffin for your upgrade - you already know their systems, parts availability, and service network. The Allegro Bus 45OPP or 45MP would be natural progressions from your current coach, offering similar build quality with more space. Newmar's King Aire and London Aire are comparable, but switching brands means learning new systems and potentially different service requirements when you're already satisfied with Tiffin's approach.
The decision between Tiffin and Newmar at the 45-foot level often comes down to personal preferences rather than significant quality differences. Both manufacturers use similar chassis options (typically Freightliner or Spartan), comparable appliance packages, and premium materials. From a mechanical standpoint, your familiarity with Tiffin's electrical layouts, plumbing routing, and component placement gives you a significant advantage for maintenance and troubleshooting.
Tiffin's service network tends to be more widely distributed, with their Allegro Club providing excellent owner support and rally services. Their Red Bay facility offers comprehensive service, and many owners appreciate the direct factory relationship. Newmar has fewer service centers but maintains high quality standards, particularly at their Nappanee facility. The learning curve for switching brands includes different monitor panels, slide mechanisms, and proprietary systems that could complicate DIY maintenance you're comfortable with on your current Bus.
Parts availability strongly favors staying with Tiffin, especially for items like interior trim pieces, cabinet hardware, and brand-specific components. Your current coach shares many parts with the 45-foot models, meaning you could potentially stock common wear items or even use some existing spare parts if you upgrade within the same model line.
Before making this decision, carefully evaluate your current 40IP's condition and remaining useful life. At only 4-5 years old, it likely has significant value and many years of reliable service ahead. Consider whether the additional 4-5 feet of length truly addresses specific needs or if it's primarily want versus need. The longer coaches can be more challenging to maneuver and may limit campground options.
Research the specific floor plans you're considering in both brands. Tiffin's 45OPP offers a different layout than the 45MP, and Newmar's King Aire comes in several configurations. Walk through multiple units at dealers or shows to understand sight lines, storage differences, and traffic flow. Pay particular attention to slide room reliability - both brands have had occasional issues with specific slide mechanisms that vary by year and model.
Investigate the total cost of ownership beyond purchase price. This includes insurance costs (45-foot coaches often cost more to insure), fuel economy differences, maintenance scheduling, and potential campground limitations. Some parks have restrictions on coach length that could affect your travel plans. Also verify your current tow vehicle's compatibility if you flat-tow, as longer coaches may require different towing setups.
If you decide to move forward with a coach comparison, start by identifying 3-5 specific units in your target year range and price point. For Tiffin, focus on 2020-2022 Allegro Bus models to get meaningful upgrades over your 2019. Request maintenance records and have any serious candidates inspected by a qualified technician familiar with that brand. Common items to evaluate include slide seal condition, roof membrane integrity, and chassis maintenance history.
Create a detailed comparison spreadsheet including purchase price, estimated trade value of your current coach, financing costs, and first-year maintenance needs. Factor in any immediate repairs or upgrades needed on prospective coaches. Document differences in floor plans, storage capacity, and features that matter to your travel style. Include warranty coverage remaining on major components like generators, appliances, and chassis systems.
For the actual transition process, plan for a 2-3 week overlap period if possible to transfer personal items, complete any modifications, and familiarize yourself with new systems. Schedule delivery or pickup during moderate weather to allow thorough system testing. Arrange for your current service technician to provide a transition briefing on any differences between your current coach and the new one, particularly if staying within the Tiffin family.
Budget for immediate needs like new GPS programming for the larger size, potential hitch modifications, and any interior updates to match your preferences. Many owners find the transition period ideal for implementing lessons learned from their previous coach, such as improved organization systems or upgraded components.
Engage a qualified RV appraiser to determine your current coach's accurate market value before making any commitments. This typically costs $300-500 but provides negotiating leverage and realistic trade expectations. Have any serious purchase candidates inspected by technicians certified in that brand's systems - expect to pay $400-600 for comprehensive inspections, but this often identifies issues worth thousands in repairs.
Consider hiring a buyer's agent familiar with luxury coaches if you're not comfortable with the negotiation process. They typically charge 1-3% of purchase price but can save more than their fee through better deals and avoiding problem units. For financing, work with lenders specializing in RV loans for coaches of this value range, as they understand depreciation curves and can offer better terms than generic lenders.
If you proceed with the upgrade, schedule professional system orientation with the selling dealer or an independent technician. This 2-4 hour session should cover all operational differences from your current coach and typically costs $200-400. Also arrange for professional setup and system commissioning at your first destination to ensure everything operates correctly before you're on your own.
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