Top 5 Common Failure Points on Tiffin Motorhomes

Today, I am back at Integrit RV in Mesa, AZ inspecting a 2005 Tiffin Allegro Bus for a possible buyer. Like always we will start with the roof, as it is the most important part of the exterior of any RV. While I did find a number of problem areas, I still think its a well built unit. But it's also important that a buyer knows about these issues before buying.
The TOP 5 list recap:
1. The water bay floor rot
2. Underslide floor rot
3. First entry step floor rot
4. Skylight cracked
5. Roof condition and incorrect sealant use
I have no doubt these smaller issues will be addressed by Integrity RV. They are a very kind and honest dealer that attempts to build real relationships with their customers. It is also important to remember this Allegro just came in the day before and had not even had a dealer check-in performed, cleaning, and was not even listed on the website yet.
I want to thank everyone at Integrity RV in Mesa, AZ for their kindness and openess and of course, their integrity. It's very easy to recommend them as a RV dealer.
Thank you for watching!!
integrityrvaz.com
2323 E. Main Street
Mesa, AZ 85213
480-668-1212
866-460-4787

[@Happyheartmatt]

I’ve watched so many of these vids if I ever hear about someone buying an rv I’m immediately going to yell “THE ROOF!!!”

[@icare7151]

Winnebago is known for its moldy roofs, Tiffin is known for its mold and rotting floors, rotting under storage bays and wood rot on the slide-out floors.

[@Perick76]

Thank you for showing this inspection... we're in the market for a DP of this era (2000-2008) and are looking at Newmar and Tiffin. Thank you again for your helpful videos! :)

[@kcgunesq]

I really like how you cut to the detail inspections as you mentioned items. Very easy to follow.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you liked it

[@ron7447]

Having done many battery installs for a Florida company before I retired, I absolutely agree...Take pictures. The placement of the chassis batteries behind the house batteries is not the best set up. Always amazing what they were thinking. 😅

[@pj9731]

I think they did that because the chassis batteries usually last longer than the house batteries. What is a major concern is looking underneath the battery compartment and see if it has a lot of rust. My 06 Tiffin Phaeton is rusted out in this area. Currently I am having new framing done for the batteries, that’s approximately 300 pounds of batteries being held up by rusted out battery tray brackets. The previous owners went to the Florida and Alabama gulf coast often. it is going to cost me $2000 to have this repair completed.

[@dodgeguyz]

Funny you say that. I did that on my buddys 17 Bounder. Installed new batteries, We took pictures, put all the cables back in the same way until I got to the last cable and I had a lot of arcing and smoke. Come to find out Fleetwood installed the last battery backwards of the first 3 so the polarity was wrong. Fortunately we only fried a cable and didn’t blow anything. So now to add that to the list of things to verify! And, there was no reason for it other than they were probably going to fast and didn’t want to stop to tune it around!

[@reubenbautista8502]

Great job, very nice of you to recommend have the rv’s inspected before you buy them. We appreciate you. 🙏🙏🙏

[@philw7174]

Thank you for the tour and inspection James. Happy trails!

[@jeffsteele1295]

I always enjoy your videos James thanks so much for all your time !

[@user-dp4fz7zm3e]

James you do good on your inspections so keep up the good work I’am ready for next video have a wonderful night

[@badgerpa9]

Hope your head is better. Thanks for taking the time to do the video. Stay safe and healthy.

[@michaelgrages6088]

I absolutely love your videos it's too bad you're so far away I would loved to have had you look at my tiffin before I bought it

[@octaviofuentes7781]

The ceiling fan is a good Idea beautiful allegro bus thanks for sharing my man

[@diesylone]

Hi James, always very instructive videos, even if i don't have a diesel pusher, I love getting more knowledge about RVs in general! Any chance you have a video on how to (properly) replace a city water connection somewhere on your channel? :) thank you!

[@user-vi3fs8mu1t]

Loved your video inspection of this Tiffin. We purchased a used 2004 Phaeton a few years back and this is the first video I have found that even hints to the deterioration of the platform under the tanks. Yup you guessed it ours looks like it has succumb to the excess water. I was wondering if you had ever repaired an issue of this sort or had come across a video doing so? In your expert opinion could a owner with moderate DIY skills make this repair? Catching up on some of your other content and videos. Keep up the great work! Thanks for bringing it all to us!

[@patserra9506]

I have an 05 Phateon, when I first got it it had the damage. If you search the Tiffin groups, they call it part of the big three. Which is a rotten floor the leak in the front slide and the cracking of the side rails on the roof. A shop near red Bay. Call Kimbroughs, does this repairs daily. They’re about $900 for removal of the old floor and replacing it with a new material.

[@terry3193]

Hi James, always love your videos. So informative and helpful. I wish that there was a professional, such as yourself, in the Denver metro area that I had confidence in to do inspections. In my opinion, while Denver has exploded in regard to population and the RV industry, the RV service side is woefully inadequate from a experience and competency perspective. Also a shortage of qualified rv professionals. It’s pretty bad here in Colorado. I think people reoutinely take their RV’s out of state to find competent professions. Seems like Denver is ripe for some good, qualified competition. Take care!

[@dsbruening]

This is good to know! I am a certified inspector and considered the Denver area for summer. 😊

[@patserra9506]

I am an RV tech in Denver and can most definitively agree that there is a lack in qualified folks. I have been very successful here and im in this business in part to James ‘s videos. Been watching him since he had 2k followers.

[@thomass2055]

I do have a idea for the slide outs it cost a little but would keep the wood protected use a little fiberglass resign as a light coating to keep moisture and add strength to the wood.

[@user-fb7yq8fi5t]

I am a huge fan of your work very professional and clean. Can I get some advice from you? I have a 2005 Fleetwood discovery with 2000 miles only the owner I bought it from he used to coach twice in Park on the porch and I just bought it from him and I wanna know if I can re-seal the roof and what kind of products I need to do it. Thanks.

[@gary.joseph]

Love your videos James! Great job as always!

[@chrisbengford812]

Curious the asking price on the 2005 James?

[@dieseldasher713]

Thank you

[@tristiancorbett8896]

Can 8 ask how come ypu didn't put the aw ING out to check the top?? Great video love these inspections Thankyou

[@MililaniJag]

No slide-out tray for the batteries? Great Vid! Thanks!

[@DRBvision]

What is your #1 Class A under 27' ?? Looking for a quality SHORT RV. Appreciate you. For ALL you do.

[@keithsheeley3031]

My 2018 Alegro Open Road 36LA had a horrible squeak below 50mph. Turns out my huge side view mirrors were only attached to the MH by two small self tapping screws into fiberglass. No bolts, backing plates, washers, nothing. The squeak stopped after 50 because sufficient wind drag pressed them back preventing them moving around.

[@deddie4645]

Nice MR J

[@MudDuck]

Could you show engine access for maintence in the future. My current rig is a mess to get the filters changed or any maintenance really.

[@eddierodgers5505]

i know you did a Tiffin inspection on this video, but could you enlighten me and tell me when is it the best time to buy our first rv diesel pusher, price wise and availability wise thank you

[@rujeepn]

Oh man! Is that a 12 volt ceiling fan in the bedroom? I would love a ceiling fan in my room! 😀

[@lutomson3496]

Tiffin and Newmar are so over priced and over complicated and subject to fail everywhere so many videos out there on how much they are such POS to own when older out of warranty..and your videos James always great videos

[@AZExpert]

I agree the newer ones are way too complicated!

[@AnvilLovehorne]

I have a 2004 Allegro Bud…. Just hit 140,000 miles. I absolutely love this thing. Have had so few issues.

[@ImpalamansGarage]

29:23 Amen to that dude.

[@marlenepineda1079]

Base on your inspection and findings do you know or can tell us if the prospective buyer bought the RV?

[@denniscox9277]

When I bought my RV I went to clean the ac and someone used that eterna bond tape on all of the panels and that wasn't a lot of fun getting it off.

[@AZExpert]

That's why I am not a fan of the tape too!

[@eliacastilleja301]

Hi! Enjoy your videos. One question ..looking at a tt and noticed that some of the screws on the bathroom vanity cabinets, handles, and towel rod are rusted or hv a white hard bumpy surface on them. They are those cheapy looking fixtures that look like chrome. Is this a bad sign or does it mean previous owner just didnt use vent fan?

[@AZExpert]

Every rv has or will have water on the floor at some point, cabinet screws are not stainless generally.

[@billtorrence8102]

wall paper bubbles driverside under window

[@davidfieldhouse7340]

Hi James I have a question for you how much do you charge for you to inspect the motorhome

[@bobwatenabe9751]

Wish you would tell us the sales price before final price after repairs, both prices

[@bradwagner-dw7yv]

So I just purchased a 2007 Newmar Dutch Star, 400 Cummins, 47,000 miles, seems good, lots of things to fix but I’m ok with that, but I’m wondering if something is draining my batteries, all 4 coach batteries are new, but it seems like something is draining them, but it’s all too new to me to know for sure, but I am a little concerned..

[@jrotor3301]

You mentioned the Norcold fridge had been replaced. Did Norcold have issues with the pre 2003 models?

[@AZExpert]

yes all of them until 2013 to be safe

[@billtorrence8102]

above right side of door has gap

[@johnskinner939]

How much does it cost for an inspection? Just curious.

[@terrybrennan4978]

James, if you scrap out the silicone, can dicor be used??? CL-515 is expensive and tough to get.

[@AZExpert]

there was a shortage that should be cleared up in a week. You will need to use solvent and a razor to remove every bit of silicone residue to use dicor. You can try the dicor universal sealant though, comes in a more black tube.

[@terrybrennan4978]

@@AZExpert Thank you James. Glad to hear that. I found some CL-515 at Master Tech RV $14.50 per 10 oz tube. Skylight was cracked by a tree branch, looking for correct size replacement now.

[@paulquatrale9879]

Can the roof be replaced with a spray on lifetime roof?

[@carlal.thompson5393]

James, how much do you weigh? Is there a weight that should NOT be on the roof of an RV? I'm petrified to walk on an RV Roof, but I would like to be able to visually inspect the roof of my future RV Purchase myself! Share as time permits! ~Big C in the "future" DP 📢 ::: Air Horn 📢 ::: ::: Air Breaks! ::: 🚌🚌

[@AZExpert]

I'm about 175 lbs, but most roofs can safely handle three adults, its really only entry level travel trailers that will have weak roofs and you will definitely feel where you can and cannot step on it.

[@leewhizhulbert9276]

Is there a self leveling sealant that will work over the sealant that Tiffin used on the Roof. I have a 2008 that is beginning to show more cracking than I would like.

[@AZExpert]

the silicone really shouldn't crack, but heng's self level silicone should work

[@DRBvision]

Make sure what type was used originally. Find that type.

[@patserra9506]

Tiffin uses CSL self leveling silicone.

[@AZExpert]

@@patserra9506 yes, it can be more difficult to find and I'm not convinced Heng's and CSL are any different based on my use

[@arkansastraveler7698]

What type of glue do you use to glue new laun to foam on ceiling?

[@AZExpert]

I use stabond 183

[@arkansastraveler7698]

@@AZExpert thanks

[@1Seriouslyserious]

Why black fabric on awnings? wouldn't black absorb more heat and make the RV hotter?

[@AZExpert]

looks are everything!

[@TinyHouseHomestead]

WHAT! Are you saying we should inspect the roofs, ... so we don't buy a tent with holes in it! 😱😝🤪🤣👍👍🇺🇲 Say it isn't soooo! 😱😝🤪🤣👍👍🇺🇲

[@keithburton3713]

He said he has a very good working relationship with the RV dealer. So why would a potential buyer have him to inspect that RV? DUH

[@haroldgray457]

Some of your comments make me not want to even consider buying a used rv

[@jessewhite2593]

#1 issue- Being bought out by Thor

[@lutomson3496]

Yes Tiffin and Newmar are both POS garbage over complicated when out of warranty never own one out of warranty and once under Thor Tiffin even worse..run people

[@mikeussery4583]

This coach was built long before Thor purchase. Thor also owns Entegra and let them continue to be Entegra. Tiffin cult members don't like to talk about the deficits. I own a Thor Tuscany and can say it has a lot of Entegra influence. If you break it down they all have the same parts. You just have to decide which apple crate you want them bolted to.

[@sammaze2103]

James can you give me your email address? I’m not very computer savvy ? Thanks Sam

[@63GBPackerfan]

My 2004 Tiffin Allegro Bus also has a one piece windshield. 🫡

[@AZExpert]

I still think of 2005 as ten years ago....and you won't convince me it's not :)

[@63GBPackerfan]

@@AZExpert We love ours. We have spent our fair share or more replacing 20 year old items. We want to put a residential fridge in ours. Do you know which ones fit? The whole breaker box below the fridge causes major issues trying to find one. 😡

[@AZExpert]

I don't, I just measure and search for a unit that will fit

[@patserra9506]

There’s a shop in red Bay, called MS RV Solutions. They do residential’s all the time, the owner will definitely give you some advice on which particular unit fits there best.