It's no secret continually rising fuel costs are having a major effect on RV owners. RVs are large and fairly thirsty at the fuel pumps. Combine that with a slow economy, and many RVers are finding it harder to travel as they once did.
It's had a particularly large impact on Class A motorhome owners. While traveling in a motorhome is still more affordable than the hotel scenario, fuel costs make up the lion's share of the budget. A typical Class A that makes 8 mpg can rack up a few dollars at the pump on a cross-country trip.
At last year's Louisville RVIA show, Tiffin motorhomes introduced a new compact Class A chassis called the Allegro Breeze. The Breeze was designed in response to demands from existing Tiffin customers as well as the changing environment. At 28-feet long, the Breeze is 17-feet shorter than Tiffin's top of the line Zephyr but only 9.5-feet longer than a Chevrolet Suburban. Customers wanted a smaller motorhome that would be easy to maneuver and yield improved fuel economy.
The Allegro Breeze was the...
The Allegro Breeze was the highlight of the National RV Show in Louisville and won the Best of Show award. Viewers formed long lines to view its interior.
On the other hand, they also didn't want to give up the amenities of a larger Class A diesel. Customers wanted a rear-engine diesel with air-ride suspension, air brakes, and pass-through basement storage. To get all of this in a small package that offers better fuel economy, and yet is still affordable, was never done before. Fortunately Tiffin Motorhomes has its own proprietary chassis: the Powerglide. So, Bob Tiffin set out to design this new motorhome from the ground up and began by creating a brand-new chassis just for the Breeze.
Part of the secret to the Breeze's success is the 215hp Navistar Maxxforce 7 engine coupled to a six-speed Allison 1000 transmission. The Maxxforce is more compact than the typical inline six-cylinder diesel. This allows for a shorter chassis with less wheelbase while still retaining the driveability that larger diesel pushers are known for.
The Details
The 21,000-pound GVWR Breeze is anticipated to get 13-16 mpg, which will greatly reduce fuel costs while at the same time providing more than enough power to move this RV smartly down the road. At 95-inches wide, it's narrower than typical Class A motorhomes, and also much shorter, although the interior ceiling height is a generous 84 inches.
The floorplan of the 28-foot...
The floorplan of the 28-foot Allegro Breeze features a large slide-out with a 68-inch sofa-couch and full galley. The U-shaped dinette also turns into a bed, and a spacious bathroom and shower area connects to the rear bedroom.
The floorplan is similar to a very successful Allegro floorplan used in the early days of Tiffin Motorhomes and offers a full dinette plus a 68-inch sofa bed couch in the main living area as well as a full bedroom in the rear. This makes it unique for that length of motorhome. The 28-foot Breeze is scheduled for production late this summer, and a 32-foot two-slide floorplan is already in the planning stage and will follow.
The winds of change are indeed blowing at Tiffin Motorhomes. The Breeze is a smaller, lighter, more fuel-efficient motorhome that offers greater efficiency and economy than larger units. Its small size belies the potential of a full-featured diesel chassis with all the benefits of the larger coaches. The Breeze is a nimble, maneuverable unit that handles well and is a comfort to drive. It should prove to be an excellent choice for older RVers who are looking to downsize or for younger RVers who want to upgrade from a Class C or an entry-level gasoline-powered Class A into an affordable diesel-powered unit with lesser operating costs.
All in all, the Breeze is the perfect RV to meet today's needs. RV will have further information in the future once we are able to thoroughly review a production model. Check www.rvmagonline.com for upcoming information.
With the slide-out extended,...
With the slide-out extended, there is plenty of useable space in this 28' motorhome.
The Allegro Breeze chassis...
The Allegro Breeze chassis features a raised-rail frame with large pass-through basement storage space. Side hinged doors afford excellent compartment access.
The full bedroom features...
The full bedroom features a 60x70-inch bed.