I was at a dealers used RV lot and observed a 2006 Damon Intruder gas for $26,000 and a 2006 Tiffon Phaeton diesel for $85,000 side by side.
What they had in common:
My guess is a need for $20 to $30K to bring the Damon up a livable and reliable standard.
The knowable unknowns are tire and battery ages for both. Unknowable is maintenance history.
With a $100K budget, there would be little room for surprises with the Tiffon whereas the Damon would leave a lot of budget room.
I realize the rigs are apples and oranges except for year and size. But I thought the pros and cons were interesting relative to price differences.
Ideally I'd probably be better off with a mid-grade 2010 to 2014 in great shape in the $50K range.
What they had in common:
- Both low mileage
- Both no apparent leaks
- Both had shrunken rubber window seals that needed replacing.
- Both had washer/dryer combo
- Both 38' long
- No maintenance records for either.
- Damon had checked, cracked decals, not full body paint; looked worn. The Tiffon had full body paint, looked almost new.
- Damon had a side by side residential refrigerator; Tiffon had stock propane/ electric
- Damon interior looked plain and worn but functional; Tiffon interior looked upscale with leather still supple and woodwork deluxe.
- Floors Damon vinyl and carpet; Tiffon tile.
- And of course the difference between the gas and diesel engine and air suspension represent at least a $10 to $15K market difference.
My guess is a need for $20 to $30K to bring the Damon up a livable and reliable standard.
The knowable unknowns are tire and battery ages for both. Unknowable is maintenance history.
With a $100K budget, there would be little room for surprises with the Tiffon whereas the Damon would leave a lot of budget room.
I realize the rigs are apples and oranges except for year and size. But I thought the pros and cons were interesting relative to price differences.
Ideally I'd probably be better off with a mid-grade 2010 to 2014 in great shape in the $50K range.
Last edited: