Tour N
Anchorage
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Joined: 03/12/2008
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We are currently in the market, looking, to buy a new B (PW RT LTV)in the 20' range. Use mainly in the 48 states to tour around and some camping in all types parks not needing 4x4.
During this process we kinda happened on to the Tiger in seeing some comments in the rv.net forums relating to this type rv. Have never seen one, but have visited their website. Interesting rig! Have seen and been in many regular truck/camper rigs. I did find a few comments specific to the Tiger on the forum, with most comments suggesting most used for trips back into rougher camping areas, some needing the 4x4, which we understand and have done a lot of ourselves, fishing/hunting/camping, in this State for over 46 years.
Length wise it would fall into our range. Wonder how it would handle on the interstates/roads around the country for our planned use as compared to a B. Handles in cross winds (hopefully not like many negative comments on the pw ford excel class B in cross winds)? Storage space- saw comments that a RT 190 might have more. Quality of workmanship inside/outside? Can the overhead bed frame be lifted up, cut in half like many class C's, to increase headroom getting in/out of cab area? Like many overhead beds it looks like you have to work a little getting in/out of, and making the bed. Might have some concerns with no dealers in the country for service, only the plant in SC. Does the On-Star work--noticed the cab mounted antenna is blocked by the overhang? We like the idea of on-star. Bath looks like its big enough to use with door closed. Nice open roomy look inside. I'd expect that the mpg will not be as good as some B's.?? Thanks for any comments that are offered to us.
TOUR N
Currently: B Looking: PW,LTV,RT
Former RV: 2005 Chinook Glacier 25'w/slide Ford E450 V10 5sp.
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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I looked at a Tiger several years back. At that time, and I have no idea if it is current, it seemed sort of "entry level" to me. shelf paper covering for wood grain, flat panel cabinet doors, very skinny door into corner bath.
bumpy
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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I've owned a '00 RT Dodge 190, an '02 Chevy RT 190, and the Tiger in my sig. The Tiger takes a bit more attention to the wheel than the Chevy RT, but that's due to the shorter wheelbase. Neither responds to truck wind at all. The Tiger takes a bit more work in gusty cross-winds, but is generally pleasant, easy, & comfortable to drive. I have added a rear sway bar to mine. It is noisier on the raod than the RT, but not obnoxious.
Warranty work can be handled by any RV shop. Most of the stuff (generator, water heater, etc.) is covered by its own warranties and can be serviced by any authorized dealer, just like the RT. Dave & the factory guys can talk any local RV shop thru any needed repairs (leaks, structure, etc), and will pay for it during the 1st two years.
The RT cabinets are nicer than my '06 CX, but the '08 Tiger I saw at the factory was equal to or better than the RT, IMO. The RT has more storage, but the Tiger wins by far on chassis options. My CX has the optional oven that cuts into storage. The overcab bunk can stow a lot of big, light stuff when driving. If you're really worried about storage, omit the oven, get the optional 'trunk', or get one of the longer cab models.
The overcab bed is fixed, and it takes some agility to go thru to the cab. But the narrow bathroom door restricts the CX owner to non-girthy types, anyway. Once you're in the BR, it's OK, but you won't want to linger. I prefer the RT's aisle shower.
I never used the On-Star, so no comment. I've got the big 8.1 & 6-speed Allison, which is no longer offered by GM. My understanding is that the 6.0 now has variable valve timing & is coupled with a 6 speed Hydramatic; I'd expect the gas mileage to be about 1-2 mpg less than a similar B (only offered with the 4-speed & non-VVT engine, AIUI). A 2WD CX would do better.
The real trade-off is the front seats... driving position in the Silverado is _great_, compared to the van. _But_ the front seats in the CX can't be made to swivel, so you have no 'living room' when parked. But you can't get a B with OEM 4WD, and the few that offer it aftermarket are either crippled or pricey.
The Tiger's not the answer to everybody's needs, but it sure suits me. You might also try www.travelin-tortuga.com for one couple's take on it.
Jim, "Stop continental drift!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison ('Loafer's Glory'); '07 Forester 2.5 ( the 'HANDBSKT'); '95 Toyota SR5 V-6 4x4 pickup, ARB locker, Bilsteins, Warn hubs & M8000, etc;
'94 968, M030 swaybars ('DOPPLER')
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Non-girthy HUH? that was certainly my problem. 
bumpy
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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I'll add that a visit to http://groups.msn.com/TigerMotorhomeOwners might be helpful. If the link doesn't work, it's the MSN Group for Tiger Motorhome owners. Some of the posts are about the now-dead Astro van-based XL & GT, but there are a lot of good posts on the CX, too. You might also find someone near you to show off their baby. The cabinetry is nicer on the new ones, but the floor plan is still the same.
Jim, "Who is General Failure, and why is he trying to read my hard drive?"
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Tour N
Anchorage
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Joined: 03/12/2008
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TO: HANDBASKET
Thanks very much for all of your very helpful comments, much appreciated. You give us a lot to consider, plus-minus, based on our overall planned uses. The B's, types/floorplans, we are considering are a challenge, but darn I like that Tiger!!! DW does too, but I'm kinda getting the feeling she'd prefer a B, i.e RT190 or Chevy chassis better. I know she would like the RT bath area better, swivel chairs, etc.; and she gets a vote too! I plan to visit the sites you gave me. We've owned several chevy p/u's 4x4 over the years here (just love them) and taken them into many places, with some no pu should have been and needed the help of Mr. Warn winch to get out- oh what fun and memories! With many thousands of rv's of all types in our greater area; and now after seeing the Tiger I'm just surprised I've never seen one here or anywhere in the State road system. The decision process continues and doesn't get any easier!! As we know there probably isn't that perfect rv that fits all needs and wants.
Have a good day. Just read the above thread about stock values- very interesting- I haven't been watching rv industry. Paying more attention to those we have- challenge enough these days!!! But, we are still in the market--RV that is-- us rv'ers must keep our priorities straight and maybe a super buy too!! Cheers
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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Tour N wrote:TO: HANDBASKET
....... With many thousands of rv's of all types in our greater area; and now after seeing the Tiger I'm just surprised I've never seen one here or anywhere in the State road system......
Don't feel lonely. I live 170 miles from the factory, at the junction of 2 interstates, one of which runs within 6 miles of the factory. Outside of the factory, I've seen exactly one Tiger on the road. That was a FL-tagged Astro-based XL going thru town about two years ago.
They haven't made very many. I think the combination of price, factory sales only, and built-to-order keeps them uncommon. My '06's serial number is just over 1000, and I think they numbered both Astro models in the same sequence.
Good luck in your search and decision.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
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