2016 Tiffin Zephyr 45 DZ Review
Designed for high-maintenance guests, the Tiffin Zephyr provides you with the comfort, luxury and security of a million-dollar home.
With two floorplans to choose from, we’ve decided to explore the Tiffin Zephyr 45 DZ, which has a front gross axle weight rating of 16,600 lbs, rear gross axle weight rating of 20,000 lbs, gross vehicle weight rating of 48,600 lbs, gross combined weight rating of 63,600 lbs, and trailer hitch capacity of 15,000 lbs. As well, the Zephyr 45 DZ has an overall length of 44’11”, overall height of 12’10”, interior height of 84”, overall width of 101”, and interior width of 96”. For liquids, the Zephyr has a fuel tank capacity of 150 gallons, freshwater capacity of 90 gallons, black water capacity of 50 gallons, and grey water capacity of 70 gallons.
On the outside, the Zephyr exudes power and grace. It features one-piece fiberglass gel-coat fenders and a swing-up fiberglass gel-coat engine access door. One-piece aluminum face swing-out baggage doors are equipped with integrated power locks. Another storage feature is a pass-through full basement that features a slide-out storage tray that slides out on both sides. Tiffin likes to keep things modern, so it is no surprise that Zephyr has two solar panels and an in-motion satellite system. Other features include an outside shower, air horn, recessed LED docking lights, and porch light. If you’re a huge entertainment junkie, you can even request an exterior TV.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Jayco Alante Class A 31L
Powered by a 500 hp 1,800 rpm Cummins ISX 11.9-liter engine, the Zephyr is as powerful as it is beautiful. It features independent front suspension and an Allison 4000 MH transmission.
Move to the cockpit and you’ll find the dash is covered in contemporary wrap-around vinyl and features backlit lettering switches. It also has built-in storage drawers and an in-dash navigation system with Smart Wheel controls. For your comfort, the built-in driver and passenger consoles come with control switches and the passenger’s six-way-powered seat has a power footrest. Both seats have overhead fans and map lights. There’s a TV in the overhead cockpit area and a computer slideout tray in the dash. For your safety, the Zephyr’s cockpit is equipped with integrated seatbelts and a solid surface step with recessed lighting.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Fleetwood Flair 26D
The Zephyr’s kitchen will inspire the designated cook to whip up gourmet dishes and extravagant meals. You can prep food on the solid surface countertops, which come with splashguards. You can store it in the residential stainless steel refrigerator or cook it on the induction cook top. If you’re feeling lazy, re-heat leftovers in the stainless steel convection microwave oven, which comes with exterior venting. An integrated solid surface galley sink comes with solid surface covers and the ceramic tile backsplash has decorative inlays. If the cook wants to use an assistant, the expand-an-island will come in handy. When dinner’s ready, serve it at the dinette, which also poses as a computer workstation. If you don’t need the station, you can request a u-shaped booth dinette instead. The decorative wall and dinette package will make your dinners as romantic as you want them to be, especially with the large window that gives you a beautiful view of the outdoors.
After a big meal, you’ll probably want to relax in the living room. We recommend that you request the Ultra Leather L-Shaped Chaise sofa, which could be converted to a comfy bed. It sits right behind the driver’s seat, and right in front of the entertainment center. You have the choice between switching on the TV or the fireplace; you can even do both. As a bonus, the home theater surround sound system comes with a Blu-Ray Player. If you plan on travelling with a large group, request an Ultra Leather Magic Bed behind the passenger’s seat or two ultra-leather lift recliners.
With two washrooms, you won’t have to race your family members to get to the toilet. One washroom is small and equipped with only a toilet and sink. The other one is large and equipped with the features you would normally find in a luxury home. It has two rectangular lavatory sinks with soap dispensers and dual medicine cabinets. The elongated ceramic toilet has electric flush and the hand-held showerhead has an on/off switch. Solid surface shower walls have inlaid tiles and a residential glass door. Thanks to the Zephyr, you won’t have to make pit stops at the Laundromat because the bathroom is equipped with a stacked washer/dryer in the rear wardrobe.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Winnebago Brave 26A
When it’s time to recharge, head to the Master Bedroom. You can comfortably sprawl out on the King-sized bed right after you put your clothes away in the overhead cabinets. You can leave your alarm clock on one of two nightstands, pick up your remote control and turn on the TV. Store your most valuable possession in the security safe and the rest can go in the under bed storage or the drawers that are built into the vanity.
Visit TiffinMotorhomes.com for more information.
