November 2009 - Tiffin Motorhomes
November 2009 - Tiffin Motorhomes
November 2009 - Tiffin Motorhomes
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TIFFIN MOTORHOMES<br />
The Award-Winning Allegro Club Magazine For Leisure & Living<br />
Volume 6 Issue No.1<br />
<strong>November</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />
3 Please don’t miss<br />
the Bus in 2010<br />
All-electric coach,<br />
hydronic heating<br />
top Allegro Bus features<br />
8-9 Getting you out<br />
of tight places<br />
Test reports laud<br />
maneuverability of<br />
Allegro Bay 37 QDB<br />
16 Lift the cloudiness<br />
with a little spirit<br />
Tech tip solves<br />
pesky problem<br />
of film on windows
SIDE ROADS<br />
Published by the Allegro Club, Inc.<br />
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid<br />
Permit # 159, Birmingham, AL<br />
From the<br />
driver’s seat<br />
by Jimmy Johnson<br />
Somewhere, sometime between the<br />
Seven Feathers Shebang in Canyonville,<br />
OR, and the Allegro Club Freedom Trail Rally in Foxboro, MA,<br />
I sneaked a second to look in the Allegro Club’s rearview mirror.<br />
Wow.<br />
When I took Bob <strong>Tiffin</strong> up on his offer to lead the club beginning<br />
in May 2004, we had 2,000 bona fide, dues-paying members in<br />
32 chapters.<br />
Fast forward five years. The Allegro Club is quite robust and by<br />
all accounts much more rewarding for you, our members.<br />
There are 6,500 dues-paying members in 75 chapters. About<br />
7,000 RVers, generally two per coach, have enjoyed 35 rallies in 12<br />
states. It is fair and accurate to say “enjoy,” because our positive<br />
feedback on rally survey forms is running at 98% (including results<br />
from the Las Vegas fiasco in April). Gail and I have hauled our<br />
belongings in and out of 10 beautiful <strong>Tiffin</strong> coaches along the way.<br />
More rally numbers:<br />
* Rolls of pennies distributed for rally bingo games: 3,000.<br />
* Flashy gold World Wrestling Federation-style belts awarded<br />
to rally champions in back-your-wagon, hillbilly horseshoes and<br />
other intense competitions: 60 (estimated).<br />
* Numbers of meals served at rallies: 45,000 (estimated).<br />
In addition to rallies, other numbers add to our story. Club<br />
Office Manager Verbon Jones figures we have handled 25,000 calls<br />
and walk-in visits since 2004. Cynthia Skinner, a regular at rallies<br />
and the force behind new chapters, estimates she spends more<br />
than 100 days a year out of the office and has logged as many as<br />
200,000 miles annually for the club. I’ve been known to get around<br />
a bit myself, but please don’t ask Gail about my travel stats.<br />
We are fortunate. As president of the RV Manufacturers Clubs<br />
Association, I can tell you that many of our counterparts have not<br />
fared as well. Too many are no longer in operation.<br />
The real credit for the Allegro Club’s success is yours. You make<br />
our jobs in Red Bay rewarding and enjoyable. Thank you.<br />
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Allegro Club, Inc.<br />
P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582<br />
NOTICE OF RESPONSIBILITY:<br />
The Allegro Club, Inc., Red Bay, AL, has designed tours, caravans,<br />
and rallies for your pleasure and enjoyment and has attempted to<br />
select for you the best campgrounds, accommodations, restaurants,<br />
and transportation facilities for the prices charged. Allegro Club, Inc.,<br />
Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of Directors do not own or<br />
operate any of the campgrounds, hotels, restaurants or transportation<br />
facilities and, furthermore, assume no responsibility for delays, losses,<br />
accidents, or for damage to persons or property caused by any person,<br />
firm, corporation, or other legal entity providing the following services:<br />
campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, transportation (including but not<br />
limited to transfers and sightseeing) or any other services incident to<br />
these tours, rallies, caravans or any activities of the Allegro Club, Inc.<br />
The right is reserved to substitute campgrounds, hotels, restaurants<br />
and alter the itinerary or reverse the places to be visited. The right is<br />
reserved to cancel the tour or caravan prior to departure. In the event<br />
of a tour or caravan cancellation, the Allegro Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail<br />
Johnson, and the Board of Directors’ liability is limited to a refund of<br />
money received.<br />
The Allegro Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of<br />
Directors reserve the right to make any changes, with or without notice,<br />
that might become necessary with the understanding that there is no<br />
extra charge. After a tour, caravan or rally begins, any unused portions<br />
of fees paid are not refundable. The Allegro Club, Inc., also reserves the<br />
right to terminate tour, caravan and rally services for any client at any<br />
time for good cause.<br />
The mission of the Allegro Club is:<br />
1 ) To promote friendship, fellowship and camaraderie among all<br />
owners of <strong>Tiffin</strong>-built motorhomes;<br />
2 ) To provide pertinent information and assistance regarding<br />
<strong>Tiffin</strong>-built products, their maintenance and related safety topics;<br />
3 ) To promote brand loyalty to <strong>Tiffin</strong>-built motorhomes among<br />
current owners;<br />
4 ) To encourage ownership of <strong>Tiffin</strong>-built motorhomes among<br />
non-owners.<br />
The Allegro Club reserves the right to edit submissions for space and<br />
clarity. Manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and other proposed content<br />
are welcomed and will be considered for publication. Reproduction in<br />
whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Content, including<br />
statements of fact and opinion, do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints<br />
of <strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong>, Inc. or the Allegro Club, Inc. <strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong>, Inc.<br />
and the Allegro Club, Inc. are not responsible for content. Privacy laws<br />
and policies prevent Side Roads from publishing memorials, illnesses and<br />
other personal information without written permission.<br />
ON THE COVER<br />
An energy management system in an all-electric coach, hydronic heat<br />
(tag-axle models only), new stylish front and rear caps, lighter, livelier<br />
exterior colors and shock-and-awe interior amenities. That and more<br />
are what you’ll find on the 2010 Allegro Bus. Starting on Page 3, read<br />
all about the new models.<br />
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR<br />
Want to share an experience you had in your <strong>Tiffin</strong> Motorhome?<br />
Have a comment or suggestion about Side Roads, the Allegro Club<br />
newsletter? Write to:<br />
Side Roads Editor, Allegro Club<br />
P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582<br />
Please include your name, address, email and phone number so<br />
we can contact you.<br />
CONTACTS:<br />
<strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong> Parts & Service:<br />
(256) 356-0261<br />
Allegro Club: (256) 356-8522<br />
allegroclub@tiffinmotorhomes.com<br />
Jimmy Johnson, Allegro Club president<br />
Verbon Jones, Allegro Club office manager<br />
Cynthia Skinner, Allegro Club membership coordinator<br />
2 SIDE ROADS<br />
President, Allegro Club<br />
www.tiffinmotorhomes.com
New product features for 2010<br />
A revolutionary energy management system that<br />
harnesses additional power, an all-electric coach, solid<br />
hardwood cabinet and drawer fronts and a lighter<br />
exterior color option are just a few highlights in the<br />
2010 <strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong> line.<br />
More good news: With adjustments for some former<br />
options that are now standard features, <strong>Tiffin</strong>’s MSRPs<br />
remain at <strong>2009</strong> model levels.<br />
Here’s a look at some of the major changes:<br />
The energy management system, standard on<br />
Allegro Bus and Zephyr for 2010, is billed as a<br />
“revolutionary new concept” for RVs by Precision<br />
Circuits Inc., which developed the feature. Previously,<br />
coaches operated either on shore power or generator.<br />
The new energy management system harnesses<br />
additional available power from the coach’s batteries<br />
for a short time and automatically sheds non-critical<br />
loads if power demand increases beyond capacity.<br />
The all-electric coach option becomes even more<br />
attractive for Allegro Bus and Zephyr models with the<br />
advent of the energy management system. An electric<br />
stove top, multiple AC units and electronics can<br />
severely tax the available power on conventional rigs.<br />
An added benefit: Since the all-electric coach does not<br />
need or have a propane tank, an additional storage<br />
space is available.<br />
The hydronic heating system standard on tagaxle<br />
Allegro Bus models for 2010 operates like a<br />
boiler in a large building, using water as the heattransfer<br />
medium for heating. Unlimited hot water<br />
is an added benefit. The curb weight (actual weight<br />
including all standard equipment, full fuel tanks, full<br />
fresh water tanks, full propane bottles, and all other<br />
equipment fluids, but before taking on any people or<br />
personal cargo) of 2010 Allegro Bus tag-axle models are<br />
lower than conventional models. The absence of two<br />
furnaces and a water heater make the difference. The<br />
hydronic heating system was introduced in the <strong>2009</strong><br />
top-of-the-line Zephyr.<br />
Solid hardwood cabinet and drawer faces on <strong>Tiffin</strong>’s<br />
new Allegro, Allegro RED (Rear Engine Diesel),<br />
Allegro Bay and Phaeton are an advance that is not<br />
found at these price points elsewhere in the motorhome<br />
industry.<br />
Rocky Mountain Brown is a new exterior color.<br />
Now brown, gold or maroon is the dominant color<br />
instead of black, lightening the overall appearance.<br />
(Continued on Page 14)<br />
SIDE ROADS 3
Roadside recipes<br />
by Gail Johnson<br />
As we begin to see subtle changes in the seasons - days are a little shorter, the sweltering heat of August giving way to milder days and cooler nights,<br />
the growing season coming to an end - our thoughts turn to fall and holiday events. Whether anticipating an active tailgate season at your favorite football<br />
stadium, planning to hit the road to take in an Allegro Club rally or already making plans for holiday celebrations, I hope one or more of these recipes<br />
will interest you.<br />
As always, I invite and encourage you to share your cooking successes with me. I am always thrilled to receive tested recipes or tips that you have used<br />
with your Sharp Convection Microwave. <br />
Chicken Ball<br />
Tasty appetizer, quick and delicious served with your favorite crackers.<br />
Ingredients:<br />
8 ounces cream cheese, softened<br />
1 envelope ranch dressing mix<br />
1 (10-ounce) can white meat<br />
chicken, drained<br />
1/2 cup chopped pecans<br />
Instructions:<br />
Blend cream cheese and dressing mix together. Break drained chicken into small pieces until it appears shredded. Combine with<br />
cream cheese mixture. Form into a ball and roll in pecans. Refrigerate overnight so flavors will blend. Serve with crackers.<br />
Claudia’s “Hot Stuff”<br />
This is a recipe shared with me at an early rally. Sorry I can’t give credit to the contributor. It is a good, quick Tex-Mex dish using chicken.<br />
Ingredients:<br />
12 corn tortillas<br />
1 can (10 ounces) boneless chicken, or cooked and<br />
boned chicken breasts<br />
1 can cream of chicken soup<br />
1/2 pint sour cream<br />
1 can chopped chilis, with juice (small or large,<br />
depending upon how hot you want)<br />
1 small can black olives, sliced and drained<br />
3 cups grated cheddar and jack cheese, mixed<br />
Instructions:<br />
Mix soup, chicken, sour cream, chilis, olives, and 1 cup of cheese in large bowl or sealed zipper baggie. Cover the bottom of an<br />
oblong dish with a small amount of the soup mixture. Cover this with a layer of tortillas. Cover tortillas with 1/3 of the remaining<br />
soup mixture and 1/3 of the remaining cheese. Cover with another layer of tortillas. Cover this with half of remaining mixture and<br />
cheese, and layer once more with tortillas, soup mixture, and ending with remaining cheese. Bake in 350˚ preheated oven until hot<br />
and bubbly, about 30-45 minutes.<br />
Black Forest Truffle<br />
An easy dessert and very elegant. I fixed it for a German-themed dinner earlier this year and I brought home an empty dish.<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 box chocolate cake mix<br />
1 small box instant chocolate pudding mix<br />
Instructions:<br />
2 cups milk<br />
1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling<br />
1 (8-ounce) frozen whipped topping<br />
Chocolate curls, (optional)<br />
Bake cake according to box directions. Prepare pudding using milk and chill 30 minutes. When cake has cooled, cut into cubes<br />
with serrated bread knife. Layer the following in a glass bowl or trifle dish: cake cubes, cherry pie filling, half of pudding and half<br />
of whipped topping. Repeat layering. Place chocolate curls on top for garnish, if desired.<br />
4 SIDE ROADS
Pecan Muffins<br />
Easy and delicious little sweet muffin; great to fix for a tea or coffee party.<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 cup dark brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup all-purpose flour<br />
2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted<br />
Instructions:<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 cup finely chopped pecans<br />
Mix all ingredients together well; drop into sprayed mini-muffin pans. Bake at 350˚ in a pre-heated oven for about 15 minutes.<br />
Cranberry Salad<br />
This recipe was shared by Esther Hoisington of Portland, OR. Looking forward to the holidays, it would be a delicious accompaniment<br />
to any meal.<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 cups cranberries 1/2 cup sugar 2 cups tiny marshmallows<br />
Instructions:<br />
Grind cranberries; add other ingredients and mix. Refrigerate and let chill overnight.<br />
Next day, add:<br />
2 cups diced apples 1/2 - 1 cup chopped nuts 1 cup chopped pineapple<br />
Blend all ingredients well. Fold in 1 cup whipping cream (sweetened to taste) or non-dairy whipped topping.<br />
Key Lime Pie<br />
This is a recipe I brought back from our rally in Key West, home of the BEST key lime pie. This tart and delicious dessert will go well at<br />
the end of almost any meal occasion, from a warm weather football tailgate party to a holiday feast.<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (8-10 key limes)<br />
4 egg yolks<br />
14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk<br />
11 graham crackers<br />
3 tablespoons granulated sugar<br />
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted<br />
Instructions:<br />
Crush crackers or process in food processor until fine; melt butter. Place cracker crumbs on baking sheet and toast under<br />
broiler to enhance flavor. Be careful not to burn them. Beat egg yolks. Add milk and juice. Set aside and allow to thicken.<br />
Preheat oven to 325˚. Mix toasted crumbs with sugar. Add melted butter and blend. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie pan.<br />
Bake on center rack of oven until crust is lightly brown, about 15 minutes. Remove and cool.<br />
Pour filling into crust, spreading evenly. Bake for about 15 minutes until center is set, but still wiggles when gently<br />
shaken. Remove and cool. Cover and refrigerate until well-chilled. It’s best when topped with meringue. Use the<br />
egg whites from the above recipe. Beat until stiff, adding 6-8 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar, and<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla. After spreading meringue on pie, place in oven on high heat for just long enough to slightly<br />
bake, 2-4 minutes. You may also use whipped topping.<br />
SIDE ROADS 5
<strong>Tiffin</strong> has your back for customer service<br />
by Bob Poiry<br />
Carol and I were camping with friends in<br />
northern Michigan for what was to be the<br />
last outing of the season as the weather<br />
was about to turn nasty. It had been a<br />
great weekend, chilly nights, light frost in<br />
the morning creating crystal-like tips on<br />
the grass, and sippin’ hot chocolate over a<br />
campfire. Perfect Fall camping.<br />
Looking north at the ominous skies, I<br />
saw a beautiful, behemoth, black motorhome<br />
facing us. It kind of took my breath away. I don’t<br />
know why I approached it slowly, it just seemed to be<br />
the thing to do, like stalking a crouching monster.<br />
My suspicions were well founded as it was an Allegro<br />
Bus, all 42 feet of it, tag axle and all. It was already<br />
near check-out time, but I had to see who owned it.<br />
Knocking on the door of this king-sized specimen<br />
of magnificence brought a response by owner Mike<br />
Kuehnl. After talking about his rig for a bit, he related<br />
the following story:<br />
He and his wife Carol had only owned the 2007 Allegro<br />
Bus about a year when traveling through Kentucky on<br />
the downward side of Jellico Mountain. Doing about 70<br />
mph, passing a semi-tractor trailer going downhill, there<br />
was a loud explosion and he realized the driver’s side front<br />
tire had just blown.<br />
He attributes being able to bring the rig to a safe, controlled<br />
stop to the tag axle. The exploding tire had also<br />
destroyed the panel around the tire. A road repair service<br />
replaced the tire. A tire dealer verified the sidewall had<br />
blown out because of a defect. This didn’t set well with<br />
The Yankee Doodler Cartoonist Bob Poiry<br />
Mike or Carol so he called <strong>Tiffin</strong> headquarters<br />
in Red Bay.<br />
After explaining his situation to a very<br />
nice lady, she connected him to a fellow<br />
who listened to his tale of horror again.<br />
This fellow, who Mike figured to be the<br />
service manager or something, told him he<br />
would cover the cost of the entire incident.<br />
Wow is what came to Mike’s mind. Then he<br />
learned he was talking to none other than Bob<br />
<strong>Tiffin</strong> himself.<br />
“It all goes back<br />
to Bob <strong>Tiffin</strong>’s<br />
reputation.”<br />
After getting over the initial shock, Mike mentioned<br />
there might be a chance of the same thing happening to<br />
the passenger side tire. Bob agreed and told him to have<br />
his dealer replace that one too and he’d cover the cost.<br />
Needless to say, Mike and Carol were definitely pleased<br />
they had purchased a <strong>Tiffin</strong> product.<br />
Not long after, Mike noticed fogging in some of the<br />
insulated windows of their motorhome. He made another<br />
call to Bob <strong>Tiffin</strong> who said this shouldn’t be happening,<br />
so he sent all new glass to Mike’s dealer and paid the<br />
installation charge. Mike and Carol agree the reputation,<br />
and great back-up service at <strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong> they had<br />
heard so much about, was well founded.<br />
Bob’s reputation carries beyond that. Carol and I were<br />
traveling through North Carolina and had an occasion to<br />
have a minor repair done on our Allegro. Carol had seen<br />
billboards along the highway for Todd’s RV & Marine<br />
in Hendersonville, NC. Since we were headed that way<br />
we stopped in. What a beautiful place to visit. Not only<br />
were we waited on right away by a service representative,<br />
our rig was in the service area for less than an hour and<br />
we were on our way.<br />
Our cost: $9.50 tax included. Can’t get lunch for that.<br />
Todd’s isn’t even a <strong>Tiffin</strong> dealer. It all goes back to Bob<br />
<strong>Tiffin</strong>’s reputation.<br />
6 SIDE ROADS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CUT HERE- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br />
#<br />
Allegro Club South Florida Spring Rally<br />
March 15 - March 19, 2010 (Checkout March 20)<br />
Lee Civic Center / Fort Myers, FL<br />
This event is available to the first 120 eligible applicants.<br />
Cost Includes: 5 nights camping fee, most full hookups (see details below), several meals, entertainment and activities.<br />
When on hand, <strong>Tiffin</strong> factory technicians will perform minor repairs at no cost. North Trail RV will display the latest <strong>Tiffin</strong><br />
<strong>Motorhomes</strong> for your viewing. Plenty of food, fun, and fellowship.<br />
Cost: Allegro Club member motorhome with two (2) people / $549 • Allegro Club member motorhome with one (1)<br />
person / $369 • Non-member motorhome with two (2) people / $749 • Non-member motorhome with one (1) person / $569<br />
• Each additional guest / $199 Total Cost: $<br />
Number of people Amount enclosed (full payment required) $<br />
Name:<br />
Companion:<br />
Mailing Address:<br />
City/State/Zip:<br />
Telephone number: Allegro Club #: Chapter #:<br />
Name of guest(s) in member’s motorhome:<br />
We wish to park with our chapter (listed above) or individual:<br />
Participants wishing to park together must send registration and rally fee in together!<br />
We will be in: q Allegro q Allegro Star q Allegro Bay q Allegro Bus q Open Road q Phaeton q Zephyr<br />
Motorhome length: License plate # : State:<br />
Tow vehicle: Make: License plate #: State:<br />
My chassis is: q Ford q Workhorse q Chevrolet q Oshkosh q Spartan q Freightliner q PowerGlide<br />
q Other:<br />
YES q / NO q This is our first Allegro Club rally.<br />
YES q / NO q We wish to park in the handicapped section. (Enclose Handicapped Certification copy with your registration.)<br />
YES q / NO q We will bring our pet(s). It is the pet owner’s responsibility to verify possible pet restrictions. Call (239) 543-8368.<br />
Get your reservations in early. First 96 are 50 amp full hookup, then 30 amp full and 50 amp and 30 amp w/o<br />
sewer (pump truck and dump station available on-site). No reservations will be taken after the deadline of<br />
February 1, 2010. Refund deadline is February 1, 2010.<br />
Travel insurance is an option available through Farm & City Insurance (800) 331-1520.<br />
Payment must be submitted with application. Send check or money order, or fill out complete credit card information below:<br />
q Visa q Master Card q Discover<br />
Credit Card Number:<br />
Expiration Date<br />
___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Month Year<br />
Signature:<br />
To register by phone, call (256) 356-8522, or FAX your registration form to (256) 356-9746.<br />
Or Mail your reservation form with check made payable to: Allegro Club, P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582-1429.<br />
Email your reservation to allegroclub@tiffinmotorhomes.com by scanning the completed form and attaching as a PDF.<br />
Attention: Early arrivals and late departures cannot be<br />
accomodated at this facility.<br />
No refunds in part or total will be given after the refund deadline.<br />
Upon cancellation, a $30 handling fee will be charged.<br />
Important: The Allegro Club has planned this event based upon claim<br />
assumptions, including a minimum number of participants. On occasion,<br />
circumstances arise which make the event impractical. Accordingly, the Allegro<br />
Club reserves the right to cancel the event for any reason, at any time, and without<br />
obligation beyond refund of any prepaid fees for the cancelled event.<br />
By registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following<br />
statements: “I understand that neither the Allegro Club, <strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong>,<br />
Inc., nor any campground, restaurant, bus service, or supplier assume any<br />
responsibility, directly or indirectly, for the use or operation of a car or<br />
recreational vehicle going to or from or during the rally; or for injuries or<br />
illness before, during, or after the rally; or damage to or loss of property of<br />
any kind before, during, or after the event; and I also grant permission for the<br />
use of photographs, videotape, written or verbal testimonials, and other media<br />
from the rally depicting registrants and their guests for promotional purposes<br />
by <strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong>, Inc. and the Allegro Club.” SIDE ROADS 7
What the owners say: Testing the 37 QDB<br />
our Reviewers<br />
Richard and Judith<br />
Tracy of Leaburg, OR, are<br />
experienced RVers and<br />
over the years have owned<br />
several RVs, including<br />
pickup campers, travel<br />
trailers, Class C’s and<br />
Class A’s. They are very<br />
active in their local Elks Lodge “Kamper Klub” and make<br />
year-round excursions on their own or with others. Judith<br />
and Richard are eager to work through their punch list of<br />
initial problems so they can fill the tank with fresh well<br />
water, then throw Mr. Brody, their well-traveled cat, in the<br />
coach and drive any place in the country with confidence all<br />
systems will work correctly.<br />
Richard_e5@msn.com 541-896-3701<br />
turning r adius, road handling and stability<br />
I really like driving the rig. It is fun, not tiring. The turning<br />
radius is much shorter than our previous coaches, so getting<br />
into tight driveways and RV pads is much easier. A recent<br />
trip was comfortable, smooth, and not nearly as nerveracking<br />
as in our other coaches. The windshield is great<br />
but the rearview mirrors are useless in heavy rain.<br />
Power/torque<br />
Even with seven more feet of coach behind me, climbing<br />
hills and passes is a piece of cake with our “toad” Jeep. We<br />
have more than enough power to keep up with other rigs.<br />
Learning curve for maintenance,<br />
electronics, and other fe atures<br />
During the new-owner orientation with the dealer’s<br />
technician we were shown many of the features. At the end of<br />
this one-hour orientation the technician handed me a large<br />
blue canvas bag filled with about 10 pounds of instruction<br />
manuals, diagrams, warranties, special offers, as well as other<br />
documents and a video tape. I have gone to this library several<br />
times with moderate success. Trial and error has also worked.<br />
The dashboard layout and controls are much more intuitive<br />
and easily understood. However, I wish that the wiper<br />
control was on the turn signal arm instead of a small, hardto-locate<br />
(and turn) button that hides from view behind the<br />
steering wheel. The automatic leveling system is great.<br />
Noise level (both parked and moving)<br />
The front engine diesel (340hp) seems to be more quiet than<br />
8 SIDE ROADS<br />
the gas engine on our previous motorhome. The generator<br />
is very quiet. We have noticed that when parked, outside<br />
noise is barely perceptible. From the outside, one can hardly<br />
hear the surround-sound system playing at mid-level.<br />
efficiency of heating and cooling systems<br />
The first night we used the heat we woke up every time<br />
the unit cycled. But we have grown accustomed to the sound<br />
of rushing air. We must admit the heating is much more<br />
consistent and gentle than in our previous rigs. We have not<br />
yet given the air conditioners a try.<br />
spaciousness of living room<br />
With just the two of us and Mr. Brody we have plenty of<br />
open space, almost 360 degrees of window view. The tile<br />
floor makes clean-up very easy. We can have several guests<br />
seated comfortably plus walking around room, like being in<br />
a well appointed hotel suite.<br />
Attractiveness of interior decoration<br />
We were attracted to the interior color scheme and are<br />
happy with our choice. Simple is usually better and often<br />
more elegant. Drawer hardware is good quality and very<br />
stable. Disappointed much of the wood trim is pressed<br />
wood covered with wood toned vinyl or paper. Night<br />
curtains for the windshield are acceptable but need a<br />
wand to help open and close. Adequate closet storage<br />
space in the coach with the addition of some shelves.<br />
Workability of galley<br />
The galley is spacious and Judith likes the functionality.<br />
We especially like the fold-down table under the TV. The<br />
expandable table and freestanding chairs are versatile and<br />
attractive but the chairs are not built for strength. Feel the<br />
solid-surface countertops are durable.<br />
c o mf o r t and usability of bathroom<br />
The washer/dryer meet expectations. The light switch is<br />
inconveniently 5-6 feet from the door and the elegant robe hook<br />
is too high. A pocket door would have been more convenient. The<br />
Fantastic Fan ® is great except for the switch location. Shower size<br />
is generous and the heat pump vents warm the area.<br />
Livability of bedroom<br />
Plenty of closet and storage space. We appreciate the ease<br />
of walking around the queen-sized bed. A light under the<br />
TV would have made it easier to look into the drawers below.<br />
The Sleep Number bed is surprisingly very comfortable.
Allegro Bay<br />
our Reviewers<br />
Rod and Cheryl<br />
Mees discovered RVs<br />
in 2006. Three years of<br />
weekend, holiday and<br />
summer trips, most to<br />
historic sites, in a Class C<br />
convinced them to<br />
move up to Class A for<br />
space, luxury and those<br />
automatic levelers. They<br />
travel with Daisy and<br />
Laddie, their Shetland<br />
sheepdogs, but Cheryl<br />
has dreams of hauling the grandkids, too. After working out a<br />
few bugs at their dealership, they launched their first adventure<br />
for this report.<br />
rcmees@verizon.net 410-604-2652<br />
<br />
turning r adius, road handling and stability<br />
Although eight feet longer and twice the weight of our old<br />
Class C, the 37 QDB is much more maneuverable and easier to<br />
drive. Stability is good, an improvement over the old coach; I’m<br />
not blown around as much when passed by an 18-wheeler.<br />
Power/torque<br />
Although we don’t have air suspension, the ride is better than<br />
our old coach. I’m sure the larger wheels and more comfortable<br />
seats help, but I believe the chassis rides smoother too.<br />
Learning curve for maintenance,<br />
electronics, and other fe atures<br />
There’s a moderate learning curve moving from a Class C<br />
motorhome to the Allegro Bay. Much of it is a very pleasant<br />
experience, including the slightly more involved, but far superior<br />
fresh and waste water systems. There are simply more systems<br />
to learn like the icemaker and washer/dryer. These are the<br />
amenities we sought. <strong>Tiffin</strong> provided really great laminated<br />
quick-guides to many of the high-quality home theater and<br />
in-dash entertainment system features. Learning the dashboard<br />
was no different than on any other new vehicle. More accuracy,<br />
updates and an addendum specific to our floorplan would have<br />
helped.<br />
Noise level (both parked and moving)<br />
On the road, the overall noise level in the cockpit area is quite<br />
low. On level ground, when the Allison transmission is in sixth<br />
gear, the Cummins engine is quieter than the V10 under the<br />
same conditions. The interior is very quiet while set up at the<br />
park.<br />
efficiency of heating and cooling systems<br />
After our dealer fixed a ducting problem with the rear heater,<br />
we’ve found the heating system very good overall.<br />
Like all propane-burning 30,000 BTU RV furnaces, it’s a bit<br />
louder than we’d like, but we can live with it. The insulation<br />
seems to be very good. Even in the low 20s and strong winds,<br />
the coach heated quickly and the heaters ran surprisingly little<br />
to keep it warm. We’ve found the heat pumps to be quiet and<br />
very efficient.<br />
spaciousness of living room<br />
The living spaces in the QDB are wonderful. Putting the<br />
bathroom and washer/dryer into one space is a great design.<br />
The shower is heavenly, and the bathroom storage is more than<br />
adequate. The living room area is very spacious.<br />
Attractiveness of interio r decoration<br />
Most of the interior decoration is attractive. We prefer more<br />
understated designs and colors. The roll-up shade chains are<br />
cumbersome and get caught easily. The medium alderwood<br />
cabinetry is gorgeous. Storage area in the drawers and cupboards<br />
is excellent. The full-extension drawers are appreciated. The<br />
brushed nickel lighting fixtures are excellent, but the row of<br />
fluorescent lights on the ceiling does not match their elegance.<br />
Workability of galley<br />
The appliances work well, and the Price Pfister ® faucets are<br />
attractive. Under the TV the <strong>Tiffin</strong> designers provided a good<br />
sized flip-up table, which adds greatly to the food preparation<br />
counter space. We have the freestanding table versus the dinette<br />
booth of our old coach, and it’s a toss-up which we prefer. The<br />
table and chairs are certainly more elegant and enhance the<br />
feeling of spaciousness in the living area.<br />
c o m f o r t and usability of bathroom<br />
We like how the bathroom separates the living/sleeping areas<br />
plus the placement of the washer/dryer, which are quiet with<br />
the bathroom door closed. Suggest the sink drawer be above the<br />
cabinet and the light switch by the door, not over the sink.<br />
Livability of bedroom<br />
The opposing rear slideouts provide a huge bedroom and the<br />
closets accommodate long-term living. There’s plenty of room<br />
at the foot of the bed to get dressed or move around. The ceiling<br />
fan is a nice touch, too.<br />
SIDE ROADS 9
Jack & Ken’s RV Odyssey<br />
A smile wasn’t enough of an umbrella in Arizona<br />
When Jack Donovan and Ken Kaplan set out<br />
from the <strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong> plant in Red Bay,<br />
AL, back in 2008, they were sales associates for<br />
a La Mesa RV dealership in southern California.<br />
Time and the economy can take their toll. They<br />
are no longer working for that dealership, but<br />
we can’t leave our readers stranded in Arizona,<br />
can we? This is the fifth installment of their<br />
cross-country odyssey in a 35 TSB Allegro Bay<br />
FRED to learn the RV lifestyle.<br />
7:30 A.M. on August 13 th , we waved<br />
good-bye to The Inn of the Mountain<br />
Gods in New Mexico. Ken was behind<br />
the wheel. Our goal for the day was<br />
Sedona, AZ, which is famous for its<br />
massive red rock formations, resort living<br />
and art centers. Sedona is named for the<br />
wife of Theodore Carl Schnebly who<br />
moved there from Gorin, MO, in 1902.<br />
At 11:00 A.M. we pulled into a truck<br />
stop in Deming, NM, with 1,535 miles on<br />
the odometer.<br />
Ken was only too happy to order huevos<br />
rancheros while I opted for the chili. The<br />
portions were so large I couldn’t quite<br />
finish mine although Ken had no problem<br />
cleaning his shiny tin plate. We decided<br />
to fill the tank too. After 51 gallons at<br />
about 8 mpg we were<br />
back on the road at<br />
noon with me behind<br />
the wheel. At 3:45<br />
P.M. with 1,811<br />
miles on the odometer,<br />
Ken took over the driving<br />
duties at a small grocery store in Tonte<br />
Basin, AZ. We enjoyed a beautiful view of<br />
the Colorado River. In the checkout line,<br />
we overheard the locals talking about the<br />
possibility of thunderstorms.<br />
We noticed some dark cloud formations<br />
on the horizon. Ken thought it would be<br />
fun to experience lightning and rain<br />
while in the motorhome. I was a bit<br />
worried Ken’s idea of fun was about<br />
to become a reality as the sky became<br />
darker with each passing mile. With<br />
Sedona only about 120 miles away, we<br />
headed directly into lightning flashes and<br />
booming thunder.<br />
The rain started as a mild drizzle<br />
and slowly but steadily increased to a<br />
downpour. That’s when we realized the<br />
windshield wipers would not function<br />
properly as a result of “Sparky’s” technical<br />
wizardry attempting to repair the copilot<br />
seat wiring earlier in the trip.<br />
While Ken was positively giddy, having<br />
the time of his life navigating through the<br />
rain, I was truly frightened. Even though<br />
we were traveling slowly, the lightning<br />
was striking the hills surrounding the<br />
winding highway. Ken’s chronic Right<br />
Drift Syndrome (RDS), which had<br />
followed us since leaving the <strong>Tiffin</strong> plant<br />
in Alabama, fueled my fear.<br />
I think I did an admirable job holding<br />
my tongue the entire week as Ken drifted<br />
toward curbs and other vehicles. Usually,<br />
I was quiet after the wake-up bumps on<br />
highway shoulders -- usually after he<br />
would ask me to bring him a bottle of<br />
cold water or look at the map. This stormy<br />
afternoon, however, I actually thought we<br />
were going in the ditch. I screamed an<br />
unprintable word or two out of sheer<br />
terror. I thought it unkind of Ken to laugh<br />
and offer me a pacifier while pushing<br />
onward toward Sedona.<br />
At 7:00 P.M., we finally pulled into<br />
Sedona none the worse for wear. I realized<br />
Ken had actually performed his driving<br />
duties most admirably in very poor<br />
conditions (driving rain, lightning strikes,<br />
malfunctioning wipers, skinny lanes due<br />
to roadwork) although I didn’t tell him so.<br />
At the tourist information center, we<br />
learned the Ranch Sedona RV Park was<br />
about five miles down the road. Now we<br />
had arrived in one piece, I could actually<br />
enjoy the beauty of the red rock formations.<br />
The rain had left the sweetest aroma in<br />
the air, which is something I have never<br />
experienced in San Bernardino, CA.<br />
The office to the Ranch Sedona RV<br />
Park was closed. Ken called the afterhours<br />
check-in phone number and<br />
received instructions. We found a nice<br />
spot and I directed Ken into the narrow<br />
but adequate space. We hooked up to the<br />
water and power, dropped the jacks and<br />
opened the slides.<br />
In the next issue of Side Roads: Jack and Ken take a Las Vegas detour, avoiding a return to work in California and piling<br />
on the expense account receipts. To write Jack and Ken: jackdonovan60@yahoo.com and kaplanken1@netscape.net<br />
10 SIDE ROADS
New Dealers:<br />
Big Country RV<br />
Locations in Bend & Redmond, OR<br />
800-537-7841<br />
www.bigcrv.com<br />
Bretz RV & Marine<br />
4800 Grant Creek Road<br />
Missoula, MT 59808<br />
406-541-4800<br />
www.bretzrv.com<br />
General RV Center<br />
In Wixom & Wayland, MI<br />
269-792-6210<br />
www.generalrv.com<br />
Paul Evert’s RV Country<br />
3633 South Maple<br />
Fresno, CA<br />
559-486-1000<br />
www.rvcountry.com<br />
Marlin Ingram’s RV (reopened)<br />
4504 Troy Highway<br />
Montgomery, AL 36616<br />
334-288-0331<br />
North Trail RV Center<br />
In Fort Myers & Margate, FL<br />
877-753-7229<br />
www.northtrailrv.com<br />
Bill Plemmons RV World<br />
Located in Salisbury,<br />
Rural Hall & Raleigh, NC<br />
888-746-2351<br />
www.billplemmonsrv.com<br />
Poulsbo RV (additional location)<br />
17611 NE Union Road South<br />
Ridgefield, WA 98642<br />
888-538-9400<br />
www.poulsborv.com<br />
RV World of Georgia<br />
2289 East Rock Quarry Road<br />
Buford, GA 30519<br />
770-945-2112<br />
www.rvworld of Georgia.com<br />
Reines RV Center<br />
10850 Balls Ford Road<br />
Manassas, VA 20109<br />
703-392-1100<br />
www.reinesrv.com<br />
Route 44 Collision Center<br />
RVs & Boats<br />
8 Harding Street<br />
Lakeville, MA 02347<br />
www.route44rvcenter.com<br />
Sierra RV Super Center<br />
9125 South Virginia Street<br />
Reno, NV 89511<br />
775-324-0522<br />
www.sierrarv.com<br />
Stoltzfus RVs & Marine<br />
1335 Wilmington Pike<br />
West Chester, PA 19382<br />
610-399-0628<br />
www.stoltzfus-rec.com<br />
Tennessee RV Sales & Service<br />
835 Huckleberry Springs Road<br />
Knoxville, TN 37924<br />
800-678-2233<br />
www.tennesseerv.com<br />
Mike Thompson RV<br />
Located in Santa Fe Springs,<br />
Fountain Valley & Colton, CA<br />
In CA: 888-325-1409<br />
Outside CA: 888-325-1478<br />
www.mikethompson.com<br />
<strong>2009</strong>-2010 Allegro Club Rally Schedule<br />
Allegro Club Smoky Mountain Getaway<br />
River Plantation RV Park<br />
Sevierville, TN<br />
<strong>November</strong> 2-6, <strong>2009</strong><br />
(break camp <strong>November</strong> 7)<br />
sold out<br />
Allegro Club South Florida Spring Rally<br />
Lee Civic Center<br />
Fort Myers, FL<br />
March 15-19, 2010<br />
(break camp March 20)<br />
In the planning stages:<br />
Southern California<br />
April or May, 2010<br />
Pacific Northwest<br />
August, 2010<br />
For additional information: allegroclub@tiffinmotorhomes.com or www.tiffinmotorhomes.com<br />
Phone: (256) 356-8522 Fax: (256) 356-9746 or write: Allegro Club P.O. Box 1429 Red Bay, AL 35582-1429<br />
SIDE ROADS 11
Chapter Chatter: Burgers for everyone at Biloxi campground<br />
Campgrounds<br />
Restaurants<br />
Moose Country Allegros recommend<br />
Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort<br />
in Freedom, NH, especially for some of<br />
the recreational opportunities including<br />
kayak and canoe rentals on Ossipee<br />
Lake, swimming pools, tennis courts<br />
and hiking trails. The chapter also likes<br />
Point Sebago Resort in Casco, ME, for<br />
its large lakefront, marina open four<br />
seasons, pull-through sites, lounge,<br />
golfing, hiking, bike trails and on-site<br />
terrace room dining.<br />
Majestic Oaks RV Resort in Biloxi,<br />
MS, is a well groomed park with landscaping<br />
and concrete pads. The staff<br />
grilled hamburgers and hotdogs with all<br />
the fixings for<br />
everyone in the<br />
park. “They did<br />
a really fine job<br />
and went out<br />
of their way to<br />
make sure that<br />
everyone had<br />
a good time,”<br />
report John and Cindy Saterfiel of the<br />
Pelican Allegros of Louisiana.<br />
The Niagara Frontier Allegros<br />
recommend Southwoods RV Resort in<br />
Byron, NY, citing very nice expanded RV<br />
sites in wooded areas.<br />
The Arkansas Allegro Diamonds give<br />
thumbs-up to Tom Sawyer’s RV Park in<br />
West Memphis, AR, which overlooks<br />
the Mississippi River and is described as<br />
quite beautiful.<br />
Silver Spur RV Park in Silverton, OR,<br />
is a nice park that has pull-throughs with<br />
parking for tow vehicles and a clubhouse<br />
with kitchen, report the Columbia River<br />
Allegros. They also recommend Olde<br />
Stone Village RV Park in McMinnville,<br />
12 SIDE ROADS<br />
OR, where you will find pull-throughs,<br />
a very clean and well maintained facility<br />
with a kitchen and a paved walkway to<br />
the Evergreen Aviation Museum which<br />
is worth visiting for IMAX films.<br />
Cajun Palms RV Resort in Henderson,<br />
LA, is recommended<br />
by the Pelican<br />
Allegros for<br />
their excellent<br />
facilities that<br />
include full<br />
hook-ups, and<br />
concrete pads, two<br />
ponds, a movie theater,<br />
an exercise room, a pool with bar, a<br />
covered area for food preparation and<br />
dining and meeting space in a huge<br />
clubhouse. The chapter plans to return<br />
mid-<strong>November</strong> for the resort’s Zydeco<br />
Festival. (The music stops about 8 p.m.<br />
so campers can sleep well.)<br />
The Mississippi Allegros ventured into<br />
Arkansas to visit Cloud Nine RV Park<br />
in Hot Springs, a small campground<br />
with gorgeous views from atop the<br />
mountain. The campground managers<br />
laid out sandwich meats, fruit and a<br />
decorated cake for the chapter.<br />
Maumelle Campground on the<br />
Arkansas River in Little Rock is a favorite<br />
of the Arkansas Allegro Diamonds.<br />
The sites are large and shady and the<br />
grounds are lovely.<br />
Pine Valley KOA in Queechee, VT,<br />
is an excellent park, say the Green<br />
Mountain Allegros, who plan to return<br />
next year.<br />
When in Memphis, barbecue is<br />
always a viable option. The Arkansas<br />
Allegro Diamonds chose Central BBQ<br />
and enjoyed “truly great food.” The<br />
chapter also lunched at Alcenia’s, a<br />
Memphis landmark soul food restaurant.<br />
No complaints.<br />
The American and Italian cuisine<br />
is worth an outing at Elaine’s in<br />
Wethersfield, CT, The Nutmeg<br />
Allegros attest. The chapter also touts<br />
The Vanilla Bean in Eastford, CT, for<br />
its delicious deli foods. The eatery has<br />
counter service plus inside and outside<br />
seating.<br />
For a quarter, you can drink all the<br />
coffee you want at the Silver Dollar<br />
Saloon in White Bird, ID, but the Puget<br />
Sound Allegros<br />
suggest you also<br />
sample the hearty<br />
breakfasts and<br />
southern-fried<br />
chicken dinner.<br />
New England<br />
to the Deep South, word comes from<br />
the Pelican Allegros of Louisiana,<br />
Oprah Winfrey may be right. Winfrey<br />
says The Old Country Store in Gibson,<br />
MS, serves the best fried chicken she<br />
ever ate. In Natchez, the chapter<br />
lunched at The Pig Out, reporting<br />
the barbecue was very good. Also in<br />
Natchez, Biscuits and Blues features<br />
live music, and Fat Moma’s Tamales<br />
drew praise. Nearby, outside Ferriday,<br />
LA, the food was excellent at Duck’s<br />
Nest 2. In Biloxi, the chapter favors<br />
McElroy’s Bayou Seafood Restaurant.<br />
In Henderson, LA, the chapter chose<br />
Mulate’s, but noted that Crawfish Town<br />
in Henderson, and Pat’s Fisherman’s<br />
(Continued on Page 13)
Chapter chatter<br />
(Continued from Page 12)<br />
Wharf in Breaux Bridge were also on<br />
their favorites list. These folks like to<br />
eat out.<br />
Looking for Basque/American<br />
cuisine? The Battle Born Allegro Club<br />
found it at HeyDay Inn in Wellington,<br />
NV. It’s western, rustic and charming,<br />
plus the food is good and plentiful.<br />
A trio of recommendations from the<br />
Columbia River Allegros: Markam<br />
Inn in Markam, OR (very good food;<br />
large variety of entrees); Wooden<br />
Nickel Pub in Silverton, OR (good<br />
food); and Golden Valley Brewery &<br />
Restaurant in McMinnville, OR (very<br />
good food).<br />
When is a pharmacy a restaurant?<br />
When you can get a great milkshake<br />
there, and the Capital City Allegros<br />
say that’s the case at Byrd’s Pharmacy<br />
in Troy, AL. That was a snack. That<br />
evening, they enjoyed a “scrumptious”<br />
buffet at Sister’s Restaurant in Troy.<br />
The Mt. Tomba Inn in Cromberg,<br />
CA, has an extensive menu with steaks,<br />
seafood and fowl, report the Battle<br />
Born Allegros.<br />
Destination Attractions<br />
In St. Louis, the Show-Me Allegros<br />
toured Fast Lane Classic Cars. Barbara<br />
Poage’s observation: “Really some<br />
beautifully restored cars and if you were<br />
in the market I think it might be very<br />
difficult to pick one. I saw several that<br />
appealed to me. Now all I have to do is<br />
win the lottery.” The chapter also went<br />
to the St. Charles Historic District.<br />
St. Charles was Missouri’s first capital<br />
and the birthplace of the interstate<br />
highway system. Allegro Club chapters<br />
are so highly regarded, the mayor of<br />
St. Charles spoke to the Show-Me clan<br />
about local history.<br />
Try the riverboat cruise in Memphis,<br />
recommend the Arkansas Allegro<br />
Diamonds. The narration of historical<br />
facts and stories went over well. A visit<br />
to Graceland was a hit too.<br />
The Show-Me Allegros toured the<br />
Ozark region around Branson, MO,<br />
including the Table Rock Dam and<br />
Lake Taneycomo, but the College of<br />
the Ozarks claimed the most attention<br />
in the chapter’s report. Each fulltime<br />
student works on campus to cover a<br />
portion of tuition and other expenses.<br />
Scholarships supplement the<br />
campus work program for the<br />
1,400 students.<br />
Settlers’ Green Outlet<br />
Village tax-free shopping, the<br />
Mount Washington cruises,<br />
golf courses, plus year-round<br />
camping, skiing, snowmobiling<br />
tracks and county fairs make the<br />
Freedom, NH, lakes region and<br />
White Mountains a serious draw, say<br />
the Moose Country Allegros.<br />
The Battle Born Allegros want you<br />
to visit Graeagle, CA, for its golfing,<br />
fishing, hiking and quaint antique<br />
shops.<br />
In Natchez, MS, the Pelican Allegros<br />
found a popular place for an afternoon<br />
stop, according to their chapter report.<br />
“A visit to a local winery to help stimulate<br />
the economy with the purchase of<br />
some muscadine wine. Unfortunately,<br />
the wine did not last as long as it<br />
should have.”<br />
On Father’s Day weekend each June,<br />
Queechee, VT, holds a balloon festival,<br />
including a balloon glow one evening.<br />
Weather permitting, the balloons<br />
ascend 2-3 times during the weekend.<br />
The Arkansas Allegro Diamonds<br />
tout several attractions in Little Rock,<br />
including the Clinton Presidential<br />
Library, the Heifer International<br />
Headquarters and Museum, and<br />
musical comedy at Murry’s Dinner<br />
Playhouse.<br />
The Wilds is a semi-natural habitat<br />
park for exotic animals, complete with<br />
bus tours for people who want to watch<br />
the wildlife. The Erie Shores Allegros<br />
say it’s “a very nice display and worth<br />
the time to visit” in Cambridge, OH.<br />
In the Uptown Gallery on Court<br />
Square in Troy, AL, the Capital City<br />
Allegros enjoyed learning about Mr.<br />
Brantley’s ghost in what used to be<br />
Brantley Mercantile.<br />
Oregon Gardens in Silverton,<br />
OR, offers a nice layout<br />
and display of plant life<br />
and ponds to spark ideas<br />
for landscaping. The<br />
Columbia River Allegros<br />
lucked into a brewfest with<br />
good food and music (and,<br />
we assume, beer) at the gardens<br />
in April.<br />
The Battle Born Allegro Club<br />
recommends Clio’s Rivers Edge RV<br />
Park in Graeagle, CA. The full hookups<br />
park is “a very comfortable and lovely<br />
RV park in the mountains. The chapter<br />
plans to return this year.<br />
Quirky Occurrences<br />
The Moose Country Allegros have<br />
broadened the definition of RVing.<br />
During one recent outing in Freedom,<br />
NH, chapter member Dave Adams<br />
provided his 1959 Piper to give rides<br />
over the mountains and lakes of<br />
Northern New Hampshire. At another<br />
campout in Casco, ME, Steve Nicoli<br />
gave rides in his speedboat. What’s<br />
next: space shuttle rides?<br />
SIDE ROADS 13
More good news from Red Bay<br />
The recession has sparked many changes in the<br />
<strong>Tiffin</strong> product line and dealer network. General<br />
Manager Tim <strong>Tiffin</strong> and National Sales Manager<br />
Jerry Williamson say <strong>Tiffin</strong> has weathered the<br />
market conditions well, positioning <strong>Tiffin</strong> as an even<br />
stronger competitor among the remaining top Class<br />
A manufacturers.<br />
“<strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong> will not be the same company<br />
coming out of the economic downturn as it was a<br />
year ago,” <strong>Tiffin</strong> said. “We have taken advantage<br />
of the market picture and continued to pay very<br />
close attention to our customers. You will see more<br />
dynamic product development, even closer working<br />
relationships with our dealers and an unrivaled<br />
commitment to customer service.”<br />
<strong>Tiffin</strong> and Williamson see their current dealer<br />
lineup as the strongest it has been and the best in the<br />
industry.<br />
“A change in the economy opens opportunities for<br />
improvement,” Williamson said. “We’ve always been<br />
very selective, especially looking at how prospective<br />
dealers are going to treat customers. When we are<br />
getting calls from customers about a great service<br />
experience at a dealership, we know we are on the<br />
right track. There will be more opportunities to add<br />
dealerships to meet the needs of our customers, but<br />
our standards will remain exceptionally high.”<br />
Demand for <strong>Tiffin</strong>’s PowerGlide chassis, available<br />
on Allegro Bus models for the past two model years,<br />
has definitely increased. Near the end of the <strong>2009</strong><br />
production, 90% of Allegro Bus orders were for<br />
PowerGlide.<br />
Overall <strong>Tiffin</strong> production increased in July and<br />
August from three to six motorhomes a day. While<br />
the plant was producing 13 coaches a day before the<br />
economic slowdown, production is not expected to<br />
exceed eight a day in the foreseeable future.<br />
Midsection, eye-level TVs have become the<br />
standard in most <strong>Tiffin</strong> coaches, but above-thewindshield<br />
TVs are still popular options. Why?<br />
When the slides are in and the coach is in motion,<br />
the midsection TV is not easy to view. Also, as<br />
consumer electronics continue to decrease in price,<br />
the above-the-windshield option is inexpensive.<br />
New product features<br />
(Continued from Page 3)<br />
Paint protection film is standard on all 2010<br />
<strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong> models. Diamond Shield uses<br />
8-mil pressure-sensitive urethane films with an<br />
adhesive system designed for contemporary vehicle<br />
finishes. The film is optically clear with a high<br />
gloss finish. Diamond Shield was the first in the<br />
industry to use larger formats to improve fit. The<br />
protective film for front caps wraps around edges of<br />
generator and hood doors. The product has a limited<br />
warranty against peeling, cracking, shrinking and a<br />
repair warranty should paint damage occur on the<br />
protected area.<br />
Side view cameras and HWH automatic jacks<br />
also are standard on all <strong>Tiffin</strong><br />
models for 2010.<br />
<strong>Tiffin</strong> received one<br />
of only four coveted<br />
Quality Circle Awards<br />
presented by the<br />
Recreational Vehicle<br />
Dealers Association<br />
(RVDA) to Class A<br />
manufacturers in 2008<br />
for design, reliability,<br />
quality, value and their<br />
competitive prices.<br />
<strong>Tiffin</strong> has earned the Quality Circle Award 10<br />
of the 13 years it has been presented by the RVDA<br />
in connection with its Dealer Satisfaction Index.<br />
The 2008 survey included 2,547 brand ratings from<br />
468 dealers.<br />
In addition to the consumer-related categories<br />
of the survey, <strong>Tiffin</strong> also was recognized with the<br />
Quality Circle Award for exemplary warranty, parts,<br />
sales and communications support to dealerships.<br />
For additional information including dealer<br />
locations, visit www.tiffinmotorhomes.com.
Through Billy Tinney’s lens - As senior photographer for Easyrider Group, publisher of a dozen magazines, Billy Tinney tours<br />
North America in his 2005 Phaeton covering shows and rallies with his wife Tammy and cats Scooter Boy and Miss Daisy. For some reason,<br />
the Tinney Phaeton gravitates to Baja, where even on vacation, Billy is ever-vigilant for that wow-factor lighting on his coach.<br />
Homer’s camera is watching you<br />
Homer Scroggin looks at Allegro<br />
Club rallies through the viewfinders<br />
of his 35mm camera and a camcorder.<br />
As a self-professed “world famous<br />
photographer” he proudly and playfully<br />
boasts “over 20 pictures sold.”<br />
A retired law enforcement captain<br />
living in Live Oak, FL, Scroggin<br />
began carrying a camera to record<br />
crime scenes to illustrate testimony in<br />
trials. Now he focuses on production of<br />
multi-media DVDs of rallies.<br />
At the recent Allegro Club rally in<br />
Robert, LA, the affable Scroggin fired<br />
off 340 frames on his hefty Canon<br />
single-lens reflex 35mm, plus 38 minutes<br />
of digital video on his Sony camcorder.<br />
He then sent his finished product, a<br />
24-minute DVD complete with music,<br />
subtitles and credits, to a select group<br />
of friends and Allegro Club staffers. It’s<br />
free. “That copyright stuff will do you<br />
in,” he says of government red tape.<br />
The editing process takes him about<br />
a week at the computer. “If you don’t get<br />
it down to 15-20 minutes, people just<br />
won’t sit still and watch,” he explains<br />
knowingly.<br />
Homer and Marilyn, his wife of<br />
49 years, have logged 60,000 miles on<br />
their dual-slide, 36-foot 2002 Allegro<br />
Bay, their seventh RV but first <strong>Tiffin</strong>.<br />
“If I had bought a <strong>Tiffin</strong> first, there<br />
wouldn’t have been any other brands,”<br />
he says. His positive experience led his<br />
sister to buy a Phaeton and a friend to<br />
buy an Allegro.<br />
Homer’s 37 years in law enforcement<br />
included stints in the highway patrol,<br />
Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages<br />
and Tobacco, sheriff’s department and<br />
U.S. Marshals Service. Since he spent<br />
27 of those years with ABT, he proudly<br />
refers to himself as a revenuer.<br />
Just as revenuers can sneak through<br />
woods to catch moonshiners, Scroggin<br />
can lurk unseen at a rally with his<br />
cameras. Ask the <strong>Tiffin</strong> representative,<br />
who will remain unnamed, caught<br />
by Homer’s camcorder taking off a<br />
sweatshirt. Musical accompaniment:<br />
David Rose’s “The Stripper.”
P.O. BOX 1429<br />
RED BAY, AL 35582<br />
ADDRESS SERVICE<br />
REQUESTED<br />
PRESORTED STANDARD<br />
U.S. POSTAGE PAID<br />
PERMIT # 159<br />
BIRMINGHAM, AL<br />
Tech Tips<br />
by Ricky Johnson<br />
Ask Ricky Johnson what he does in his spare time<br />
and he’ll tell you how little spare time he has. He’s<br />
been in the parts and service department at <strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong> for 19 years.<br />
For the past 15 years, he also has owned an RV cleaning service. Summer<br />
evenings after getting home from <strong>Tiffin</strong>, he’ll clean a motorhome, mow<br />
some grass then jump in his swimming pool to cool off and relax.<br />
It’s a hot summer day and you’re really looking<br />
forward to cooling off in the air-conditioned comfort<br />
of your <strong>Tiffin</strong> coach after being outside. You hit the<br />
switch for AC and nothing happens.<br />
Before you melt or call your dealer or <strong>Tiffin</strong><br />
<strong>Motorhomes</strong>, walk back to the entry door of your coach.<br />
Did you bump the 12-volt disconnect switch?<br />
Another quick-fix for 12-volt electrical woes…. On<br />
pre-2004 <strong>Tiffin</strong> models, you will find a board of<br />
12-volt breakers with a plastic cover located under<br />
the refrigerator. In more recent models, the 12-volt<br />
breaker panels are located closer to the front of the<br />
coach. (See your owner’s manual.) The breakers are<br />
for circuits that include the 12-volt converter and the<br />
refrigerator.<br />
While the breakers may all be functioning properly, a<br />
tiny reset device, no larger than the head of a ballpoint<br />
pen, may have tripped. Just push that reset with your<br />
finger and you should be back in action.<br />
The cloudy film on rearview mirrors as well as<br />
the inside surfaces of windows can be bothersome,<br />
especially in certain light conditions. No matter how<br />
many gallons of window cleaner you spray on those<br />
surfaces, the cloudy film persists.<br />
In a cup of water, add a quarter of a cup of mineral<br />
spirits. Using a clean, absorbent cloth, wash the cloudy<br />
surface, then wipe it dry with a towel. You’ll still see<br />
streaks on the surface, but this time when you use the<br />
window cleaner solution, the glass surface will be clean<br />
and clear.<br />
Have a question of general interest about your <strong>Tiffin</strong><br />
motorhome for Ricky Johnson? Want to share a clever solution<br />
to a pesky problem? Write allegroclub@tiffinmotorhomes.com.<br />
While information presented in this column comes from<br />
<strong>Tiffin</strong> technicians, we offer no expressed or implied guarantee<br />
this general advice will resolve a specific problem in your<br />
motorhome. Inspection by a technician at a <strong>Tiffin</strong> dealership<br />
or the <strong>Tiffin</strong> Service Center in Red Bay is generally recognized<br />
as the most effective approach to a problem with your rig.<br />
New Allegro Chapter<br />
Chapter #191 1st Canadian Allegros • Ontario, Canada • President: Bruce Stevenson<br />
Phone: (519) 853-3714 • Email: keremy@sympatico.ca<br />
Become an Allegro Club member or update your address info<br />
If you’re reading this newsletter, you’re enjoying one of the<br />
benefits of Allegro Club membership. Other benefits include<br />
rallies, local chapters and discounts on insurance, campsite fees,<br />
and car rentals.<br />
When you buy a new <strong>Tiffin</strong> Motorhome, the first year of<br />
Allegro Club membership is free. After that, a one-year<br />
membership is $25, a two-year membership is $46, and a<br />
three-year membership is $70, payable by check or credit card.<br />
For credit card payment, call (256) 356-8522. We want you<br />
to continue your membership and help us build our numbers<br />
by recruiting other owners of <strong>Tiffin</strong> <strong>Motorhomes</strong>.<br />
Names:<br />
Address:<br />
Nickname for Allegro Club ID badge #1:<br />
Nickname for Allegro Club ID badge #2:<br />
Email:<br />
City: State: Zip:<br />
Home Phone: ( ) – Alternate Phone: ( ) –<br />
Serial No. of Your <strong>Tiffin</strong> Motorhome: Chassis type: VIN:<br />
Are you interested in joining or starting a local chapter of the Allegro Club?<br />
Name of dealer where motorhome was purchased:<br />
Date of Purchase: