In This Issue
- Getting It All in 38
- Alabama Highlights
- Horace Stepp - 10 More Years
- Daddy: Recollections...
Advertisements & Features
Freightliner Custom Chassis: The Leader at Every Turn
Offers rewards like discounts on Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep vehicles for motorhome owners on a Freightliner chassis. Highlights include the largest diesel service network, comprehensive warranty, and superior ride and handling. Contact Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation at (800) 545-8831 or visit www.freightlinerchassis.com.
Goodyear RV Tires
Features the Goodyear Unisteel G670 RV tire, designed for long mileage and a cool-running tread compound for RVs. It offers enhanced ride comfort and handling. For more information, visit www.goodyear.com/rv.
Hydro-Hot by Vehicle Systems, Inc.
Promotes hot water-based heating systems for motorhomes, offering continuous hot water for washing and luxurious interior heating. Features include an engine preheating function for easy starting in cooler climates. Contact Vehicle Systems at 1.800.685.4298 or www.vehiclesys.com.
Tiffin Motorhomes - Company Information
Details the publication of Roughing It Smoothly magazine by Book Production Resources for Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. Includes contact information for subscriptions and address changes. Mentions Tiffin's registered trademarks: Open Road®, Phaeton®, Allegro®, Allegro Bay®, Allegro Bus®, Zephyr®, Roughing It Smoothly®, and Pusher®.
President's Corner: Daddy: Recollections of a Life Well-Lived
By Bob Tiffin
This section is a personal tribute to Bob Tiffin's father, Alex Tiffin (1911-2004). It chronicles Alex Tiffin's life, starting from his childhood on a farm in Alabama, his early business ventures in Red Bay, his marriage to Katie, and his successful career in general merchandise and building supplies. Key business philosophies highlighted include honesty, paying suppliers, reinvesting profits, and understanding market demands. The narrative details the growth of Tiffin Supply Company and its eventual pivot towards motorhome manufacturing, with Alex Tiffin providing crucial financial support during challenging times like the 1973 oil embargo. The piece emphasizes Alex Tiffin's role as a mentor and his Christian principles influencing his business practices.
Image Description: Portrait of Robert Alexander Tiffin, Sr. (1911-2004).
Image Description: Bob Tiffin with his father during the winter of 1943-44.
Image Description: Alex and Katie Tiffin on their honeymoon at Rock City in 1936.
Image Description: Alex Tiffin with his sons Lex, Tim, and Bob in 1985.
Spartan Chassis Advertisement
Highlights the benefits of Spartan chassis for RVs, emphasizing advanced engineering, easy maintenance, power, and roadability. Mentions 24/7 customer support. Features the tagline "Everything's Riding On It." Visit www.spartanchassis.com.
News You Can Use: GPS Navigation for $150
By Jonathan Thompson
This article reviews DeLorme's Street Atlas 2005 bundled with a USB EarthMate GPS receiver for $150. It explains GPS technology and its civilian applications. The review covers software installation challenges, mapping features, points of interest, trip planning capabilities, and ease of use while driving. It notes that while the interface can be cluttered, the system is a cost-effective solution for Windows users needing navigation.
Image Description: A Tiffin motorhome with "Celebrating 50,000 Units" banner, and images of Cummins engines.
Image Description: A GPS device (DeLorme Earthmate) and a screenshot of the navigation software showing a route.
Tiffin Management Team: Horace Stepp, Plant Manager
An interview with Horace Stepp, Plant Manager at Tiffin Motorhomes, discussing his 30 years with the company. He emphasizes the importance of encouragement in management and fostering a positive working environment. Stepp details his career path, starting as a draftsman and rising to plant manager. He highlights the collaborative relationship between production and engineering departments and the company's commitment to employee success. The article also touches on his personal life, including his wife Janice working with him and his involvement in church activities.
Image Description: Two portraits of Horace Stepp.
Gibraltar Solid Surface Advertisement
Promotes Gibraltar solid surface countertops, highlighting durability, stain resistance, seamless appearance, and a 10-year warranty. Available in various Tiffin models like Allegro Bay, Phaeton, and Allegro Bus. Contact Wilsonart Solid Surface at www.wilsonart.com or 1-800-433-3222.
Image Description: A close-up of a kitchen countertop with fruit, and a couple in a kitchen.
Image Description: A statue of Abraham Lincoln seated in a red chair, with text about Ultrafabrics and Ultraleather.
Getting It All in 38
By Fred Thompson
A detailed review of the 2005 Tiffin Allegro Bay 38 TDB motorhome, built on a Workhorse W24 chassis with a GM Vortec 8100 V-8 engine and Allison 2100 MH transmission. The article praises its value package, interior design, and chassis features like the Quadraulic brake system and Stabil-Ride suspension. It discusses the cockpit layout, living area amenities, galley design, and bedroom features, including slide-out functionality. The review covers specifications, weights, and capacities, concluding that the Allegro Bay 38 TDB offers a comfortable and well-equipped RV experience.
Image Description: The cockpit of the Tiffin Allegro Bay 38 TDB, showing the dashboard and controls.
Image Description: The living area of the Tiffin Allegro Bay 38 TDB, featuring seating and slide-out space.
Image Description: A floor plan diagram of the Tiffin Allegro Bay 38 TDB.
Owner Profiles: It's not a hand out. It's a hand UP!
By Frank and Jan Woythal
This article highlights the work of RVers volunteering with Habitat for Humanity International through the "RV Care-A-Vanners" (RV-CAVs) program. It describes how these volunteers dedicate their time and resources to building homes for those in need across North America. The piece details the process of joining a build, the camaraderie among volunteers, and the impact of their work. It mentions specific volunteers like Art and Mary Ann Mavis and Bob and Marie French. The article also outlines the typical progression of a Habitat build, from site preparation to finishing touches.
Image Description: Photos showing RV-CAV volunteers working on different stages of house construction, including framing, siding, and interior work.
Tiffin Motorhomes - 50,000 Units Celebration
Reports on Tiffin Motorhomes rolling out its 50,000th motorhome on February 24, 2005. The event was recognized by Alabama Governor Bob Riley, who declared February 24 as Tiffin Motorhome Day. The article quotes founder and CEO Bob Tiffin and mentions the celebration attended by family, suppliers, customers, and employees. The 50,000th unit was a 40-foot Allegro Bus with a quad slide.
Image Description: Photos from the 50,000th unit celebration, including Tiffin family members and the motorhome.
Alabama Highlights
By Fred Thompson
A travelogue detailing a five-day tour of Alabama's attractions. It covers Tuscumbia (birthplace of Helen Keller, Alabama Music Hall of Fame), Florence (Rosenbaum House by Frank Lloyd Wright, W.C. Handy Birthplace), Huntsville (U.S. Space and Rocket Center), Birmingham (McWane Center), and Mobile (Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, Bellingrath Gardens). The article provides historical context, visitor information, and recommendations for each location, including details on exhibits, tours, and nearby accommodations.
Image Description: A map of Alabama highlighting the itinerary.
Image Description: The childhood home of Helen Keller (Ivy Green).
Image Description: The Rosenbaum House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Image Description: Artifacts from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, including a lunar lander.
Image Description: A funerary mask of gold from King Tutankhamun's tomb and a fragment of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Image Description: The Bellingrath home and gardens.
Image Description: An advertisement for Gilbert RV Insurance with sample motorhome rates.
In Your Corner: The Architecture of a Slide-out
This article explains the popularity and construction of slide-outs in Tiffin motorhomes. It details how slide-outs increase interior floor space and are manufactured as sub-assemblies before being integrated into the motorhome chassis. The article outlines the different slide-out configurations available across Tiffin's brands (Allegro, Allegro Bay, Phaeton, Allegro Bus, Zephyr) and their impact on interior living space.
Image Description: Photos illustrating the construction process of RV slide-outs, showing frame assembly, cabinetry installation, and the hoisting of slide-out modules into motorhomes.
Image Description: An advertisement for FAN-TASTIC VENT roof fans.
Serious Tech Talk: Q&A
This section addresses common technical questions from Tiffin motorhome owners. Topics include fixing headlights (discoloration and moisture), providing a list for non-engine scheduled maintenance (roof care, fiberglass care, slide-out care, fresh water system care, storage compartment care), proper procedures for dumping grey and blackwater tanks, cleaning holding tank sensors, and the use of the RV inverter. Expert advice is provided by Tiffin Service Techs.
Image Description: An advertisement for RIVERPARK and Visteon mobile audio electronics with Sirius Satellite Radio capabilities.
Image Description: An advertisement for Low-Profile RV Satellite Systems by King-Dome.
Image Description: A diagram illustrating the steps for handling roadside RV issues.
A Full-Timer's Journal: Michigan's Mackinac Island
By Harold & Lynne Breuninger
A personal account of RV travel to Mackinac Island, Michigan. The article describes the island's history, its unique car-free environment, and attractions like Fort Mackinac and the Grand Hotel. It also mentions the local specialty, pasties. The authors share their experiences with their Allegro Bus motorhome and provide practical travel tips.
Image Description: The Mackinac Bridge at night.
Image Description: An advertisement for Atwood Levelegs RV leveling system.
Image Description: An advertisement for THETFORD RV cleaning products.
From the Road: The Life and Times of Tiffin Motorhome Owners
This section features reader contributions. One story recounts a coincidence where current owners of an Allegro Bay met the previous owners. Another is a thank you note from an elderly owner expressing joy in receiving Tiffin literature. A third shares mileage and travel experiences. The section also includes a call for reader submissions about travel experiences, favorite BBQ spots, and fall color drives.
Image Description: A photo of two couples with their Tiffin motorhomes.
Image Description: A baby blowing a kiss, with an advertisement for RV Advantage Farm & City Insurance Services.
Workhorse W-Series Chassis Advertisement
Promotes the Workhorse W-Series as the biggest, baddest, and most powerful gas chassis for RVs, emphasizing control of the road, GM Vortec 8100 V8 engine, and Allison 1000 Series transmission. Features the tagline "A NEW BREED." Visit workhorse.com.
Recipe Contest: The One-Dish Meal Winner
Announces Doris Stacy's Chili Relleno Casserole as the winner of the Roughing It Smoothly recipe contest. The recipe is provided, along with notes from the judges and suggestions for serving. It also mentions the second and third place recipes.
Image Description: A prepared dish of Chili Relleno Casserole with accompaniments.
Quickshots from Tiffin
Features brief profiles and quotes from Tiffin Motorhomes staff members, including Della Emerson (Store Manager), Richard Blanton (Service Tech), Billy Nichols (Service Tech), Scotty Martin (Service Tech), Terry Elliott (Final Finish), Tom Webber (Regional Sales), Rita Pounds (Parts & Service Dept.), and Norris Lewey (Campground/Service Dept. Liaison). The quotes highlight their roles and experiences at Tiffin.
So You're Going to Red Bay
By Phoebe Wienke
A guide for owners planning to visit the Tiffin factory in Red Bay, Alabama, for service. It details the process of scheduling appointments, the potential wait times, the campground facilities, and the service experience. The article offers advice on managing expectations and enjoying the local atmosphere while waiting for service.
Image Description: A Tiffin motorhome with a "Sleep Number" bed advertisement.
Allegro Club News
Provides the rally schedules for 2005 and 2006 for the Allegro Club, including locations and dates for events like the Spring Pre-Rally, Branson Spring Fling, Summer Lake Escape, and Fall Getaway. It also outlines the benefits of club membership, such as discounts, newsletters, and access to technical seminars. Information is provided on how to join and contact details for rally information.
Image Description: Photos of scenic locations associated with rallies: Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods, Air Force Academy Chapel, The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, and Fort Mackinac.
Serious Tech Talk
This section includes a Q&A addressing technical issues for Tiffin motorhomes. Topics covered include headlight maintenance, non-engine scheduled maintenance, dumping holding tanks, cleaning tank sensors, and inverter usage. It also features advertisements for RV audio systems, satellite systems, and RV insurance.
Image Description: An advertisement for the Workhorse W-Series chassis.
