Roughing It Smoothly

SPECIAL: The New 2007 42-ft Phaeton QRH

See Page 6

A Tiffin motorhome is pictured in front of the Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs.

In This Issue:

• It's a Silent World... Snorkeling at Pennekamp State Park
• Cochise County: A Sunny Winter Haven in Arizona

TURNING IT UP, AGAIN.

Introducing another industry first by Freightliner Custom Chassis. Freightliner Custom Chassis' new independent front suspension by ZF®, with an industry-leading 60-degree wheel cut, enables enhanced maneuverability. This design focuses on negotiating tighter spaces and turns, providing more controlled confidence at the wheel, and expanding the limits of where you can go.

Freightliner Custom Chassis, The Leader at Every Turn.

Contact: 1.800.545.8831 | freightlinerchassis.com

A Freightliner chassis with RVs is shown on a scenic mountain road.

You've Been Packing!

Ensure your RV is not overloaded by checking axle end weights. The new Michelin® 305/70R22.5 XRV tires offer an expanded load capacity.

Note on Michelin tire capacity: The Michelin 305/70R22.5 XRV has a per-axle maximum load capacity of 15,660 lbs in singles and 27,760 lbs in duals at 120 psi cold pressure. Always weigh each axle and consult Michelin's Load and Inflation Tables for proper fitment and air pressure.

MICHELIN A better way forward.

All The Hot Water You Want...

A Hydro-Hot faucet is pictured.

Go Ahead, Turn It Up!

Tiffin Motorhomes understands the desire for an endless supply of hot water and quiet, luxurious interior heating. Hydro-Hot hydronic RV heaters provide these benefits from one compact unit, offering:

• Endless Hot Water
• Quiet, even interior heat
• Independent climate controls throughout your motorhome
• Engine Preheating Option

Ask for a Hydro-Hot heating system by name on your new motorhome.

Hydro-Hot By Vehicle Systems, Inc. Motorhome Heating Specialist

Contact: 1.800.685.4298 or visit www.hydro-hot.com

Publication Details:

Roughing It Smoothly magazine, January 2007, Volume 4, Number 1. Published by Book Production Resources for Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. Printed in the USA.

Departments Include: President's Corner, Making Repairs, In Your Corner, Water-Way Makes the Forms and Curves, News You Can Use, Gourmet Quick & Easy, Owner Profile, On the Road With Harold, Dealer Profile, Tiffin Management Team, Allegro Club News, Serious Tech Talk, From the Road.

Features Include: Another Home Run, Tiffin Scores Again with the 42-foot Phaeton QRH, It's a Silent World..., Honoring Our English Heritage, Cochise County, A Sunny Winter Haven in Arizona.

Editor's Note: The January 2007 issue marks the fourth year of publication, highlighting positive experiences and new friendships. This issue features travel stories on the Florida Keys and Cochise County, Arizona. Reader ideas and suggestions are welcomed.

Registered Trademarks: Open Road®, Phaeton®, Allegro®, Allegro Bay®, Allegro Bus®, Zephyr®, Roughing It Smoothly®, and Pusher®.

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: Making Repairs

By Bob Tiffin

Motorhomes are complex, requiring maintenance and repairs. Owners have choices: dealer, RV service center, or Tiffin Service Center. Tiffin Service Center appointments can be 3-6 months out, with wait times of 3-4 weeks without appointments during busy seasons. A campground with facilities is available for those visiting Red Bay.

Repairs typically best handled at the factory:

• Lamination problems (floors, roofs, sidewalls)
• Frame problems (rarely, if complex)
• Headliner replacements

A Norcold 1200LR refrigerator is pictured.

Norcold 1200LR Refrigerator Features:

Offers 27" of wide-open space with home-like features. Includes a built-in icemaker.

Contact: www.norcold.com or 1-800-521-3032.

ANOTHER HOME RUN: Tiffin Scores Again with the 42-foot Phaeton QRH

Story by Fred Thompson | Photography by Peter Finger

The popular Phaeton model is now available as a 42-foot version, offering a feature-packed floorplan at a competitive price. The 42 Phaeton QRH utilizes the Spartan Mountain Master GT Chassis, powered by a 350 hp Cummins ISL 8.9 liter diesel engine (1050 lb.-ft. torque). Key features include a relocated 32-inch HDTV, a 4-door refrigerator-freezer repositioned in the driver side slide-out, and increased living space.

The coach is designed for families and guests, offering comfortable seating for eight adults. It features full-body paint, a 10 Kw Quiet Diesel Onan generator, three 15,000 BTU low profile roof A/C systems with heat pumps, and two ducted furnaces (30,000 BTU and 35,000 BTU).

Exterior Features:

The exterior includes a 20-foot Carefree of Colorado patio awning with an automatic wind sensor. An optional 24-inch color television can be extended from the entertainment area, which also offers park telephone hookup, cable, 12v service, and a 110v outlet. Fueling is available from either side of the coach. The rear cap provides access to service points for engine oil, transmission oil, coolant, and chassis hydraulics, including a "filter minder." Behind the second side-opening door is an optional 89" x 38" slide-out tray. Adjacent cargo bays offer substantial storage. The fourth side-opening door houses the computer-electrical panel and HWH hydraulic pump. Battery compartments and electrical panels are located at the rear. The driver's side features fuse panels, compressed air connection, and air release lines.

Interior Features:

The interior is noted for its light and airy feel, with over 89 square feet of glass. It boasts dual pane windows, seven-foot ceilings, and a ducted return air cooling system with five-inch circular air intakes. Lighting is enhanced with 18-inch fluorescents, wall sconces, and recessed lighting. The interior design uses complementary fabrics and patterns. Options include full ceramic tile flooring and carpet in the bedroom. The coach offers two sofa types: an optional Flexsteel Cloth Magic Bed and an optional Cloth Flex Air® Hide-a-Bed, both designed for comfort and durability. The backsplashes are made from solid surface material with decorative designs. The 42 QRH floorplan features a relocated 4-door refrigerator-freezer, creating space for a pantry and housing the 32-inch HDTV. The living area seating is increased when the captain's and passenger's chairs are rotated 180 degrees. An optional leather Euro-Recliner and computer desk are available. The standard Home Theater system enhances entertainment.

The galley includes a stainless steel double sink, single-lever faucet with sprayer, a three-burner gas cooktop, and a microwave-convection oven. Solid surface covers provide additional countertop space. A four-seat dining table and TV trays accommodate dining.

A floor plan diagram of the Phaeton 42QRH is shown.

Galley and Dining Area:

The galley offers over 20 square feet of solid surface countertop space, with an Expand-an-Island adding 3.5 square feet. Storage is plentiful with multiple drawers and cabinets. An optional freestanding solid surface dining table extends to 41 inches and offers a panoramic view from a 58-inch wide picture window. A hutch provides additional storage. The dining table can convert to an office space with available outlets. A standard 3-speed exhaust fan is located in the galley area.

Master Bedroom:

The master bedroom is spacious, measuring approximately 11'4" x 11'2" with slides extended. It includes a queen island bed, ample storage, two stereo speakers, and reading lights. Tiffin offers various fabric choices for bedding and valances. An optional Select Comfort bed allows for personalized firmness settings.

Cockpit:

The cockpit features a Spartan instrumentation package and Tiffin controls, designed for safe and comfortable driving. The dash displays include RPM, MPH, fuel, air pressure, and engine temperature. A warning display cluster and an LED display provide comprehensive vehicle information. The Tiffin Control Panel offers access to various functions like leveling jacks, transmission, parking brake, and generator controls. The steering column is adjustable, and the 8-way power driver's seat ensures comfort.

Laundry-Bath Compartment:

This area includes a toilet-lavatory compartment (TLC), an optional washer-dryer combo, and a shower with a second lavatory. The TLC features a solid surface vanity countertop and ample storage. A medicine cabinet with double mirrors is also included. The laundry compartment houses shelving and an optional Splendide 2100 washer-dryer combo.

Specifications:

*MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price and does not include dealer prep or options. Manufacturer reserves the right to change or discontinue models, features, and prices without prior notice.

it's a silent world . . .

Story by Fred Thompson | Photography by Stephen Frink

An exploration of the John D. Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Florida Keys. The park is known for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse fish populations, and clear waters, offering an exceptional snorkeling experience. The article details the "buddy system" for safety, the use of masks and snorkels, and the nature of coral reefs as living ecosystems built by polyps. It highlights various coral types and the rich biodiversity found within the reef system, often referred to as the "rain forests of the ocean." The text also touches upon the fragility of coral reefs and the threats they face, such as rising water temperatures and pollution, and mentions the importance of conservation efforts.

Images depict underwater scenes with coral, fish, and a turtle. A diagram illustrates the anatomy of a coral polyp.

Pennekamp State Park Information:

The park offers snorkeling tours, glassbottom boat tours, and has a dive shop and marina. It provides RV camping with amenities like 50-amp service and water. Visitor services include a visitor center with an aquarium and a theater presentation on the reef's ecology. The article also provides historical context on the Overseas Highway and lists attractions in the Florida Keys, including Key West.

COCHISE COUNTY: A sunny winter haven in Arizona where Old West legends come alive

Story and Photography by Norman Spray

This article explores Cochise County, Arizona, as a winter destination offering a blend of natural beauty, history, and outdoor activities. It highlights the county's mountainous terrain, historic towns like Tombstone (famous for the O.K. Corral shootout), Bisbee (a former copper mining boomtown), and Sierra Vista. The region is rich in Old West history, featuring preserved saloons, mines, and sites associated with figures like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.

Key attractions include the Kartchner Caverns State Park, Fort Huachuca (a historic military installation), and various outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, and golf. The county is noted for its diverse wildlife, including numerous bird species. The article provides practical information for visitors, including contact details for local visitor centers and chambers of commerce.

Images depict Old West town scenes, reenactments, and landscapes of Cochise County.

IN YOUR CORNER: Water-Way Makes the Forms and Curves

By Fred Thompson

This section explains the manufacturing process behind the curved shapes and forms of Tiffin motorhome exteriors, focusing on the work of Water-Way, a fiberglass plant. It details the use of CAD-CAM software, CNC routers, and fiberglass molds to create components like front and back caps, wheel wells, showers, and tubs. The article also highlights the development of the one-piece fiberglass roof for all Tiffin brands and the advanced painting techniques used for full-body paint finishes, elevating motorhome design and painting to an art form.

Images illustrate various stages of the fiberglass manufacturing process, from mold creation to the application of Gel-Coat and fiberglass layers.

MaxxFan: Be Cool Rain or Shine

Introducing the new MaxxFan, a powered roof vent designed for rain-free ventilation. Its unique rain shield automatically moves into position when opened and tucks away when closed, maintaining a low profile. The fan features a 3 or 4-speed motor, thermostat with auto opening lid, and air intake/exhaust functions. It is available with Smoke Tint or Translucent White lids and offers various wall-mounted fan control options.

Contact: MAXAIR | 800-780-9893 | www.maxxair.com

Images show the MaxxFan product and components of its installation.

Visit the Golden State For Winter Fun! OUTDOOR RESORTS RANCHO CALIFORNIA

This resort, located in the Palomar Mountains of Southern California, offers spectacular views, lakes, and proximity to wineries and casinos. It features well-maintained lots and numerous facilities including clubhouses, a restaurant, swimming pools, spas, tennis courts, and access to a fishing lake.

Contact: TOLL FREE 888-767-0848 | Local (951) 767-0848 | www.outdoor-resorts.com

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Tiffin Sweeps RVDA "Quality Circle Awards" . . . Again!

Tiffin Motorhomes received top honors in the 2006 Quality Circle Awards, ranking first in 18 out of 24 categories and being the top-rated Class A manufacturer in three additional categories, according to the Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) survey. Tiffin achieved an overall rating of 90.8%, significantly higher than other manufacturers.

Bob Tiffin Elected to RVIA Board

Bob Tiffin, president and CEO of Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc., has been elected to serve a three-year term on the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association's Board of Directors. He plans to advocate for comprehensive technician training programs and product safety.

Jimmy Johnson Elected President of RVMCA

Jimmy Johnson, president of Tiffin Motorhomes' Allegro club, has been elected president of the RV Manufacturers' Clubs Association (RVMCA).

King Controls Introduces Next Generation of King-Dome Satellite TV Systems

King Controls has launched new King-Dome satellite TV systems featuring DVB technology for automatic satellite identification and switching. These systems offer access to national DIRECT-TV HD channels and are upgradeable from stationary to in-motion models.

Wintertime Motorhome Maintenance

This section provides essential advice for winterizing motorhomes, emphasizing the need to remove corrosive de-icing chemicals from the vehicle to prevent damage. It outlines specific cleaning procedures recommended by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation.

An Apollo by BLUE OX braking system is featured, highlighting its ease of installation and enhanced braking confidence.

GOURMET QUICK & EASY: Florida Shrimp & Lobster Cakes

By Maureen Callahan

A recipe for Florida Shrimp & Lobster Cakes, a Key West-inspired dish. The article also provides brief descriptions of local Key West foods like Conch, Key Limes, Stone Crab, and Florida Lobster.

Ingredients and instructions for the cakes and a mango salsa are provided.

Molding By Design specializes in custom lighted ceilings and exterior stainless packages for motorcoaches.

OWNER PROFILE: Jim Triplett

By Jim Triplett as related to Fred Thompson

Jim and Sarah Triplett share their experiences as Tiffin Allegro Bus owners, detailing their travels across North America and their satisfaction with Tiffin's quality and customer service. They emphasize how their motorhome facilitates family travel and memory-making.

Photos show the Triplett family and their Allegro Bus.

Convenience: Splendide Laundry Centers

Splendide offers compact laundry solutions for RVs, saving space and providing efficient washing and drying. Contact: 1-800-356-0766 | www.splendide.com

Low Profile Satellite Television Systems: King-Dome

King-Dome offers compact satellite TV systems that perform well in various weather conditions. Contact: 11200 Hampshire Ave. S. Bloomington, MN 55438 | 800-982-9920 | www.kingcontrols.com

Tiffin Plant Tours:

Tiffin Motorhomes offers daily plant tours Monday-Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., providing an inside look at the manufacturing process.

COCHISE COUNTY: A sunny winter haven in Arizona where Old West legends come alive

Story and Photography by Norman Spray

Cochise County, Arizona, is presented as an ideal winter destination for RV enthusiasts seeking history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. The article highlights the county's Old West heritage, including Tombstone and the O.K. Corral, as well as natural attractions like Kartchner Caverns State Park and Fort Huachuca. It provides practical information for visitors, including a directory of local tourist information centers.

Images showcase Old West town scenes, reenactments, and the landscapes of Cochise County.

ON THE ROAD WITH HAROLD: Interviews from Montana and Wyoming

By Harold Breuninger

Interviews with Allegro Club members Harry & Sandy Jones, Mark and Leann Quasius, and Robert (Bob) Barfield and Buddy, sharing their RV travel experiences, motorhome ownership insights, and appreciation for Tiffin Motorhomes.

DEALER PROFILE: Tom Stinnett

By Fred Thompson

Tom Stinnett, a successful RV dealer, discusses his business philosophy, emphasizing customer education, service, and strategic partnerships. He highlights the growth of his dealerships and his involvement in industry associations like RVDA and the "Go RVing Coalition." The article also mentions his company's prime location and facility size, contributing to significant annual sales.

A Winegard 12" Low Profile RoadTrip™ SD and SDi Satellite Antenna is featured, known for its automatic operation and performance.

TIFFIN MANAGEMENT TEAM: Tim Massey, Production Manager

By Fred Thompson

Tim Massey, Production Manager at Tiffin Motorhomes, shares his 21-year journey with the company, detailing the evolution of RV manufacturing from basic structures to luxury accommodations. He discusses advancements in materials, production processes, and the company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Massey also touches upon the importance of teamwork and continuous improvement in achieving production goals.

The SilverLeaf VMS 240™ dash instrument is highlighted for its ability to monitor fuel economy and provide diagnostic information for diesel motorhomes.

To Our Loyal Owners... NORCOLD BIG BEAR HUG $10,000 SWEEPSTAKES

Norcold is offering a $10,000 cash prize and 5,000 instant prizes to eligible RV owners with Norcold refrigerators (model years 1989-2005) as a thank you for their loyalty. Entry details are available on their website.

Deep in the Heart of Texas!

An account of an Allegro Club rally held near San Antonio, Texas, featuring seminars, entertainment, and tours of the local area, including the San Antonio River Walk and the Texas hill country. The rally fostered camaraderie among members and included recognition for chapter participation.

ALLEGRO CLUB NEWS: Club Members From West Coast to East Coast, Canada to Florida Came to Enjoy a Colorful Vermont Fall

By Fred Thompson

This article recounts an Allegro Club rally held in Essex Junction, Vermont, highlighting the beautiful fall scenery, enjoyable activities, and the strong sense of community among Tiffin motorhome owners. It mentions specific club members and their experiences, including dancing, a dinner cruise on Lake Champlain, and visits to local attractions like Shelburne Farms and the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory.

SERIOUS TECH TALK

This section addresses reader questions and provides technical advice related to Tiffin motorhomes. Topics covered include repair procedures for common issues like leaks and component failures, suggestions for improving functionality, and maintenance tips. It also features reader responses and recommendations for aftermarket products.

The section includes discussions on specific repair challenges, owner suggestions for design improvements, and advice on handling winter maintenance and potential issues with RV systems.

FROM THE ROAD: The Life and Times of Tiffin Motorhome Owners

This section features personal stories from Tiffin motorhome owners detailing their travel experiences and adventures. It includes accounts of trips along the Natchez Trace, visits to Niagara Falls, and practical tips for dealing with unexpected situations, such as using alligator clips to temporarily fix a malfunctioning wiper system.

The section also includes a story about a Mississippi Governor's tour in an Allegro Bus and highlights the performance of Cummins ISL engines in Tiffin motorhomes.

Spartan Chassis: Drove 500 miles. Strolled three.

Spartan Chassis is promoted for its active steering technology, which aims to provide a more relaxing and confident driving experience, allowing owners to enjoy their journey as much as their destination.

An advertisement for Spartan Chassis is displayed, featuring a steering wheel and a couple on a beach.