tiffin motorhomes...tiffin motorhomes volume 3 issue no.4 june 2007 3 a peak and a peek at...

TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

Volu

me

3 Is

sue

No.

4 JU

ne 2

00

7 3 ApeakandapeekatTiffinproduction:13coachesperdayputsplantnearoptimum

8-9Testingthe’07Allegro34TGAFREDWhattheownershavetosay

The Award-Winn ing A l legro C lub News le t ter For Le isure & L iv ing

10CaliforniachapteriscomputersavvyGoldenBearsboastCDandwebsite

What is most helpful when you’re considering – or at least dreaming about – a new Tiffin motorhome?

Maybe it’s the model brochures and the Tiffin website, where you can study GVWR, torque, TVs, basement space, warranties, interior amenities, color schemes and so much more.

Maybe it’s tire-kicking and jawing with a sales rep at a Tiffin dealership or an RV show.

Maybe it’s easing into the labyrinth of the internet, googling for technical reports from government agencies, checking out fuel economy, recalls and other effective gauges of product soundness.

Maybe it’s thumbing through RV magazines to scan ads, test reports, and in the process, learn of idyllic places to visit in your Tiffin motorhome.

The more we thought about all those approaches to evaluating motorhomes, the more we were convinced that another “tool” is more popular and, in most cases, more effective. That’s the couple at the campsite next to yours, or at least some folks who made similar purchase decisions recently. This is not a bad thing like copying somebody else’s homework. It’s finding a well informed, relevant source.

With all this thinking, we introduce in this issue of Side Roads a new feature. We hope you will find it sufficiently inviting for us to make it a regular.

On pages 8 and 9, you’ll meet Rich and Pat Yasco along with Allen and Gwen Main. They will tell you how they like their 2007 34TGA Allegro front-engine diesels. We think we have figured out the criteria most helpful to you. If we’ve missed something important, please let us know.

In a broader sense, please give us some feedback on these home-grown test reports. We want every page of Side Roads to be valuable to you.

Also in this issue, I call your attention to the rally schedule. We have added a couple of rallies in recent weeks: the Fall Gulf Getaway in Gulf Shores, AL, Oct. 1-5 and the Florida Fall Festival in Seffner, FL, Nov. 5-9. If you haven’t joined us for a rally yet, you might want to give the schedule and applications an even closer look.

You will also find a different type of treat from an old friend and Allegro Club member. Bob Poiry, the notorious Yankee Doodler cartoonist from the Black Swamp Allegros in Toledo, OH, puts down his drawing pen long enough to demonstrate that he can write, too. His column debuts on page 6.

I’ve been collecting and assessing feedback on our recent rallies and plan to share some observations with you in the September issue of Side Roads. If you have any additional thoughts about our rallies, please let me know.

From thedriver’s seat

2 SIDE ROADS

by Jimmy Johnson

SIDE ROADSIs published quarterly March, June, September and December

by the Allegro Club, Inc.

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PaidPermit # 159, Birmingham, AL

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Allegro Club, Inc.P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582

NOTICE OF RESPONSIBILITY:The Allegro Club, Inc., Red Bay, AL, has designed tours, caravans,

and rallies for your pleasure and enjoyment and has attempted to select for you the best campgrounds, accommodations, restaurants, and transportation facilities for the prices charged. Allegro Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of Directors do not own or operate any of the campgrounds, hotels, restaurants or transportation facilities and, furthermore, assume no responsibility for delays, losses, accidents, or for damage to persons or property caused by any person, firm, corporation, or other legal entity providing the following services: campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, transportation (including but not limited to transfers and sightseeing) or any other services incident to these tours, rallies, caravans or any activities of the Allegro Club, Inc. The right is reserved to substitute campgrounds, hotels, restaurants and alter the itinerary or reverse the places to be visited. The right is reserved to cancel the tour or caravan prior to departure. In the event of a tour or caravan cancellation, the Allegro Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of Directors’ liability is limited to a refund of money received.

The Allegro Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of Directors reserve the right to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary with the understanding that there is no extra charge. After a tour, caravan or rally begins, any unused portions of fees paid are not refundable. The Allegro Club, Inc., also reserves the right to terminate tour, caravan and rally services for any client at any time for good cause.

The mission of the Allegro Club is:1) To promote friendship, fellowship and camaraderie among all owners of Tiffin-built motorhomes;2) To provide pertinent information and assistance regarding Tiffin-built products, their maintenance and related safety topics;3) To promote brand loyalty to Tiffin-built motorhomes among current owners; 4) To encourage ownership of Tiffin-built motorhomes among non-owners. The Allegro Club reserves the right to edit submissions for space and

clarity. Manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and other proposed content are welcomed and will be considered for publication. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Content, including statements of fact and opinion, do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. or the Allegro Club, Inc. Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. and the Allegro Club, Inc. are not responsible for content. Privacy laws and policies prevent Side Roads from publishing memorials, illnesses and other personal information without written permission.

ON THE COVER Ah, June, the weddings month, and what better honeymoon suite than a 2008 Allegro Bus? The 30-inch wide entrance well and power step make it easy to bring all those wedding gifts on board. One remote controls TVs, satellite and DVD. And don’t make us blush here, but the new single-piece power blackout windshield shade….

LETTERS TO THE EDITORWant to share an experience you had in your Tiffin Motorhome? Have a comment or suggestion about SideRoads, the Allegro Club newsletter? Write to:

Side Roads Editor, Allegro ClubP.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582

Please include your name, address, email and phone number so we can contact you.

CONTACTS:Tiffin Motorhomes Parts & Service:

(256) 356-0261

Allegro Club: (256) [email protected]

Jimmy Johnson, Allegro Club president

Verbon Jones, Allegro Club office manager

Cynthia Skinner, Allegro Club membership coordinator

Janet Gober, Allegro Club administrative assistant

www.tiffinmotorhomes.com

PresidentAllegro Club

Melvin Dotson hates to go slow, so it didn’t bother him a bit when Tiffin Motorhomes increased its production to 13 units a day in late February. Dotson came to Tiff in as a parts shipper in 1976, started the parts department, then launched the doors shop eight years later. He still manages that 26-person operation.

The stepped-up production to 3,250 coaches a year w i l l br i ng t he Cla ss A motorhome manufacturer in Red Bay, AL, within striking distance of a realistic optimum production for the current plant – 4,000 Allegros, Allegro Bays, Phaetons, Allegro Buses and Zephyrs, according to General Manager Tim Tiff in. One immutable factor

blocks greater expansion, Tiff in explains: Quality control. “Our Number 1 concern is that we maintain quality standards,” Tiffin says. “We would not go up unless we were convinced of that.” For customers, the production increase is expected to decrease lead times for orders. With current demand, 8-10 weeks pass between order and delivery for diesel pushers. For the front-engine models, the lead time is now 4-6 weeks. Just last July, Tiff in reported to its dealers that production had held steady at eleven for six months, even with a number of competitors cutting production and offering incentives as fuel prices rose. The Tiff in plant went to twelve units a day last October before the latest increase. “A key to success for us was the development of separate gas and diesel production lines,” Tim Tiffin adds. “We are currently building 60% diesel pushers, 10% front-engine diesels and 30% gas units a day. The gas market is coming back.” In 2006, Tiff in introduced front-engine diesel Allegro Bays on a new Freightliner chassis. For the 2007 model year, Tiff in added the FRED option to its moderately priced Allegro line in

addition to the Allegro Bay. Both FRED models were immediate successes throughout Tiff in’s 100 dealerships in the U.S. and Canada. For the jump to 13 units a day, Tiff in added about 20 production jobs, bringing the total to just over 900. For Dotson in the door shop, the production increase enabled him to add some help, but with additional staff came additional training needs. The door shop builds all the basement and entry doors on the diesel pushers and the gasser basement doors. “It’s not that hard to pick up production and our people have handled it real well,” Dotson says. “Your job gets simplif ied because your job description gets narrowed. Each worker can’t do as big a variety of jobs. When production slows, it gets harder.”

“We’re building the best door we have ever had,” Dotson says with pride. “They are stronger and they shut better. We never had door delamination problems. They just don’t come apart.” Dotson has little turnover, typically losing workers to retirement. “This becomes family,” he says.

Tiffin boosts production near capacity

SIDE ROADS 3

From left, Chris Stanphill, Newman Mattox and Melvin Dotson inspect their work in the Tiffin door shop.

Tim Tiffin

4 SIDE ROADS

Roadside recipesby Gail Johnson

Wherever you may live in this wonderful land of ours, we are sure you are ready, as we are in northwest Alabama, to welcome summer.

After enduring the coldest Easter on record in our area, we are more than ready to look forward to warm sunny days and balmy summer nights. In keeping with those thoughts, our recipes this issue will be appropriate for light summer suppers or for delicious meals or snacks on the road as you travel in your Tiffin motorhome.

Let us know how you like them, and happy travels.

Tomato Pie with Basil This recipe was a big hit at the Stone Mountain Rally. I used leftover tomato slices from a cookout. It will be even better when the tomatoes are from summer gardens.

Ingredients:1 9-inch frozen unbaked deep-dish pie crust 3 tablespoons snipped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil3 or 4 medium tomatoes, sliced, drained and patted dry 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste3/4 cup mayonnaise8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled1/3 cup crushed rich round crackers

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thaw frozen crust for 10 minutes at room temperature. Arrange some of the tomato slices to form a single layer. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with half of the bacon and basil. Repeat with another layer, using ingredients in the same order. Combine cheese and mayonnaise; spread over the top of pie. Sprinkle with crushed crackers. Bake for 30 minutes or until crumbs begin to brown. If using convection microwave, bake on the convection setting at 350 degrees and start checking after 20 minutes of cooking time.

Instructions:

Cheese BitesThis is a tasty and quick little appetizer that would be great to take to a party or to serve with a Mexican meal. If you like it hot, use a few more chilies!

Ingredients:3 eggs 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons plain flour 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese1/2 cup milk

1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies1/2 teaspoon salt

Beat eggs; add f lour, milk, and salt and beat. Pour in chilies and cheese. Bake in a well-greased 9” x 13” pan for about 30 minutes in a pre-heated 350 degree oven. It is done when the edges begin to turn brown. For convection cooking, decrease cooking time and check after about 20 minutes. Note: when serving, use a metal spatula to carefully remove from pan. The squares will tend to stick, especially around the edges.

Instructions:

Strawberry Marshmallow SaladThis refreshing fruit salad would be a great accompaniment to a summer meal. Shared by Michelle Tiffin.Ingredients:1 package mini marshmallows 1 can mandarin oranges, drained

1 cup boiling water 2 packages frozen strawberries, thawed

1 large can crushed pineapple, drained1 large package cherry gelatin

Melt marshmallows in the boiling water. Add gelatin and mix well. Add all fruit. Pour into an oblong dish and refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Instructions:

SIDE ROADS 5

Brown chicken breasts lightly. Transfer to greased 13” x 9” pan. Brush with teriyaki sauce; spoon on salad dressing. Sprinkle with cheese, onions, and bacon. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes.

Instructions:

Ingredients:6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/2 cup teriyaki sauce 3 green onions, chopped

1/2 cup ranch dressing1/2 cup chopped bacon

Easy Baked ChickenEasy to do on the road or at home and delicious.

Ingredients:1 can French-style green beans 1/2 cup sour cream2 cans shoe peg corn

1/4 cup chopped onion1 can cream of celery or mushroom soup1/2 cup slivered almonds

1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese1/2 stick butter, melted butter-flavored crackers, crushed

Instructions:Drain and mix beans and corn together; place in casserole dish. Mix soup, sour cream, cheese, and onions. Spread over vegetable mixture. Top with crushed crackers and almonds. Pour melted butter over all and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 to 45 minutes.

Shoe Peg Corn CassesroleThis is a family favorite at Johnson family gatherings. It’s a great (but not low-cal) way to get your veggies.

1 12-ounce package butterscotch morsels1 8-ounce package cream cheese1/3 cup butter or oleo

1 can sweetened condensed milk2 cups graham cracker crumbs1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped nuts 1 egg

Instructions:Preheat oven to 350 degrees (325 for glass pans). Melt morsels and butter in sauce pan or in microwave. Stir in crumbs and nuts. Press half of mixture firmly onto bottom of greased 13 x 9 inch pan. In large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy; beat in milk, vanilla, and egg. Mix well. Pour into prepared pan; top with remaining crumb mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Reduce baking time for convection microwave. Cool completely, or chill, before cutting into bars. Refrigerate leftovers.

Butterscotch Cheesecake BarsA rich and delicious dessert; perfect with a cup of coffee after dinner or for a snack.Ingredients:

6 SIDE ROADS

Well you see, we bought a four-month-old Allegro in early 2000. It was the biggest thing on wheels we had ever been in. Well, other than that Greyhound I took to boot

camp in ’59. When the salesman took

us for a ride in it, Carol whispered those four little words every man wants to hear from his lady at a time like this. “Let’s git it.” Even though the little fella was only 31 ft. long, it seemed awfully big to us. Then we joined the Black Swamp Allegros Chapter 140, based out of Toledo, Ohio. We wanted to learn all about this motor homin’ thing from some RV veterans. We knew nothing.

Belonging to the chapter has been better than taking a four-year college course on RVing. The exchange of ideas and experiences is what it’s all about, not to mention the new family we adopted. Our “little fella” seemed to fit right in at the time.

But as Bob and the boys down in Red Bay kept turning out bigger and fancier rigs for folks to buy, these magnificent highway machines have spread their elegance all the way across the nation. Not only are they getting longer, they’re getting taller. Since Carol and I still have that same cute little fella, we try to pull alongside a different one at each campout, thus sharing the shade, so to speak.

Our little guy didn’t come with jacks, slide-outs, back-up cameras or huge storage compartments. It’s a

low profile one, just under 11 feet tall. We’ve noticed that when we’re caravanning to a rally (which we love to do) or other destination, we can follow close to one of those great old big ’uns and get better gas mileage. If we can handle the turbulence, that is. This practice is not encouraged by an inexperienced gas miser. It’s so light on its wheels that it’ll still burn rubber at a light. Going up mountains is a piece of cake. We like to refer to it as a minivan on steroids. You can even climb on our roof and not worry about having a fear of height.

We’ve had folks in our chapter who have swapped up three times in a couple of years because the old one is due for a scheduled oil change (just kidding).

For our June campout a couple of years ago, we pulled into the County Fairgrounds in Urbana, Ohio. Bob Montgomery, our current president, and his wife Darlene had arranged sites for all of us at the campgrounds there. As we were about to park, we saw this HUGE beautiful full-body painted rig with awesome graphics sitting nearby. I thought it might belong to a famous star like Ricky Skaggs. Turns out this pavement princess belonged to none other than Ralph and Ethel Mae Vogtsberger, retired farmers who belong to our chapter.

One of these days maybe you’ll even see us cruising down the highway in one of those turnpike head-turners. If you do, look behind us. You just might see us towing Pee-Wee. In the meantime, however, we’re satisfied with the little fella. When asked if we’re ever going to swap him in for a bigger one, our answer is “NO” (well, at least for now). But if I hear Carol whisper “Let’s git it” again, I’m ready to change my tune.

The Yankee Doodler Cartoonist Bob Poiry

A ‘pavement princess’ may one day tow Pee-Weeby Bob Poiry

Close readers of Side Roads know him as the Yankee Doodler, our cartoonist from the first issue on. Members of the Black Swamp Allegros never know what next will spring from his creative mind at chapter campouts.

In this issue, bowing to intense pressure from the Allegro Club president and the Side Roads editor, Poiry puts his humorous view of the RV world into words as well as cartoons. Fans of outdoors writer Patrick F. McManus may see some style similarity.

Bob and Carol Poiry live outside Toledo, where he retired as a homicide detective. When Bob isn’t drawing or writing or tooling around in the Allegro, he’s probably playing his banjo or riding his snowmobile or watching people for future Side Roads contributions.

SIDE ROADS 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CU

T HE

RE- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#

Tiffin Allegro Club Jellystone JubileeAugust 20 – August 24, 2007 (Check out August 25)

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort / Warrens, WI

Cost: Allegro Club member motorhome with two (2) people / $595 • Allegro Club member motorhome with one (1)person / $415 • Non-member motorhome with two (2) people / $795 • Non-member motorhome with one (1) person / $615• Each additional guest / $225 Total Cost: $

Number of people Amount enclosed (full payment required) $ Name:Second person’s name:Mailing Address:City/State/Zip:Telephone number: Allegro Club #: Chapter #:Name of guest(s) in member’s motorhome:We wish to park with our chapter (listed above) or individual:We will be in: q Allegro q Allegro Star q Allegro Bay q Allegro Bus q Open Road q Phaeton q ZephyrMotorhome length: License plate # : State: Tow vehicle: Make: License plate #: State: My chassis is: q Ford q Workhorse q Chevrolet q Oshkosh q Spartan q Freightliner q John Deere q Other:YES q / NO q This is our first Allegro Club rally.YES q / NO q We wish to park in the handicapped section. (Enclose Handicapped Certification copy with your registration.)YES q / NO q We will bring our pet(s).

Participants wishing to park together must send registration and rally fee in together! Get your reservations in early. There will be only 120 spaces available.

No reservations will be taken after the deadline of July 11, 2007. The refund deadline is July 11, 2007. Send check, money order or fill out complete credit card information below:q Visa q Master Card q DiscoverCredit Card Number: Expiration Date

___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Month Year

Signature:

Call (256) 356-8522 to register by phone or fax your registration form to (256) 356-9746. You can mail your reservation form with check payable to: Allegro Club, P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582-1429

This event is available to the first 120 eligible applicants.

Cost Includes: 5 nights camping fee, full hook-ups (50 amps), several meals, entertainment & activities. When on hand, Tiffin factory technicians will perform minor repairs at no cost. Dealers will display the latest in Tiffin-built motorhomes for your viewing. Plenty of food, fun and fellowship.

Attention: Early arrivals and late departures should be handled on your own by

calling Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort at 888/386-9644.

No partial or total refunds will be given after the refund deadline. Upon cancellation

a $20 handling fee will be charged. Travel insurance is an option available through Farm

& City Insurance (1-800-331-1520). Payment must accompany each rally registration.

Important: The Allegro Club has planned this event based upon claim

assumptions, including a minimum number of participants. On occasion,

circumstances arise which make the event impractical. Accordingly, the Allegro

Club reserves the right to cancel the event for any reason, at any time and without

obligation beyond the refund of any prepaid fees for the cancelled event.

By registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following

statements: “I understand that neither the Allegro Club, Tiffin Motorhomes,

Inc., nor any campground, restaurant, bus service or supplier assume any

responsibility directly or indirectly, for the use or operation of a car or

recreational vehicle going to or from or during the rally; or for injuries before,

during or after the rally; or damage to property of any kind before, during or

after the event; and I also grant permission for the use of photographs, videotape,

written or verbal testimonials and other media from the rally that depict

registrants and their guests for promotional purposes by Tiffin Motorhomes Inc.

and the Allegro Club.”

What the owners say: Testing the 2007 Allegro 34 TGA FREDour REvIEWERS

Rich and Pat Yacso live in Parrish, FL, with Rugby, 3, standard poodle; Kenzie, 10, Welsh terrier; and Skeeter, 2, Airedale terrier. The Yacsos have been RVing since they moved to Florida eight years ago. Their Bay is their third RV. They do a lot of boondocking, state and federal park camping, and traveling on dog show

circuits, so they were looking for something under 35 feet. They have had their 34 TGA four months. [email protected] or [email protected], 941-766-0630 TURnIng radius, road HAnDLIng and STABILITy

The first thing we noticed about this unit was how well the FRED chassis handled and how tightly it turns. The 55-degree wheel cut is awesome. It’s like driving a big station wagon. The driving stability is wonderful. We have gone down two lane country roads at 55-60 mph and had oncoming semis pass us and hardly even noticed they were there. No more white knuckles on the wheel. This unit handles exceptionally well around town and on the highway. POWER/TORqUE

On the highway is where this coach really shines. The unit has plenty of power to enter the freeway and pass and enough torque to pull away from red lights quite smartly. When we travel, usually fully loaded and at 65 mph, we hardly hear the engine work. We are getting 10.5 to 11 mpg on a brand new engine.

LEARnIng CURvE for MAInTEnAnCE, ELECTROnICS and other features

It’s easy to drive, and very driver friendly – not a lot of systems and gadgets to worry about.

nOISE level (both PARkED and MOvIng)

It’s not a pusher but it’s much quieter than our previous diesel puller and quieter than most big block gas engines.

efficiency of HEATIng and COOLIng SySTEMS

It’s well-insulated from both weather and noise. We really like the dual heating/cooling systems so we can keep the bedroom cool and the salon area warm at night. We also like the ducted AC system that makes for a much cleaner ceiling.

SPACIOUSnESS of LIvIng room

We have looked at dozens of floor plans and haven’t found anything we like nearly as much as this one, even in coaches costing 2 or 3 times this unit’s price. The living room is over 10 ft. wide with the slides out and that’s a lot of room. The living room is actually big enough to dance in and the dogs to play in. ATTRACTIvEnESS of interior DECORATIOn

It’s a beautiful and well-appointed unit. We have the cherry bark interior. WORkABILITy of gALLEy

Pat, a gourmet cook, says the kitchen is large enough to prepare the occasional candlelight dinner. We cook at least two meals a day in the coach when we are traveling. The counter space is adequate but Pat would have liked a recessed stovetop and an inset over the stove to add another 4 or 5 sq. ft. of counter space. comfort and USABILITy of BATHROOM

The bathroom is really nice. The shower is large and out of view even with the divider doors open. The separate commode and sink is a very nice feature. We would like a larger freshwater tank. LIvABILITy of BEDROOM

We like the good storage with both closet and drawers under the bed, usable even when making a quick stop at a rest area when you can’t/don’t want to put the slide out. Extremely livable. We would like a generator on/off switch in the bedroom.

8 SIDE ROADS

What the owners say: Testing the 2007 Allegro 34 TGA FRED

SIDE ROADS 9

our REvIEWERSAllen and Gwen

M a i n l i ve i n Mission, TX. They have owned 11 RVs, including six motorhomes. The last three were made by Tiff in. This report covers a 500-mile trip

from North Texas to the Rio Grande Valley towing a SUV that weighs almost 5,000 lbs. The Mains purchased their 34 TGA last October. They say they are very satisfied with the motorhome and expect to have it for a number of years. [email protected], 956-581-5900 TURnIng radius, road HAnDLIng and STABILITy

We found the ride very stable and the increased turning radius when entering and leaving a service station and parking very helpful. POWER/TORqUE

We really appreciate the power of the Cummins 300-hp diesel coupled with the smoothness of the Allison 5-speed transmission, We started the trip with a full tank of fuel and we filled the tank as full as possible at the end of the trip. Our fuel mileage, with a brisk headwind and pulling our SUV, was 9.5 mpg.

LEARnIng CURvE for MAInTEnAnCE, ELECTROnICS and other features

We’re enjoying the ease of operation of the radio compared to our previous units and the fact that we have a CD player as well as a DVD player now.

nOISE level (both PARkED and MOvIng)

When we purchased the FRED we had some concerns whether the noise level of the front-end diesel would be excessive. We found the noise level when idling was noticeable but not excessive, however, when driving it was nearly as quiet as the last Allegro, which had the Workhorse chassis and was considerable less than our first Allegro, which had a Ford V10 chassis. The engine noise level while driving is low enough that we can listen to our radio.

efficiency of HEATIng and COOLIng SySTEMS

We especially like the completely ducted cooling system and the absence of the usual grates below the air conditioners. We haven’t used the heating system, due to warm weather.

SPACIOUSnESS of LIvIng ROOM

The double living room slideouts make for a very spacious living area. ATTRACTIvEnESS of interior DECORATIOn

Everyone who walks into our unit has commented on how very attractive the decor is. We especially like the design on the cornices over the day and night shades. We like the buffet alongside the table, as well. WORkABILITy of gALLEy

The galley is very spacious with lots of counter space. The combination of a microwave and convection oven is a plus.

comfort and USABILITy of BATHROOMWe really enjoy having two lavatories, one by

the shower and the other in the toilet area. Very convenient.

LIvABILITy of BEDROOM

The single slideout in the bedroom provides ample room with plenty of closet and storage space.

“We really appreciate the power of the Cummins 300-hp diesel coupled with the smoothness of the Allison 5-speed transmission”.

10 SIDE ROADS

Thanks to Ray Herring, the

Allegro Golden Bears don’t have to lug bulky chapter scrapbooks around. The chapter is

computer savvy. Herring, retired military and retired transmitter

supervisor for KGO-TV in San Francisco, convinced the club’s 22 members to store their photos, meeting minutes, hints, tips and other

data on a password-protected website and CDs. It was an easy sell.

“There wasn’t any opposition,” Herring says. “They all saw the benefits, thought it was great and said let’s go. “

Why a website and CDs? While almost all chapter members have web access, several have relatively slow dial-up access, which makes downloading large files frustratingly

time consuming. The website and CDs, approaching a year in operation, have had a very positive impact on the chapter treasury. Chapter Historian Rhonda Little no longer makes costly prints of photos from campouts and other activities. A key factor in the website development was an offer from the Tiffin RV Network to host the 10-year-old chapter’s site for $100 per year. Herring says the website is “member driven.” Content includes a membership directory, campout schedule with maps, meeting minutes, scrapbook pages from chapter events and RV care information, like holding tank maintenance.. Herring and his wife Marilyn live in Fairfield, CA, and drive a 2004 Phaeton GH. What advice does he have for other Allegro Club chapters? “The website and

CD are something to look at if you have someone who is technically oriented,” Herring says. “You can significantly cut mailing costs and make distribution of

information much easier.” Herring says he is “more than willing” to help other chapters

through the technical processes. “Why not?” he adds with a laugh. The Allegro Golden Bears website is at

allegrogoldenbears.com however many portions are password protected for privacy issues. To contact

Herring: 707-426-2288; [email protected]

No heavy scrapbooks for Allegro Golden Bears

SIDE ROADS 11

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CU

T HE

RE- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#

Tiffin Allegro Club Fall Gulf GetawayOctober 1 – October 5, 2007 (Check out October 6)

Gulf Breeze Resort / Gulf Shores, AL




No reservations will be taken after the deadline of August 15, 2007. The refund deadline is August 15, 2007. Send check, money order or fill out complete credit card information below:q Visa q Master Card q DiscoverCredit Card Number: Expiration Date

___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Month Year

Signature:





calling Gulf Breeze Resort at 251/968-8884.



















12 SIDE ROADS

Campgrounds

The Lone Star Allegro Club of Houston describes Rayford Crossing RV Resort as “certainly a fine example of the good life” following a lovely newsletter tale about simplicity, solitude and the appreciation of natural beauty. Outside Houston near The Woodlands Waterway/Market Street Concert area, this resort is new and modern with very clean facilities, concrete streets and sites, wi-fi, free cable and beautiful landscaping. Like goats? The Space Coast Allegros of Melbourne, FL, can tell you where to find them. Visit Oklawaha RV Resort in Fort McCoy, FL. A herd of goats will visit your campsite. Better hurry, though: The chapter learned that this favored campground is selling lots and installing park models, so campers may be squeezed out at some point. The Lone Star Allegro Club of Houston likes the rich history of the Coushatte Recreation Ranch in Bellville, TX. Owned by the Nelius family since 1877, until 1973 the property was used for cotton, cattle and chickens. Now it’s 225 acres of trees, nature trails, a pond, a fishing creek, antique cars and farm equipment. Hayrides are available. The 200 RV sites have full hookups and the ranch offers seven halls with full kitchens. The Sun Coast Allegros of Tampa found a pleasant surprise in their own back yard: Rally Park, the campground in Seffner related to Lazy Days RV Center, a Tiffin dealership. At Rally Park, a free newspaper is delivered to your site. Other amenities at the well-maintained park include breakfast and lunch, 50-amp service, cable, pool, wi-fi and a recreation hall.

The Sun Coast gang also recommends Tropical Palms RV Resort in Kissimmee, FL, which is conveniently close to major attractions and features limited cable TV, pool, shuffleboard, a recreation hall (for rent), poolside restaurant, 50-amp sites and cottages.

A third recommendation from the Sun Coast chapter is no surprise: Suncoast RV Resort in Port Richey. Wonder how the

chapter picked a park with that name? The park has a pool, laundry, cable, 50-amp service and a small rec hall. Sites are shaded and grassy, but some are tight. The Lucky 7 Allegros from Las Vegas visited the Oasis RV Resort on the southern end of Las Vegas. The chapter reports the resort is secure, sparkling clean, has nice sites and clean private individual showers and bathrooms, plus a convenience store, café, dog areas and an adjacent dog park. Groceries and fancy coffee shop are nearby. The chapter cautions that this resort is often full in January-April snowbird season, during NASCAR® events and rodeo season (early December). The Lakes RV and Golf Course caught the eye of the California Allegro Roadrunners for an April campout. The resort is in Chowchilla and is a top-rated facility with 87 campsites, man-made lake, heated pool and spa. The clubhouse is close to campsites, too.

Restaurants

We’ve heard that Las Vegas may have one or two moderately priced, food-laden buffets. The Lucky 7 Allegros who call that area home recommend the South Coast buffet with stations offering salad, soup, seafood, Asian, barbecue, Italian, American and dessert selections at a good price. The chapter also enjoyed the breakfast and lunch fare at the Oasis RV Resort where the campout was held. Attentive, friendly servers for basic fare. Dinner shows caught the eye of Sun Coast Allegro members while at a campout in Kissimmee, FL. One contingent went

Chapter Chatter: Next time you pass this way

(Continued on Page 14)

A bundled-up Kay Alexander of Cullman, AL, enjoys the dixieland trio at the Allegro Club rally in Stone Mountain, GA.

SIDE ROADS 13

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CU

T HE

RE- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#

Tiffin Allegro Club Florida Fall FestivalNovember 5 – November 9, 2007 (Check out November 10)

Rally Park / Seffner, FL




No reservations will be taken after the deadline of September 21, 2007. The refund deadline is September 21, 2007. Send check, money order or fill out complete credit card information below:q Visa q Master Card q DiscoverCredit Card Number: Expiration Date

___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Month Year

Signature:





calling Rally Park at 800/905-6627.



















14 SIDE ROADS

to Dixie Stampede, another group tried Capone’s. Both reported enjoyable evenings at $23 and up. The Sun Coast Allegros also recommend Hellas in Tarpon Springs, FL. Hellas has indoor and outdoor casual dining with Greek décor and such entrees (averaging $12) as spinach pie, cheese pie, Greek spaghetti, gyros, moussaka, kabobs, squid, plus Greek and French pastry. Burgers and chicken fingers serve less adventuresome palates. Corky Bells is a new restaurant in Titusville, FL, and the Space Coast Allegros like it. “It was extra good after a lengthy wait.”

Destination attractions

A free shuttle from the Oasis RV Resort in Las Vegas takes RVers to the South Point Resort for dining, gaming, scheduled shows and a full-service spa, according to the Lucky 7 Allegros. While camping at Rally Park in Seffner, FL, the Sun Coast Allegros ticked off a list of attractions within a 30-minute drive: Busch Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo, the University of South Florida Botanical Gardens, Tampa

Florida Aquarium, open air shopping at Tampa’s Franklin Street Mall, the Sunken Gardens and Museum of History in St. Petersburg and the Seminole Casino.

The Sun Coast Allegros offer an equally impressive list for Central Florida, where they camped in Kissimmee at Tropical Palms RV Resort: Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Cypress Gardens, water parks and Old Town. Some chapters have it easier than others.

Camping Tips

The Puget Sound Allegro Chapter figured out how to take the mess out of adding bleach or baking soda to fresh water tanks. Some

tanks require a 90-degree funnel, which can be fashioned from a quart-size plastic oil container with some surgery on the narrow side. The makeshift funnel ensures that the bleach reaches the tank without spill, and the follow-up baking soda removes the disagree-able odor and taste. Another reason to plan your campouts far in advance comes from the Puget Sound Allegro Chapter. More and more RV parks are requiring individual site deposits two weeks to a month in advance.

Chapter-to-Chapter

At a rally earlier this year, the First Coast Allegros of Jacksonville, FL, added $109 to the chapter treasury with an RV garage sale. Two chapter members, Lloyd Powell and Bill Hancock, led an information exchange about DeLorme and Microsoft GPS systems. The discussion was in the campground clubhouse, but coordinates were not provided. In what may be a related action, the chapter has voted to destroy much of the mountain of documents collected over 21 years of paperwork without historical or IRS value. Every chapter officer had passed material to successors until that game was no longer fun. The Puget Sound Allegro Chapter can now be found at www.pugetsoundallegro.com joining several other chapters in the internet revolution. The site offers the latest information on club outings and helps recruit additional members. The chapter keeps more private information off the site.

Chapter chatter(Continued from Page 12)

2007 Allegro Club Rally ScheduleAllegro Club Northwest Rally Maple Grove RV ResortRandle, WAJune 5-7, 2007 (break camp June 8)

Allegro Club Jellystone JubileeYogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp ResortWarrens, WIAugust 20-24, 2007(break camp August 25)

Allegro Club Fall Gulf Getaway Gulf Breeze ResortGulf Shores, ALOctober 1-5, 2007 (break camp October 6)

Allegro Club Florida Fall Festival Rally ParkSeffner, FLNovember 5-9, 2007 (break campNovember 10)

For additional information: [email protected] or www.tiffinmotorhomes.com • Phone: 256-356-8522 • Fax: 256-356-9746 or write: Allegro Club P.O. Box 1429 • Red Bay, AL 35582-1429

(Continued on Page 15)

SIDE ROADS 15

Catfish and shrimp for everybody

Chapter chatter(Continued from Page 14)

While many chapters are engaged in charitable projects, the Sun Coast Allegros of Tampa donated toys to Toys for Tots; blankets, food, towels and toys to the animal shelter; school supplies for school children from limited resource families; and cash to an interim housing center for women and children. We should also mention the California Allegro Roadrunners for their decision to provide toys to the Ronald MacDonald House Foundation in Palo Alto instead of exchanging gifts among members.

Quirky Occurrences

Wooly Worm Workouts? Is that a video sold on late-night TV? The Space Coast Allegros of Melbourne, FL, plan a visit to the famed Wooly Worm Festival in the mountains of Western North Carolina this October. Chapter members are rumored to be “paying big bucks for Wooly Worms to enter in the race.” Just where does one find Wooly Worms in Central Florida? Chapter Reporter Susan Humanes also wonders if Wooly Worms will be seen in training at the chapter’s next campout, and whether they will have names like Zephyr, Pusher, Fred, Bay, Phaeton and Bus?

Sherrie and Bill Gattoni must have wondered a bit as they set up their Allegro Bus at their campsite for their first Lucky 7 Allegros rally. No Tiffin coaches in sight. Turns out they were in the wrong RV club’s nest. Wagonmaster Ed Bennett successfully negotiated an exchange of prisoners, but Sherrie and Bill missed some of the activities. There’s a new sheriff in town, and he’s vowing to clean things up. Joe Anderson has been appointed sheriff of the Puget Sound Allegro Chapter, the first male sheriff in a decade for the chapter. In addition to busting members for not wearing name tags (25-cent fine), Sheriff Joe is threatening additional fines for dirty motorhomes. Wonder if he carries a pearl-handled spray gun in his holster? “We felt like we had a rock star in our midst,” reported the Sun Coast Allegros of Tampa. At a campout at Rally Park in Seffner, FL, they were browsing among Tiffin coaches at Lazy Days RV Center when they spotted Tiffin Motorhomes Founder and CEO Bob Tiffin. Never one to disappoint his fans – make that customers, Tiffin agreed to pose for pictures with the chapter members. “He was very gracious and very informative,” Chapter Secretary Jeanie Lynch reports. “A real treat for our club.”

Celebrating the 35-year relationship between Onan and Tiff in Motorhomes, supplying generators since Tiff in’s start, a management team from Cummins Onan served a famous Swamp John’s catf ish and shrimp lunch to all Tiff in employees April 10. From left, they are Karl Wilson, Garry Enyort, Bill Gibson, Jeff Michaels and Ray Scherer. In three days, they fed more than a thousand Tiff in workers.

Allegro Club membership just became even better, thanks to a new club benefit for a product that makes your coach even neater. Coil n’ Wrap® products attach to water hoses, extension cords, air or propane hoses, electronic component cables and other potentially unruly hoses, cords and cables. Coil n’ Wrap creates compact coils for 5/8-in. and smaller water hoses as long as 50-ft., 75-ft., or shorter TV cables, 16-gauge extension cords and 30-amp cables. Additional products include awning safety straps designed to prevent awning arm assembly rattling, a retractable 8-ft. phone/modem cord and an assortment of hook-and-loop One-Wrap buckle straps. Under an agreement negotiated with the Allegro Club management, club members will receive a 10% discount on Coil n’ Wrap products by using the discount code word “Allegro.” For more information or to place an order go to www.coilnwrap.com or phone 866-603-8388.

Coil n’ Wrap® benefit

P.O. BOX 1429RED BAY, AL 35582ADDRESS SERVICE

REQUESTED

PRESORTED STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT # 159BIRMINGHAM, AL

If you’re reading this newsletter, you’re enjoying one of the benefits of Allegro Club membership. Other benefits include rallies, local chapters and discounts on insurance, campsite fees and car rental. When you buy a new Tiffin Motorhome, the first year of Allegro Club membership is free. After that, a one-year

membership is $25, a two-year membership is $46, and a three- year membership is $70, payable by check or credit card. For credit card payment, cal l (256) 356-8522. We want you to continue your membership and help us build our numbers by recruiting other owners of Tiffin Motorhomes.

Become an Al legro Club member or update your address info

Names:

Nickname for Allegro Club ID badge #1:

Nickname for Allegro Club ID badge #2:

Email:

Home Phone: ( ) – Alternate Phone: ( ) –

Serial No. of Your Tiffin Motorhome: Chassis type: VIN

Are you interested in joining or starting a local chapter of the Allegro Club?

Name of dealer where motorhome was purchased: Date of Purchase:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

In the March issue, we sought the longest, most impressive list of famous Phaetons, in honor of Tiffin’s dashing diesel pusher. Little did we know that DIANE O’BRIEN of MORROw BAy, CA, would treat this challenge like the quest for world peace or the elimination of famine. Diane unearthed

more than 50 Phaetons, including the first crude electric carriage designed and built in Holland in 1835 and the mythical planet between Mars and Jupiter, described often in science fiction. Diane will receive a prize package from the Allegro Club office but alas, no Phaeton.

Search turns up Phaetons everywhere

Mail or email your answer along with your name, address and phone number to Allegro Club, Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582 or [email protected]. Please, only one entry per household. The Allegro Club is not responsible for lost entries. The judges will select the winner by August 1, 2007 and announce that winner in the September issue of Side Roads. The winner will receive a prize package from the Allegro Club.

Our new quiz question: Our new quiz question is designed to bring out the poet lurking within you. We are impressed by the names of campground games chapters have been mentioning in their reports, including Rummikub, Mexican Train and Holey Board, in addition to Dominoes, Washers and Farkel. Compose a limerick which includes the name of one of these games. If you’ve forgotten what you learned about limericks in eighth grade English composition class, google “limerick composition.”

Country Creek RV Center

7696 US Hwy 49 North

Hattiesburg, MS 39402

601-268-1800

Country Creek RV Center

5551 I-55 South

Jackson, MS 39272

601-376-0616

New Tiffin Allegro Dealers New Allegro Club ChaptersThe Show Me Allegros were organized in

Missouri on April 16 with nine families.

The president is Bonnie Schreckengast,

573-566-2031, [email protected].

tiffin motorhomes...tiffin motorhomes volume 3 issue no.4 june 2007 3 a peak and a peek at...

Documents