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Sideroads-03.08.Pdf

Sideroads-03.08.Pdf

TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

The Award-Winning Allegro Club Magazine For Leisure & Living

8-9 An easy turn 10 Jack & Ken’s 13 Volunteer State For the better Great adventure Makes voting tough In the new 40 QRP Cross-country For full-timers

March 2008 Owners really like Motorhome salesmen Tennessee requires

Volume 4 Volume Issue No.3 Allegro Bus handling get to know the product residential address SIDE ROADS Is published quarterly March, June, September and December by the Allegro Club, Inc. Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Permit # 159, Birmingham, AL POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Allegro Club, Inc. From the P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582 NOTICE OF RESPONSIBILITY: driver’s seat The Allegro Club, Inc., Red Bay, AL, has designed tours, caravans, and rallies for your pleasure and enjoyment and has attempted to by Jimmy Johnson select for you the best campgrounds, accommodations, , 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, Something is missing and it’s not a mistake. accidents, or for damage to persons or property caused by any person, firm, corporation, or other legal entity providing the following services: Since its start four years ago, each issue of Side Roads had campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, transportation (including but not contained three applications for upcoming Allegro Club limited to transfers and sightseeing) or any other services incident to these tours, rallies, caravans or any activities of the Allegro Club, Inc. rallies. This issue, you will only find one, the Allegro Club The right is reserved to substitute campgrounds, hotels, restaurants Louisiana Lagniappe, April 14-17 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park 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 in Robert, LA. Our other 2008 rallies in Tucson, AZ; Niagara 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 Falls; Manteca, CA; and Branson, MO; are sold out. If you’re money received. interested in the Louisiana rally, you might want to stop reading The Allegro Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of Directors reserve the right to make any changes, with or without notice, this column long enough to call or fax your application. Only that might become necessary with the understanding that there is no a few slots remain. 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 We have been sensitive to feedback in the past about the price right to terminate tour, caravan and rally services for any client at any tags on our rallies, even though the rally costs much more than time for good cause. The mission of the Allegro Club is: the registration fees. The brisk signups for the 2008 rallies can 1) To promote friendship, fellowship and camaraderie among all be seen as a strong indication of perceived as well as actual owners of Tiffin-built motorhomes; 2) To provide pertinent information and assistance regarding value, including campground fees, , entertainment, some Tiffin-built products, their maintenance and related safety topics; 3) To promote brand loyalty to Tiffin-built motorhomes among transportation to off-site activities and fun. current owners; One Allegro Club chapter president called proudly early in 4) To encourage ownership of Tiffin-built motorhomes among non-owners. January to announce his members wanted 10 spaces for the The Allegro Club reserves the right to edit submissions for space and Branson rally. We had to tell him he was more than a month clarity. Manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and other proposed content are welcomed and will be considered for publication. Reproduction in late. We were completely booked. whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Content, including That brings me to our plans for 2009 and beyond. statements of fact and opinion, do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. or the Allegro Club, Inc. Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. For those of you who missed out on the Branson rally, we and the Allegro Club, Inc. are not responsible for content. Privacy laws plan to repeat that opportunity in 2009, probably in mid-May. and policies prevent Side Roads from publishing memorials, illnesses and other personal information without written permission. We are also looking at a Phoenix rally in March, Key West in ON THE COVER April, the Northwest in June, the Northeast (Massachusetts, What a beautiful view for a majestic mountain range: The 2008 Allegro. Hudson Valley or Lake George) in August or September and Tiffin National Sales Manager Jerry Williamson predicts that 90% of the entry-level Allegro coaches sold in this model year will have this optional Du Quoin, IL, in September or October. full-body paint, until recently available only on higher-priced diesel pushers. The 2008 Allegro also comes with easy-to-clean full tile flooring in the living We also are considering some themed events which may be area and galley plus an automatic satellite dish. The Allegro can also be scheduled at some future dates. An Elvis adventure would trace ordered with a front-engine diesel. The King’s path from Tupelo, MS, to Memphis. A bluegrass LETTERS TO THE EDITOR adventure might follow good music through Tennessee and Want to share an experience you had in your Tiffin Motorhome? Have a comment or suggestion about Kentucky. Side Roads, the Allegro Club newsletter? Write to: Side Roads Editor, Allegro Club We appreciate the speedy reservations so many club members P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582 made to our 2008 rallies and we apologize to those we could Please include your name, address, email and phone not accommodate. Let’s hope we get to visit at a rally in 2009. number so we can contact you. CONTACTS: Tiffin Motorhomes Parts & Service: (256) 356-0261 Allegro Club: (256) 356-8522 [email protected] Jimmy Johnson, Allegro Club president President Verbon Jones, Allegro Club office manager Allegro Club Cynthia Skinner, Allegro Club membership coordinator Janet Gober, Allegro Club administrative assistant

2 SIDE ROADS www.tiffinmotorhomes.com Watching TV no longer means looking up

Three new floor plans from 2007; the first new Phaetons were TVs, satellite and DVD plus HD- Tiffin Motorhomes offer the shipped in January. ready TV programming after the popular seated eye-level midsection The midsection TVs first appeared owner selects satellite service and TV, which represents a fast-growing in 2007 Phaeton and Zephyr models; its accompanying receiver. trend in viewing. however, by the current model year The new 38-ft. Allegro Bay TGB the den-style TVs were standard or is available on a Workhorse chassis OPTIONAL 32" LCD TV options in all five Tiffin lines. with gas engine at a base retail price OHC CABINET “Customer response to the of $153,930, or a Freightliner front-

STEP midsection TV models has been engine diesel (FRED) chassis at a OVERHEAD CABINET OVERHEAD fantastic,” says Jerry Williamson, base retail of $167,160. Tiffin national sales manager. “We

OPTIONAL are projecting that 80% of Tiffin 26" LCD TV CABINET BE D

DOOR BE D coaches will have midsection TVs SO FA CABINE T CABINE T OVERHEAD SO FA 74" DRIVER’S 83” within 24 months.” ANDAR D ST CABINET OVERHEAD “Tailgaters rave about the TV OVERHEAD OVERHEAD CABINET OVERHEAD mounted in the pantry wall because OH C E 72 " BOOTH AV DINETTE STEP

more guests can enjoy the action,” 30" BED

MICROW FA J-SO FA SO Williamson adds, “but so many other & 68" CABINET DINETTE OVERHEAD BE D OPTIONAL

customers enjoy this feature as well. CABINE T CABINE T FRIDG E 4-DOOR " SO FA

74 C OH They tell us it’s just like watching U-SHAPED OVERHEAD

OVERHEAD TV LCD / RY NT PA LAV TV at home. Sometimes, watching

72"

BOOT H DINETTE Y OH C 36 " ONL

SHOWER a TV above the windshield can be E

AV

Y NTR distracting or hampered by glare.” PA MICROW V & LA “You walk into the 43 QRP Bus YER FRIDGE FRIDGE 4-DOOR

OHC

CABINET OPTIONAL

DR

ASHER

OVERHEAD

AND WERS/NIGHTST

DRA OPTIONAL

W

TV LCD and instantly you sense its great 32" feel,” Williamson says. TV 36 " YE R 26" ASHER BELOW RDROBE SHOWER OPTIONAL DR BED W QUEEN WA

The new Allegro Bus’ residential OR WERS DRA

CABINET refrigerator and the driver’s side BELOW AND WERS/NIGHTST DRA V

LA OHC

ND TA NIGHTS OHC CABINET lavi slide out with the living room, HAMPER OVERHEAD

OVERHEAD adding to the spaciousness of the RDROBE WA

interior. BED QUEE N TV

BELOW CLOSET CABINET LCD

The 43 QRP is pushed by a 425HP WERS

26”

ND TA NIGHTS DRA

Cummins diesel on a Spartan OVERHEAD RDROBE

chassis. The retail base price is WA Allegro Bus 43 QRP $327,600. “We expect the 43 QRP to have The 43-ft. Allegro Bus QRP and special appeal to current Allegro Allegro Bay 38 TGB the 38-ft. Allegro Bay TGB are Bus owners, but the very competitive the longest ever produced in those price point for a luxury coach also “This new Allegro Bay floor model lines. The 40-ft. Phaeton will turn heads from other product plan will be very popular for QTH has the first midsection TV lines,” Williamson adds. entertaining, since it has opposing in that length. The new Allegro The 2008 Allegro Bus, Phaeton, sofas,” Williamson says. “I can see Bus and Allegro Bay arrived at Allegro Bay and top-of-the-line the younger crowd in this coach, as Tiffin dealerships before the end of Zephyr feature a lone remote for all well as veteran RVers.” (Continued on Page 15)

SIDE ROADS 3 Roadside recipes by Gail Johnson At this time of the year, I am always excitedly looking for those first little green daffodil sprouts in my garden, which signify that spring is not so far away. As I am planning for my spring planting, I am also planning in my . I am looking for good hearty recipes that I can double and freeze a portion for use on those busy days when I am working outside or on the road in our Tiffin motorhome. The recipes I am sharing in this issue are tried and true favorites: three chicken-based main dishes which freeze well, one easy vegetable and a simple but delicious . Have a wonderful, productive spring and I hope to see you soon.

Ida Mae’s Noodles This recipe dates back to our early days of marriage. My sister-in-law gave it to me and we loved it. The blending of flavors makes for an unusual and delicious taste.

Chicken pieces or whole chicken, cooked, boned and chopped. Set chicken aside. Combine: 2 cups chicken broth 2 cups chopped celery 1 clove garlic or 1 teaspoon minced 2 cups chopped onion 1 cup chopped bell pepper Place above ingredients together in heavy Dutch oven and simmer for about 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Add: 3 tablespoons sugar 1 bay leaf 1 can cream of tomato soup 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 can cream of mushroom soup Instructions: Blend all ingredients well and heat thoroughly until simmering. Add chopped chicken and cover to keep hot over very low heat. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over wide noodles which have been prepared using package directions. May be topped with Parmesan cheese. This dish is better a day or two after it has been prepared.

My Mother’s Dressing If you serve chicken and dressing at Easter, you may want to try this recipe. My mother, Jean Jones, makes the best dressing I have ever tasted. It can be served along with chicken or turkey, or you may want to place the chopped meat in the dressing and serve it as one dish. Gravy on the side makes it even better. : Until vegetables are soft: 1½ cups finely chopped onion 1 cup finely chopped celery 1 stick butter or oleo Combine: 16 cups cornbread 10 cups bread and buns 4 teaspoons sage (to taste) 1 teaspoon salt and pepper

Add in: 5 cups chicken broth 1 can evaporated skim milk 2 eggs, beaten Additional milk or broth to thin, if necessary

Instructions: Mix well; the mixture will be rather thin, but will set while baking. Bake in an oblong greased baking dish for 30 to 45 minutes. It is done when it is firm in the middle and slightly browned.

4 SIDE ROADS Old Fashioned Green Beans Cynthia Skinner, Membership Coordinator for the Allegro Club, shared this recipe. She wrote: “(This recipe) was an old family pass-along. It has never mattered which state I called home, everyone expected me to bring the green beans because they were most like Grandma’s.” Ingredients: 1 quart green beans 3 slices bacon 1 tablespoon canola oil Instructions: Put green beans in a crock-pot, add other ingredients and cover with water. Cook for 12 or more hours. Just before serving, put beans in a stockpot and steam liquid out. When the beans are dry, add 2 tablespoons of butter and place in serving dish. These taste like they were picked from the garden that morning.

Chicken Spaghetti This is a favorite to take to or whenever is needed at those happy or sad occasions that all families experience. This is comfort food at its best. Ingredients: 3 to 4 pounds chicken 1 chopped bell pepper 1 jar diced pimientos 2 sticks margarine 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 pound Velveeta cheese 1 diced onion 1 small can chopped mushrooms 10 ounces thin spaghetti Instructions: Stew chicken; Remove meat from bones, set chicken aside and save strained broth. In a skillet, sauté onion and pepper in margarine. Turn off heat and lay quarter inch slices of cheese on top to melt. Add soup and mix gently until smooth. Cook spaghetti (not quite the entire package) in broth until tender. Add water if needed to cook spaghetti. Drain. In large bowl or pan, mix chicken, soup mixture, spaghetti, mushrooms, and pimientos. Gently stir until blended. Place in baking dish and bake in 350-degree oven until thoroughly heated. If freezing is desired, place in aluminum pans in desired serving portions, cover with foil, and freeze before baking.

Chocolate Chip Cake Easy and delicious, try this recipe in your convection microwave oven. Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix 1¾ cup milk 1 (6-ounce) package chocolate chips 1 small package instant chocolate pudding 2 eggs

Instructions: Beat eggs, milk, cake mix, and pudding together. Add chips by hand. Place in well-greased bundt or tube pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 50 minutes. If using convection, adjust baking time by checking cake for doneness after 35 minutes. Continue checking until done.

SIDE ROADS 5 Exposing the quirky habits of the motor home set by Bob Poiry

I’m beginning to new motorhome pull into an his 2” x 8” planks are still the great- wonder just what unknown church’s parking lot, est levelers ever built. (That’d be me.) motorhomers ask the pastor if they can park Or sets up a 2” x 12” where he wants are all about. in the lot for the night? After to back up to and waits for the motor Consider these the puzzled pastor agrees to home to knock it over for a back-up things that I the unusual request, the cou- alarm. (Oops, me again.) have come to ple asks if they can plug their But then hey, there’s this couple personally know rig into the church’s electri- from Florida who are teachers so about some of cal outlet. (The pastor agreed they travel in their motorhome all them. They are not again..?) summer. Here’s the kicker, they use to be taken offensively, How about the fellow who doesn’t their toilet like everyone else but just factually. winterize his motor home claiming they never put toilet paper in it. Why do they load their rigs with a higher power will thaw it out in WHAT?!?! Nice couple and their rig food for a month for two people, when the spring. He furthermore feels that is kept immaculately. they’re only going for a weekend? since the lines are plastic, they won’t How many motorhomers do you Why do they load the rig with all break. (Didn’t he read the book?) know who find a beautiful camp- kinds of food for a weekend campout, Okay, how about the couple who ground, set up some campfire wood, then once at the campground and won’t replace their awning ’cause then stay in the motorhome and hooked up, they go look for a place trees keep tearing them off? Does watch TV? to eat out? the movie “RV” come to mind here? It’s about time someone exposed the Why does a couple with a brand Then there’s the fellow who feels secrets of motorhoming in detail.

The Yankee Doodler Cartoonist Bob Poiry

6 SIDE ROADS ------

Allegro Club Louisiana Lagniappe April 14 - April 17, 2008 (Check out April 18) Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park / Robert, LA

This event is available to the first 120 eligible applicants.

Cost Includes: 4 nights camping fee, full hook-ups (30 amps), several meals, entertainment & activities. When on hand, Tiffin factory technicians will perform minor repairs at no cost. Dixie RV Superstore will display the latest in Tiffin-built motorhomes for your viewing. Plenty of food, fun and fellowship.

Cost: Allegro Club member motorhome with two (2) people / $425 • Allegro Club member motorhome with one (1) person / $315 • Non-member motorhome with two (2) people / $625 • Non-member motorhome with one (1) person / $515 • Each additional guest / $125 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 Zephyr Motorhome 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 PowerGlide CUT HERE q Other: YES q / NO q This is our first Allegro Club rally. q q ------YES / NO 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 March 17, 2008. The refund deadline is March 17, 2008. Send check, money order or fill out complete credit card information below: q Visa q Master Card q Discover Credit 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

Attention: Early arrivals and late departures should be handled on your own by By registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following calling Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at 800/349-YOGI. statements: “I understand that neither the Allegro Club, Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc., nor any campground, , bus service or supplier assume any No partial or total refunds will be given after the refund deadline. Upon cancellation responsibility directly or indirectly, for the use or operation of a car or a $20 handling fee will be charged. Travel insurance is an option available through Farm recreational vehicle going to or from or during the rally; or for injuries before, & City Insurance (1-800-331-1520). Payment must accompany each rally registration. during or after the rally; or damage to property of any kind before, during or

# Important: The Allegro Club has planned this event based upon claim after the event; and I also grant permission for the use of photographs, videotape, assumptions, including a minimum number of participants. On occasion, written or verbal testimonials and other media from the rally that depict circumstances arise which make the event impractical. Accordingly, the Allegro registrants and their guests for promotional purposes by Tiffin Motorhomes Inc. Club reserves the right to cancel the event for any reason, at any time and without and the Allegro Club.” obligation beyond the refund of any prepaid fees for the cancelled event. SIDE ROADS 7 What the owners say: Testing the 2008 Allegro Bus 40 QRP

o u r Reviewers

“Still learning all the features. (Our salesman) was very knowledgable and professional. We had a great buying experience.”

Louisiana is well known for fine food. Tom and e f f i c i e n c y o f heating a n d cooling systems Cindee Parsons take day trips in their Allegro Bus to We have not yet used the heating system - but we have discover new restaurants. Tom is in the retail business used the A/C and love the zone feature. in Baton Rouge, their home. Joining them on their travels are their two sons, four grandsons plus Sissy spaciousness o f living r o o m and Yani, their Yorkshire terriers. The Parsons have Very impressive floor design. had three diesel pushers, the most recent two made by Tiffin. They bought their new 40 QRP 15 years after Attractiveness o f i n t e r i o r decoration parting with their second RV. After shopping around Blows people away. at “a bunch” of manufacturers, they kept coming back to Tiffin because they could see the quality difference. Workability o f galley In addition to the restaurant adventures, they are Looks great but haven’t tried it yet. (They’re too busy planning some trips around the country as well as LSU finding new Cajun restaurants.) tailgating. 225-806-0164 c o m f o r t a n d usability o f bathroom [email protected] Very roomy and comfortable. turning r a d i u s , r o a d handling a n d stability Livability o f bedroom Tom says the turning radius is exceptional, a huge Very nice. improvement from their previous motorhome.

Power/torque The Parsons haven’t been in the mountains yet, but everything they’ve tested so far is good.

Learning curve f o r maintenance, electronics a n d o t h e r f e a t u r e s Still learning all of the features. Louis Denson (our salesman) with Dixie RV was very knowledgable and professional. We had a great buying experience.

Noise l e v e l (b o t h parked a n d moving) A vast improvement over the last buses they’ve owned.

8 SIDE ROADS What the owners say: Testing the 2008 Allegro Bus 40 QRP

o u r Reviewers Greg and e f f i c i e n c y o f heating a n d cooling systems Penny Bunker While we haven’t been in any extremes yet, both retired from data function normally so far, and we like the thermostatic processing careers Fan-tastic vents. The A/C is a lot quieter than in our but didn’t want previous coach, probably due to the design of the to “sit around” return system. at their home in Beverly Hills, FL. spaciousness o f living room With their cats, Living space in the QRP model is good considering CeCe, 15, and the larger bathroom and the full-size residential Frankie(stein), 2, the logical solution was a home on refrigerator, but these are trade-offs and an obvious wheels. For the past 2½ years they have roamed the buyer’s choice. We also have the freestanding dinette western U.S. part-time, visiting national parks. The and Euro chairs which make a difference and we love Bunkers still have too much “stuff” including amateur the 42-in. plasma TV. radio (HAM) equipment to be full-timers. This is their second diesel pusher but their first Tiffin product. Attractiveness o f i n t e r i o r decoration [email protected] The coach looks great inside (and out) and everyone 352-527-8604 that goes in it or sees it says so. The cabinets and trim HAM callsigns: WA8SUA and KI4VIP are very attractive and appear to be well constructed. The full tile floor is a definite plus. turning r a d i u s , r o a d handling a n d stability Turning radius appears to be excellent for a 40-ft. Workability o f galley coach and the ride and handling are wonderful. You Counter space is tight when using the stove unless still get blown around a little by the big rigs though. you keep one side of the sink covered, especially since the roll out expansion drawer doesn’t lock in the Power/torque “out” position and tends to retract which is a little The 425hp Cummins with 1,200 foot pounds of annoying. (We received conflicting information from torque is GREAT for this size coach. Usually one the dealership on whether or not this was supposed to finds smaller engines in a 40-footer, but please don’t lock in the out position and it would be much more change that! functional if it somehow did.)

Learning curve f o r maintenance, c o m f o r t a n d usability o f bathroom electronics a n d o t h e r f e a t u r e s Bathroom is very spacious and neatly appointed. Greg is still going through all of the documentation, The only thing we found lacking would be a shower but owning one previously helps! It is still daunting water cut-off for conservation without disrupting the however. Some documentation though, especially temperature setting. It’s funny that the outside shower concerning the operation of the slides requiring the handle in the connection bay has this, and the inside ignition to be off, is incorrect or our coach is wired shower does not. wrong. The hydraulic slides work either with the ignition on or off, but the electric slides only work Livability o f bedroom with the ignition on. In our QRP with the king bed, the bedroom is a little tight on the forward side of the bed but it isn’t much Noise l e v e l (b o t h parked a n d moving) trouble to crawl in. Again, this is a buyer’s choice and When parked with the windows closed, we hear next you should live with what you want. There is also a lot to nothing. The coach is very quiet with minimal wind of storage space in the bedroom. and engine noise while moving. There is some noise from the roll-up blinds rattling around though.

SIDE ROADS 9 Jack & Ken’s RV Odyssey Red Bay, AL to Ozark, AR

As Ken and I drove We were out of Alabama and into away from the Tiffin Mississippi within minutes enjoying the Motorhomes plant green forested landscape dotted with in Red Bay, AL, in the occasional roadside home. Ken’s bad a beautiful new 35 TSB back started to misbehave so I happily Allegro Bay FRED diesel, took over the wheel 195 miles into our I knew this would be an journey in Memphis, TN. For many adventure filled with At 3 p.m. and with 439 miles on the Allegro Club members, beautiful country and a odometer we pulled into a WalMart in a cross-country journey is a rather common venture. million laughs. Clarksville AR, to get some essentials For others, the concept is daunting. We left the factory on Aug. 9. The for the trip. At about 4 p.m. we visited Even though Jack Donovan and Ken Kaplan coach had just 24.9 miles on the the tourist information center to get a sell Tiffin motorhomes for a living at the La odometer, 12 hours on the generator, recommendation for and an RV Mesa RV dealership in San Bernardino, CA, a full tank of diesel, fresh water and park for the night. We were in luck as neither had spent time at the wheel of a rig. plenty of LP. Rivertowne BBQ in downtown Ozark, Donovan, 50, spent his younger years in Ken was at the wheel. I quickly AR (www.rivertownebbq.com), was England, then toured five continents in the discovered Ken was afflicted with RDS, right down the street. Ken and I feasted first all-world rugby tour. After retiring from which stands for right drift syndrome. on the most delicious baby back ribs I competitive rugby, he and a partner formed a I confess I made up that term, however have ever eaten. commercial real estate firm. Donovan’s goal was it most definitely applies. We had not At 5:30 p.m. with 464 miles on the to move his family to the U.S. and build a dream traveled more than three miles and he odometer we pulled into the AUX-ARK home. had already drifted off the pavement RV Park alongside Dardanelle Lake Kaplan, 51, has been on the La Mesa RV sales and onto the grass three times. It was as and for only $17 we hooked up with though he were doing it purposefully to team for five years, but other than an eight-day electric and water. What a beautiful, get my attention, which he surely did. peaceful place to enjoy the first night of trip to the northern California coast and a few The Tiffin family had treated our journey. weekend trips with his family, he also had very everyone to a down-home southern I simply love pushing ON, then little motorhome experience. at Swamp John’s, a local eatery AUTO to let the jacks automatically Neither Donovan nor Kaplan has ever owned with delicious fried catfish and sweet level the coach. Many of the other an RV. . Our entire visit in Alabama was full motorhome brands require several more While they were at the Tiffin plant in Red Bay, of that famous southern hospitality. steps and can be a bit confusing. A AL, for training, La Mesa General Sales Manager The next morning we headed west at simple push of the slide control buttons Steve Austin invited his two sales associates to 8 a.m. with 60.3 miles on the odometer, and we were all set for cocktails. drive a motorhome back to California. the generator purring like a kitten, and At 8 a.m. Aug. 11, we left Dardanelle Jack’s journal of a 2,451-mile, seven-day the air conditioning system providing Lake heading west with Ken at the westbound odyssey may spark fond memories much needed comfort as the outside wheel, the generator as well as the front for trans-American veterans. For others, it may temperature was already nearly 88 with and rear air conditioners doing their provide encouragement to follow suit. This is the very high humidity. Ken was at the jobs. We ran the generator virtually the first in a Side Roads series of reports on Jack’s and wheel. We had no real itinerary except entire trip as the portion of the nation Ken’s experiences. we knew we would take I-40 for a large we traveled was in the midst of a heat

portion of the trip. wave.

To be continued in the next issue of Side Roads: Jack and Ken create an electrical problem and deal with it like men.

10 SIDE ROADS ------

Jack & Ken’s RV Odyssey Membership Survey Red Bay, AL to Ozark, AR

Almost five years ago, we introduced Side Roads, your quarterly Allegro Club magazine. We asked for your feedback in the first issue to make sure we were meeting your membership needs and expectations. We asked many of the same questions two years later as we fine-tuned Side Roads. We’re back for more information from you.

Please devote a few minutes of your time to this survey, then mail or fax it back to us. If you prefer an email version, you can request one by sending a message to [email protected]

1. About how much time do you usually spend reading each issue? q More than 30 minutes q 10 minutes q Fewer than 10 minutes

2. Which Side Roads features do you usually enjoy reading? (Mark as many as you wish.)

q President’s Column q Rally Schedule q Tiffin Motorhomes News q Gail Johnson’s Column q Bob Poiry Column q Bob Poiry’s Yankee Doodler Cartoon q Chapter Chatter q Features about Allegro Club members q Test Reports by Owners q Contest q Other (please explain) CUT HERE

------3. Are there any Side Roads features you would like to see changed or eliminated? (Please explain)

4. What additional features or information would you like to see in the magazine?

5. Would you be interested in receiving Side Roads by email? q Yes q No 6. Do you read Side Roads back issues on the Tiffin web page? q Yes q No 7. What else should we consider to make Side Roads even more effective for you?

8. What year and model Tiffin Motorhome do you own? 9. Your age: q Under 35 q 35-45 q 46-55 q 56-65 q 66-75 q Over 75

Please put this completed survey in a stamped envelope addressed to: Allegro Club, Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582 or fax it to 256-356-9746. To request an email version of this survey, send a message to [email protected] # Thank you for your assistance.

SIDE ROADS 11 Chapter Chatter: Next time you pass this way Campgrounds The Virginia Allegros like Cozy Acres Burgerville USA in Kelso, WA, is in Powhatan, VA, because it is very quiet 2008 Allegro Club known for their good old-fashioned in the country, and the night skies hamburgers. Fancy that. The Puget are “absolutely beautiful with the stars Rally Schedule – Sound Allegros say give it a try. because there was very little light pollution.” Start Planning Now for 2009 Who can pass up a great Sunday Across the country, the Columbia morning ? Not the Virginia Tiffin/La Mesa RV Southwest Shootout River Allegros recommend Columbia Old Tucson Studios Allegros, who dined at County Seat Riverfront RV Park in Woodland, WA. Tucson, AZ Restaurant in Powhatan, VA. The The park, on the Columbia River, hence March 10-12, 2008 buffet was great and reasonably the name, is described as very clean with (breaksold camp March 13) out priced as well. Lunch and a great view of the waterway from RV menus also looked attractive. Allegro Club Louisiana Lagniappe sites and a very nice recreation hall with Sneaky Pete’s on Bonita Beach Road (Deadline extended to March 17) kitchen, dishes and dishwasher. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Bonita Springs, FL, offers daily Bonita Lake RV Resort in Bonita Robert, LA specials (prime rib for $12.95 one Springs, FL has a solid and detailed April 14-17, 2008 Saturday night), burgers, pizza, recommendation from the Sun Coast (break camp April 18) sandwiches, soup, steaks, fish, ribs, Allegros. Amenities include wi-fi, crabcakes and . The Sun Coast Allegro Club Niagara Falls Fling catch-and-release fishing in a small Allegros also noted good friendly service Four Mile Creek Campsite lake, 50-amp service, a clean recreation Youngstown, NY with an open, beachy, casual atmosphere. hall with kitchen, pool and hot tub, June 16-18, 2008 Everyone enjoyed the . pool tables, poolside charcoal grill and (breaksold camp June 19) out Very good food, clean and able to covered pavilion plus nice and helpful accommodate large parties. That’s how management. The chapter also notes Tiffin/JC’s RV’s Bay Bash the Columbia River Allegros describe French Camp RV Park Resort that cable TV is not available, the $39 Casa Tapatia Mexican Restaurant in Manteca, CA per night fee (in November) is a bit costly, June 24-26, 2008 Woodland, WA. and road construction in front of the (breaksold camp June 27) out park is a temporary inconvenience. Destination attractions Allegro Club Branson or Bust Feast your eyes on the Sun Coast Restaurants America’s Best Campground Allegros’ list of attractions in the Bonita Branson, MO A dozen coaches from the Arkansas Springs, FL, area: six miles of beaches, September 22-26, 2008 Allegro Diamonds recommend two Everglades Wonder Center, Corkscrew (breaksold camp September out 27) restaurants from their fall “Tom Saw yer Swamp Nature Trail, Miromar Outlets, on the Mississippi River” event in Cocohatchee Nature Center, Coconut Memphis. At Half Shell, the 14 people For additional information: Point Mall, boat rentals, casino, air- in attendance loved the dishes, ser- [email protected] boat tours and Naples Zoo. The 2.5 vice and prices, reports scribe Steve or www.tiffinmotorhomes.com mile boardwalk at Corkscrew Swamp, Ecton. Jim Neely’s Interstate Phone: 256-356-8522 managed by the Audubon Society, catered one evening at the campground, Fax: 256-356-9746 or write: wanders past raccoons, wading birds, Allegro Club P.O. Box 1429 providing wonderful flavor, good prices Red Bay, AL 35582-1429 owls, songbirds, alligators and “1.5 miles and the best sauce. of nothing.” Bonita Springs is between Fort Myers and Naples. (Continued on Page 13) 12 SIDE ROADS Mailbox issue a hassle for full-timers in Tennessee

Some full-time RVers in Tennesssee may not be permitted business that forwards their mail. Many also had obtained to vote in 2008 elections because they don’t have permanent driver’s licenses and registered their vehicles in Tennessee, residential addresses. which does not have a state income tax. State election officials cancelled voter registrations of 286 Tennessee and other states allow homeless people to retirees in January, according to the Associated Press. The register as voters, providing only the location where they Tennessee Presidential Primaries were Feb. 5. Three of the live, such as under a bridge, on a park bench or in a shelter. retirees, represented by an American Civil Liberties Union A 2005 Tennessee law prohibits business addresses used for attorney, asked a federal judge to allow them to vote in the residential purposes. primaries. A study by the University of Michigan Survey Research The Allegro Club could not immediately identify any Center projects that 8.5 million households in the U.S. will of the full-timers as club members, however Allegro Club own at least one recreational vehicle by 2010, including one President Jimmy Johnson sympathized with their plight. in 10 Baby Boomers. Boomers, born between 1946 and 1963, “Full-time RVing is a dream-come-true for many and comprise 75 million or 29% of the U.S. population. Canada a dream for countless others, including Tiffin owners,” has 6 million Boomies. Johnson said. “I hope the courts and legislators on state and According to the Christian Science Monitor, “While federal levels recognize their right to vote by solving this no one knows the precise number of full-timers, they are problem.” believed to make up a significant tribe. The National A number of the Tennessee full-time RVers had attempted Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds estimates that to register using the street address and box number of a about 200,000 Americans qualify as full-timers.”

Chapter chatter (Continued from Page 12) Tiffin a carpet knife that, during an coaches. “After a couple hours of pushing Alaska trip, worked its way out of a space buttons and praying, they were able to get between cabinets and the windshield of everything reset. We are happy no one the Cottons’ 1997 32-ft. Allegro. Tiffin was hurt,” reports Jeanie Lynch, chapter returned the tool to the plant in Red Bay secretary. Lynch also won the campout (in his checked luggage, not his carry-on fishing contest, but she admits she was bag). the only camper with a fishing rod The Lucky 7 Allegros of Las Vegas and no one else knew about the contest recruited well. Ed Bennett served not until Lynch caught a fish. only as wagonmaster but as well The Underground Tour of Pendleton, for a recent campout. Turns out Bennett OR, caught the attention of the Puget has competed in chili cookoffs and that’s Sound Allegros. From 1860 until the what he served. 1950s, Asian Americans were not allowed “I pledge allegiance to… Abe’s wind- on the city streets after dark. They dug sock?” The San Diego Allegros didn’t tunnels instead. have flags handy for a campout at Tucalota Springs RV Resort. We hope Quirky Occurrences Abe’s windsock was the good old Stars David Cotton of the Puget Sound and Stripes. Allegros made a special presentation to Murphy’s Law does not discriminate, Bob Tiffin, founder and CEO of Tiffin according to the Suncoast Allegros. Motorhomes, during the Allegro Club’s Lightning struck Bay Bayou RV Resort Northwest Rally. Cotton presented in Tampa, knocking out power in two

SIDE ROADS 13 Tiffin leads all brands in reliability, quality, price, design

RED BAY, AL – In vehicle reliability/quality, “Net Promoter Scores,” Tiffin’s 81.3% mark was competitive price/value, vehicle design and the even more dramatic compared with the 12.2% for all five other criteria of dealer satisfaction, Tiffin motorhome manufacturers. Motorhomes led all motorhome brands in the The “Ultimate Question” and the “Net Promoter Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association’s 2007 Score” were developed by Fred Reichheld, recognized industry-wide survey. by Consulting Magazine as one of the world’s top 25 Tiffin was one of only five motorhome consultants. Reichheld helps clients achieve superior manufacturers to receive the RVDA’s coveted Quality results through improvements in customer, employee, Circle Award for 2007. Tiffin has been honored with partner, and investor loyalty. He is considered a the Quality Circle nine of the 12 years it has been pioneer in quantification of links among loyalty, presented by the RVDA. profits and growth. A total of 527 RV dealers submitted 3,020 ratings For Bob Tiffin, founder and president of Tiffin in the 2007 satisfaction survey. In addition to Motorhomes, the Quality Circle Award and the the quality, reliability, price and design categories, overwhelming dominance in the dealer satisfaction Tiffin exceeded the ratings of all manufacturers in survey are gratifying but not surprising. parts support, dealership warranty support, overall “Since we began building motorhomes 36 years dealership communications, sales support and sales ago, we have built our reputation on quality, customer territory. service and innovation,” Tiffin said. “We have about For the first time in the 14-year history of the 1,100 employees dedicated to our philosophy. Every dealer satisfaction survey, the RVDA asked dealers time a customer, a dealer or a supplier recognizes the “Ultimate Question:” How likely would you be our effort, we are humbled and thankful. Then we to recommend this brand to a friend (in a different go back to serving up the motorhomes our customers market) to handle at his/her dealership?” A total have come to expect from us.” of 84.4% of dealers responded positively on Tiffin, Tiffin produces gas- and diesel-powered Allegro while only 42.4% of dealers responded positively Class A motorhomes in five model lines: Allegro, for all motorhome manufacturers. When negative Allegro Bay, Phaeton, Allegro Bus and Zephyr. For responses to the question were deleted to calculate more information, visit www.tiffinmotorhomes.com.

De-winterize your coach in the spring thaw The following checklist is used by Tiffin service technicians for de-winterizing: Connect water hose to city water connection. Close holding tank gate valves. Place water valve to tank fill and put some water in the tank. With low-point drain valves and pump drain open turn on water pump and flush out antifreeze. Close drain valves and place water valve to city water. Close faucets and allow water to fill heater. Open faucets to allow air to escape. Turn on water heater switch and 110 breaker at breaker box.

For additional information, contact the Tiffin Service Department at 256-356-0261.

14 SIDE ROADS Through Billy Tinney’s lens - Even when it’s this cold in Columbus, Ohio, the interior of Billy Tinney’s 2005 Phaeton can be cozy and warm. Tinney, the senior photographer for the 12 magazines published by the Easyriders group, is sharing some of the millions of images he has captured with Side Roads readers.

Watching TV Phaeton 40 QTH OVERHEAD CABINET 4-DOOR OVERHEAD CABINET FRIDGE (Continued from Page 3) 72" BOOTH DINETTE 74" SOFA BED OVERHEAD CABINET

V TV LA AND AND INMENT LCD The 40 QTH Phaeton sports a QUEEN TA CENTER 32"

NIGHTST BED NIGHTST ENTER 32" OPTIONA L

wider entry door plus optional CLOSET LCD TV freestanding dinette and Euro OH TV 36" STEP OPTIONAL recliner with computer end table. LAV SHOWER WASHER 74" SOFA BED ONLY NT RY PA OVERHEAD DRYER CABINET OHC The base retail price is $229,200. 26" LCD TV OVERHEAD CONVECTION OVERHEAD OVERHEAD CABINET / DRAWERS BELOW CABINET MICROWAVE CABINET OVERHEAD CABINET

New Allegro Club merchandise available Building your spring Allegro Club wardrobe? Check out the new line of merchandise on the Tiffin website at http://tiffinmotorhomes.com/tiffinowners/allegroclubMerch.php or contact Verbon Jones in the Allegro Club office at [email protected] or 256-356-8522 to have a printed catalog mailed to you.

SIDE ROADS 15 P.O. BOX 1429 PRESORTED STANDARD RED BAY, AL 35582 U.S. POSTAGE PAID ADDRESS SERVICE PERMIT # 159 REQUESTED BIRMINGHAM, AL Victory is tweet for smallest pets Sunny and Tweedy just flew away with the first place honors as the smallest pets riding in a Tiffin Motorhome. Their owners, Joyce and george beardslee of pineallas park, fl, say the feathered RVers love to travel in the Beardslees’ 1996 Allegro Bay and look forward to their once-a-day flying around the interior. The Beardslees will receive a prize package from the Allegro Club, and it’s nicer than birdseed. We seldom recognize runners-up in our contests, but we will make an exception for Sophie. Sure, Sunny and Tweedy have her beaten size-wise, but how many parakeets can drive a 42-ft. 2006 Allegro Bus? George Rogers and Susan Malfatti-Rogers of Melbourne, FL, offer this proud photographic proof. Close, but no dog biscuit, Sophie.

Our new contest question does not have a right or a wrong answer, but creativity, imagination, sincerity and thoughtfulness must be summoned from within if you are to win the prize. We want you to name the person – alive or deceased, real or fictitional, famous or not – with whom you would most enjoy taking a trip in your Tiffin motorhome. We readily acknowledge that the decision of our judges will be subjective, so it’s up to you to earn their votes. Please, no more than 50 words to name your traveling companion and explain why. Email your entry along with your name, address and phone number to [email protected]. Please, only one entry per household. The Allegro Club is not responsible for lost entries. The judges will select the winner by May 1 for announcement in the June issue of Side Roads. The winner will receive a prize package from the Allegro Club. New Allegro Chapters Chapter #181 Pelican Allegros of Louisiana Chapter #182 Northwest Florida Allegros Area: Louisiana Area: Pensacola Meeting Weekend: 2nd Meeting Weekend: 2nd President: Val Domingue President: Ward Engelhard Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 337-984-0636 Phone: 850-944-2418

Become an Allegro Club member or update your address info If you’re reading this newsletter, you’re enjoying one of the membership is $25, a two-year membership is $46, and a three- benefits of Allegro Club membership. Other benefits include year membership is $70, payable by check or credit card. For rallies, local chapters and discounts on insurance, campsite fees credit card payment, call (256) 356-8522. We want you to and car rentals. continue your membership and help us build our numbers When you buy a new Tiffin Motorhome, the first year of by recruiting other owners of Tiffin Motorhomes. Allegro Club membership is free. After that, a one-year Names: Address: Nickname for Allegro Club ID badge #1: Nickname for Allegro Club ID badge #2: Email: City: State: Zip: 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:

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