Tiffin Allegro Club Jellystone Jubilee August 20 – August 24, 2007 (Check out August 25) Yogi Bear’S Jellystone Park Camp Resort / Warrens, WI

TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

The Award-Winning Allegro Club Newsletter For Leisure & Living

3 A peak and a peek 8-9 Testing the 10 California chapter at Tiffin production: ’07 Allegro is computer savvy 13 coaches per day puts 34 TGA FRED Golden Bears boast JUne 2007 plant near optimum What the owners CD and website

Volume 3 Volume Issue No.4 have to say 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, 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 What is most helpful when you’re considering – or at least dreaming facilities and, furthermore, assume no responsibility for delays, losses, accidents, or for damage to persons or property caused by any person, about – a new Tiffin motorhome? firm, corporation, or other legal entity providing the following services: Maybe it’s the model brochures and the Tiffin website, where you can campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, transportation (including but not limited to transfers and sightseeing) or any other services incident to study GVWR, torque, TVs, basement space, warranties, interior amenities, these tours, rallies, caravans or any activities of the Allegro Club, Inc. color schemes and so much more. The right is reserved to substitute campgrounds, hotels, restaurants Maybe it’s tire-kicking and jawing with a sales rep at a Tiffin dealership 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 or an RV show. of a tour or caravan cancellation, the Allegro Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Maybe it’s easing into the labyrinth of the internet, googling for technical Johnson, and the Board of Directors’ liability is limited to a refund of money received. reports from government agencies, checking out fuel economy, recalls and The Allegro Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of other effective gauges of product soundness. Directors reserve the right to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary with the understanding that there is no Maybe it’s thumbing through RV magazines to scan ads, test reports, and extra charge. After a tour, caravan or rally begins, any unused portions in the process, learn of idyllic places to visit in your Tiffin motorhome. 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 The more we thought about all those approaches to evaluating motorhomes, time for good cause. the more we were convinced that another “tool” is more popular and, in The mission of the Allegro Club is: most cases, more effective. That’s the couple at the campsite next to yours, 1) To promote friendship, fellowship and camaraderie among all owners of Tiffin-built motorhomes; or at least some folks who made similar purchase decisions recently. This is 2) To provide pertinent information and assistance regarding not a bad thing like copying somebody else’s homework. It’s finding a well Tiffin-built products, their maintenance and related safety topics; 3) To promote brand loyalty to Tiffin-built motorhomes among informed, relevant source. current owners; With all this thinking, we introduce in this issue of Side Roads a new 4) To encourage ownership of Tiffin-built motorhomes among non-owners. feature. We hope you will find it sufficiently inviting for us to make it a The Allegro Club reserves the right to edit submissions for space and regular. clarity. Manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and other proposed content are welcomed and will be considered for publication. Reproduction in On pages 8 and 9, you’ll meet Rich and Pat Yasco along with Allen and whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Content, including Gwen Main. They will tell you how they like their 2007 34TGA Allegro statements of fact and opinion, do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints front-engine diesels. We think we have figured out the criteria most helpful of Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. or the Allegro Club, Inc. Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. and the Allegro Club, Inc. are not responsible for content. Privacy laws to you. If we’ve missed something important, please let us know. and policies prevent Side Roads from publishing memorials, illnesses and In a broader sense, please give us some feedback on these home-grown test other personal information without written permission. reports. We want every page of Side Roads to be valuable to you. ON THE COVER Ah, June, the weddings month, and what better honeymoon suite Also in this issue, I call your attention to the rally schedule. We have added than a 2008 Allegro Bus? The 30-inch wide entrance well and power a couple of rallies in recent weeks: the Fall Gulf Getaway in Gulf Shores, 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 AL, Oct. 1-5 and the Florida Fall Festival in Seffner, FL, Nov. 5-9. If you new single-piece power blackout windshield shade…. haven’t joined us for a rally yet, you might want to give the schedule and LETTERS TO THE EDITOR applications an even closer look. Want to share an experience you had in your Tiffin You will also find a different type of treat from an old friend and Allegro Motorhome? Have a comment or suggestion about Club member. Bob Poiry, the notorious Yankee Doodler cartoonist from SideRoads, the Allegro Club newsletter? Write to: Side Roads Editor, Allegro Club the Black Swamp Allegros in Toledo, OH, puts down his drawing pen P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582 long enough to demonstrate that he can write, too. His column debuts on Please include your name, address, email and phone page 6. number so we can contact you. I’ve been collecting and assessing feedback on our recent rallies and plan CONTACTS: to share some observations with you in the September issue of Side Roads. If Tiffin Motorhomes Parts & Service: you have any additional thoughts about our rallies, please let me know. (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 Tiffin boosts production near capacity

Melvin Dotson hates to go slow, so it didn’t bother addition to the Allegro Bay. Both FRED models him a bit when Tiffin Motorhomes increased its were immediate successes throughout Tiffin’s production to 13 units a day in late February. 100 dealerships in the U.S. and Canada. Dotson came to Tiffin as a parts shipper For the jump to 13 units a day, Tiffin added in 1976, started the parts department, then about 20 production jobs, bringing the total to launched the doors shop eight years later. He just over 900. still manages that 26-person operation. For Dotson in the door shop, the production increase The stepped-up production enabled him to add some help, but with additional to 3,250 coaches a year staff came additional training needs. The door shop will bring the Class A builds all the basement and entry doors on the diesel motorhome manufacturer pushers and the gasser basement doors. in Red Bay, AL, within “It’s not that hard to pick up production and striking distance of a realistic our people have handled it real well,” Dotson optimum production for says. “Your job gets simplified because your job the current plant – 4,000 description gets narrowed. Each worker can’t do Allegros, Allegro Bays, as big a variety of jobs. When production slows, Phaetons, Allegro Buses it gets harder.” and Zephyrs, according to General Manager Tim Tiffin. Tim Tiffin One immutable factor blocks greater expansion, Tiffin 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, Tiffin 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 Tiffin plant went to twelve units a day last October before the latest increase. From left, Chris Stanphill, Newman Mattox and “A key to success for us was the development Melvin Dotson inspect their work in the Tiffin door shop. of separate gas and diesel production lines,” Tim “We’re building the best door we have ever had,” Tiffin adds. “We are currently building 60% diesel Dotson says with pride. “They are stronger and pushers, 10% front-engine diesels and 30% gas they shut better. We never had door delamination units a day. The gas market is coming back.” problems. They just don’t come apart.” In 2006, Tiffin introduced front-engine diesel Dotson has little turnover, typically losing Allegro Bays on a new Freightliner chassis. For workers to retirement. the 2007 model year, Tiffin added the FRED “This becomes family,” he says. option to its moderately priced Allegro line in SIDE ROADS 3 Roadside recipes by 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 Salt and pepper to taste 3 tablespoons snipped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil 3/4 cup mayonnaise 3 or 4 medium tomatoes, sliced, drained and patted dry 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/3 cup crushed rich round crackers Instructions: 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.

Cheese Bites This 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 tablespoons plain flour 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk Instructions: Beat eggs; add flour, 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.

Strawberry Marshmallow Salad This refreshing fruit salad would be a great accompaniment to a summer meal. Shared by Michelle Tiffin. Ingredients: 1 package mini marshmallows 1 cup boiling water 1 large can crushed pineapple, drained 1 can mandarin oranges, drained 2 packages frozen strawberries, thawed 1 large package cherry gelatin Instructions: 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.

4 SIDE ROADS Easy Baked Chicken Easy to do on the road or at home and delicious. Ingredients: 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce 1/2 cup ranch dressing 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 3 green onions, chopped 1/2 cup chopped bacon Instructions: 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.

Shoe Peg Corn Cassesrole This is a family favorite at Johnson family gatherings. It’s a great (but not low-cal) way to get your veggies. Ingredients: 1 can French-style green beans 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 1 can cream of celery or mushroom soup 1/2 stick butter, melted 2 cans shoe peg corn 1/2 cup slivered almonds 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.

Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars A rich and delicious dessert; perfect with a cup of coffee after dinner or for a snack. Ingredients: 1 12-ounce package butterscotch morsels 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 cup chopped nuts 1 8-ounce package cream cheese 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 egg 1/3 cup butter or oleo 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 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.

SIDE ROADS 5 A ‘pavement princess’ may one day tow Pee-Wee by Bob Poiry

Well you see, we bought low profile one, just under 11 feet tall. We’ve noticed a four-month-old Allegro that when we’re caravanning to a rally (which we in early 2000. It was the love to do) or other destination, we can follow close biggest thing on wheels to one of those great old big ’uns and get better gas we had ever been in. mileage. If we can handle the turbulence, that is. Well, other than that This practice is not encouraged by an inexperienced Greyhound I took to boot gas miser. It’s so light on its wheels that it’ll still burn camp in ’59. rubber at a light. Going up mountains is a piece of When the salesman took cake. We like to refer to it as a minivan on steroids. us for a ride in it, Carol whispered You can even climb on our roof and not worry about those four little words every man having a fear of height. wants to hear from his lady at a time like this. “Let’s We’ve had folks in our chapter who have swapped git it.” Even though the little fella was only 31 ft. up three times in a couple of years because the old long, it seemed awfully big to us. Then we joined one is due for a scheduled oil change (just kidding). the Black Swamp Allegros Chapter 140, based out For our June campout a couple of years ago, we of Toledo, Ohio. We wanted to learn all about this pulled into the County Fairgrounds in Urbana, motor homin’ thing from some RV veterans. We Ohio. Bob Montgomery, our current president, and knew nothing. his wife Darlene had arranged sites for all of us at Belonging to the chapter has been better than the campgrounds there. As we were about to park, we taking a four-year college course on RVing. The saw this HUGE beautiful full-body painted rig with exchange of ideas and experiences is what it’s all awesome graphics sitting nearby. I thought it might about, not to mention the new family we adopted. belong to a famous star like Ricky Skaggs. Turns out Our “little fella” seemed to fit right in at the time. this pavement princess belonged to none other than But as Bob and the boys down in Red Bay kept Ralph and Ethel Mae Vogtsberger, retired farmers turning out bigger and fancier rigs for folks to buy, who belong to our chapter. these magnificent highway machines have spread One of these days maybe you’ll even see us cruising their elegance all the way across the nation. Not only down the highway in one of those turnpike head-turners. are they getting longer, they’re getting taller. Since If you do, look behind us. You just might see us towing Carol and I still have that same cute little fella, we Pee-Wee. In the meantime, however, we’re satisfied try to pull alongside a different one at each campout, with the little fella. When asked if we’re ever going thus sharing the shade, so to speak. to swap him in for a bigger one, our answer is “NO” Our little guy didn’t come with jacks, slide-outs, (well, at least for now). But if I hear Carol whisper back-up cameras or huge storage compartments. It’s a “Let’s git it” again, I’m ready to change my tune.

The Yankee Doodler Cartoonist 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.

6 SIDE ROADS ------

Tiffin Allegro Club Jellystone Jubilee August 20 – August 24, 2007 (Check out August 25) Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort / Warrens, WI

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.

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 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 John Deere 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 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 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 Camp Resort at 888/386-9644. statements: “I understand that neither the Allegro Club, Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc., nor any campground, restaurant, 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

o u r Reviewers Rich and Pat Yacso e f f i c i e n c y o f heating a n d cooling systems live in Parrish, FL, with It’s well-insulated from both weather and noise. We Rugby, 3, standard poodle; really like the dual heating/cooling systems so we can Kenzie, 10, Welsh terrier; keep the bedroom cool and the salon area warm at and Skeeter, 2, Airedale night. We also like the ducted AC system that makes terrier. The Yacsos have for a much cleaner ceiling. been RVing since they moved to Florida eight spaciousness o f living r o o m years ago. Their Bay is We have looked at dozens of floor plans and haven’t their third RV. They do a found anything we like nearly as much as this one, lot of boondocking, state even in coaches costing 2 or 3 times this unit’s price. and federal park camping, The living room is over 10 ft. wide with the slides out and traveling on dog show and that’s a lot of room. The living room is actually circuits, so they were looking for something under 35 big enough to dance in and the dogs to play in. feet. They have had their 34 TGA four months. [email protected] or Attractiveness o f i n t e r i o r decoration [email protected], 941-766-0630 It’s a beautiful and well-appointed unit. We have the cherry bark interior. turning r a d i u s , r o a d handling a n d stability The first thing we noticed about this unit was how Workability o f galley well the FRED chassis handled and how tightly it Pat, a gourmet cook, says the kitchen is large enough turns. The 55-degree wheel cut is awesome. It’s like to prepare the occasional candlelight dinner. We cook driving a big station wagon. The driving stability is at least two meals a day in the coach when we are wonderful. We have gone down two lane country roads traveling. The counter space is adequate but Pat would at 55-60 mph and had oncoming semis pass us and have liked a recessed stovetop and an inset over the hardly even noticed they were there. No more white stove to add another 4 or 5 sq. ft. of counter space. knuckles on the wheel. This unit handles exceptionally well around town and on the highway. c o m f o r t a n d usability o f bathroom The bathroom is really nice. The shower is large Power/torque and out of view even with the divider doors open. On the highway is where this coach really shines. The separate commode and sink is a very nice The unit has plenty of power to enter the freeway and feature. We would like a larger freshwater tank. pass and enough torque to pull away from red lights quite smartly. When we travel, usually fully loaded Livability o f bedroom and at 65 mph, we hardly hear the engine work. We We like the good storage with both closet and are getting 10.5 to 11 mpg on a brand new engine. drawers under the bed, usable even when making a quick stop at a rest area when you can’t/don’t want to Learning curve f o r maintenance, put the slide out. Extremely livable. We would like a electronics a n d o t h e r f e a t u r e s generator on/off switch in the bedroom. It’s easy to drive, and very driver friendly – not a lot of systems and gadgets to worry about.

Noise l e v e l (b o t h parked a n d moving) It’s not a pusher but it’s much quieter than our previous diesel puller and quieter than most big block gas engines.

8 SIDE ROADS What the owners say: Testing the 2007 Allegro 34 TGA FRED

o u r Reviewers Allen and Gwen e f f i c i e n c y o f heating a n d cooling systems Main live in We especially like the completely ducted cooling Mission, TX. They system and the absence of the usual grates below the have owned 11 air conditioners. We haven’t used the heating system, RVs, including six due to warm weather. motorhomes. The last three were spaciousness o f living room made by Tiffin. The double living room slideouts make for a This report covers very spacious living area. a 500-mile trip from North Texas to the Rio Grande Valley towing Attractiveness o f i n t e r i o r decoration a SUV that weighs almost 5,000 lbs. The Mains Everyone who walks into our unit has commented on purchased their 34 TGA last October. They say how very attractive the decor is. We especially like the they are very satisfied with the motorhome and design on the cornices over the day and night shades. expect to have it for a number of years. We like the buffet alongside the table, as well. [email protected], 956-581-5900 Workability o f galley turning r a d i u s , r o a d handling a n d stability The galley is very spacious with lots of counter space. We found the ride very stable and the increased The combination of a microwave and convection oven turning radius when entering and leaving a is a plus. service station and parking very helpful.

Power/torque We really appreciate the power of the Cummins 300- “We really appreciate the hp diesel coupled with the smoothness of the Allison 5-speed transmission, We started the trip with a full power of the Cummins tank of fuel and we filled the tank as full as possible at the end of the trip. Our fuel mileage, with a brisk 300-hp diesel coupled headwind and pulling our SUV, was 9.5 mpg. with the smoothness of Learning curve f o r maintenance, electronics a n d o t h e r f e a t u r e s the Allison 5-speed We’re enjoying the ease of operation of the radio compared to our previous units and the fact that we transmission”. have a CD player as well as a DVD player now.

Noise l e v e l (b o t h parked a n d moving) c o m f o r t a n d usability o f bathroom When we purchased the FRED we had some We really enjoy having two lavatories, one by concerns whether the noise level of the front-end the shower and the other in the toilet area. Very diesel would be excessive. We found the noise level convenient. when idling was noticeable but not excessive, however, when driving it was nearly as quiet as the last Livability o f bedroom Allegro, which had the Workhorse chassis and was The single slideout in the bedroom provides ample considerable less than our first Allegro, which had a room with plenty of closet and storage space. Ford V10 chassis. The engine noise level while driving is low enough that we can listen to our radio.

SIDE ROADS 9 No heavy scrapbooks for Allegro Golden Bears

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]

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Tiffin Allegro Club Fall Gulf Getaway October 1 – October 5, 2007 (Check out October 6) Gulf Breeze Resort / Gulf Shores, AL

This event is available to the first 120 eligible applicants.

Cost: Allegro Club member motorhome with two (2) people / $525 • Allegro Club member motorhome with one (1) person / $350 • Non-member motorhome with two (2) people / $725 • Non-member motorhome with one (1) person / $550 • Each additional guest / $195 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 John Deere 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 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 Discover Credit Card Number: Expiration Date ______/ ______/ ______/ ______/ ______1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Month Year

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 Gulf Breeze Resort at 251/968-8884. statements: “I understand that neither the Allegro Club, Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc., nor any campground, restaurant, 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 11 Chapter Chatter: Next time you pass this way Campgrounds The Lone Star Allegro Club of Houston The Sun Coast gang also recommends chapter picked a park with that name? The describes Rayford Crossing RV Resort Tropical Palms RV Resort in Kissimmee, park has a pool, laundry, cable, 50-amp as “certainly a fine example of the good FL, which is conveniently close to major service and a small rec hall. Sites are shaded life” following a lovely newsletter tale about attractions and features limited cable TV, and grassy, but some are tight. simplicity, solitude and the appreciation pool, shuffleboard, a recreation hall (for The Lucky 7 Allegros from Las Vegas of natural beauty. Outside Houston near rent), poolside restaurant, 50-amp sites and visited the Oasis RV Resort on the southern The Woodlands Waterway/Market Street cottages. end of Las Vegas. The chapter reports the Concert area, this resort is new and modern resort is secure, sparkling clean, has nice with very clean facilities, concrete streets sites and clean private individual showers and sites, wi-fi, free cable and beautiful and bathrooms, plus a convenience store, landscaping. café, dog areas and an adjacent dog park. Like goats? The Space Coast Allegros of Groceries and fancy coffee shop are nearby. Melbourne, FL, can tell you where to find The chapter cautions that this resort is them. Visit Oklawaha RV Resort in Fort often full in January-April snowbird season, McCoy, FL. A herd of goats will visit your during NASCAR® events and rodeo season campsite. Better hurry, though: The chapter (early December). learned that this favored campground is The Lakes RV and Golf Course selling lots and installing park models, so caught the eye of the California Allegro campers may be squeezed out at some Roadrunners for an April campout. The point. resort is in Chowchilla and is a top-rated The Lone Star Allegro Club of Houston facility with 87 campsites, man-made lake, likes the rich history of the Coushatte heated pool and spa. The clubhouse is close Recreation Ranch in Bellville, TX. Owned to campsites, too. by the Nelius family since 1877, until 1973 Restaurants the property was used for cotton, cattle and chickens. Now it’s 225 acres of trees, nature We’ve heard that Las Vegas may have one trails, a pond, a fishing creek, antique cars or two moderately priced, food-laden buffets. and farm equipment. Hayrides are available. The Lucky 7 Allegros who call that area The 200 RV sites have full hookups and the home recommend the South Coast buffet ranch offers seven halls with full kitchens. with stations offering salad, soup, seafood, The Sun Coast Allegros of Tampa found Asian, barbecue, Italian, American and a pleasant surprise in their own back yard: dessert selections at a good price. The chapter Rally Park, the campground in Seffner A bundled-up Kay Alexander of Cullman, also enjoyed the breakfast and lunch fare at related to Lazy Days RV Center, a Tiffin AL, enjoys the dixieland trio at the Allegro the Oasis RV Resort where the campout dealership. At Rally Park, a free newspaper Club rally in Stone Mountain, GA. was held. Attentive, friendly servers for is delivered to your site. Other amenities at basic fare. the well-maintained park include breakfast A third recommendation from the Sun Dinner shows caught the eye of Sun and lunch, 50-amp service, cable, pool, wi-fi Coast chapter is no surprise: Suncoast RV Coast Allegro members while at a campout and a recreation hall. Resort in Port Richey. Wonder how the in Kissimmee, FL. One contingent went (Continued on Page 14)

12 SIDE ROADS ------

Tiffin Allegro Club Florida Fall Festival November 5 – November 9, 2007 (Check out November 10) Rally Park / Seffner, FL

This event is available to the first 150 eligible applicants.

Cost: Allegro Club member motorhome with two (2) people / $495 • Allegro Club member motorhome with one (1) person / $315 • Non-member motorhome with two (2) people / $695 • Non-member motorhome with one (1) person / $515 • Each additional guest / $175 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 John Deere 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 150 spaces available. 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 Discover Credit Card Number: Expiration Date ______/ ______/ ______/ ______/ ______1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Month Year

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 Rally Park at 800/905-6627. statements: “I understand that neither the Allegro Club, Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc., nor any campground, restaurant, 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

to Dixie Stampede, another group tried Florida Aquarium, open air shopping at tanks require a 90-degree funnel, which can Capone’s. Both reported enjoyable evenings Tampa’s Franklin Street Mall, the Sunken be fashioned from a quart-size plastic oil at $23 and up. Gardens and Museum of History in St. container with some surgery on the narrow The Sun Coast Allegros also recommend Petersburg and the Seminole Casino. side. The makeshift funnel ensures that the Hellas in Tarpon Springs, FL. Hellas has bleach reaches the tank without spill, and the indoor and outdoor casual dining with follow-up baking soda removes the disagree- Greek décor and such entrees (averaging $12) able odor and taste. as spinach pie, cheese pie, Greek spaghetti, Another reason to plan your campouts far gyros, moussaka, kabobs, squid, plus Greek in advance comes from the Puget Sound and French pastry. Burgers and chicken Allegro Chapter. More and more RV parks fingers serve less adventuresome palates. are requiring individual site deposits two Corky Bells is a new restaurant in Titusville, weeks to a month in advance. FL, and the Space Coast Allegros like it. “It Chapter-to-Chapter was extra good after a lengthy wait.”

The Sun Coast Allegros offer an equally Destination attractions impressive list for Central Florida, where they A free shuttle from the Oasis RV Resort camped in Kissimmee at Tropical Palms RV in Las Vegas takes RVers to the South Point Resort: Disney World, Universal Studios, Resort for dining, gaming, scheduled shows Sea World, Cypress Gardens, water parks and a full-service spa, according to the Lucky and Old Town. Some chapters have it easier 7 Allegros. than others. While camping at Rally Park in Seffner, Camping Tips FL, the Sun Coast Allegros ticked off a list of attractions within a 30-minute drive: Busch The Puget Sound Allegro Chapter figured At a rally earlier this year, the First Coast Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo, the University of out how to take the mess out of adding bleach Allegros of Jacksonville, FL, added $109 to South Florida Botanical Gardens, Tampa or baking soda to fresh water tanks. Some the chapter treasury with an RV garage sale. Two chapter members, Lloyd Powell and Bill Hancock, led an information exchange 2007 Allegro Club Rally Schedule about DeLorme and Microsoft GPS systems. The discussion was in the campground Allegro Club Northwest Rally Allegro Club Fall Gulf Getaway clubhouse, but coordinates were not provided. Maple Grove RV Resort Gulf Breeze Resort In what may be a related action, the chapter Randle, WA Gulf Shores, AL has voted to destroy much of the mountain June 5-7, 2007 (break camp June 8) October 1-5, 2007 (break camp October 6) of documents collected over 21 years of paperwork without historical or IRS value. Allegro Club Jellystone Jubilee Allegro Club Florida Fall Festival Every chapter officer had passed material to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Rally Park successors until that game was no longer fun. Camp Resort Seffner, FL The Puget Sound Allegro Chapter can now Warrens, WI November 5-9, 2007 (break camp be found at www.pugetsoundallegro.com August 20-24, 2007 November 10) joining several other chapters in the internet (break camp August 25) revolution. The site offers the latest information on club outings and helps recruit additional For additional information: [email protected] members. The chapter keeps more private 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 information off the site. (Continued on Page 15)

14 SIDE ROADS Catfish and shrimp for everybody

Celebrating the 35-year relationship between Onan and Tiffin Motorhomes, supplying generators since Tiffin’s start, a management team from Cummins Onan served a famous Swamp John’s catfish and shrimp lunch to all Tiffin 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 Tiffin workers.

Chapter chatter(Continued from Page 14) Coil n’ Wrap® benefit While many chapters are engaged in Sherrie and Bill Gattoni must have Allegro Club membership just charitable projects, the Sun Coast Allegros wondered a bit as they set up their Allegro became even better, thanks to a of Tampa donated toys to Toys for Tots; Bus at their campsite for their first Lucky new club benefit for a product that blankets, food, towels and toys to the 7 Allegros rally. No Tiffin coaches in sight. makes your coach even neater. animal shelter; school supplies for school Turns out they were in the wrong RV club’s Coil n’ Wrap® products attach to children from limited resource families; nest. Wagonmaster Ed Bennett successfully water hoses, extension cords, air or and cash to an interim housing center for negotiated an exchange of prisoners, but propane hoses, electronic component women and children. Sherrie and Bill missed some of the activities. cables and other potentially unruly We should also mention the California There’s a new sheriff in town, and he’s hoses, cords and cables. Coil n’ Allegro Roadrunners for their decision vowing to clean things up. Joe Anderson has Wrap creates compact coils for to provide toys to the Ronald MacDonald been appointed sheriff of the Puget Sound 5/8-in. and smaller water hoses as House Foundation in Palo Alto instead of Allegro Chapter, the first male sheriff in a long as 50-ft., 75-ft., or shorter TV exchanging gifts among members. decade for the chapter. In addition to busting cables, 16-gauge extension cords members for not wearing name tags (25-cent Quirky Occurrences and 30-amp cables. Additional fine), Sheriff Joe is threatening additional products include awning safety Wooly Worm Workouts? Is that a video fines for dirty motorhomes. Wonder if he straps designed to prevent awning sold on late-night TV? The Space Coast carries a pearl-handled spray gun in his holster? arm assembly rattling, a retractable Allegros of Melbourne, FL, plan a visit to “We felt like we had a rock star in our 8-ft. phone/modem cord and an the famed Wooly Worm Festival in the midst,” reported the Sun Coast Allegros assortment of hook-and-loop One- mountains of Western North Carolina this of Tampa. At a campout at Rally Park in Wrap buckle straps. October. Chapter members are rumored to Seffner, FL, they were browsing among Tiffin Under an agreement negotiated be “paying big bucks for Wooly Worms to coaches at Lazy Days RV Center when they with the Allegro Club management, enter in the race.” Just where does one spotted Tiffin Motorhomes Founder and club members will receive a find Wooly Worms in Central Florida? CEO Bob Tiffin. Never one to disappoint 10% discount on Coil n’ Wrap Chapter Reporter Susan Humanes his fans – make that customers, Tiffin agreed products by using the discount also wonders if Wooly Worms will be to pose for pictures with the chapter members. code word “Allegro.” For more seen in training at the chapter’s next “He was very gracious and very informative,” information or to place an order go campout, and whether they will have Chapter Secretary Jeanie Lynch reports. “A to www.coilnwrap.com or phone names like Zephyr, Pusher, Fred, Bay, real treat for our club.” 866-603-8388. Phaeton and Bus?

SIDE ROADS 15 P.O. BOX 1429 PRESORTED STANDARD RED BAY, AL 35582 U.S. POSTAGE PAID ADDRESS SERVICE PERMIT # 159 REQUESTED BIRMINGHAM, AL

Search turns up Phaetons everywhere In the March issue, we sought the longest, most more than 50 Phaetons, including the first crude impressive list of famous Phaetons, in honor of electric carriage designed and built in Holland in Tiffin’s dashing diesel pusher. Little did we know 1835 and the mythical planet between Mars and that DIANE O’BRIEN of Morrow Bay, CA, Jupiter, described often in science fiction. Diane would treat this challenge like the quest for world will receive a prize package from the Allegro Club peace or the elimination of famine. Diane unearthed office but alas, no Phaeton.

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.” 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.

New Tiffin Allegro Dealers New Allegro Club Chapters Country Creek RV Center Country Creek RV Center The Show Me Allegros were organized in 7696 US Hwy 49 North 5551 I-55 South Missouri on April 16 with nine families. Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Jackson, MS 39272 The president is Bonnie Schreckengast, 601-268-1800 601-376-0616 573-566-2031, [email protected].

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 rental. 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: