Premium is... The Right RV Tire Changes Everything.

Performance. “We are repeat customers of the Freightliner custom chassis because of its dependability, maneuverability and nationwide service network that meets our needs as full-time RVers.” — C. Irvin and M. Swain Tiffin Phaeton owners Copyright ©2012 Michelin North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The MICHELIN® 305/70R22.5 XRV ®, with its expanded load capacity*, is ready to take on more Freightliner Custom Chassis is Performance. weight than ever. Our all-position tire designed for exceptional performance on recreational vehicles and motorhomes will prove that The Right Tire Changes Everything.™ Built upon innovations that have been proven over millions of miles, Freightliner Custom Chassis is focused on enhancing the driving experience. We incorporate world-class resources with premium components to give you a smooth ride and exceptional driveability. Learn more about how you can experience premium To learn more about the MICHELIN® 305/70R22.5 XRV ®, visit www.michelinrvtires.com.

performance with our family of chassis at www.freightlinerchassis.com or call (800) FTL-HELP. *The MICHELIN® 305/70R22.5 XRV® has a per-axle maximum load capacity of 15,660 lbs in singles and 27,760 lbs in duals at 120 psi cold pressure. You should always weigh each axle and check Michelin’s Load and Inflation Tables to determine proper fitment and air pressure for your vehicle. INDUSTRY’S BEST WARRANTY • LARGEST SERVICE NETWORK

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is registered to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004. Copyright © 2012 Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.

FCCC_RV Performance Tiffin_Ad.indd 1 12/14/12 10:42 AM Michelin RV ad.indd 1 1/13/12 11:54 AM Roughing it Winter 2013 Volume 10 Number 1 Smoothly January 2013 Volume 10, Number 1 Roughing It Smoothly® magazine is published four times a year by Book Production Resources for Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc., 105 2nd Street NW, Red Bay, Alabama 35582. BPR offices are located at 1403 Cedar Point Way, Monroe, GA 30656. Printed in the United States of America. Postage paid at Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440.

Postmaster: Send all changes of address to Book Production Resources 1403 Cedar Point Way Monroe, GA 30656. 8 38 42

This issue of Roughing It Smoothly® has a postal distribution of approximately 46,500 copies and a dealer distribution of 12,000 copies. Departments Features It was printed by Quad Graphics, Inc., N63 W23075 State Hwy. 74, Sussex, WI 53089. Copyright © 2013 by Book Production President’s Corner 4 Owner Profile 24 Test Driving the 2013 Breeze 28 BR Resources. All rights reserved. Roughing It The Grand Ole Service at TMH Livin’ in a Cowboy State of Mind • ® See page 6 Smoothly is a registered trademark of Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. No part of this magazine On the Road with Elaine 16 Traveling With Your Pets 27 may be reproduced in any form without the TMH Downsizes the Allegro RED written permission of the publisher. Tiffin Management Team 17 RV Healthy 28 • 33 AA Floorplan Opens New Markets for This Entry-Level Diesel Pusher See page 8 Publisher, Book Production Resources Jack Elliott: A Jack of All Trades Editor, Fred Thompson; Typesetting and News You Can Use 30 Page Makeup, Andy Cargile; Copy Editor, at Tiffin Motorhomes Riding the Rails Carolyn Thompson. Contributing Writers: From the Road 34 Bob Tiffin, Fred Thompson, Norman Spray, Dealer Profile 20 • Riding High on the Cumbres & Toltec See page 38 Danny Inman, Elaine Austin, Dr. John P. Davis Motorhome Mart Serious Tech Talk 54 Pilarczyk, Sylvia Tarnuzzer, and Marlin Saint. Contributing Photographers: Fred Thompson, Cover Mt. Hood, 11,239 ft., Oregon’s The Oregon Trail Elaine Austin, National Park Service, and highest mountain. Photography by Fred • part ii From Ft. Laramie, Wyoming to Twin Falls, Idaho See page 42 Constellation Imageworks. Thompson.

Please note the recall in the centerfold of this issue . . .

Many Tiffin owners who have Norcold refrig- well as entertaining reading to our owners. Syl- PO Box 1738, Monroe, GA 30655-1738. You Breaking News . . . erators involved in this recall have not called in via and Paul Tarnuzzer travel in their Allegro may also change your address online by send- On November 27, Tiffin Motorhomes presented to its dealers Jerry Williamson, Tiffin’s general sales manager, said at the Na- for instructions to have their units checked and Bus and plan to become full-timers in the near ing your email to [email protected] First, overhead cabinet ONE RECLINER W/FLIP TABLE modified to eliminate a potential fire hazard. future. Sylvia, founder of RVHealthy, Inc., is enter your old address as it appears on your for the first time the 2013 Allegro Bus 45 LP on Tiffin’s exclusive tional Dealer’s Show in Louisville. “Our driverdealers side (no tv) were favorably We are sending the Winter 2013 issue to our a certified health coach who understands our magazine label (we must remove your old PowerGlide chassis. “This new floorplan satisfies a market de- impressed and immediately placed orders.” Tiffin began deliver- 72" X 80" king bed entire mailing list to be sure everyone sees this traveling lifestyle and offers great advice on her address before we can add a new one). Sec- u-shaped booth dinette freestanding freestanding dinette entertainment center with one fireplace below tv leather lift mand for the spaciousness offered by the 45-foot class at a dresscabinet/dinette ing the 45 LP within mid-December.leather lift recliner The & flip table coach in entertainment will be featuredrecliners in recall one more time! If you have not responded, website www.rvhealthy.com as well as her week- ond, please enter your new three-line address computer workstation center drawers/nightstand read the ad in the centerfold and call the dedi- ly episodes on RVNN.TV including the zip code. We do not accept level that maintains the pricedrawers/nightstand point of the Allegro Bus brand,” the Spring 2013 issue of Roughing It Smoothly. cated Norcold phone number now. phone calls for changes of address. Serious Tech Talk If you did not send in your free subscription To address your technical questions to Danny New Subscribers overhead cabinet ohc microwave ohc request card . . . Inman, use the postcard bound in this issue, If you have just purchased a new Tiffin motor- overhead cabinet We will remove the owners from our Spring send a longer letter to the address on the post- home, be assured that your name/address will tv overhead cabinet ohc overhead cabinet 2013 mailing list who did not ask for the maga- card, or send an email to RIStechtalk@gmail. be added to our mailing list automatically. We cabinets drawers below lav zine to be sent to them. Those owners will be com If you need an immediate answer to a receive a new sales report every quarter. If you lav lav chaise sofa bed able to read the magazine online at www.tiffin- service problem, you should call 256-356- purchased a pre-owned Tiffin motorhome, optional motorhomes.com 0261. send the year, brand, length & floorplan, your drawer type

dishwasher tv name and address, and VIN to Roughing It A new feature . . . Change of Address Smoothly, PO Box 1738, Monroe, GA 30655- 60" X 80" queen bed In this issue, RVHealthy joins our list of standard Please use a standard change of address card 1738. Owners who request the magazine re- shelf with hanging rod below shower step columns that bring important information as from USPS and send it to Roughing It Smoothly, ceive Roughing It Smoothly at no charge. washer dryer overhead

ohc nightstand nightstand cabinet overhead cabinet booth sofa bed dinette ® ® ® optional tub tv The following names are registered trademarks of Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc.: Open Road , Phaeton , Allegro , Allegro overhead cabinet ® ® ® ® ® ® ® 4-door fridge Bay , Allegro Bus , Allegro Breeze , Zephyr , Roughing It Smoothly , Pusher , and PowerGlide . overhead cabinet optional tile floor in bedroom eXterior tv PRESIDENT’S CORNER SOLID & DEPENDABLE The Grand Ole Service at TMH by Bob Tiffin

When I first started in business in the Fall port closed and the city offered the land of 1972, we were excited about building in five-acre parcels. motorhomes, hiring a new crew, and get- During the eighties we carved out space ting production set up and started. We were for 35 service bays that were located with- Winterested in the design of our new product in the primary plant facility. As you may and how it would look when compared to know, the “airport campground” was over what the competition was building. a mile away. So, on any given weekday, we We knew so little about marketing our would bring 35 motorhomes, 35 tow cars, new product: how should we price our mo- approximately 70 people, and at least 50 torhomes; who would we sell them to; who pets from the campground to the plant. would be our dealers; what states would At 7 a.m. there would be a mad dash from we sell them in. We were concerned if we the campground to the service area in should build the frames with aluminum the main plant on Second Street. We had or steel, or a combination of both. We an average of one accident a day (fender spent a lot of time planning the wiring and benders) with this crowded situation. PURCHASE OR REFINANCE plumbing. We had to select the appliances Since “necessity is the mother of action with APRs* as low as that would go in our new motorhomes. (or was it invention?),” I decided to build a And then one day in the beginning months of Tiffin Motor- new service center at the campground in 2004. It was the right With over 30 years in recreational lending, Essex Credit $75,000 + 4.62%** homes, it hit me! How in the world are we going to service these decision at the right time, and we have since expanded the ser- understands your RVing lifestyle - you would rather be on motorhomes we are building? I understood service from watch- vice center twice. In 2012, we have had 60 motorhomes in one $50,000 - $74,999 4.87%** ing my dad service appliances at his company, Tiffin Supply. I stage of service or another each day of the week. the road enjoying time with your family and friends than fully understood even then that service generates sales and cus- From 2005 to the present, we have made numerous improve- just about anything else. Essex Credit can help! Purchase or tomer loyalty. Without excellent service, we could not survive. ments in our service abilities as well as the speed of delivering refinance your RV with an APR as low as 4.62%** and start $25,000 - $49,999 5.50%** At the beginning, even after the first year of business, we did service. During 2012 we devised three ways to move coaches with planning your next trip. not have enough motorhomes built and in use to support a ser- relatively minor issues through service more quickly. We now Inquire about rates and terms for our vice organization. The motorhomes were very simple, making it have teams for TV service, A-level service, and express bays. The Essex Credit offers one-stop shopping; handling every detail possible for dealers and owners to take care of their problems. first two teams work on motorhomes at the owner’s campsite. RV Full-Timer financing program! When an owner actually did come by the factory because of a The TV service team works on issues that involve the coach’s of the loan transaction – from paying off your current problem, we would take one or two people off the production entertainment system: televisions, DVDs, speakers, surround lender to handling the titling & registration. We offer Private Party Purchases are our Specialty line and do what little service was needed. sound, multiplex and coax cabling, satellite signal reception, competitive rates and a hassle-free loan process to help Usually Jesse Vess and Monroe Thorn, and whomever else etc. Many times the problems are solved with additional own- make lowering your monthly payments easy. Don’t wait - might be needed, did the repair work for the owners who some- er training. A-level service includes anything that can be fixed apply online today! how found their way to Red Bay on Old Route 24 coming in from within two hours at the campsite. It includes changing the wa- Russellville, or 19 coming from Vina, or US 72, 78, and 45 from ter pump; checking out the inverter (and offering more train- Mississippi. We may not have been easy to find. And, of course, ing); replacing the transfer switch, digital TV antenna, or circuit Essex Credit Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of: we did not have a campground for owners at the plant. So we breakers; adjusting entry and basement doors to fit; and many www.essexcredit.com/tiffin ESSEX parked our owners wherever we could find a spot on the plant other minor repairs. If an issue or repair can be corrected in CREDIT 1.866.377.3948 property. For the first twenty years we did not have slide-outs, three hours or less, but needs the use of a service bay, the owner leveling jacks, awnings, and multiple televisions. The service fa- and coach are scheduled for an “express bay.” These services cility I was envisioning would take many more years to develop. have vaulted our ability to quickly take care of certain items, As we grew and our acreage around the plant increased, we keep the owners out of the queue waiting for service on more *Estimated APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Subject to loan program requirements and credit approval. Certain fees, closing costs, pre-payment penalities and restrictions may apply. added campsites and hook-ups near the railroad tracks and complicated problems, and reduce significantly the amount of **Rates and terms may vary with market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Example of a typical RV loan: A 15 year fixed-rate $55,000 loan. one or two other locations around our buildings. We contin- time owners have to spend at the Service Center. Based on an APR of 4.87%, this loan has 180 monthly payments of $431.22 each. APRs noted above are available only for applications submitted by March 31, ued to grow, making it necessary to invest in a larger location When a motorhome arrives at the Tiffin Service Center, we 2013. APR is valid for 30 days from date of loan approval. For refinance, RV must be 2003 model year or newer and current loan must be open for a minimum of six months. For purchase, RV must be 2005 model year or newer. Maximum loan to value is determined by the following: credit score and model year, with where our owners could park. Fortunately, the Red Bay Air- Continued on page 7 collateral value being established per NADA Used Wholesale Trade-in value. Information is accurate as of December 14, 2012. This offer is not available to applicants who use their RV as a principal dwelling (Full-Timer). See website for Full-timer rates and terms. Other rates and terms are available.

4 Roughing It Smoothly Equal Housing Lender. © 2013 Essex Credit Corporation. both filters and the air cleaner. In earlier PRESIDENT’S CORNER Breeze model years, it was necessary to go Continued from page 4 inside, raise the bed (it’s on air struts), and check immediately to see if the slide-out remove a panel to reach the filters which floors and the floors under the fresh, gray, were mounted on top of the engine. and black tanks are solid and in good con- A new electronic information center dition. We also check to see if the cap rails Test Driving the 2013 Allegro Breeze 28 BR positioned in the instrument cluster tells need to be replaced. In the event any of by Bob Tiffin the driver when to change the oil and re- these items need replacement, the owner is place the crankcase filter. These items will given a service number and placed in the appear when you scroll the info center. regular service queue established on a first worked well and kept my foot off the Also on the electronic front, we added an come–first served basis at arrival. We do brake most of the time. optional satellite radio and a wireless IR not make appointments for these repairs. This new engine is a significant im- repeater system for the televisions. Beginning January 1, 2013, the Ser- provement over the earlier version — not We shortened the vanity faucet spout vice Center will only make appointments that it didn’t do a good job — but the ad- and moved the water heater by-pass valve for motorhomes that are two years old ditional 25 horsepower, 60 lb-ft of torque, to the utility board. A larger Tripp Lite or newer, based on the original date of and the exhaust brake have just turned up inverter replaces two smaller inverters purchase. We will not make any appoint- the performance two or three notches and to power the television and extra recep- ments for the months of April or Octo- made a big difference. tacles. It also has a larger charge capacity ber. Otherwise, we will work on all units as When I got back to Red Bay, I filled up for the coach batteries. they arrive at the campground on a first the tank at the same place. On my 140-mile In the water closet, the large skylight come–first served basis. test drive, the Breeze got 13.4 miles per now has a sliding cover to enhance heat- We know from past experience that gallon. That number is slightly less than ing and cooling efficiency. this method will greatly speed up service the mileage the 2011 Breeze got two years Last, but certainly not least, one of the and shorten the owner’s stay at the camp- ago. However, I went through the hilliest most significant changes besides the en- ground when they come for service in region in northwest Alabama. Some of the gine is the one-piece fiberglass slide-out Spring and Fall. At the present time (Nov. road follows an old Choctaw Indian trail. box. The unitized box and our construc- 9), our records show that we completed The Allegro Breeze is now in its third year proceeded north to the Tennessee River, They called it “the Devil’s Backbone.” tion methods to install the slide-out’s service in October at the approximate rate of production. For the 2013 model year, crossed on the Trace bridge, and turned I am also impressed with the handling interior features are unique in the RV in- of 110 to 120 units per week. we have made significant changes. No oth- east on Gunwaleford Road to Florence. of the 2013 Breeze and its stability on the dustry. The one-piece fiberglass box has We will continue to serve every owner er motorhome in its class offers a rear en- The next morning I traveled south on road. We have not made any significant no seams. Its exterior cosmetics and leak that comes to the service center regard- Tgine diesel, air brakes, air ride suspension, U.S. 43, crossing the Tennessee again, until changes in the suspension, the axles, and prevention is greatly improved. less of the age of the coach. However, the ride-height adjusters, and a low profile. I came to U.S. 72 West in Colbert County. the shocks or other component parts on The 2013 Allegro Breeze has created new system with Express, A-level, and TV Two years ago I did a test drive and of- In approximately 16 miles, I turned south the Breeze. But in the last two years, we a new class of motorhome with which I service teams will move owners through fered a report in the pages of Roughing It on Ala. Rt. 247. I drive this road to work have made significant improvements on am very pleased. Now you can choose more quickly, while placing motorhomes Smoothly. I think our new Breeze will ab- every weekday. It begins deceptively with our techniques for adjusting ride height, a downsized, low profile Class A diesel requiring more involved service into an solutely blow you away — no pun intend- farm land and pastures but soon becomes front-end alignments, air bag pressure pusher with the driving features found orderly sequence for processing repairs. ed. On the afternoon of December 6, I 22 miles of steep hills and descents. At the from side to side, and alignment toe-in. on the big diesel pushers. I think you will If your coach is in the 24-month win- filled the 28BR’s fuel tank here in Red Bay very least, I knew it would be a good test All of these adjustments have made be pleased, too. dow, you can make an online appoint- and drove six miles east to Belmont where to see how the new 240-hp Navistar engine the 28 and 32-ft Breezes comparable to ment by logging onto the internet. At the I turned southwest for a few miles to the with 620 lb-ft of torque performed. driving our Allegro RED. And it drives so top of the page in the address box, type in Natchez Trace. Driving the speed limit, I I was very pleasantly surprised by the much better than our Allegro units built service.tiffinmotorhomes.com or you power of the new en- on the Ford chassis. may call Peggy Elliott at 256-356-0261, gine. It stayed in 6th, When you compare the brakes on the x3206. The Service Center will not accept 5th, and 4th gears for Breeze 28BR to the brakes on all of the appointments for speciality bays such as much longer than I other vehicles we build, the Breeze wins tank floors, slide-out floors, cap rails, expected on the steep the contest. It has the best brakes and and paint work. These repairs will be pulls up Franklin is one of the safest vehicles we have ever completed according to the service num- County’s hills. Going built as far as driving is concerned. bers assigned to owners as they check in at down some of the On the Breeze’s PowerGlide chassis, we the campground office. equally steep grades, relocated the oil and fuel filters. To change We have built our business on custom- the Navistar’s engine the oil and fuel filters now, just raise the er service, fair dealing, and loyalty to our exhaust brake really rear grill and you will immediately see owners. That will never change.

6 Roughing It Smoothly President’s Corner 7 finished in the standard English Chest- your coffeemaker, crockpot, electric skil- nut and makes good use of some of the let, juicer, and other electric appliances. A generous floor space afforded by the two gas oven is optional at a nominal price. large slide-outs. Owners will enjoy select- No manufacturer in the RV industry ing an area rug when they begin to add can top the amount of storage space cre- their own personal decor to the living– ated by Tiffin’s kitchen designers. Tiffins dining room. use of space rivals IKEA’s design and engi- The home theater surround sound neering. On the left side of the residential- system at mid-ship features a standard sized optional microwave-convection oven, 42-inch Panasonic HD-TV. An optional you will find a two-shelf cabinet with 5.4 32-inch HD-TV over the dash allows ev- cubic feet of storage space. On the right eryone in the living–dining area to see side, another eye-level cabinet offers 1.5 a screen. Owners can select an optional cubic feet of storage. electric fireplace (not shown in the fea- Stand back three feet from the gal- tured coach) that is designed to fit under ley’s cabinetry with solid surface coun- the 42-inch television. It puts out enough tertops and take in the design and con- heat to knock off a January chill in Flori- struction. Two stacks of three drawers: da or south Texas. 23" long, 6" wide, and 2.5 to 5.5 inches Focusing on the passenger side slide- deep. Two huge drawers under the cook- out, the architects placed the dinette with top: 18.5" × 17" and 3.5 and 5.5 inches 33 AA FLOORPLAN OPENS seating for four in the slide-out’s forward deep. Under the sink you will find 3.3 NEW MARKETS FOR THIS location. Its comfortable Halo leather seat- cubic feet of unobstructed space. To the ing is optional. While dining, you will enjoy right of your 20-cubic-foot Whirlpool TMH Downsizes the Allegro RED ENTRY-LEVEL DIESEL PUSHER the view overlooking your patio through residential refrigerator with a bottom your 19 × 58-inch picture window. slide-out freezer and icemaker, you will The galley takes up the remainder of find the best part of the storage system — ith a continuing mandate slide-outs in any of Tiffin’s coaches. Mea- to spend a year on the road (see 6:2, page Spacious Living-Dining Area the 15' 7" passenger side slide-out. The two pantry slide-outs with six adjustable W for downsizing from its owners and suring 13 feet across with both slides de- 37). (4) The perfect coach for the couple Located in the driver side slide-out, the double stainless steel sink and the three- shelves 5" deep. the RVing public in general, the design ployed, this “downsized” 33-foot coach not quite ready to retire who want to spend 33 AA’s L-shaped sofa with optional Halo burner cooktop are recessed one-half Forgive me when I rave about storage engineers at Tiffin Motorhomes went has nailed the award for the most spa- summers and weekends in their coach. leather comfortably seats four, provides inch to accommodate solid surface coun- systems each time I write about Tiffin back to their CAD-CAMs and created cious living room in Class A motorhomes. With its 340-hp Cummins ISB 6.7-liter seatbelts for three, and sleeps two, plus tertop covers, providing a smooth 14.3 motorhomes. But storage is a critical part the 33 AA, probably the most innovative Mission Assignments: (1) The perfect electronic diesel, turbocharged, aftercooled a European recliner and ottoman that is square feet of galley workspace. Laser-cut of good design in your motorhome. We floorplan in the Allegro RED series. This coach for full timers. (2) The perfect coach engine and Freightliner chassis, this coach standard. The passenger chair, with op- designer backsplashes with diamond- all want to take as much as we can from entry-level diesel pusher has two slide- for fans who are football weekend tail- is ready to tackle any assignment for its tional full power and Halo leather, easily shaped insets give the galley a very dis- our “sticks & bricks” houses to make our outs in the living /dining area which, gaters. (3) The perfect coach for a family new owners. Let’s do a “walk through” and rotates into the living room, and com- tinctive touch. TMH positioned three motorhomes as useful and accommodat- at 31 and 34 inches each, are the widest homeschooling their four kids who want imagine how you would use the 33 AA. pletes the seating for six. A coffee table is electrical outlets along the galley wall for ing as possible.

8 Roughing It Smoothly ??? 9 The Master Bedroom With an optional king size bed, the 33 AA provides its owners with all of the luxury found in the 38 QRA, the largest coach in the Allegro RED series. The new bedside table offers a deep pocket shelf, a front- opening door, and a 110v outlet. The sconce-style reading lamps and overhead speakers make settling in for some soft music and reading a pleasant evening experience. Of course, you also have the option to enjoy a movie or your favorite program on the standard 32-inch HDTV in the passenger side slide-out. Panason- ic’s new thin design television inspired TMH’s cabinet designers to mount the TV in a hinged lift frame that conceals Entertainment Par Excellence light features a wide transmission aper- Albums, and YouTube videos. Your Wi-Fi tional Winegard Trav’ler Satellite that is the DVD and satellite receiver. Its eye- I mentioned Tiffin’s new television tech- ture that enhances contrast between light connection can be supplied by Verizon’s designed for stationary operation. With level location makes it very easy to use. nology in our review of the 2013 Pha- and dark and improves response to pro- 4G network MiFi air card. By the end of a DirecTV subscription, it offers you full The sidewalls of the bedroom slide- eton 36GH in the last issue of RIS. The vide smoother images of human figures 2013, Verizon expects to have approxi- HD reception. out each have a window for ventilation same tech is also available in the Allegro or objects in motion. The VIERA remote mately 98 percent coverage in the U.S. The Panasonic 1000-watt system and in pleasant temperatures. There is noth- RED coaches. The SMART VIERA® 42- App allows you to use your smartphone By installing an inexpensive wireless the satellite receiver have been relocated ing more sleep inducing than hearing the inch Class E5, Full HD, LED TV brings or tablet as a remote control. With WiFi router, you can link the televisions in the from the box above the passenger chair to gurgling of a stream or the sound of the a new dimension to television viewing. to link content from your smartphone or living room, bedroom, and the optional an electronics cabinet at eye level directly surf when you are in the mountains or at The brightness, saturation, contrast, and tablet, you can browse Facebook on your 32-inch outdoor Panasonic to enjoy pho- behind the 32-inch Panasonic TV in the the beach—one of the great advantages of sharpness of colors are finely compen- 42-inch Panasonic. tos, music, movies, and more throughout bedroom which is standard equipment. being able to park your coach just where sated in each scene. Highly vivid colors First announced in our Summer (9:3) the coach. Ports in the televisions can be With the Integrated Universal Dock for you want to be. are produced with almost zero mutual issue, the entertainment center is powered used to introduce content from your cam- iPod and iPhone, you can launch your The same slide-out for the bedroom interference. People’s faces are detected by a Panasonic 1000-watt system with era’s SD Memory Card or a USB memory personal digital music collection as well TV also houses a handsome chest of four by the software which automatically cor- “Wi-Fi Built-in” on each of the coach’s stick. The options are almost limitless. as videos and photos stored on these de- drawers, each measuring 10 × 20.5 × 7 rects skin tones to ensure soft, natural four televisions to give you access to web The domed in-motion satellite dish vices. All of the above is in addition to Tif- inches. Adjacent to the chest is a clothes complexions. With VIERA’s 178° view- content, including Bloomberg TV, Net- is optional equipment, and the optional fin’s groundbreaking television and sur- hamper, conveniently placed right next ing angle, you see clear, vibrant images flix, Twitter, Cinema Now, Pandora Inter- receiver requires a subscription. The Al- round sound theater that was launched to the stacked washer and dryer. Over the from every seat in the room. The back- net Radio, Vudu, Fox Sports, Picasa Web legro RED can be prewired for the op- four years ago. window in the slide-out is a double com- partment to store washing compounds and other cleaning-related products. It’s a matter of design—everything placed just where you would expect. You will find eight cubic feet of bonus storage space under the bed for items you only use occasionally. For easy access, the bed itself flips up with the help of two power struts. Across the rear of the coach, the archi- tects positioned the stacked washer–dryer and the master bedroom’s wardrobe. The closet (65" wide × 61" high × 20" deep, with two 33" sliding mirrored doors) has LED lights on both sides. The coach is heated with two ducted propane furnaces, one 35,000 BTU and

10 Roughing It Smoothly Allegro RED 33 AA 11 one 30,000 BTU. Standard cooling in- cludes two 13,500 BTU low profile roof AC systems with individually controlled ceiling vents. The unit we reviewed in- cluded an optional 15,000 AC system with a heat pump that requires the 8,000 Kw Onan generator. 1 2 3 4 5 A Thoughtfully Designed Bath The Allegro 33 AA’s bath will not give you the claustrophobic phone booth ef- fect. I would enjoy having the shower in my sticks & bricks house: (1) the ellipti- cal diameter is 42 inches and the depth is 30 inches; (2) it has a 5-ft. flexible show- er hose with an ON–OFF switch on the shower head; (3) a seat in the shower [no 6 7 8 9 10 kidding!]; (4) a skylight over the shower which you can close off with an insulated A Walk-Around to Check the Basement power plant and the checkpoints. Locat- corrosive tray. A disconnect preserves bat- top” hood hides the optional air horn, the still the same at 660 lb.-ft. at 1,600 rpm. slide during very hot or cold weather. All Beginning at the coach’s entry door, walk ed from left-to-right: the air filter minder, tery life while the coach is in storage. service points for the Onan generator, and Our test drives through the northwest of the plumbing fixtures are high-dollar, clockwise around the coach: the “add oil” pipe, the computer hook-up 9) The lighted compartment just in the Denso automotive heat/air systems. Alabama hill country were very favorable. copper-toned hardware — a very attractive 1) The first door conceals the 30-gal- for engine diagnostics, the coolant tank, front of the tire on the driver side has a From a dead stop on a two-mile level feature for an entry-level diesel pusher! lon propane tank (can be filled to 80% the hydraulic fluid reservoir, the trans- fuse panel for 5, 10, 15, and 25-amp fuses Driving the Allegro RED 33 AA stretch, the coach reached 60 mph in 31 The lavatory is one-piece with the solid capacity) and the HWH hydraulic system mission dipstick, and the oil dipstick. for the 12-volt system. You will also note Even though it is the smallest coach in seconds (no cargo and a full fuel tank). On surface countertop which also has hand- for the leveling jacks. A gauge provides an From back to front on the driver side, the reservoir for window washing fluid the 2013 Allegro RED series, the 33 AA a three-quarter mile hill with a four percent some, laser-carved backsplashes. A hand exact reading for the remaining volume the first compartment’s primary purpose and the high pressure air outlet. Yes, you still gets the 340-hp Cummins ISB 6.7 grade, the speed dropped about seven per- towel ring and three towel bars complete in the propane tank. is to provide access to the engine’s air fil- can add air to your tires without a trip to liter diesel power plant. That probably cent (60 to 56 mph). The coach remained the personal service area. 2) The second door opens up the ter. However, you do pick up 4.5 cubic the service center. means a little more kick when you put the balanced really well in taking curves. It also The bath has both LED lighting in pass-through basement. There is ap- feet of storage, enough space for two lawn 10) The front cap with a large “flip- pedal to the metal. Its torque, of course, is handled well in two hard braking tests. the ceiling and vanity lighting over the proximately 51 cubic feet of storage in chairs (compartment not pictured). Continued on page 53 mirrored double-door cabinet which is this compartment. On the driver side 6) The second compartment houses 28 inches high, 35 inches wide, and 7.5 you will find the central vacuum system the 50-amp service and the coach’s house overhead cabinet inches deep. There is a large storage com- on the side wall and the Magnum Ener- batteries with a disconnect switch for overhead cabinet partment under the lavatory and a second gy inverter attached to the ceiling of the when you have your coach in storage. 72" X 80" king bed fireplace below tv freestanding freestanding dinette with cabinet over the window. The solid surface compartment. LED lights are positioned You should avoid storing anything in this in entertainment cabinet/dinette computer workstation 72" X 80" king bed center drawers/nightstand countertop extends the width of the wall on both sides of the storage area. On the compartment. drawers/nightstand fireplace below tv freestanding freestanding dinette with in entertainment cabinet/dinette computer workstation that faces the living area. A magazine rack passenger side you will see 110v and 12v 7) TMH has a very well-designed util- center drawers/nightstand drawers/nightstand is built into the wall under the counter- outlets and a cable connection. ity bay. Both the black and the gray tanks top. A single panel presents the GFCI 110v The third compartment houses the have 2.5-inch dump valves. Across the top overhead cabinet overhead cabinet outlet, controls for the Fan-Tastic vent, wet tanks: fresh water, gray, and black. A from left: city water connection, pump overhead cabinet chaise sofa bed and the water pump switch with light. small, lockable door gives you access to switch, control valves for hot / cold spray overhead cabinet ohc

As you exit the bath into the hall, you the fresh water (not pictured). for clean-up, and cable tripod. Across the chaise sofa bed ohc will notice two cabinets in the wall. The 3) The fourth door provides access to bottom from left: the spray head with cut- shower ohc ohc nightstand nightstand 60" X 80" upper cabinet is simply thoughtful de- the DEF (diesel engine fluid) tank and the off, tank flush inlet, liquid soap dispenser, queen bed standard tv lav

shower o nightstand nightstand 60" X 80" linens ptional tvptional sign. There was five inches of depth into slide-out controllers. There is also a small bypass valve, dump valves, valve for fill wardrobe queen bed standard tv lav linens o the wall next to the shower, so TMH de- storage area. tank and city water, water filter, and water tvptional wardrobe signers gave you a bonus storage space: 4) The fifth compartment with LED pump. The hot and cold water drains (red step three shelves in a space that is 37.5 inches lighting provides 4.5 cubic feet of stor- & blue) are in the lower left corner. ohc optional high, 13 inches across, and 5 inches deep. age and access to Freightliner’s relays and 8) The fourth door (not shown) opens washer/ step dryer overhead ohc optional cabinet overhead cabinet In a very convenient location, a second fuses. to the opposite side of the pass-through washer/ booth overhead cabinet tv overhead dryer drawers below dinette cabinet just below conceals the panel for 5) Walking around to the rear cap, you storage. The fifth door conceals a slide- 2 -door cabinet overhead cabinet booth pantry fridge overhead cabinet tv microwave overhead the 12v and 110v breakers and yet anoth- will appreciate what a neat job TMH has out platform for the four coach batteries. drawers below 2 -door cabinet overheaddinette cabinet

pantry fridge er storage shelf. done with the installation of the 340-hp The four batteries are seated in a non- microwave overhead optional residential fridge cabinetoptional eXterior tvoverhead cabinet with 4 batteries optional residential fridge optional eXterior tv with 4 batteries 12 Roughing It Smoothly Allegro RED 33 AA 13 SPECIFICATIONS: Model tested, 2013 Allegro RED 33 AA with Quad Slide, Base MSRP*– $204,400. MSRP as tested with options – $221,310.

STANDARD FEATURES ON Driver’s Compartment Raised panel hardwood cabinet doors POWER TRAIN Cloth driver and passenger seats by Flex- Ball bearing drawer slides Engine – 340 hp Cummins ISB turbo- THIS COACH steel® Wall-to-wall vinyl tile flooring in kitchen, charged, aftercooled 6.7 liter electronic Structural Entry floor light living area, bath & entry landing diesel Laminated floor, sidewall, and roof Step switch and 12v disconnect switch Scotchgard® treated carpet and fabrics Torque – 660 lb.-ft. at 1,600 rpm Steel / aluminum reinforced structure Lighted instrument panel Solar / privacy RollEase shades Transmission – Allison 2500MH electronic One-piece moisture resistant molded fiber- Single CD player & AM/FM stereo Complete HD-ready system (HD satellite six speed with lock-up glass roof cap ICC courtesy lights receivers required) Tire Size – Michelin XZE 275/80R 22.5 LRG Dual 12v dash receptacles Power roof vents Automotive Alternator – Delco Remy 160 amps Padded dash 12v disconnect switch Allison 2500 MH six-speed automatic trans- Dual dash fans Tank level monitoring system mission with lock-up (torque converter) Tilt steering wheel Smoke detector CHASSIS Cummins ISB turbocharged, aftercooled 6.7 Power windshield full-width solar & privacy Carbon monoxide detector Frame – Freightliner XCR Series liter electronic diesel shades Frame Design – Raised rail Peak horsepower: 340 @ 2,600 rpm LPG leak detector Manual driver and passenger solar & privacy Anti-locking Braking System – WABCO Peak torque: 660 @ 1,600 rpm 10-gal. DSI gas/electric water heater shades 4M/4S ABS System Raised rail chassis frame Folding step well cover Adjustable seatbelt brackets at shoulder level Suspension (front) – Neway Air Air suspension (4 air bags) Two ducted furnaces (one 30,000 BTU & Fire extinguisher Suspension (rear) – Neway Air 55° wheel cut one 35,000 BTU) Center console with cabinet and 2 drawers Shock Absorbers – Sachs tuned Air brakes with automatic slack adjusters Automatic Leveling Jacks and ABS Living Area / Dinette OPTIONAL FEATURES ON Exhaust brake 96-inch L-shaped chaised lounge, cloth, DS; THIS COACH 18-inch steering wheel with European recliner/ottoman CONSTRUCTION Cruise control 42-inch flat screen HDMI-LCD wall-mount- English Chestnut cabinetry (simulated) no Body – Laminated floor, sidewalls, roof Fog lights ed color television charge Roof – One-piece fiberglass Daytime running lights Custom infrared repeater Hadley air horns Support – Steel/Aluminum reinforced Emergency start switch Dinette with cloth fabric Automatic satellite structure Exterior TV in galley slide-out wall Front/rear body panels – One-piece fiber- Exterior Kitchen Front overhead TV glass caps Full body paint Solid surface countertop In Dash navigation/stereo/Sat ready radio Exterior side panels – Gel-coat fiberglass Fiberglass front & rear caps Solid surface backsplashes Residential refrigerator w/4 batteries walls with full body paint Dual fuel fills Double bowl stainless steel kitchen sink King bed Large tinted one-piece windshield Single lever bronzed sink faucet and sprayer L-shaped chaise lounge w/Halo leather 6.0 Kw Onan Quiet Diesel generator Solid surface sink covers Convection/microwave with 3-burner ACCOMMODATIONS HWH hydraulic leveling jacks Under counter storage receptacles for sink cooktop Sleeps – 4 adults, 1-2 children Heated power mirrors with remote adjust- covers Automatic entry door awning (bedroom, 2; sofa sleeper, 2; PS di- ment Microwave oven Surround sound system with DVD player nette, 1-2 children) Horizontal mounted, single motor intermit- 10 cu.ft. refrigerator (2) 15,000 AC with heat pump Fuel tank – 100 gallons tent wipers Freshwater – 90 gallons Gel-coat fiberglass walls 3-burner cooktop with gas oven 8.0 Kw Onan generator (required w/ above) Black water – 50 gallons Full body paint Solid surface covers for cooktop 6-way power driver–passenger seats, with Grey water – 70 gallons Deadbolt front entrance door Fan-Tastic® power roof vent with 3-speed fan Halo leather LPG tank – (30 gallons; can be filled to 80% Double electric step Two sets of stacked drawers under coun- Central vacuum system capacity) – 24 gallons Exterior patio light tertop Aluminum wheels Power patio awning with aluminum weather Stacked washer-dryer shield Bath Dinette with Halo leather MSRP Two medicine cabinets No worries with the RV. Slide-out awnings MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested Chrome wheel liners Skylight in shower Molded fiberglass one-piece shower OTHER OPTIONAL FEATURES retail price and does not include dealer prep Exterior side-opening, swing-out storage or options. Manufacturer reserves the right I can happily plan the next big catch. doors with gas shocks Fan-Tastic® power roof vent with 3-speed fan AVAILABLE Solid surface vanity top and bowl to change or discontinue models offered, Single handle lockable storage door latches Medium Alder wood cabinetry (simulated) Bronzed vanity faucet standard features, optional equipment, and Ridged long-life storage boxes Power driver & passenger seats, cloth prices without prior notice. Dealer prices Exterior storage compartment lights Oven/convection microwave may vary. Roof ladder Bedroom Wardrobe with two automatic lights Ice maker in 2-door refrigerator ¼ inch thick single pane windows Combo washer–dryer w/overhead storage Electric step Four OH storage cabinets in bed slide-out UVW Stackable washer/dryer–ready closet Ice maker with 10 cu.ft. refrigerator When you take your towable or motorized Heated water and holding tank compartments This is the approximate weight of the vehicle Bed comforter with throw pillows 4-door gas/elec refrigerator with icemaker ™ Four 6v auxiliary batteries with a full fuel tank, engine oil, and coolants. RV to a Coach Care service center, you’ll fi nd: Sleeping pillows Electric fireplace 2000 watt inverter The UVW does not include cargo, fresh Vinyl tile 50-amp service water, LP gas, passengers, or dealer- Queen-size bed Expert technicians taking care of all major components Park ready telephone MEASUREMENTS installed accessories. Solar / privacy Roll-Ease shades External tripod satellite hookup Wheelbase – 198” Innerspring mattress Guaranteed work everywhere you travel in the U.S. Black holding tank flush system Overall length – 34’10” Under bed storage DEALERS Exterior rinse hose / shower Overall height w/roof air – 12’10” A clean, comfortable, family-friendly waiting room Water filter Night stands with 110v outlets To locate a Tiffin dealer nearest you, go Interior height – 84” 110v exterior receptable Built-in dresser with 4 drawers to www.tiffinmotorhomes.com and click Overall width – 101” A place to practice your casting technique 110v / 12v converter Laundry hamper on “dealer locator.” If internet access is Interior width – 96” Undercoating 32-inch color HDMI-LCD color television not available, call 256-356-8661 and ask Digital / analog high-def TV antenna Carbon monoxide detector the operator for the Tiffin dealer location Excellent RV service: we’re all over it. Cable ready TV LPG leak detector WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES nearest to you. Two 13,500 BTU low profile roof AC systems GVWR – 29,500 lb. Find a Coach Care location near you and learn more by visiting General Interior Quiet AC roof ducted system Front GAWR – 12,000 lb. 7-ft. ceilings PLEASE NOTE powertoRVs.com/coachcare. AC condensation drains Rear GAWR – 17,500 lb. Roof ladder Soft touch vinyl ceilings All options may not be available on all GCWR – 33,000 lb. Color back-up camera Medium Alder or English Chestnut (simu- models. Because of progressive improvements UVW – 25,200 lb. Side view cameras activated by turn signals lated) solid wood cabinet doors and made in a model year, specifications and CCC – 4,300 lb. Front cap paint protective film drawer fronts standard optional equipment are subject to Trailer hitch capacity – 5,000 lb. BASF full body paint Solid wood cabinet fascias change without notice or obligation. Performance you rely on.

©2013 Cummins Power Generation. All rights reserved. Cummins, Onan and the “C” logo are registered trademarks of Cummins Inc. “Performance you rely on.™” and Coach Care™ are trademarks of Cummins Power Generation.

14 Roughing It Smoothly

CSM120079_CC_Gpa_RoughSmoothly_A 1 12/17/12 6:12 PM

CC_GPA_ JOB # CSM120079 DATE 12.17 .12 INITIALS CLIENT Cummins ROUGHSMOOTHLY_A CD Brien S. HEADLINE No worries with the RV AD/DS Benson H. LIVE 8.25" x 10.75" CW Don F. TRIM 8.375" x 10.875" BLEED .125" AM Christie G. 1 MEDIA MAGAZINE PM Tamara M. COLOR CMYK STAGE: FINAL C M Y K On the road with Elaine Tiffin Management Team

Interviews from Texas Jack Elliott A Jack of All Trades at Tiffin Motorhomes

A child of the Great Depression, Jack Elliott was born But the roots were deep and the Elliotts knew where home in November 1944, the sixth of eight children, in Colbert coun- really was. When their two sons were starting to school, they ty near Cherokee, Alabama. His parents farmed, raising cotton moved back to Red Bay. “I went to work for Bob Tiffin on July 1, and corn. “My dad was always a comical person. I guess that’s 1974, about 22 months after he started the company,” Jack said. where I got my sense of humor,” Jack laughed. “We were a lov- At Tiffin Motorhomes, Jack did the purchasing. “Our equip- ing and happy family to each other, to the people we went to ment was a rotary telephone and a rolodex,” Jack laughed, com- church with, and to all our friends. My dad died at age 59.” paring it to all of the computers, printers, and software used in Jack went on to tell about his mother who enjoyed garden- purchasing today. “I memorized all of the phone numbers for ing, berry picking, and canning jams and jellies. She also loved our suppliers, and which supplies we needed.” to quilt. Known as “Big Granny” for miles and miles around, Jack recalled. “I continued in purchasing until 1981 when the Charles & Ruth Cummins Ray & Bette Jean Pendleton Stephen Milano Hometown: Livingston, Texas Hometown: Livingston, Texas Original Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts she always gave away her pickles, relish, jams, and pies and cakes oil shortage hit. We had 100 units unsold and the company had Interviewed in Harlingen, Texas Interviewed in Livingston, Texas Interviewed in Livingston, Texas to friends. “When she had a medical appointment, she would no choice but to lay off nearly everyone. Jack Bostick, Kelly Hes- take a little box of canned fruit to the doctor and staff,” Jack ter, and I started delivering motorhomes, but we had a struggle • Charles & Ruth own a 2006 Phaeton 40 TSH • Ray & Bette Jean own a 2011 Phaeton 40 QTH • Stephen claims that he is a new-bee & recently related. “One of her best-known treats was a sweet potato pie just to find enough gas to deliver the units we had in stock. with a Caterpillar 350 on a Freightliner chassis. with a Cummins 380 on a Powerglide Chassis. bought his first RV — a 2007 Phaeton 40 QTH which is still our family’s number one recipe,” Jack continued, “When business started picking back up, Bob then wanted • They have been married 38 years and have 5 chil- • They enjoy this Phaeton and are pleased with with a Caterpillar 350 on a Freightliner Chassis. dren and 7 grandchildren. Lisa lives in St. Louis the proto-type one piece flush mounted slides. • Motorhoming has always been his dream! “and my wife, Brenda, can make it just like she did. Mother gave me to work in the warehouse and stock the line,” Jack said. “Tim County, MO; Roxanne lives in Ballwin, MO; Su- • Ray & Bette Jean have been married 22 years & • Stephen researched several RV brands, took all her children and grandchildren a handmade quilt before she Tiffin had just graduated from college and started managing zanne lives in Olathe, KS; Wayne lives in Ballwin, have a blended family with 4 sons, 1 daughter, the Tiffin factory tour, then made his decision passed away at age 96. the purchasing. I moved to the parts department where I stayed MO; and David lives in Fenton, MO. 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. based on Tiffin’s quality & service reputation. “In 1964, I met the love of my life, Brenda. After she graduat- for 10 years.” • Charles & Ruth were motivated to begin RV- Donnie lives in Fort Worth, Texas; Terrie lives • He parked the Phaeton for 2 months — had the ed, we got married and moved to Chicago. Back then, everybody In the mid-nineties, Jack took over dispatch, the department ing in 1998 after friends took them weekend- in Cumming, Georgia; Tim works from his coach remodeled — and is now full timing! camping. RV and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana; and Mi- • Stephen is currently single & has 2 daughters. seemed to think the grass was greener in Chicago!” that schedules TMH’s drivers and shipping motorhomes to • This is their third motorhome; they’ve traveled chael lives in Henrietta, Texas. Merrell lives in Dallas, TX and graduated from Jack and Brenda remained in Chicago for ten years. Jack TMH dealers. “I was already familiar with the dealers since I had in 14 states; and driven 40,518 miles. They are • Pets traveling with them are their dog Snick- New York University; Kendall lives in Dallas, learned a new trade as a pipe fitter, building automatic sprinkler been a driver, and had also taken care of parts they needed. In half-timers and call themselves Winter Texans. ers, 7 years old; and their cat Baby, 13 years old. TX and attends Furman University in SC. systems at Industrial Pipe and Supply. this position I liked having the opportunity to get to talk to • Motorhoming enjoyment for them: winters in • Ray served in 101st Airborne, Ft.Campbell, KY. • The first 4 weeks on the road Stephen drove warm climates, seeing the country, ease of set- • Ray & Bette Jean began RVing in the 1970s, 2000 miles; traveled through 5 states; and pre- up, and the ability to stay dry while doing so! started full timing in 2002, have owned 8 RVs. fers driving 250 +/- miles per day. • Their favorite areas of the United States are the Their last 2 have been 2004 & 2011 Phaetons. • He enjoys the freedom, having all his ‘stuff’ west and northeast & their bucket-list includes • He enjoys the states of Colorado & Washington; with him, and the flexibility to conduct work! New England, Alaska, and Ontario, Canada. and she likes the Northwest & Arizona winters. • Stephen just attended the RV Boot Camp at • Charles was a telephone equipment installer for • On their bucket-list: Branson, Missouri and the Escapees RV Park in Livingston, Texas. 3 yrs; a professional truck driver for 39 yrs. He following the weather after they’re fully retired! • His bucket list: Yosemite, Alaska, & places to retired in 2005. His hobbies are stained glass, • Ray worked in oil & gas pipeline construction fish ­— 100 rivers to fish before you die! woodworking & playing with kids his own age! for 40 years and is currently semi-retired. • Favorite places to visit in the United States are • Ruth retired in 1991 after 30 yrs. in office work. • Bette Jean worked as a manager of a bakery the Rockies and the Grand Tetons. Hobbies: sewing, quilting, crocheting, reading. thrift store and retired in 2002 after 22 years. • Stephen had a 30 yr. financial services career in • Charles suggests everyone follow this Smith • Favorite things about RVing: sleeping in their institutional sales and sales management. He Institute Drive Improvement System, as many own bed, making new friends, they never pass retired in 2007. professional drivers do: aim high in steering, a casino, and they know people everywhere! • His hobbies include: photography, camping, get the big picture, keep your eyes moving, • His hobbies: golf, plays guitar, and casino visits. fly-fishing, hunting, writing, cooking, and he’s leave yourself an out, make sure they see you! • Hers are: dog-walking, reading, and casino visits. an avid follower of several bloggers.

Editor’s Note: Elaine and Mike Austin retired in 2007 at the urging of their children who wanted them to realize their dream: buy a luxury motor- home, go full time, and spend several years just enjoying themselves and seeing the country. After a career turning around failing steel companies, Mike connected with the University of South Alabama as a guest lecturer in their Business Institute. Elaine discovered a whole new career in real estate. In March 2008, they bailed out, bought a new Allegro Bus, and “hit the road.” In 2011 they traded for a new Phaeton 40 QBH.

16 Roughing It Smoothly Tiffin Management Team 17 Their only grandson, Tra, is also a senior at RBHS, and plays in four sports, but especially enjoys being on the golf team. Need- less to say, the Elliotts are fans of high school and college sports, and truly love being involved with their grandchildren. During the last 10 years, Jack has taken on the planning and management for setting up several shows, including the an- nual RVDA–RVIA Dealer Show in Louisville immediately after the week of Thanksgiving. “I purchase the space, book the hotel rooms, and take a crew of six to the show. The team works to- gether and gets along really well. They do a great job! I appreciate each one of them. We lay 20,000 sq. ft. of carpet, clean all of the units as they arrive from the plant, and plan the layout for the coaches, sales areas, promotional equipment, refreshments, and lounge furniture,” Jack explained. “From start to finish, our team is involved for ten days. Then, of course, we have to tear down, load and return all of the show and display to storage in Red Bay.” His team also handles FMCA shows, Good Sam rallies, and Allegro Club rallies. “I really enjoy my job as sales rep and show dealers again. The dispatch position really paved the way for my manager,” Jack said. “I hope I can keep good health and mind next promotion,” Jack said. and keep making our customers, dealers, and the Tiffin family In 2000 Jack accepted a sales position as a manufacturer’s happy. My life is an exciting adventure that I love.” representative. “I call on dealers in my territory and set up new “I usually get to the office between five-thirty and six, make dealers,” Jack said. “Bankston Motorhomes’ three locations the coffee, and get all of my paperwork done before the phone are my oldest accounts. I also have dealers in Mississippi and starts ringing,” he said. “Working at Tiffin is really a ‘fun’ job. Georgia, and I recently set up new dealerships in Nebraska and TMH builds a great motorhome and I am proud to be a part of North Dakota.” such a fine company.” Jack and Brenda have been happily married for 48 years, and The couple’s home on one of Red Bay’s beautiful tree-shaded have two sons, Randy and Tracy. Randy is employed by Dia- streets is just a few blocks from Tiffin’s administrative offices. mond Shield, a company that manufactures and applies a pro- They have remodeled the 1907 brick home with bold interior tectant for motorhomes. Tracy, their youngest son, is employed colors and refinished the heart pine floors. Just off the kitchen is with United Plywood. a secluded screened-in porch where Jack and Brenda like to en- Both sons have children of their own now, of whom Jack and joy breakfast on weekends. An overhead fan, a small TV, and the Brenda are justifiably proud. Randy has one daughter, Allyson, fragrance of nearby flowers and plants make it a perfect setting. who is a senior at Red Bay High School. She is an honor student When they entertain friends or motorhome customers they’ve and is on the cheerleading team. Tracy has two children, Laken known for years, the porch opens onto a large deck with tables and Tra. Laken attends Shelton State in Tuscaloosa where she and chairs and a big grill. is a cheerleader and an honor student. She plans to attend the Jack and Brenda are active in their church where Jack is a very University of Alabama to pursue a career in the medical field. accomplished song leader. With a love for the outdoors and travel, they enjoy taking trips on their Honda Gold Wing trike motorcycle, pulling a trailer car- rying luggage and supplies. In their helmets, microphones and headsets allow them to com- municate easily while traveling. When Jack visits dealers, he often favors the trike over his car. So if you’re driving down the high- way in your Tiffin motorhome and a white Gold Wing with an Alabama Crimson Tide trailer passes you by, you may get a big wave from Jack and Brenda! Get ready for one magnificent performance. Experience the power and torque of our Allegro Bus.® Visit tiffinmotorhomes.com

18 Roughing It Smoothly DealeR PROFILE

arrives from the manufacturer, I check everything in the motor- home as if it were mine. The pre-delivery inspection has to be thorough to catch any minor defects or problems that could show up later,” he explained. “I spend a lot of time teaching our Davis Motorhome Mart new owners how to use DISH and DIRECTV. I also install the Winegard Trav’ler to provide HD reception.” Taking Care of Customers Is What Really Matters The company sends owners who have just purchased a motorhome for an overnight stay at Yogi Bear Jellystone Camp- ground for a shakedown experience to be sure they are fully functional and comfortable with the operation of their coaches. Gary debriefs them the next morning and provides any remedial training required. Gary also gives owners his personal cell phone number in case they need help after business hours. “Sometimes they will “Treating people right is the foundation of our With both companies now under one corporate umbrella, will do customer training first to be certain the buyer is pleased put their units in storage for a month or two and forget some business,” Danny Davis said as we began to talk Danny decided that D&N Camper Sales would become the tow- and happy with the coach,” he said. “Gary Rosselot is our full- of the training. If that happens,” he said, “I tell them to call me about his 40 years at Davis Motorhome Mart and able division and Davis Motorhome Mart would stay true to its time trainer and one of our best technicians. Whether the train- and we’ll go over it again.” its three associated companies: Open Road Camper name and sell only motorhomes. In the corporate structure, Dan- ing takes place before or after the sale, Gary spends a lot of time Davis Motorhome Mart employs five full-time salesmen. On City, D&N Camper Sales, and Davis Camper Sales. ny serves as president, but spends most of his time overseeing the teaching the new owner to get the full benefit from Tiffin’s high traffic days, David often assists the motorhome sales staff. motorhome operation. His son, David, 43, serves corporately as outstanding entertainment system. Using the inverter correctly The company depends on manufacturers’ representatives for prod- The business has been in the davis family since 1966 the vice president, secretary and treasurer, and oversees the op- and understanding energy management also requires a lot of uct knowledge and training. The sales staff also visits RV manufac- when Danny’s older brother, Bill, purchased Open Road Camp- eration of D&N. He also does the appraisals on all trade-ins. instruction. Gary makes sure the new owner understands level- turing plants to take advantage of product sales training seminars. er City from John McMullen. D&N offers a wide choice in towables including Puma by Pal- ing and slide-out use. Understanding the 12v and 110v electrical “I began selling part-time for Bill in 1972, while working full- omino (Forest River), Kodiak (Thor), DRV Mobile Suite (fifth systems is very important, too.” From left: Danny Davis, president and CEO; David Davis, vice president; time as a Memphis police officer,” Danny said. wheel), Cruiser by Crossroads, Work ’n’ Play (toy hauler trailers Gary obviously enjoys his role in owner training. “When it Jody Davis, accounting; and Dana Hodge, finance and insurance. Danny began selling full-time in 1976, and became Bill’s and fifth wheels by Forest River), Sandpiper (fifth wheel by For- sales manager when Bill decided to go into politics. “Bill was est River), and Aliner. elected to two terms on the Memphis City Council,” Danny con- Across Brooks Road, Davis Motorhome Mart offers all of the tinued, “and I left in 1988 to start D&N Camper Sales in North Tiffin brands, the Thor Ace (gas), Georgetown (gas), and Four Memphis. We were totally separate companies.” Winds and Coachman in the Class C market. After three years Danny lost his business site to a new in- Davis Motorhome Mart usually keeps 10 to 12 Tiffin units terstate highway. As fate would have it, the land across Brooks in stock to give clients a broad view of what TMH offers. “Any Road from Bill’s location came open. Danny leased the prop- given Tiffin motorhome in our inventory may not have every erty, placing himself in direct competition with Bill, who had option that a buyer wants,” Danny said, “but more than likely changed the name of his company to Davis Motorhome Mart. that missing option will be on one of our other Tiffin coaches. “My brother was selling Tiffin, Winnebago, Forest River, That will help buyers decide if they want to place an order and Thor, and Mandalay motorhomes,” Danny said. “I continued to wait approximately eight weeks for the coach to be built to their call my company D&N Camper Sales. I was selling Fleetwood, specifications.” In 2011 Davis Motorhome Mart sold 55 Tiffin Gulfstream, and Georgie Boy motorhomes. We both were sell- units and they expect to sell 50 in 2012. ing towables. Customer satisfaction at Davis Motorhome Mart is a goal “We actually got along pretty good,” Danny recalled, “and that has several facets. “Selling a coach right requires that our when Bill decided to retire in 2005, he had a buyer ready to sign. sales associate determines accurately how much the client can My primary condition on buying the company was that Davis afford to invest in an RV, how he plans to use his motorhome, Motorhome Mart would retain the Tiffin franchise here in the and what features will take care of his needs and use plan. Then, Memphis area. Bill started selling Allegros in the late seventies, within the client’s financial ability, the sales associate must use and it was really important for us to keep that continuity.” his product knowledge to offer the coach that best provides for the use plan and needs,” Davis said. If the client selects a motorhome from the inventory, Davis Text and photography by Fred Thompson even goes a step further to ensure customer satisfaction. “We

20 Roughing It Smoothly ??? 21 Davis Motorhome Mart has a small but very effective five- bay service center. Cliff Meadows, service manager, was the chief engineer on a supply boat that supported oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to that he served in the U.S. Navy where he earned a full underwater salvage rating. He brings a vast amount of general mechanical and equipment experience to his new posi- tion as service manager. “We have six very good RV technicians,” Cliff said. “In addition to scheduling and supervising our prog- ress on each job, I step in and help wherever I am needed. “Gary, of course, is our chief technician on Tiffin motorhomes with six years of experience. Keith is our carpentry expert who also does a fine job with hardware and flooring. Raymond han- dles electrical and plumbing repairs. Tim is our welder and also does roof replacements. Rodney has many years of experience in fiberglass body and metal work, and does our exterior painting. Billy is in general training, but he has already specialized in air conditioning repair,” Cliff said. “I am also developing a cross training program to increase our overall efficiency. We also have three in our service department who do a very good job of inte- rior and exterior cleaning of our trade-ins, PDI preps, and shop and lot maintenance—all of which is very important for a good service operation.” To really be immersed in the camping lifestyle, Danny and Continued on page 53

Like many other RV companies over the last five years, Da- Sales team left to right: Billy West, Derek Reyes, Charlie Wiggins, Bill vis Motorhome Mart and D&N Camper Sales have found that Hardy, and Ronny Stockdale.  Service department left to right: Cliff internet advertising is their most cost-effective way to reach Meadows, service manager, Gary Rosselot, Melian Perez, Anthony Peavy, Billy Cooley, Oswaldo Louis, Raymond Patterson, Tim Stacks, their customers—especially those beyond a day’s drive. The Christina Warren, and Rick Wrinkle (not pictured: Keith Sanders and motorhome division is now selling over half of its Class A coach- Rodney Allen).  Parts department: Tina Jordan, manager, RV sup- WOULD YOU LIKE TO ROAM THE ROAD WITHOUT es through internet quotations. Clients fly into the Memphis plies and parts, and Deborah Lawson, office manager. Airport which is only a few minutes away from their Brooks SIDE-TO-SIDE SHIFT? Road location. Jody Davis (Danny’s wife) and David do exterior insurance department and that’s usually the next stop after the Everyone wants their motorhome to drive more and interior photography soon after the units arrive and post client agrees to purchase the coach. “I have been doing F&I for like their car. What if we said it could? pictures on the company’s website. four years,” she began, “but I have worked at the Mart for 13 Danny’s daughter, Dana Hodge (David’s twin), also has a years.” Prior to taking over F&I she worked in parts, warranty Traveling in your motorhome should be about spending management position. Dana runs the company’s finance and claims, and service writing. Bank of America and Bank of the time with your loved ones, exploring the great outdoors, West provide most of the financing to the Mart’s clients. Ameri- and enjoying the ride. But all too often you’re fighting can Adventures, representing Progressive, Blue Sky, and Nation- coarse crosswinds and road crown while worrying if you al Interstate, takes care of the insurance coverage. Dana has two will be safe in the event of a tire blow out. Who would want daughters: Erica, 17, and Hannah, 15. that? We have something that will fix it. Jody began her employment in 1995 at D&N Camper Sales as

a part-time bookkeeper. She grew up in nearby Southaven, Mis- We call it the TruCenter™. You’ll call it peace of mind. sissippi. “When Danny bought Davis Motorhome Mart from Bill in 2005, I became a full-time bookkeeper,” she explained. “I now use a full software accounting program which includes payroll and revenue deposits, accounts payable and accounts re- ceivable, W2s, and tax deposits. I had a good learning experience with the CPA who worked here and taught me.” Several years ago, she became a single mom with one daugh- ter, Jessica. Jody and Danny married four years ago in October. Jessica is currently studying for her bachelor’s degree in nursing 800-228-9289 • www.BlueOx.com at the Baptist School of Health Science in Memphis.

22 Roughing It Smoothly Dealer Profile 23 OWNER PROFILE

learned so much about my dad as an individual outside of the call for a month. Then he called and asked to come over to my parental role. When he retired in 1980, we sold the business. I house. The first words out of his mouth when I opened the door was experiencing the onset of arthritis in my hips and being on were ‘We’re going to get married or break up.’ And I said, ‘OK.’” my feet constantly in the drugstore was not a good situation.” “I told John that my dad had always said a suitor would have In the early eighties, Sharon’s business acumen led to yet to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage. That didn’t slow him another career in oil and gas leasing. “I did title research for down for a second. So off we went to see my dad.” mineral rights that involved genealogy, math, and working with John got right to the point. “Mr. Fisher, I have proposed mar- people,” she explained. “I enjoyed working with landowners to riage to your daughter and have come to ask your permission to develop equitable contracts for their mineral rights. Oil com- marry her,” he said bluntly. panies needed mineral rights contracts for all of the contigu- “Dad was taken aback but stammered out an approval,” Sha- ous properties in a proscribed drilling area. Disputes sometimes ron laughed. “I asked him later, ‘Dad, why didn’t you give John led to hearings at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in the third degree and really question him?’” Oklahoma City.” “Well, Sharon,” he smiled, “I figured I’d better say ‘yes’ be- In 1980 Sharon was scheduled to testify about a landowner cause no one else was asking!” who was holding up drilling in a proscribed area because she Sharon’s grandmother was born on 2–28–1882. Her parents felt like she had not been offered enough for her drilling rights. married on 2–28–1928. Sharon and John were married on 2–28– John Buckingham, a well-known Oklahoma oil attorney, rep- 1982. Sharon’s parents were very pleased. resented the drilling company. After the opening remarks, the Sharon continued to do oil and gas leases. Her dad died judge asked Sharon to present her case. “I really only had one in 1988. Wanting to escape the Oklahoma winters, her mom sheet of paper from which to make my case, but when I opened bought a condominium on the beach at Sanibel Island near Ft. my briefcase I pulled out file folders several inches thick and laid Myers, Florida. “John and I went there often to visit,” Sharon them on the table,” Sharon smiled. reminisced. “We had the greatest conversations on those trips Seeing the thick file folders, John Buckingham listened to before the days of cell phones.” Livin’ in A Cowboy State of Mind Sharon’s initial presentation representing the owner. “I stated John Buckingham had a brilliant legal mind but no mechani- my case and told the judge how much the owner was willing to cal ability. “One December morning he asked what I wanted for accept for her mineral rights,” Sharon said. Christmas,” Sharon said. “I explained that I needed a 15-amp Buckingham was apprehensive about how much supporting rechargeable drill.” er grandfather, Dr. L. A. Cleverdon, was a medical doc- Saralee went away to a private prep school and her parents data Sharon had amassed to support the owner’s demand for “Where do I get it?” John responded. Sharon suggested tor in the Oklahoma Territory. Her father, Earl Fisher, didn’t think it all turned out for the best. “Although mom was the mineral rights. He knew, too, that the judge might be sym- Lowe’s and John was off to get her present. “He confessed later H was born in Fort Gibson before the territory became all for it, dad bribed me not to go away for my high school years pathetic to the elderly owner—and the appearance of a big com- that he asked a clerk to find it for him and verify that it was a state in November 1907. Her mother was born in Stillwater, by promising me I could do anything I wanted to do (referring pany trying to bulldoze over the rights of Oklahoma, the home of Oklahoma State University. Sharon to her education),” Sharon laughed. “So I got my pilot’s license. a little old lady. Without hesitation, Buck- Fisher Buckingham was born in Stillwater in 1945 and earned I soloed on January 29, 1962, when I was 17 years old. I was so ingham jumped to his feet and responded, her degree in business and education from OSU in 1967. proud of myself.” “My client will accept the owner’s offer.” Sharon is an Okie by birth and a dyed-in-the-wool OSU Cow- Not long after that, Saralee earned her pilot’s license, too. Sharon’s ruse had worked! boy by graduation. She has been “livin’ in a Cowboy state of “Sister got all of her ratings, including her ATR (air transport A few weeks later John called and asked mind,” as she likes to put it, for most of her life. rating). She did charters and mapping work,” Sharon continued. Sharon for a date. He was 14 years older, Oklahoma in the fifties was a wonderful time and place to Sharon stayed in Stillwater and attended Oklahoma State, a member of DKE*, twice divorced, and a grow up. The state was experiencing its second oil boom and life earning a bachelor’s degree in business and education in 1967. lawyer. She was intrigued and they began was good. “My Uncle Bill was a World War II bomber pilot and She decided to use the second half of that degree to teach busi- dating regularly. “He wanted to marry six flew the hump out of Burma into China to keep Chiang Kai- ness to junior high school students in Denver, Colorado. That months after his second divorce became fi- shek’s forces supplied. They converted B-24 bombers to trans- experience lasted for two semesters and Sharon accepted a posi- nal, and I said, ‘Let’s wait another year and ports,” Sharon explained. “He bought an Italian Bellanca after tion with a financial institution in Chicago. Her contacts soon be sure.’” the war which had an all-fabric skin. His call letters were 999P. led to a new career in commercial credit with Shell Oil Company. “We got well into our second year of When he called the tower, he was ‘Triple Niner Papa.’ It was so In the meantime, her dad was keeping an eye on his daugh- dating,” Sharon continued, “and he didn’t exciting to sit next to him in that plane. Both my sister, Saralee, ter’s developing business career. He opened his drugstore in and I caught the flying bug.” 1929 with his father-in-law, Dr. Cleverdon. After more than 40 *Founded in 1844, Delta Kappa Epsilon is one of years as a business owner, he was looking for a trusted business the largest and oldest university fraternities. It has Text and photography by Fred Thompson partner. He offered Sharon the job in 1970 and she accepted. “I produced five U.S. presidents.

24 Roughing It Smoothly Owner Profile 25 indeed a 15-amp rechargeable drill,” Sharon said with a giggle. “In the fall I head for Stillwater for the OSU football games. Old John was a talented attorney, but he failed to take good care of friends get together and we really enjoy the season.” She has a traveling with your pets himself. He struggled with his weight, had high blood pressure, trip to Alaska on her bucket list. and was diabetic. Six months after they married, he had quad- When touring, Sharon sets a 300-mile limit each day, plus or bypass surgery on his heart. In 1994 he died of a massive heart minus ten percent. “I am a 50-amp girl who makes it a point to attack. “We had been married twelve good years,” Sharon said. be in a campground before dark,” she said. Sharon moved to Florida for two years to help Saralee with Elvis is Sharon’s constant travel companion. She found her Stem Cell Therapy for Animals their mother whose health was failing. She died in 1997. “We little friend, a Papillon, at the rescue branch of the Papillon by Dr. John Pilarczyk realized immediately that we needed to sell mom’s condo at the Club of America. The diminutive spaniel with butterfly-shaped beach because you cannot insure beach property for full value. ears was bred in France to hunt rabbits. “He protects me,” Sha- Hurricane Andrew in 1992 changed everything,” Sharon noted. ron emphasized, “but not my motorhome. When the cleaning Yes, you heard it. Our pets can receive stem cell therapy just like They have the ability to divide and differentiate into numerous After selling their mom’s condominium, the sisters purchased ladies come to my home and I am not there, Elvis just lays qui- humans. This alternative treatment for animals has been around cell types. Adipose tissue yields the highest concentration of two nice homes away from the beach. For them, it was a win-win etly on the bed. If I am in the house, he stirs up quite a ruckus for the last five years. Stem cell treatment is rapidly growing into stem cells. While high yield is important in regenerative medi- situation. and stays by me constantly.” Elvis usually sits in the passenger one of the largest alternatives for regenerative growth. It is being cine, adipose tissue has other advantages: it is abundant and Several years ago both of her arthritic hips had begun to cre- seat when they are underway. used to improve the lives of pets suffering from osteoarthritis as surgery to harvest the cells is minimally invasive. ate intense pain. Her orthopedist recommended a full hip re- She makes it a point to stop at least once a year at the Tif- well as tendon and ligament damage, fractures and joint injuries. The process of stem cell therapy first involves collection of placement. The day following the surgery Sharon scheduled the fin Service Center in Red Bay. “While I usually want repairs to Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the joints by producing a certain amount of adipose tissue. Once the tissue collected is second hip replacement with the surgeon. “Even though there be made at the Service Center, I am grateful to Bob Tiffin for erosion and calcification with deterioration of the cartilage and separated by a special technique, the stem cells are activated with was pain from the incision and the muscles, the artificial hip the supportive companies that he has helped or allowed to de- smooth muscle lining the joints. This usually leads to chronic platelet-rich plasma which produces a high concentration of cells. provided immediate relief from the chronic pain,” she said. velop around TMH,” she said. “I always have Chris Morrow at pain, loss of range of motion, lameness, and joint inflammation. The stem cells are then reintroduced into the involved area of A friend who owned a Tiffin motorhome invited Sharon Bay Diesel service my engine and chassis. Brannon Hutcheson Stem cells found in bone marrow, adipose tissue (fat cells), arthritis or tendon injury. These cells then go to work in help- along for a four-month trip across the country. “We stopped at put a hydraulic, motorized lift on my bed for easier access to liver cells, blood vessels, and neurons are the body’s repair cells. ing the joint or tendon to repair itself. The cells stimulate more the Tiffin Service Center and I saw how well the owners were the storage under the bed. Bruce Deaton has done excellent fi- production of cartilage cells to heal the area. taken care of,” Sharon related. “I decided the lifestyle was for berglass repair and painting for me. Theron McKinney installed Dr. Pilarczyk practiced veterinary medicine for 38 years in Tampa, Florida. You Usually after 30 to 60 days, most dogs will have up to an 80 me and I bought a 2008 Allegro FRED in January 2008. I took a Fisher-Paykel dishwasher where the oven was located. I have may address your questions to Dr. Pilarczyk at [email protected]. Continued on page 53 the driving course with Barney at Lazydays and then another told several friends that I am building a 34-foot Zephyr. Theron half day class later. Oklahoma State University offers a driving found a Zephyr mud flap and a mirror with the compass and course for motorhome owners on their own track in Oklahoma temp display.” City. In driving their course in my motorhome, I reacted to the If you happen to be following her one day on the interstate, controlled situations they designed.” you’ll know its Sharon by her slogan across the rear cap: Sharon took short trips near home for six months before she “Livin’ in a cowboy state of mind.” began touring. “I have been as far west as Albuquerque, as far — COWBOY FRED north as Wyoming, and as far east as Washington, D.C. It is so When filling her tank one day at a Flying J, another RVer came easy to get a rental car when I decide to stay put for a while. But over and asked, “Where’s Fred? He oughta be pumping your sometimes I tow my Chevy HHR which has OnStar,” she said. gas.” Sharon responded, “Oh, he’s in the back taking a nap.”

Act now to secure, and personalize, your own little piece of Bella Terra. Choose from a wide variety of upgrade packages and have us build it for you the way you want. Visit us at BellaTerraRVresort.com or call (866) 417-2416 for more information.

Ask us about our additional purchase incentives during Phase Three construction!

26 Roughing It Smoothly Traveling With Your Pets 27 with smart food choices. When we accept the fact that our poor When at your destination, exercise can be many things, RV Healthy physical condition is a matter of life and death, then we can start but the most important thing to do is get moving. The World making the lifestyle changes that will extend our lives, both for Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of mod- our personal benefit and the benefit of our families. erate-intensity aerobic exercise every week for adults age 65 and I prepared a survey for a group of participants mostly of re- older. Walking, dancing, golf (don’t use the electric golf cart), tirement age who all travel in motorhomes or other recreational or swimming are all considered intense activity. Don’t think of Making Lifestyle Changes vehicles. I asked them to name the challenges that hindered it as exercise— just go out and have fun. If you cannot do any them from maintaining a healthy lifestyle while on the road. of the activities I have suggested due to physical limitations, in Exercise and Diet The top three responses were: (1) eating out too often, (2) not then do any activity that accommodates your condition. I have knowing how to choose wisely at rallies and potlucks, and (3) coached people who were unable to walk and in wheel chairs to the Number One reason — not exercising while on the road. find an activity within their limitations that worked for them. by Sylvia Tarnuzzer Let’s address the Number One reason first. There are sim- Make a commitment to start today with an activity level that fits ple things you can do for exercise on the days you are travel- your situation. You can move up to more strenuous activity as ing. First, get a good pair of walking shoes. Whenever you stop you build your stamina. If you have a heart condition or you are for fuel, food, or a break from the road, take 15 minutes for short of breath with minimum exertion, see your doctor before Many years ago I found myself significantly My husband Paul and I purchased our first RV in 2005 and a brisk walk. Second, buy some stiff, rubber exercise bands at starting any regular exercise. overweight. I was preparing meals and eating out and knew I we were hooked! Although we spent decades moving around an athletic supply store or Walmart. In the aisle of your motor- The topic of eating out and making better choices at restau- had to make a change. My husband and I were traveling the the world during Paul’s 33 year stint with the Air Force, “taking home, use them for 15 minutes of resistance training. (Go to rants, rallies, and potlucks is one of my favorite challenges. I have world military style and had two beautiful daughters to con- our home with us” was a whole new, exciting experience! The my website www.rvhealthy.com for the exercise routines.) Third, a document you can obtain free on my website that offers free and sider. However, in those years past, unlike my military husband, new friendships and fantastic adventures made this lifestyle use your own body for strength training. You can do some wall simple tips for eating out. You can print this and keep it handy I had to watch what I ate to lose weight. Times have changed irresistible. Although we can’t hit the road full-time just yet, I push-ups by placing your hands on a wall and push in and out for future use, but here are some tips to begin. First, prepare your since we’ve gotten older and my husband needs to be careful, look forward to enjoying every minute we can be “on the road.” using your own body weight as your equipment. The chair squat plate with salads, vegetables (not in rich casseroles), and lean pro- too. He was diagnosed with high blood pressure and with Type While visiting RV campgrounds around the country and en- is another exercise that is easy and will assist with muscle ton- tein items. Avoid the pastas, heavy carbs, and desserts. Avoid go- 2 diabetes, both of which were in his family medical history. You joying the company of new acquaintances, a recurring conversa- ing and weight loss. Put the back of your legs against a stationary ing back a second time altogether. For a dessert, see if there is any wouldn’t know either of these existed looking at him, as he is tion continued to enter the picture. After sharing my experience sofa. Then go down like you are going to sit on the sofa, but fruit available. I always bring a healthy dish or two to these out- both active and physically fit. as a health coach and as someone who personally conquered my don’t sit. Keep your arms out in front of you to assist with your ings to assure there is something at the potluck I can count on. When I was younger I didn’t have a weight problem — or so I unhealthy weight issues, RVers would often mention how hard balance. Go as far as you can without hurting yourself and then Remember, the most important thing in life is LIVING, so thought. I never had to watch what I ate and didn’t really have it was to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road. They dis- come back up. This exercise will tone your legs and thighs and we must make the commitment to change our family tree to a any weight fluctuation. I later found out the reasons were be- cussed the need for a healthy eating program that addressed their strengthen your back muscles. healthy one. cause my mother cooked healthy meals using great recipes she special needs and concerns as RVers. If you’ve been RVing for any collected while living in Asia. We didn’t have a lot of money so period of time, you know that this lifestyle has its own peculiari- eating out often wasn’t an option. Plus, my mother had me ties and challenges. We tend to believe since we are in our RV we enrolled in ballet, tap, and jazz five days per week. No wonder are on vacation. In a vacation mindset, we stop monitoring our A Tiffi n Motorhome made with quality components means I wasn’t concerned about my weight as a child. However, this food intake and make poor choices when we eat in restaurants. fewer repairs and more time for your favorite pastime. changed drastically after I married my high school sweetheart As a Leader in Weight Watchers, I decided to use my experience A Tiffi n Motorhome made with quality components means and had two children. I found myself extremely overweight. I to offer assistance to others who wished to learn about staying fewer repairs and more time for your favorite pastime. went to Weight Watchers, which I knew was a program that I healthy while living an “on-the-road” lifestyle. With my passion for It’s DENSO, relax. could follow. I wanted to eat real food (not boxed or prepared teaching, training, and motivating people to lose weight through food that you have to buy) and know portion sizes in order healthy eating habits, I started RVHealthy.com as a forum for RV- It’s DENSO, relax. to not only help myself, but help my family as well. I became ers to learn and share healthy eating and healthy living ideas. a Leader with Weight Watchers and began assisting others to Simply changing our daily food choices and consumption lose weight and make positive lifestyle changes. The change to a can reduce the risk for diabetes, heart disease, breast and colon healthy lifestyle can significantly change your family tree. I wit- cancer, and numerous other life threatening diseases. The obesity nessed the changes with my own family, I learned some healthy rate in the U.S. is reaching epidemic proportions and is consid- habits from my mother, and I now see those habits I’ve taught ered the #2 cause of preventable death according to the Center my children extending to my grandchildren. It’s never too late! for Disease Control. More than one-third of adults are obese. The New England Journal of Medicine predicts life expectancy will de- Editor’s Note: Is it possible to stay healthy while traveling in a cline over the next 50 years due to the epidemic of obesity in our DENSO, a global supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components, employs motorhome or RV? The answer is absolutely YES with some country. Healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle become even more approximately 120,000 people in 32 countries and regions. DENSO’s product categories include DENSO, a global supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components, employs good advice from a fellow Tiffin owner Sylvia Tarnuzzer, founder important as we age. With the majority of motorhome owners be- powertrain, climate control, body electronics, driving control and safety, and information and communication.approximately 120,000 Known people worldwide in 32 for countries its technology and regions. and high DENSO’s manufacturing product categories standards, include DENSO is dedicated to of RVHealthy, Inc. Sylvia is a Certified Health Coach who un- ing at or near retirement age, there is a very real need for informa- contributingpowertrain, climate to an advanced control, bodyautomotive electronics, society driving where control people, and cars safety, and theand environment information andcoexist in harmony. derstands our traveling lifestyle and offers great advice on her tion tailored specifically for them. I have worked with people who Globalcommunication. consolidated Known sales worldwide for scal year for itsended technology March 31, and 2009 high totaled manufacturing $32.0 billion. standards, DENSO DENSO is a supplier is dedicated to to website as well as her weekly episodes on RVNN.TV. are obese or have a life threatening disease that can be corrected Ticontributing n Motorhomes. to an advanced Check out automotive our full societyline of where DENSO people, products cars andat www.densoheavyduty.com. the environment coexist in harmony. Global consolidated sales for scal year ended March 31, 2009 totaled $32.0 billion. DENSO is a supplier to a/c compressors & components | cabin air fi lters | air fi lters | fuel pumps | oil fi lters | ignition wire sets | oxygen sensors | spark plugs | starters | alternators | wiper blades Ti n Motorhomes. Check out our full line of DENSO products at www.densoheavyduty.com. ©2010 DENSO Sales California 28 Roughing It Smoothly a/c compressors & components | cabin air fi lters | air fi lters | fuel pumps | oil fi lters | ignition wire sets | oxygen sensors | spark plugs | starters | alternators | wiper blades ??? 29 ©2010 DENSO Sales California News You can USe

Emissions 2010: New EPA Regs Create Benefits for RV Owners and the Environment for any application, which translates to less weight and more Q5. If I forget, what will keep me from pumping diesel usable vehicle space. fuel into my DEF tank? by Marlin Saint emissions will become as harmless as inert nitrogen and water! 3. Cummins tests show that the SCR solution enables 5 to 7 The standard nozzle for dispensing DEF has been changed to The SCR system consists of three elements: the Catalyst, Die- percent engine efficiency improvement over alternative solu- 19mm compared to the usual diesel fuel nozzle which is 22mm. Editor’s note: By request, we are repeating this article on the use of DEF for the benefit of new owners. sel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), and a DEF dosing system. tions—and that means better fuel economy. In addition, the tank cap for the DEF will be blue to help differ- DEF is the reactant necessary for the functionality of the Se- 4. For Cummins, SCR was not new tech. The company has been entiate it from the diesel fuel tank. The SCR System will recog- New diesel emissions technology and recent improvements in die- lective Catalytic Reduction system. It is a blend of 32.5% high using this technology for five years to meet European emissions nize solutions other than DEF and alert the driver with an indica- sel engines built by Cummins have met new EPA emissions stan- purity urea and 67.5% deionized water. Urea is a compound of regulations. Over 300,000 vehicles are currently operating in tor light that something other than DEF has been added to the dards for 2010. EPA’s long-term purpose in establishing the stan- nitrogen that turns to ammonia when heated. Europe with SCR systems. tank. Depending on how much contamination was put into the dards was to eliminate harmful contaminants that can have adverse All Tiffin Motorhomes with Cummins 2010 EPA-approved 5. Cummins technology has achieved near-zero emissions in the last tank, the unit may require service at an authorized service center. effects on our personal health and the environment in general. diesel engines will be equipped with a DEF storage tank. Motor- five years while delivering equipment with better long-term value While the challenges to meet the standards were significant, homes with the NaviStar engine will use EGR (Exhaust Gas Re- that also lowers your carbon footprint: a real win-win combination. Cummins met those goals prior to the EPA’s deadlines. Concur- circulation) to meet EPA standards. The EGR system will be a rently, they implemented technology that improved fuel econo- story for another time. FAQs Clean Dump my and engine efficiency. The DEF storage tank that is being installed on Tiffin’s Pow- Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about this The contaminant that has for many years been fouling our erglide chassis will have a capacity of 15 gallons. DEF consump- new SCR technology using DEF to meet 2010 emission standards. RV Macerator System environment and jeopardizing our health is the by-product of tion is expected to be approximately 2% of diesel consumption. Say Goodbye to the 3" Sewer Hose! combustion: nitrogen oxide (NOx). A 2005 EPA national study Another way to figure DEF use is with a 50 to 1 ratio. For every Q1. What happens if my motorhome runs out of DEF? of nitrogen oxides emissions showed that “On the Road Ve- 50 gallons of diesel fuel burned you will use one gallon of DEF. Motorhomes that use DEF will have a gauge to inform the driver hicles” was by far the largest offender, followed by “Off Road If you know how much fuel your motorhome uses, you can eas- of the amount of DEF in his coach. There will be a low-level warn- Equipment” and “Electricity Generation.” ily calculate the amount of fuel you will use in a year. Following ing lamp to warn the driver when he is low on DEF. If you allow The technology that made it possible for Cummins to meet the is an example of how to estimate the amount of DEF you might your DEF tank to become exhausted, the vehicle’s power will be deadline to eliminate NOx is a system called Selective Catalytic Re- use on an annual basis. reduced enough to encourage you to refill the tank. Once the tank duction (SCR). Urea is used in SCR reactions to reduce the NOx has been refilled the engine will resume normal power levels. pollutants in exhaust gases generated by combustion from power Miles traveled in one year = 10,000 miles plants and diesel engines. Urea is found in the urine of mammals MPG for motorhome = 7 mpg Q2. Will DEF freeze? and amphibians. For industrial use, it is converted by chemical 10,000 miles ⁄ 7mpg = 1,430 gallons Yes. DEF will start to crystallize at 12° F (–11° C). In a 32.5% so- companies into a urea-based diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). DEF usage @ 2% of fuel consumption = 29 gallons of DEF/year lution, both the urea and water will freeze at the same time. As it Small quantities of the water-based DEF will be injected into 29 gallons of DEF/ 15 gal. tank for Powerglide = 2 fill-ups/year thaws, the fluid will not become diluted or concentrated. The freez- the exhaust upstream of the catalyst, where it vaporizes and de- ing and thawing of DEF will not cause degradation of the product. composes to form ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia This is just an example of a motorhome that gets 7 mpg. Your produced by decomposition of the urea reacts with the nitrogen mileage will vary depending on your carrying weight, the terrain Q3. What happens to my motorhome if the DEF freezes in my tank? • No more gravity, gloves, or mess oxide emissions within the catalytic converter and is changed where you are traveling, and how many miles you travel a year. SCR systems are designed to provide heating for the DEF tank • Pumps up to 150 ft uphill into harmless nitrogen and water. Let’s say that again—diesel If you are a full-timer, you may travel more than 10,000 miles and supply lines. If DEF freezes when the motorhome is shut • Grey water bypass now available compared to a weekender who may travel 5,000 miles annually. down, start up and normal operation of the unit will not be in- One of the often-cited concerns in implementation of the hibited. The SCR heating system is designed to quickly return 1. What makes up the Cummins Aftertreatment System? TIFFIN CUSTOMERS BUY DIRECT There are four major components: SCR system technology is the availability of DEF. Through the the DEF to liquid form and the operation of the motorhome Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) efforts of the U.S. Department of Energy, the Environmental will not be impacted. Anti-gelling products should never be Catalyst Decomposition Reactor Protection Agency, vehicle manufacturers and dealers, the oil added to DEF because the 32.5% solution used is very specific industry, truck stops, and trade associations, the distribution for the NOx reducing properties. Any blending of an anti-gel plan for DEF is moving right along. What this means is that product would greatly reduce the DEF’s 32.5% solution from one will be able to get DEF almost anywhere, including truck properly doing its job and may cause damage to the SCR system. stops large or small, diesel fueling stations, truck dealer loca- tions, truck repair garages—even your local parts store. Q4. How should I store DEF? DEF Dosing Valve Extension Hoses Bypass Kit DEF should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of Clean Dump Cummins Particulate Filter Benefits to Motorhome Owner direct sunlight. Shelf life for DEF is one year with proper stor- 1. The SCR system enables Cummins to increase horsepower age. While the ideal temperature for storing DEF is up to 77 (360) 798-2437 2. What is DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)? DEF is a 32.5% strength urea water solution without increasing the engine’s size. degrees, higher temperatures for short periods of time will not www.cleandump.com 2. The SCR system permits a smaller engine and cooling system impact its quality. Lower temperatures will extend its shelf life.

30 Roughing It Smoothly News You Can Use 31 News You can USe

32 Roughing It Smoothly ??? 33 from the road

The Life and Times of Tiffin Motorhome Owners

The Newport Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant any. New to the playhouse are murder mysteries, with buffet, fol- International Music Festival in Lafayette; and the list could go stages of preparation with the aroma punctuating the morning One of our favorite trips in New England with our Phaeton lowed by an entertaining cabaret. The playhouse is also available on and on. Of course, most of the festivals include the wonderful air and hanging there like the Spanish Moss on the magnificent motorhome each year is the North America Family Camping for private events, business functions, and holiday parties. music and foods of the region. There are some 22 towns along Live Oak trees in the field nearby. One contestant had advanced Association’s (NAFCA) Camp-O-Rama four-day rally on the Other shows include special Christmas entertainment. The the Zydeco/Cajun Prairie Driving Tour and a similar amount in his cooking process to the making of the gravy which was full first beach parking lot in Middletown, Rhode Island. It’s held on last show we attended was the Edwards Twins, incredibly talent- along the Bayou Teche Cajun/Creole Tour, many of which have of Cajun spices, onions, peppers, and other tasty tidbits. Breath- the third weekend every September. The only thing separating ed impersonators who travel all over the country. Their claim to festivals at various time of the year. One of our favorite towns ing in the smells from the pan was like enjoying a little taste you and the ocean is a sand dune. What a nice setting and it’s fame is their ability to look identical to many celebrities by their was Franklin with over 400 historical structures including nu- of heaven. As we had other plans and had to leave before the adjacent to Newport where each year during this event, we plan dress and voices. I can tell you with certainty that you couldn’t merous antebellum mansions along Main Street. tongues were in the eating stage, we did not get to try the fin- to see one of many plays at the Newport Playhouse and Cabaret distinguish between them or the real persons. It was our second The event which captured our attention the most was the ished product. We were told by Roxanne and other Cajuns that Restaurant. It’s a quaint dinner theater that was established in viewing of this show but still an extremely entertaining after- 11th annual Beef Tongue Cook-off at Sherman’s Camp adja- in the old days, during the “Boucherie” (slaughtering of an ani- 1983 and has been a favorite with locals and tourists ever since noon, even the second time around. The twins now have a three cent to our campground, Poche’s Fish N Camp. Poche’s is man- mal with celebration and sharing with the community), noth- they opened their doors. year contract in Times Square. aged by Miss Virdy Poche who was one of the former judges of ing went to waste, thus the history of the cooking of tongues. Traveling around New England in the summer months had It’s interesting to note that all of the Newport Playhouse em- the Cook-off and she shared with us some of her vast knowledge We were also told the tongues would not be judged if the judges become somewhat repetitive once we found places of entertain- ployees are actors. As we look around, these actors are some- of the event. We arrived early to take pictures of the tongues could not cut the cooked tongues with a plastic fork. The Cook- ment and restaurants that we enjoyed. Over the many years of times bar staff, busboys, host or hostess, kitchen help, ticket and meet some of the Cook-off participants. Roxanne and Dale off was definitely something we had never experienced before marriage to Terri, she has often asked me if I wanted to go to a sales, or stagehands. Sometimes they are a waiter….a director…. Hargrove were especially helpful and informative on how the but would love to attend again. play with her. “Not me! Never, so don’t ask again,” I would re- next time, a star. They paint a set, sing a song, swab a floor, mow tongues are cooked as Roxanne has been a two-time champion. The Tiffin name is well known in south Louisiana and we peatedly say to her. However, one day, close friends of ours want- a lawn, and take a bow. It’s a labor of love for all involved with DuringTiffin Half our Page_Layout visit to the 1 12/8/11 Cook-off, 8:43 theAM tonguesPage 1 were in various met many hardworking people there including the owner of ed us to go to the Newport Playhouse with them. The husband this theater. Their camaraderie and dedication is honorable. told me that he was somewhat apprehensive the first time he Many have been there for a lifetime, others go on to do TV com- went... so he finally convinced me that I should at least try it out, mercials, Broadway and beyond. just this once. He knew that I would be hooked as a result. I’m Take my word for it….you too will be hooked and you’ll go now extremely disappointed if I have to miss any of their shows. back time and time again. Put this trip on your bucket list…It’s The Newport Playhouse is a family-run business that caters a lifetime experience you don’t want to miss out on. to your needs as if you were a member of their own clan. Their More information including upcoming plays, special shows, dinner theater is unique….enjoy a great buffet, a wonderful com- prices, menus, cast members, and directions to the playhouse edy play and a fun-filled cabaret. Their extensive, hearty, all you can be found at: www.newportplayhouse.com can eat buffet does not skimp on quality or selection. Everything Dave McClellan is prepared in their kitchen with a large variety of hot and cold Peru, Massachusetts foods, main entrees, side dishes, beverages and homemade des- serts. At times, they offer special buffet menus that are very de- Acadiana, a “Sweet Spot” sirable such as their “Lobsterfest” matinees. There is a full liquor For about 15 years, we have been blessed with the opportunity service available, either table-side or at their comfortable bar. to travel all across this vast and beautiful country, off and on Their intimate theater is just a short stroll from the dining as full-timers, in Tiffin Allegro Buses (five over the years). Fre- area. There you will have reserved seating while enjoying some quently, friends have asked which part of the country and/or of the finest entertainment available. Every seat in the theatre is events we have enjoyed the most. Up until recently, we would a good seat with strong and clear acoustics. Professional actors usually tell folks that it depends on a variety of things. Though will delight you in a wonderful play worthy of Broadway. After we have a strong affinity for our former adopted hometown of the play, it’s back to your original table in the dining area. There Winchester, Tennessee, now that we have just spent two months you will enjoy a delightful cabaret where their company mem- (April/May, ’12) in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, the answer to that bers continue to entertain you with songs and laughter. question has been pretty much settled. This has become one of our favorite places to visit. There can The wonderful and gracious people of the south central re- be as many as five plays each year with other types of shows in be- gion of Louisiana (Acadiana) are just remarkable. Following our tween. All plays are comedies, and we can confirm, after visiting arrival in Breaux Bridge from our winter location in Phoenix, the playhouse more than three dozen times over the past seven Arizona, the festivals were nonstop: Frog Festival in Rayne; Cat- years, that they are always hysterical. We try hard not to miss fish Festival in Washington; Crawfish Festival in Breaux Bridge;

34 Roughing It Smoothly From the Road 35 from the road

Scotty’s Campers in New Iberia, a long- Springs State Park near Thermopolis has go to places that need help after tornado main street. You could make an afternoon into a retirement center, but we are still like to recommend to RV’ers. In Demopo- time Tiffin dealer who provides full sales buffalo and the Hot Springs Bath House. or flood destruction, or with community of visiting the town, then on to Algoma to enjoying your magazine. lis, Alabama, Fosque Creek Park is a great and service. We had a question about an Thermopolis also has a world class dino- service projects. We are retired people who dinner. Don’t be surprised when you see James & Joyce Kothe Corps of Engineers park. Another park issue we were experiencing and Mr. Scott saur museum, and several RV parks, ca- volunteer our time to do this work. We the restaurant, it’s not much to look at Central Point, Oregon I would like to recommend is Fairview spent a good amount of time giving us fes, golf, a municipal airport and more. are provided with a free campsite but we but the friendly staff and the down-home State Park in Madisonville, Louisiana. some helpful hints on how to isolate the Jack Allen volunteer our labor and travel expenses. atmosphere will greet you the minute you Two Favorite Campgrounds Robert Arnold cause. He was extremely knowledgeable River Oaks, Texas Dave & Marilyn Hays come in the door. The full address is 101 There are two campgrounds that I would Mandeville, Louisiana about Tiffin products. We would recom- Sioux Falls, South Dakota Front Street, Algoma, Mississippi 38820. mend to all our Tiffin family that, should Visiting Creede, Colorado, in Our While visiting Iowa, we found two you be in that area and need assistance, ’96 Allegro Bay Vivian, Louisiana, Redbud Festival very unusual attractions. In the town of don’t hesitate to go to see these fine folks. We enjoy the articles in Roughing It Some of the favorite places I have visited Pomeroy, west of Ft. Dodge, the Kalei- We are so looking forward to returning Smoothly. I am writing you from Creede, while traveling in our motorhome in- doscope Factory is run by a Santa Claus to this area of Louisiana on a regular basis. Colorado, a town along Highway 149, clude: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin in look-a-like. In Algona, the POW Museum We feel we have just scratched the surface near 10,000 feet in elevation. It is located Wisconsin; the white water creeks and riv- was fascinating, and in Britt, there is a on things to see and do, music to get your between South Fork and Lake City, Colo- ers in and near Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, Hobo Museum that was not only inter- heartbeat going, and places to enjoy the rado, and is a cool place to be in the sum- and the Smokies in Tennessee; the Grand esting but eye-opening. outstanding Cajun foods. Come join us in mer. Private RV parks and national parks Canyon; Las Vegas; the San Diego Zoo; Laura & Harvey Turner Have you Acadiana. abound. Fishing is great, and the scenery Niagara Falls in Canada and New York; Amboy, Illinois Lt. Col. Edward Winton (USAR) is spectacular. There are places to ride and many places in between, coming and Tullahoma, Tennessee ATV’s and Jeeps. Disney just made a mov- going! Best Fishing in Texas looked inside a ie here called “The Lone Ranger.” It will On the third Saturday in March, 2014, Buckhorn Resort outside of San Antonio Traveling in Maine be out in July of 2013. People are friendly, the Vivian Redbud Festival will have its offers good fishing. This year we traveled Splendide lately? On the Tiffin network, many Tiffin own- and there are good restaurants. Creede is 50 year celebration! I enjoy your maga- six months, covering the southwestern ers ask where to go in Maine. As an Al- an old silver mining town from the late zine and seeing the new improvements. states, ending up in Ohio to see the three Take a peek inside a Splendide legro Bus owner and a lifelong resident 1800’s. The railroad tracks are still being It’s like getting the spring seed catalogue kids and 11 grandchildren. combo or stackable washer and of Maine, (so far), I would suggest two used, with some hand-hewn railroad ties wishbook! I am a vocal advertisement! R. L. Howell dryer and you may be surprised. sources: www.visitmaine.com and www. still in place. Creede has a good Repetory Marijo Graves Alamo, Texas Over the years, we’ve added a mainetourism.com. Theatre. Tell Mr. Tiffin we are here in our Vivian, Louisiana variety of cycle options to our Bill Morrison ’96 Allegro Bay 34 foot gas engine motor- Wonderful Memories in Our laundry centers while increasing New Gloucester, Maine home with 98,858 miles on it. It still While You’re Waiting in Red Bay. . . Allegro Bay the size of their tubs to astonishing looks and runs great! We would like to recommend a restau- We have retired our 1992 Allegro Bay proportions. However, we’ve We Recommend a Visit to Billy Prather rant near Red Bay, Alabama. For those motorhome after 200,000 miles. Our never lost sight of why a Splendide Thermopolis, Wyoming Odessa, Texas of us who use the service area in Red Bay, travels took us through 49 states and all laundry center has always been the We own a 2011 40QTH Phaeton, and there is a wait and often very little to fill provinces in Canada except two. The en- best choice in RV’s — it does more have workamped in 2011 and 2012. Ther- Volunteering With NOMADS our time. One of the local gentlemen told joyment we had during our travels can- with less, so you can travel light, conserve resources and spend less mopolis, Wyoming, is a town of less than We belong to an organization run by the us about Seafood Junction. We drove not compare to anything else we might time doing laundry while you’re out 4,000 at about 4,000 feet elevation. Hot Methodist church called NOMADS. We about one and one-half hours to the town have done. Our Allegro Bay was our best on the road. The Splendide tradition of Algoma, Mississippi, east and south of friend during all the years of our travels. of quality RV laundry products Tupelo to eat there. It is only open Thurs- We are now 82 years old and have moved and superior after sales care is a LET US HEAR FROM YOU day through Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m. The combination that can’t be beat. A separate postcard is enclosed for “From the Road,” a fun part of the magazine for buffet includes fresh seafood, oysters, readers to share their motorhoming experiences. If you choose to email us at: fredthomp- stuffed crab and fish, as well as frog legs Plant Tours [email protected], be sure to put “Roughing It Smoothly” in the subject line of your and other non-seafood items. At only $17 Ask your Tiffin dealer about installing a email. If your communication requires an entire letter, mail it to us at: PO Box 1738, plus your drink, it was a diner’s delight. Monday-Friday at 9:30. Meet in the Monroe, GA 30656-1738. Tell us about the interesting places you’ve been, an unusual Allegro Welcome Center 15 minutes They also have a full menu if the buffet before departure. Tour headsets and Splendide in your coach today! experience, a great destination, or just a good place to camp and hang out. We welcome doesn’t interest you. your pictures. Please attach high resolution images if you email. “From the Road” con- protective glasses provided. You’ll be On the way down, you will pass on the production lines seeing it up tributors will receive a free tee shirt while supplies last. — Fred Thompson, editor through the town of Pontotoc. Beautiful close and personal. old homes and interesting shops line the

36 Roughing It Smoothly From the Road 37 Riding the rails

ity, much of it produced locally. Museums, gift shops, art gal- Railroad preservationists and local civic leaders, unwilling to leries, historic sites and businesses at both ends of the line ex- let this railroad die, went to bat to save the most scenic portions plain local Hispanic/Latino and Native American culture that of track that had reached from Denver to Santa Fe. In 1970 their Riding High on the Cumbres & Toltec you’ll experience first-hand as you interact with local people. In effort was rewarded when the states of New Mexico and Colora- This Steam Train Climbs Above 10,000 Feet on a 64-Mile Journey easy reach are a national forest, national and state parks, and do jointly paid $547,120 for the track, equipment, and facilities little-known ancient cliff and Pueblo dwellings in northern New between Chama and Antonito. Excursion trains began hauling Mexico’s Chama Valley. passengers the next year. Text by Norman Spray Chama (population: 1,700) lies at 7,860 feet elevation on U.S. In 2013 the Cumbres & Toltec will operate every day from Photography courtesy of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Inc. 64/84 in North Central New Mexico’s green Chama Valley. It May 25 through October 20. Usually one of the Baldwin K-36 is 47 miles east of Pagosa Springs, Colorado and 95 miles west locomotives pulls up to eight passenger cars over the pass. When of Taos, New Mexico. The Cumbres & Toltec station is in the loads peak at or above 210 passengers on a single train, a second t’s not on a major route to anywhere else but going there rock walls and cling to a narrow rim of cliffs that drop straight middle of town on NM 17. locomotive sometimes “doubleheads” and two engines work in canI put you on what many call the nation’s biggest, longest, down to the 800-foot Toltec Gorge. One hairpin curve bends Antonito (population: 873 in 2000; elevation: 7,888 feet) is tandem to keep the extra cars moving. In the 2012 season, the highest, most exciting narrow gauge railroad operating today. back so tight it reminds you of a dog that chases its tail — and on U.S. 285 surrounded by mountain peaks in the southern railroad boarded over 29,000 passengers. That would be the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Given the darned near connects. end of Colorado’s agriculturally rich San Luis Valley. The train Three levels of service and accommodations are offered. (See wondrous geography where it operates and its extensive equip- There’s a good chance you’ll see bears, elk or deer. Eagles depot is located at the junction of U.S. 285 and CO 17 at the “If You Want to Ride” box on page 41). A first class “parlor” tick- ment inventory, it may just merit all those adjectives. and hawks sail above as your train steams through meadows of southern edge of town. et seats you in Victorian-era elegance once known only to rail- This surviving remnant of long-gone silver mining days in quaking aspens upward to tall green conifers growing at higher, The Cumbres & Toltec track was built in 1880 as part of the road barons and mining kings in a meticulously restored coach a little known Rocky Mountain paradise owns eight (yes eight) cooler elevations. Snow flurries are possible, depending on the Rio Grande Railroad’s San Juan Extension to serve silver mining with panoramic windows. Personal attendants serve a continen- old-time coal-fired steam locomotives. Five of them are opera- time of year. in the San Juan mountains of southwestern Colorado. Decline tal breakfast. In “deluxe tourist class” cars, there’s more room tional, pulling excursion cars over 64 miles of three foot wide At tiny Osier, Colorado, a mid-point “town” created by the of the mining industry and resulting loss of freight revenue in than in standard coach class and individual seating. Standard narrow gauge rails linking Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, parent Rio Grande Railroad in1880, you’ll get off for a hot, all that same decade kept the railroad from converting this narrow coach cars offer bench seating. Whichever class you choose, you Colorado. Board one of this line’s 19 passenger cars and you’re you can eat, “made-from-scratch” lunch. It’s included in the track to the standard four feet, 8-1/2 inch gauge as it did on are free to move about the train and smell the coal smoke as you in for unparalleled sight-seeing and steam train thrills. price of your ticket. most of its system. Temporary prosperity returned to the route enjoy the view from an open-air gondola. Black smoke boiling, a 2-8-2 Baldwin K-36 locomotive chug- Whether you stay in Chama or in Antonito, you may be with a gas boom after World War II but that, too, was short- The railroad offers six trip options. If you elect to ride the ging and wheels clacking, this train carries you up a steep four surprised and likely enamored by all that you discover in this lived. The last use of steam locomotives in general freight ended entire 64 miles, you can leave either Chama or Antonito at 10 percent grade, then over the 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, the high- friendly out-of-the-way corner of the Rockies. Though lesser in 1969 when the Interstate Commerce Commission granted a.m. (Mountain Time) by train then return by motorcoach that est altitude reached by rail in the U. S. Along the way you’ll cross known than Santa Fe or Durango, the area is rich in attractions. Rio Grande permission to abandon its remaining narrow gauge leaves the destination city after 5 p.m. If you prefer, you can go the line dividing New Mexico and Colorado 11 times, ride over You’ll find RV parks in scenic locations. Non-chain restaurants mainline. Mainline use of steam locomotives for passenger first by motorcoach that leaves either Chama or Antonito at the 137-foot high Cascade Trestle, pass through tunnels, hug tend to be short on ambiance and size but long on food qual- trains already had ended nine years earlier in 1960. 8:30 a.m., then return to the originating terminal by train de-

Left: “Doubleheading” Cumbres & Toltec Railroad locomotives enter a sharp curve pulling eight passenger cars over a snow-scattered landscape. Two locomotives are needed when passenger demand requires more cars than usual. A single Baldwin K-36 usually can pull up to six passenger cars. Right: Clouds of smoke and steam bil- low over passenger cars as two Cumbres & Toltec Railroad Baldwin K-36 steam powered locomotives “doublehead” toward the 10,015-foot high Cumbres Pass, highest point reached by rail any- where in the U.S.

38 Roughing It Smoothly ??? 39 parting after 4 p.m. From either city, you can go only as far as The entire railroad is a National Historic Site Designation. IF YOU WANT TO RIDE . . . Campgrounds . . . Osier by train leaving at 10 a.m. and return also by train depart- Railyard “museums” at both ends of the line show steam train To Make Reservations: 888-286-2737; Osier. Breakfast and drinks served only Some RV Parks Near Train Station Some RV Parks Near Train Station ing Osier after 4 p.m. buffs “how it was” back in the day — and they’re still working or book online at cumbrestoltec.com/ in First Class Parlor. Passengers in any in Chama, NM in Antonito, CO ride-us/terms-conditions car may move about. Snacks and drinks El Meson Lodge Camp Twin Rivers Cabin and RV Park As a steam railroad museum, the Cumbres & Toltec may be facilities today. At Chama, your walking tour starts at the depot, Make reservations at least seven days be- are available for purchase. 575-756-2114 719-376-5710 fore departure. Have reservation num- Conditions: Tickets must be paid for the most authentic of those left in the U.S. today, though per- built in 1899 to replace one burned in a town fire. You’ll stroll by elmeson.org [email protected] ber available for ticket pick up on day at time of booking. Major credit cards haps less known than the popular Durango & Silverton, also a the night watchman’s house, a converted refrigerator car’s body; of departure. Seat assignments are made accepted. Little Creel RV Park Conejos River Campground remnant of the Rio Grande system. That’s because the C & T’s an oil house built in 1903 that stores fuel oil and lubricants; a but not guaranteed. Ticket pick up is between 7:30 and 9:30 575-756-2382 719-376-5943 Fare Prices: Depend on accommoda- a.m. on day of departure at the depot littlecreelresort.com conejosrivercampground.com equipment inventory, large working railroad yards at both termi- machine shop and roundhouse; a modern engine repair facility; tion class and trips selected. you’ve chosen (either Chama or Antoni- Rio Chama RV Park Mogote Meadow RV Park and Cabins nals, and original service structures along the route are extensive. repair tracks where freight and maintenance cars are inspected To ride entire distance between Chama and to). Wheelchair lifts are available. Advise 575-756-2303 800-814-0129 Antonito, you go one way by train and need for wheelchair accommodation coloradodirectory.com/riochamarv [email protected] Considering that of the estimated 138,000 steam locomo- and repaired; a sheep dip and wool shearing plant where thou- return by bus or vice versa. Cost: when reserving then again three days First Class Parlor: $171 (no children before departure. Sky Mountain Resort RV Park Narrow Gauge RR Inn & RV Park tives built in this country, all but some 1900 have been scrapped, sands of sheep were prepared for shipment back east each year allowed); Deluxe Tourist Class: $130 To Learn About Area Attractions: 575-756-1100 719-376-5441 skymountainresort.com it’s unusual to find eight at a single railroad. between 1900 and 1920; a storage track for maintenance-of-way adult, $69 children; Standard coach: Chama, New Mexico, Area: Ponderosa Campground & Cabins Chama Valley Chamber of Commerce: Four of these owned by the Cumbres & Toltec are 2-8-2 Bald- equipment; and an ash pit where hot ashes are dumped when $95 adult, $52 children. Stone House RV Park 719-376-5857 To ride by train to Osier for lunch and return 575-756-2306; chamavalley.com 575-588-7274 National Forest Campgrounds: win K-36 class Mikados built in 1925, part of the last 10 all- locomotive fire boxes are cleaned. also by train: Chama Village: 575-562-1840 or 575- stonehouselodge.com First Class Parlor: $171 adult; Deluxe 756-2184; chamavillage.com/events Rio Grande/Aspen Glade, 719-852-5941 new narrow gauge locomotives added by the Rio Grande. Each The Antonito depot was built in 1977. Of interest in the rail- Tourist Class: $130 adult, $69 children; Antonito, Colorado Area: Twin Rivers Campground & RV Park Rio Grande/Conejos, 719-274-8971 engine is joined by a tender loaded with up to 9.5 tons of coal yard: the office building for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Rail- Standard Coach: $78 adult, $41 children. Conejos County Chamber: 719-376- 575-756-2218 Rio Grande/Mogote, 719-376-2535 Food: Ticket prices include lunch at 2277; conejoschamber.org chamarvpark.com Rio Grande/Spectacle Lake, 719-274-8971 to fire a 5,000 gallon boiler. Generating 195 PSI of steam pres- road Commission, the governing entity made up of representa- sure, these 286,000 pound work horses deliver a tractive effort tives from both New Mexico and Colorado; a water tank similar of 36,000 pounds. They have four guide wheels, two in front of to those that serve locomotives along the route; a display track Below left: Passengers congregate in Cumbres & Toltec open-air gondola eight 44-inch diameter drive wheels, and two behind the drive exhibiting a K-37 engine and freight cars like those used in the to enjoy beautiful fall weather and turning foliage on a 64-mile narrow wheels (thus their 2-8-2 classification). l920s; a storage building once used as a dining hall for a saw- gauge rail trip between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado. This track was laid in 1880 by the Rio Grande Railroad, abandoned in The fifth operating engine is a Baldwin K-27, popularly called mill operation; a repair track where Friends of the Cumbres & 1969, then purchased and resurrected as a scenic railroad by the states a “Mudhen.” It and others of the same class, smallest of the Rio Toltec Scenic Railroad, Inc, a non-profit official museum support of New Mexico and Colorado. Grande’s Mikados, were the first built with outside frames, out- group, restore historic freight cars; an engine and car house where side counterweights and crankpins. The remaining three en- engines and cars are serviced; an ash pit; a loop track built in 1979 Below: Two locomotives work together to pull the train when passenger gines C & T owns are Baldwin K-37 class locomotives that Rio to replace a wye which required extensive switching to turn trains; loads are heavy on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad trip. Here a Baldwin K-36 engine No. 487, heading, and No. 489 create clouds of Grande rebuilt from standard gauge 2-8-0s between 1928 and and a display track where another K-37 locomotive is exhibited. coal smoke and steam as they push through a snowy “winter wonder- 1930. Not currently operating, they can be seen in the railyards With all this, one might say it’s a matter of opinion whether land” to one of few auto crossings on the ride between Chama, New at Chama and Antonito. the Cumbres & Toltec is the best of the narrow gauge lines oper- Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. People often park at roadside to view In addition to its 19 passenger cars, the Cumbres & Toltec ating today. That it is the longest and climbs the highest is fact. this nostalgic glimpse of bygone days. has 30 operable freight and maintenance cars. Ride and you can decide for yourself whether it’s “exciting.”

40 Roughing It Smoothly Riding the Rails 41 near the Cayuse tribe and the Hudson’s Bay Company at the fort. The Spaldings selected a site at Lapwai near present-day Lewiston, Idaho, and less than 100 miles from the Whitmans. The Whitman mission became an important rest stop for wag- on trains on the Oregon Trail. The Whitmans cared for many orphans whose parents died making the trip west.

John Frèmont Kit Carson A few settlers began to trickle in during the late 1830s, but it was Elijah White, a Methodist missionary and medical doctor, who led the first wagon train to Oregon in 1841 that included more than 100 emigrants. Thomas Fitzpatrick returned to Mis- souri and led another group of 80 to Oregon a few weeks later. In 1842, Lt. John Frèmont, the “Pathfinder,” accompanied by The Oregon Trail his guide, Kit Carson, described and mapped the Oregon Trail, part ii From Ft. Laramie, Wyoming to Twin Falls, Idaho providing a level of assurance for those who wanted to establish a new life in Oregon. After the 1841 success of the two wagon trains was report- In July 2011 we began a twenty-first century quest to follow After learning about the pass, Capt. Benjamin Bonneville led The two couples, both recently married, departed from Pitts- ed in the public press, and the 1842 publication of Frèmont’s the Oregon Trail, approximately 175 years after the first wagon a well-financed expedition of 110 men and 20 wagons across the burgh on February 29, 1836, by steamboat, accompanied by guide to the Trail, a flood of emigrants each summer outfitted train with families left Missouri for the great untamed country Rocky Mountains at South Pass in July 1832, which some his- William H. Gray, 26, a farmer, mechanic, and lay member of their wagons in Missouri River towns and headed west. known as the Oregon Territory. In the last issue of RIS, our trip torians believe was a spy mission to determine what the British the Spalding missionary group. Nine weeks later they were in Even though most of the men were farmers who knew how to took us from Independence, Missouri, to Scotts Bluff, Nebras- were doing in the great northwest. The Treaty of 1818 had set up Liberty, Missouri, with plans to join a caravan led by mountain handle equipment and animals, the terrain of the Oregon Trail ka. In Part II we will begin at Ft. Laramie, Wyoming, and finish a “joint occupation” agreement between Britain and the United men Milton Sublette and Thomas Fitzpatrick who were headed was a continual challenge. Axles split, rims came off the wheels, this segment at Twin Falls, Idaho. Then we will complete the States regarding the Oregon Territory that included parts of the for the annual fur traders’ Rendezvous just south of the Wind harnesses broke, canvas covers ripped in high winds. Some emi- trip to Oregon City, Oregon, in Part III. First, let’s do a quick present-day states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, River Range in the Rockies. Fitzpatrick had first traversed South grants had the foresight to take a spare oak axle and a wheel. review of the early travelers on the Trail. and Montana, plus the Canadian province of British Columbia. Pass in 1824 with Jedediah Smith and knew the trail well. Unen- Though no accurate records exist, most historians believe Robert Stuart and six men seeking a better route from Fort But it was not until two missionary couples made the same cumbered by the long wagon trains that would come in the next that at least 400,000 men, women, and children began the trip Astoria, at the mouth of the Columbia River, to New York in trip four years later that American families began to dream decade, the traders used seven wagons, each pulled by six mules. to Oregon between 1842 and 1869. Some place the number at 1812 were the first white men to “discover” South Pass in south- about risking everything to stake a claim to the rich soil of the Leaving on May 25 from Liberty under experienced leader- 500,000. In any case, it was the greatest unforced migration in western Wyoming. The pass looked more like a broad, sloping Willamette Valley in what would become the state of Oregon. ship, the journey went as planned. On July 4, 1836, Eliza Hart the history of the world. An emigrant diary noted that one thou- plain, 35 miles wide in some places, between the Central Rockies Henry H. Spalding, 32, and his wife, Eliza Hart Spalding, Spalding and Narcissa Whitman became the first Euro-American sand wagons passed Ft. Kearny, Nebraska in one day. At the top and the Southern Rockies, than it did a cut between two im- 29, were Presbyterian missionaries, born and educated in New women to cross South Pass. A native stone marker at the be- of a hill looking ten miles into the horizon, another noted “the posing mountain ranges. Even at its highest elevation of 7,550 York and Connecticut. They were planning to minister to the ginning of the pass records their remarkable trip and stands as wagons’ canvas tops looked like an endless white rope.” In 1852 feet, most of the emigrants did not realize they were crossing Nez Perce in Idaho. Narcissa Whitman knew Henry when they mute testimony of their love for native Americans. a writer speculated that at one point on the trail in Nebraska the the Continental Divide. For the next 20 years, the pass was used worshiped at the same church in Prattsburg, New York. After Two days later on July 6, the fur traders reached the Rendez- line of wagons was 500 miles long, with no traveler ever out of only by fur traders and native Americans. Henry met Marcus Whitman, 34, a physician and missionary, he vous. The Spaldings, the Whitmans, and William Gray linked sight of another. convinced the couple to join them in their plans for ministries up with another guide and continued their trip, reaching Fort Historians are equally certain that at least ten percent died in the northwest. Narcissa, 28, had been planning to teach phys- Walla Walla on August 30. The Whitmans established a mission trying to get to Oregon. One journal described the Trail as the Text and photography by Fred Thompson ics and chemistry. at Waiilatpu on the Walla Walla River because of its location longest graveyard on the continent, with an average of one grave

42 Roughing It Smoothly The Oregon Trail part ii 43 every 80 yards. By far more lives were lost to cholera than any Southwest where mountains were avoided. Taking women and ings. Since 1938, the National Park Service has preserved and other cause. Occasionally the disease destroyed an entire wagon children in smaller wagons across rivers, desert, and mountain interpreted the site. train. The emigrants knew nothing about safe water. Sanitation ranges was not only dangerous and difficult, it is a wonder that in campgrounds was terrible, water sources were contaminated, it could be done at all. Register Cliff and the Guernsey Ruts — A drive of ten miles and cholera thrived, usually killing its victims within 24 hours. South Pass was the key to crossing the Rocky Mountains, the northwest of the fort on U.S. 26 will take you to Register Cliff Accidents caused thousands of deaths: gun accidents, drown- barrier that almost defeated Lewis and Clark. Although the emi- just outside the town of Guernsey. Follow the signs in town to ings, children falling beneath the wagons, buffalo stampedes, grants could see the mountains in the distance, the pass was so reach the cliff. It was a popular campsite along the North Platte and working with livestock. deceiving that many did not know they had crossed the Conti- river one day’s travel from Fort Laramie. The sandstone cliff For years large Conestoga wagons driven by experienced, nental Divide until they realized the streams they were passing is covered with the names of the pioneers who often included hardened men had hauled freight over the Santa Fe Trail to the were flowing in a westerly direction. their home state or town and the date. Unfortunately, the soft stone has been defaced by carvers from the last three or four de- cades. However, behind a fenced area, many nineteenth century names can be recognized. There are several unknown pioneer graves at this site. Back on the Oregon Trail The trader’s store at Ft. Laramie was built in 1849. Civilian entre- Heading back toward Guernsey on the same road, turn left at preneurs bid on the contract to run the store. In over 160 years, the the sign into the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site. Appar- In July 2011 we followed the trail in the luxurious comfort of a it to the American Fur Company. The company built a larger general appearance of the store has changed very little. ently at this site, the wagons went single file for a steep pull up 2011 Allegro Bus, from Independence to Scotts Bluff near the adobe fort and renamed it Fort John. A French-Canadian trap- a rock ridge in order to avoid boggy ground near the river. Steel- Nebraska–Wyoming line. Part I of the story appeared in the Fall per, Jacques LaRamee, whose prominence remains a mystery, Laramie as the crossroads of a nation moving west. The adven- rimmed wagon wheels and iron-shod hooves in three decades 2012 issue. Just after the pages went to press in early September, became the namesake for the fort. In 1849 the army bought the turous migration of pioneers in the 1840s turned into a confi- we flew to Denver and picked up our car to complete the trip, fort and enlarged it to serve as a military outpost for the emi- dent horde in the 1850s with over a thousand wagons leaving The names and dates at Register Cliff reflect the peak years of travel traveling 1,200 miles from Ft. Laramie, Wyoming, to Oregon grants’ protection. Missouri each week from early May into mid-June. along the Oregon Trail during the 1840s and 1850s. Several states are represented in the carvings — Ohio being the most common.  Avoid- City, Oregon. Our tight schedule permitted less than two weeks Initially, the army built barracks, officers’ quarters, and a At first the native Americans were friendly and helpful. They ing a boggy area near the river, the wagonmaster led the emigrants to do this part of the journey. trader’s store. “Old Bedlam” was built in 1849 to house bach- liked to trade fresh meat for cloth, trinkets, and tools. As thou- single file over a steep pull up a rock ridge. As they pulled the hill, the Again we used Julie Fanselow’s Traveling the Oregon Trail and elor officers and serve as post headquarters. It has been restored sands of emigrants competed for grazing areas and game, the steel-rimmed wagon wheels cut a vertical channel into the rock. the excellent National Historic Trails: Auto Tour Route Interpretive and furnished as it appeared in 1864. The post trader’s store was Indians became more defensive. In 1851 Thomas Fitzpatrick, Guide booklets published by the National Park Service. Their built in 1849 and operated by a civilian. The store did a profit- fur trader, guide, and Indian agent, organized a council near the third booklet in the series is “Across Wyoming” and the fourth able business for 40 years with the emigrants, Indians, soldiers, fort which was attended by an estimated 10,000 Indians. The is “Along the Snake River Plain Through Idaho.” The best road and gold seekers. The magazine has been restored to its appear- Horse Creek Treaty of 1851 was forged from their negotiations. maps for following the Oregon Trail are published by the Amer- ance in the 1850s. Other buildings were built in the 1860s and Red Cloud’s successful battles to close the army’s forts on the ican Automobile Association (AAA). The Oregon Trail is actu- ’70s, including the captain’s quarters, the commissary store, in- Bozeman Trail resulted in the Treaty of 1868 and agreements ally traced on their maps and major features are clearly noted. fantry barracks, guardhouse, post surgeon’s quarters, and the to accept reservations in the Black Hills with hunting rights in With the AAA maps and Fanselow’s accurate directions, we were cavalry barracks. Foundation ruins enlarge on the story. The nearby states. The discovery of gold and the influx of miners led able to drive down gravel roads to find the beginning of South commissary offers an excellent bookstore and exhibits. to new Indian wars. Pass, but we will get to that later. The Oregon, California, and Mormon trails marked Fort The destruction of the buffalo herds by hide hunters left the Indians with little choice but to settle on the reservations the Ft. Laramie — Forts in the great northwest were usually built government set aside in the Dakotas, where food and supplies by the Hudson’s Bay Company or the American Fur Company, The cavalry barracks is the only surviving enlisted men’s barracks at were promised. The Indian wars of 1874–76 essentially ended Ft. Laramie. Completed in 1874, it provided quarters and support fa- but sometimes by individual fur traders. Fort William was built cilities for two companies of soldiers.  The second floor was designed the U.S. conflicts with native Americans. The Indians were no by fur trader William Sublette in 1834 to make it easier to do as two dormitory bays, each housing 60 soldiers. On the first floor, longer a proud, free roaming people, but starving, fragmented business with the Cheyenne and Sioux. Two years later he sold the building had a kitchen, library, armory, and rooms for the NCOs. tribes of refugees who were prisoners in their own land. Due to its location, Fort Laramie lost its value as a strate- gic military outpost. Small detachments remained at the fort to patrol and maintain telegraph lines. An abandonment order was issued in 1889. The last soldiers left the fort on April 20, 1890. All but one structure was sold at public auction to private citizens. The 54-square-mile military reservation was opened to homesteaders in October 1891. The old fort became a social and economic center for the area. In the 1930s a few visionaries from the new town of Fort Laramie recognized the historic importance of the old fort and its remaining and rapidly deteriorating buildings. In 1937 the state of Wyoming purchased 214 acres encompassing the build-

44 Roughing It Smoothly ??? 45 ground a vertical channel into the rock. These ruts surely are Today the land is owned by the Mormon Church and visitors to the deepest on the Oregon Trail, while many at other sites can the Mormon Handcart Visitor Center may hike to the base of barely be detected. Devil’s Gate. A visitor site overlooking the river valley offers a Guernsey State Park is nearby and can be reserved online. self-guiding, quarter-mile trail. The entrance to the Visitor Cen- Water/electric hookups. It you do not have a reservation, call ter is a few hundred yards past the hiking trail. 307-836-2334 for availability. From Devil’s Gate to South Pass The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is the first U.S. 287 will keep you close to the Oregon Trail and the Sweet- of three major interpretive centers dedicated to the Oregon water River for the next 35 miles. About 11 miles from the junc- Trail. To get there, take exit 189 off of I-25 at Casper and fol- tion of WY 220 and U.S. 287, you will see the Bureau of Land low the signs. Surveying the city from a bluff above the valley, Management (BLM) interpretive site for Split Rock, another you can imagine wagons arriving and departing for their desti- landmark, albeit subtle, that the emigrants marked off in their nations along the Oregon, Mormon, California, Bozeman, and guidebooks as they passed by. Bridger trails. Approximately nine miles west of Jeffrey City, look for a new The walk leading to the entrance is embedded randomly with Life-size dioramas depict oxen pulling a wagon across rough ter- Most Oregon Trail guidebooks considered Independence Rock to be brown sign for Ice Slough. Although there is still a marshy de- tiles engraved with excerpts from emigrant diaries. The entrance rain, while a five-frame screen presents a multi-faceted narration the halfway point between Independence Missouri, and Oregon City, pression here, in the 1850s a small stream flowed five miles into to the center resembles the curved top of a covered wagon. Once of the wonders and hardships of the trip across the continent. Oregon. To avoid the snow in the Blue Mountains of Oregon, the the Sweetwater River. The marsh soils and plants insulated the emigrants had to pass the rock within a few days of July 4th. inside you will follow a self-guided tour that explains the phe- The Center is open daily daily 8–5, May through August; previous winter’s ice and it melted slowly throughout the sum- nomenon of the great western migration. Following are a few of 9–4:30, September through April. Rates range from $4 to $6; mer. Westward bound wagon trains stopped here to chop out the tour modules. Senior Pass and Golden Eagle Pass honored; under 16 free. age and water and almost a direct trail from Casper to the wide ice to use in their drinks and to preserve meat. Who went to Oregon? Mostly farming families from Ohio, Mis- South Pass and Continental Divide, a distance on the trail of In another eight miles or so, Sweetwater Station offers a souri, Illinois, and Arkansas. Sometimes entire communities Leaving Casper on WY 220 West approximately 150 miles. From Independence Rock (elev. 6,028 good rest stop at US 287 and WY 135. The station has a very moved, organized with elected captains or wagonmasters. Some After three days on the trail to the southwest of Casper, the pio- ft.), the trail to the Continental Divide at South Pass (elev. 7,550 good Oregon Trail map and a good spot for a picnic. The Trail wagon trains hired guides who may have been traders, trappers, neers arrived at Independence Rock. Many of the Oregon Trail ft.) is about 95 miles. The increase in elevation over that dis- is actually two miles to the south paralleling US 287. Continu- missionaries, and explorers who had used the trails for years. guidebooks urged the emigrants to get to this point by July 4, tance is only 1,522 feet, which explains why so many were un- ing in a northwest direction on US 287, you will be leaving your When did they leave? There was only a brief time when it was marking it as a half-way point on the trail to Oregon City, Ore- aware that they had crossed the great divide. proximity to the Oregon Trail which heads west-southwest. safe to leave Missouri. Leave too early and there would not gon. Stragglers who passed this point in mid-August might find Another 20 miles on US 287 will take you to WY 28. Turn left be enough grass for the livestock. Too late and you could get themselves battling early snow in the Blue Mountains. More The Cleft in the Rock, or Devil’s Gate and drive approximately 16 miles to the Red Canyon Overlook. caught in the early snows. than 50,000 pioneers and 250,000 livestock passed Indepen- Devil’s Gate is a 370-ft. high, 1,500-ft. long fissure carved by It is spectacular! How many went each year? In 1843 about 900 pioneers passed dence Rock, a four-day journey southwest of Casper, in the two the Sweetwater River. Like Independence Rock, it was a major through Casper on the Oregon Trail. Most of that number was weeks surrounding July 4, 1850. landmark along the Oregon Trail. For many years the property Red Canyon was formed millions of years ago during the uplift the Applegate party who crossed with 120 wagons, 3,000 cattle, A 15-minute hike from the visitor center will take you to the was owned by Sun Ranch and was not accessible to the public. of the Wind River range to the west. As great layers of sedimen- and over 800 people. Two years later that number had swelled top, which is a good place to spread a picnic lunch and check tary rocks tilted, easily erodible rocks were removed by water ac- to 2,500. In 1847 nearly 7,000 emigrants passed through on out some of the names scratched into the rock over 170 years tion, creating the canyon you see today. The bright red color is their way to Oregon, California, and Utah. Half of the pioneers ago. You will be rewarded with 10-mile vistas in all directions, due to the great amount of oxidized iron between and on the were adult men, mostly farmers. Very few were over age 50. Chil- and you should be able to see Devil’s Gate and the Sweetwater grains of the rock. This, of course, gives the canyon its name. dren made up about 20 percent of the emigrant population and River. While the Platte and North Platte rivers gave the pioneers The canyon provides important habitat for elk and mule deer, women about 30 percent. a 450-mile trail to Casper, the Sweetwater provided good for- as well as small mammals and birds. In 1853 approximately 35,000 people used the trails converg- ing in Casper. A bridge was opened to offer a safer crossing of the North Platte. Several businesses opened to resupply the emigrants. What was it like to travel on the Oregon Trail? Another module at the Interpretive Center invites you to sit in a wagon that jostles you while you look out the front into a video that with realistic sound effects simulates crossing the North Platte River. Later you will ride in a stagecoach and look out the windows into an- other movie screen with the scenery rolling by. With the stage- coach bucking along, for all the world it feels and looks like you are crossing the plains.

Right: The wagon mounted on a mechanized base jostles and jerks as if it were going down the hill to ford the river. Filmed at a live cross- Devil’s Gate Red Canyon ing, a video adds to the realism of the visitor’s experience.

46 Roughing It Smoothly The Oregon Trail part ii 47 Today the land is used for grazing and campsites, fire rings, water, picnic tables, were compelled to climb. The distance grants usually stopped for rest and recu- occasional cattleguards and trails made and vault toilets. The Big Atlantic Gulch is seven miles, and we were five hours in peration at Clover Creek in the Bear Lake by pickup trucks are the only signs of civi- Campground is located on the north crossing. Part of the way I rode on horse- Valley. Good water and forage for the lization. It was late afternoon, September side of the Fort Stambaugh Loop Road back, the rest I walked. The descent was livestock got them ready for the rough 19, 2012. We continued to walk over the a quarter mile from its intersection with very long and steep. All the wheels of the haul through Idaho along the Snake gently sloping pass, almost feeling the Atlantic City Road. It has the same fa- wagon were tied fast, and it slid along the River. Today you will find the National presence of the Whitman–Spalding party cilities except 10 campsites. Fees: $6.00/ ground. At one place the men held it back Oregon/California Trail Center located as they crossed the pass 176 years ago, night; $3.00/night for Golden Access or with ropes [wrapped around trees] and here. Characters in period dress welcome guided by the mountain men on their Senior Pass holders. Map link: http:// let it down slowly.” present-day travelers to a re-enactment of way to a fur trappers’ rendezvous. www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/ Theodore Talbot wrote in his journal a trip on the Oregon Trail. You begin on a If you have time, you may want to go wy/field-offices/lander/pics.Par.5515. in 1843, “ . . . had to cross a very high hill, street in Independence, Missouri, buying back to CR 515 and take the Atlantic City Image.620.869.1.gif which is said to be the greatest impedi- your wagon, mules or oxen, and stocking Road loop. This area’s history is tied to Skipping Fort Bridger, we decided to ment on the whole route. . . . The ascent is your supplies. You then get in your wagon Wyoming’s 1867 gold rush. A state his- follow the Sublette Cutoff and rerouted very long and tedious, but the descent is that must be mounted to a tilting plat- toric site and museum, South Pass City through Farson and Kemmerer into still more abrupt and difficult.” form with springs to jolt you about. After preserves 25 of the original 300 buildings Idaho by way of U.S. 30, which closely Thomas “Peg-Leg” Smith established a narrated “ride” through the Nebraska that sprang up when gold was found. follows the Oregon Trail. Just inside the a trading post near Big Hill in 1842 for wilderness, you arrive at a campsite that is Over 20,000 artifacts are on display in the Idaho–Wyoming line, the emigrants had which the emigrants seemed to be very surprisingly realistic. Sitting on logs and buildings, most of which were recovered to ford Thomas Fork from 1843 until grateful. He supplied staples and fresh stumps, an emigrant lady talks with you from the site. Open May 15 – October 15; 1850, when emigrants built two bridges. mules or oxen to those who had survived about your trip, and with an interactive admission, $1.00. The river banks on both sides were steep the descent of Big Hill. Smith was shot in discussion you learn about the hardships You can continue on the loop to At- and muddy. A toll collector took over the his leg during a skirmish with Indians in suffered by those who were determined to lantic City, so named because it is on the bridges and started charging one dol- 1827, which he amputated himself with a get to Oregon. South Pass Atlantic side of the Continental Divide. lar per wagon which, by this time on the butcher knife. Following his recovery, he Finally, we were getting close to South if you are in a car you may be dragging Long-abandoned gold mines dot the hill- long journey, was an amount many of the whittled his own prosthesis. Soda Springs Pass, the key to the success of the western the high grass in the middle. We parked sides above the town. A few commercial emigrants could not afford. At their peril, In 1849 Amos Batchelder recorded his U.S. 30 parallels the Oregon Trail for the migration. Four National Historic Trails at the cattleguard and began to experi- establishments date back to the 1860s. many attempted to ford the river. assessment of the colorful entrepreneur. next 29 miles, taking you to Soda Springs, used South Pass: the Oregon, California, ence South Pass. After a ten-minute walk Campgrounds. Nearby you will find “ . . . we encamped near a trading post oc- a site that intrigued the emigrants. They and Mormon Trails and the Pony Express. we were at the summit of South Pass in two very scenic campgrounds run by the The Big Hill cupied by a mountaineer named Smith. often mentioned the ten-foot high white The gently sloping hump was the only front of two small, native stone monu- Bureau of Land Management. The At- The next challenge was “The Big Hill,” He is a fleshy, shrewd looking man, about mounds and cones. Like the Indians place that offered passage for wagons over ments. The humble marker says simply, lanta City Campground is located one which is a visitor stop along U.S. 30. As 50 years old as rough as the tawny cus- who traveled long distances to get to the the Continental Divide. It was late in the “OLD OREGON TRAIL 1843–1857”. The sec- mile from WY 28 on the west side of At- you face back toward the hill, you can eas- tomers with which he is surrounded. He springs, the emigrants looked forward to afternoon with only an hour of daylight ond marker, a dark gray stone, commem- lantic City Road (CR 516). Facilities: 18 ily image the difficulty the wagons had has for a wife . . . a squaw from a neigh- drinking the carbonated soda water that left and I was actually getting excited. orates the first two pioneer women who coming down the steep one-mile stretch. boring tribe of Indians.” If you are using the AAA map for crossed South Pass: “NARCISSA PRENTISS Margaret Frink in July 1850 described Below: With the exception of occasional Below: An “emigrant lady” at the Oregon/Cal- WHITMAN . ELIZA HART SPALDING . FIRST Wyoming, and traveling southwest from cattleguards and fencing to accommodate the harrowing descent. “We started at National Oregon/California ifornia Trail Center relates stories of the trail Lander on WY 28, you will see an 8-mile WHITE WOMEN TO CROSS THIS PASS . grazing, South Pass today looks much as it six o’clock, forded Thomas Fork, and Trail Center and yarns that the pioneers swapped around loop (parallel to 28) that takes you to At- JULY 4, 1836” did in 1836. turning west, came to a high spur we Just a few miles beyond Big Hill the emi- campfires each evening. lantic City and South Pass City. Do not take the loop if you want to go to South Pass. Stay on WY 28 for about six more miles and you will see CR 515 (part of Peg-Leg Smith, the loop) coming back into WY 28. Con- 1801-1866, tinue on 28 and cross the bridge over the came west in Sweetwater River. At the top of the hill the 1820s, past the bridge (0.7 mile), turn left on fought the Indi- Oregon Buttes Road, a gravel road. Drive ans and estab- lished himself approximately 2.8 miles to an old rail- as a purveyor of road bed (no crossties or rails). Continue supplies to the fourth-tenths mile to a Y intersection and emigrants. bear right, then immediately bear right again. Go two-tenths mile and turn right. Your tires will be on a hard surface, but

48 Roughing It Smoothly ??? 49 Fort Hall disc golf, mountain bike trails, fishing, Trail is not the story here. The story at June 7 Just passed Fort Laramie, situ- Our next stop on the Oregon Trail would and boating. $22-24/night. 50% discount Twin Falls is scenery — the Snake River A Mother’s Diary ated on the opposite side of the river. have been Fort Hall — actually a replica of for 62+. $5 park entrance fee. Elev. 4,400 ft. Gorge. Exit 173 takes you into Twin Falls This afternoon we passed a large village Fort Hall — but we were unaware of the re- Located within the park, Register on U.S. 93. Just before you get to Twin on the Oregon Trail of Sioux Indians, numbers of them came duced schedule in September (10 a.m. to Rock is aptly named. As the emigrants on Falls, you will cross the gorge on the truss round our wagons, some of the women 2 p.m.) and missed our opportunity. The the Trail camped here, they often inscribed arch I. B. Perrine Bridge which has a pe- had moccasins, and beads, which they site of the original Fort Hall is located on their names and dates. The historic rock destrian walkway. Parking areas on both wanted to trade for bread. I gave the the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Built in now has a shelter and a fenced enclosure sides connect to walking trails just under women and children all the cakes I had 1834 by Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth, the fort to prevent modern-day inscriptions. In the bridge along the sides of the gorge. baked. Husband traded a big Indian a lot was sold to the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1866, on a smaller rock, a seven-year-old If you are an avid photographer, you of hard crackers for a pair of moccasins, 1837. After the region became a U.S. terri- boy named J. J. Hansen carved his name could spend the day here. The broad can- and after we had started on, he came up tory subsequent to the settlement of the and an Indian head. After he became a pro- yon floor contains fertile land that was with us again, making a great fuss, and northern boundary with Canada in 1846, fessional sculptor, he returned in 1908 and farmed at one time. Today two magnifi- wanting them back (they had eat part of Fort Hall became an important stopover carved a preacher’s head and his name. cent golf courses (Canyon Springs, pub- the crackers). He did not seem to be sat- for emigrants through the 1850s. It is es- The circular drive into the Register Rock lic, and Centennial Waterfront Park, pri- isfied or else he wished to cause us some timated that 270,000 emigrants passed park is too small for a motorhome. Enjoy vate) draw golfers from around the world. trouble, or perhaps get into a fight, how- through Fort Hall on their way west. The a picnic stop there in your tow car. At 486 feet above the Snake River, the ever, we handed the moccasins to him in a fort was considered the most important bridge is known as one of the best BASE hurry, and drove away from them as soon trading post in the Snake River valley. Twin Falls and the Snake River Gorge jumping sites in the U.S. We watched sev- as possible. The Fort Hall Indian Reservation estab- Going west and paralleling the Trail, you eral jumpers plunge from the pedestrian June 8 There is some splendid scenery Amelia Stewart Knight lished by the Treaty of 1868 included the will leave I-86 and merge into I-84. Our walkway and pop their colorful chutes here, beautiful vallies and dark green clad original fort. In 1870 a New Fort Hall was next stop was at Twin Falls. The Oregon about halfway down. hills with their ledges of rock, and then far built 25 miles to the northeast to protect Editor’s note: The following excerpts away over them you can see Larimie peak The Pyramid Spring Geyser in Soda Springs is stagecoaches hauling mail and travelers from Amelia Knight’s 1853 diary of with her snow capt top. Came 16 miles timed with a valve to “erupt” every hour on to the Oregon Territory. Today no build- her family’s experiences on the Or- today, and have campt in a lovely spot, the hour. ings remain at either site. egon Trail give insight into their daily plenty of wood, water, and good grass. In the 1960s a replica of the original fort struggles: finding water and campsites; June 21 We have traveled over a very many believed would improve their health. was established by the city of Pocatello. The surviving the heat, cold, and storms; rough rocky road today, over mountains, The emigrants filled their water barrels to replica contains an extensive blacksmith’s traveling over sections of the trail that close to banks of snow. Had plenty of take as much as possible with them. shop and exhibits of Indian lifestyles. were nearly impassable; handling con- snow water to drink, husband brought Forty years later soda water from the flicts with other pioneers; dealing with me a large bunch of flowers, which he springs was marketed all over the world Massacre Rocks & Massacre Rocks the Indians they encountered; and car- said was growing close to the snow, which after rail service reached the resort. To- State Park ing for their younger children through was about six feet deep. Traveled 16 miles day you can drink from Hooper Spring Heading southwest about 28 miles out it all. She often described their appre- today, and have campt on the mountains located in a city park north of the town. of Pocatello on I-86, you will reach a visi- ciation and enjoyment of the beauty about seven miles from the summit. We Take Third Street East, drive 1.5 miles tor site along the interstate for Massacre of the country they passed through are traveling through the south pass. The north and turn left. The park will be a Rocks. Not far away, another “Devil’s as they made their way west. Amelia’s wind river mountains are off to our right, short distance on your left where you will Gate” is a narrow passage through rocks family included her husband, Joel, and among them is Fremonts peak. They look see a small pavilion covering the spring. I that are the remains of an extinct volcano. seven children ages two through 17. romantic covered with snow. drank two cups from the spring and can In an area to the east, a skirmish involv- Amelia was three months pregnant June 22 Very cold. Water froze over in report that it is cool and very refreshing. ing emigrants in five wagons and Shosho- when they began the journey in April the buckets. Thermometer down to 30, the In 1937 several businessmen in the vil- nis took place on August 9–10, 1862. Ten 1853 from their southeastern Iowa boys have on their overcoats and mittens. lage tried to divert hot water from Pyra- emigrants and several Indians died in the home on the Des Moines River. The It snowed a little through the day. The road mid Spring to develop a commercial bath- incident. In the 1920s, the shooting of a eighth child, Wilson Carl, was born on has been very dusty, but smooth and level house and health resort. After the drilling Hollywood film in the vicinity may have September 18, just after they reached as a turnpike. Came 18 miles and campt rig struck a gas chamber, hot water began caused the skirmish location to become their destination in Oregon. One more about ½ mile from the pacific springs. gushing upward like a geyser. After the known as Massacre Rocks. child, Adam, was born in Oregon in June 26 We are on our way again travel- drilling bit was removed the next day, a Nevertheless, there is a nice state park 1855. Some excerpts have been edited ing in the dusty dust. We must go 17 miles roaring gusher sent hot water more than at exit 28 called Massacre Rocks State for clarity, while spellings and capital- or more without water or grass. In the eve- 70 feet into the air. Two weeks later the Park. The park’s 900 acres offer 50 camp- ization have been left as recorded in the ning, all hands came into camp tired and riggers were able to cap the gusher and sites with water and electric hookups plus original manuscript. The diary corre- out of heart, Husband and myself sick, no put a timer on the valve that permits it to rest rooms with hot showers. Dump sta- lates chronologically with Part II of the feed for the stock, one ox lame, campt on erupt every hour on the hour. tion. Activities: hiking and cycling trails, Oregon Trail story in this issue. the bank of big Sandy again.

50 Roughing It Smoothly The Oregon Trail part ii 51 July 8 Very pleasant. Found our dog good days drive. Travel about five miles, hour before she died. last night. We have just left the Soda and here we are, up a stump again, with August 2 Tuesday noon. Traveled 12 Allegro RED 33 AA Continued from page 13 Springs, after regaling ourselves and a worse place than we have ever had be- miles today, and have just campt on the The 33 AA’s four air bags, tuned shocks, and good insulation As an entry-level diesel pusher, the 33 AA is going to be a win- quite romantic, we then come on a few fore us, to be crossed, called Bridge creek. bank of the Boise river. The boys have all produce a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. Tiffin builds a very ner in the Allegro RED series. It offers the big ticket items—rear miles and stopt at Steamboat Spring. A I presume it takes its name from a natu- crossed the river to gather currants. This tight coach. We tested interior noise by playing a piano concerto engine diesel, air ride suspension, pass-through basement stor- great curiousity, situated near the bank of ral bridge which crosses it, this bridge is river is a beautiful clear stream of water on the CD player and could clearly hear all of the nuances from age, big entertainment, stacked washer & dryer, and the full- Bear river, it spouts up about a foot and only wide enough to admit one person at running over a stony bottom. I think it the loud and soft parts of the selection. Conversation was al- size, all-electric residential refrigerator — at a price point that a half, out of a hole in the solid rock. It a time, a frightful place, with the water the prettiest river I have seen as yet, the ways in a normal voice. RVers are going to love. is about warm enough to wash in. I put roaring and tumbling ten or 15 feet be- timber on it is balm of gilead (black cot- my handkerchief in to wash, and it drew low it. This bridge is composed of rocks tonwood). Made a nice lot of currant pies it under. In a moment it came up again, and all round us, it is only place to cross this afternoon. Dealer Profile Continued from page 27 and I took better care of it. over and is nothing but a solid mass of August 5 We have just bid the beauti- David encourage the sales and service employees to take towables enter the barbeque cook-off competition at a local festival. They July 17 We are traveling through In- rocks, with the water ripping and tearing ful Boise river with her green timber and and motorhomes for weekend trips. “You can’t help an owner did quite well in the judging and decided to go big time into the dian country but have not seen any yet. over them. rich currants farewell, and are now on our learn to deal with some of the challenges they encounter in competition circuit. Dana became David’s cook-off partner and We crossed Swamp creek this forenoon Here we have to unload all the wag- way to the ferry on Snake river. Traveled camping if you don’t camp yourself,” Danny said. “We used to they chose “Pork Me Baby” as their team name. After winning and Goose creek this afternoon. Goose ons and pack everything across by hand, 18 miles today, and have just reached Fort camp all the time when the kids were growing up. Now, Jody or placing high in several competitions, both David and Dana creek is almost straight down and then and then we are only on an Island. There Boise and campt. Our turn will come to and I try to go on three or four trips a year.” took classes at Tunica, Mississippi, to become certified judges. straight up again. Several things pitched is a worse place to cross yet, a branch of cross sometime tomorrow. There is one David and his wife, Heather, have two children: Allysa, 19 “You have to take an extensive test and pass it, and then success- out of the wagons into the creek. Traveled the same, have to stay on the Island all small ferry boat running here, owned by (studying nursing at Delta State), and Austin, 14. fully judge six different categories at a competition to gain your over some very rocky ground. Here Chat night, and wait our turn to cross. There the Hudsons Bay Company. Have to pay All four families in the Davis clan (Bill included) live in a golf certification,” Dana said. fell out of the wagon, but did not get hurt is a good many campt on the Island, and 8 dollars a wagon. Our worst trouble at course community 18 miles south of their business in Hernando, The twins are now full-fledged members of the Memphis much. Came 26 miles today and campt af- there are camps on each side of it, there these large rivers is swimming the stock Mississippi. “We play as often as we can and enjoy visiting back Barbeque Network (MBN) and plan to continue entering com- ter dark near the bank of the Snake river. is no chance to pitch a tent, as this Island over. Often after swimming nearly half and forth between our homes in our golf carts,” Danny said. petitions. One of their former competitors, John Wheeler, who July 21 Very warm. Traveled 25 miles is a solid rock, so we must sleep the best way over, the poor things will turn and Outdoor barbequing long ago reached cult status in Mem- championed many MBN competitions, finally got out of the cir- yesterday and campt after dark ½ mile way we can, with the water roaring on come out again. At this place, however, phis and the surrounding areas. On one occasion David and cuit and opened the Memphis Barbeque Company. This writer, from Snake river. Crossed Salmon river each side of us. The empty wagons, cattle, there are Indians who swim the river from a friend were preparing a poolside barbeque feast at David’s who tried a slab of ribs there in November, believes Danny Davis about noon today, and are now traveling and horses have to be taken further up morning till night. It is fun for them, there house. The guests decided they should pack up their grill and should be concerned about losing two key employees. down Snake river till we reach the ferry. the river and crossed by means of chains is many a drove of cattle that could not Have campt close to the ferry, our turn and ropes. The way we cross this branch be got over without their help. By paying will come to cross in the night, have to is to climb down about six feet on rocks, them a small sum, they will take a horse Traveling With Your Pets Continued from page 33 pay 4 dollars a wagon, cross on a ferry and then a wagon bed bottom will just by the bridle or halter and swim over with percent decrease in pain. A decrease in lameness will also appear fering the side effects of non-steroidal medication so stem cell boat, and swim the stock which is a very reach across, from rocks to rocks, it must him. The rest of the horses all follow, and within the same period of time. Range of motion is increased therapy would be an especially good alternative choice for them. hard job on such a large river. Indians all then be fastened at each end, with ropes by driving and hurrahing to the cattle, by 50 percent in recent studies. Most research has shown that The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of round our wagons. on chains, so that you can cross on it, and they will most always follow the horses. 99 percent of dogs show some type of improvement using stem stem cells for animals for the treatment of osteoarthritis and for July 22 Crossed the river before day- then we climb up the rocks on the other Sometimes they fail and turn back. cell therapy to alleviate pain and stimulate cartilage repair. You tendon injuries. Research is being done on stem cell treatment break and found the smell of carrion so side, and in this way everything has to be may want to consider this type of therapy for your pet with joint for kidney and liver disease. Ongoing research on neurological bad that we left as soon as possible. The taken across. Some take their wagons to injuries or inflammation. problems is also looking hopeful. Nerves heal very slowly and if Bibliography dead cattle were lying in every direction. pieces and take them over in this way. National Historic Trails Auto Tour Route Inter- When humans have joint replacement, such as of the knee or stem cells can decrease the healing time, this therapy would be a Still there were a good many getting their July 31 Cool and pleasant, but very pretive Guide, published by the National Park hip, stem cell therapy has been used to stimulate cartilage repair boon to the recovery from spinal cord injuries and disc disease. breakfast among all the fags. I walked dusty. Came 12 miles and campt about Service. A four-booklet paperback series. and has had good outcomes. My wife has a friend who needed The cost of stem cell therapy can range from $2,000 to $4,000 off among the rocks while the men were one o’clock not far from Boise river. We  Western Missouri Through Northeastern Kansas. knee replacement but could not afford it since she did not have dollars, so treatment is not cheap. However, hip replacement can  Nebraska and Northeastern Colorado. getting the cattle ready. We drove a mile will stay here a day or two and rest, and  Across Wyoming. insurance to cover it. As an alternative treatment, she took stem be four times as expensive. The cost includes surgery, process- or so and halted to get breakfast. Here recruit our cattle.  Across the Snake River Plain Through cell therapy and within three to four weeks was walking much ing, injection, and storage. The extra stem cells are stored by the Chat had a very narrow escape from be- August 1 Still in camp, have been Idaho. better with no pain present. lab that processes the fat in case your pet needs follow-up injec- ing run over. Just as we were all getting washing all day, and all hands have had The Oregon Trail: A Photographic Journey. Bill and The treatment of arthritis today involves the use of steroids tions. Some animals have gone five years before needing further ready to start Chatfield the rascal came all the wild currants we could eat. They Jan Moeller. Mountain Press Publishing which does reduce pain and inflammation but only masks the injections. The cost of follow-up injections is based on veteri- Co., Missoula, Montana. $18.00. round the forward wheel to get into the grow in great abundance along this river. Traveling the Oregon Trail. Second Edition. Julie problem. Use of steroids can cause a lot of undesirable side ef- nary charges for injecting the cells, and would not be as expen- wagon, somehow he kept from under the There are three kinds, red, black, and Fanselow. Falcon Guides. Helena, Montana. fects, including weight gain, increased appetite, thirst and slug- sive as when the initial collection of cells was made. wheels and escaped with only a good, or yellow. This evening another of our best $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58592-080-8. gishness. Some dogs and cats also experience personality chang- Stem cell therapy is another alternative to surgery. It is non- I should say a bad scare. I never was so milk cows died. Cattle are dying off very Oregon Trail. Oregon National Historic Trail / es such as aggression. Non-steroidal products such as Meloxican invasive and there have been no bad side effects. There are some Missouri to Oregon. NPS. Free. much frightened in my life. fast all along this road. We are hardly ever Best of Covered Wagon Women. Kenneth L. Holmes, also have side effects in addition to the fact that they must be animals with severe arthritis and fusion of joints that may not July 23 We took a fresh start this out of sight of dead cattle on this side of editor. University of Oklahoma Press, Nor- continually administered. Cats are much more prone to suf- respond. Early treatment of conditions seems to be the key. morning with everything in order, for a Snake river. This cow was well and fat an man, Oklahoma. 2008.

52 Roughing It Smoothly Roughing It Smoothly 53 Serious Tech Talk Need Your Motorhome Cleaned? Over 15 years experience Delayed Starter on 2012 Allegro Bus tion of the driver’s seat. Is it really possible to somehow turn the We have returned recently from a 15,000 mile trip to Alaska. driver’s seat around? Inside: Wash windows; wipe down walls, ceilings, After we drive for a few hours and then stop, restarting the en- Charles & Mary Pirtle and countertops; sanitize bathroom; clean floors; gine is difficult. When I turn the key to the ignition position, the Diamond, Ohio dust and wipe furniture and cabinets with oil cloth; lights come on but nothing happens. After two or three tries, the Dear Charles & Mary, steam clean carpets. engine starts. A friend who is the manager of a Cummins Service With most units you are able to turn the driver and passenger Outside: Thorough wash job including roof, tires, Center says I have a relay issue, not a Cummins ignition issue. seat a full 180 degrees. Sometimes it is a bit of a puzzle to get and rims; showroom-quality wax job. Lazydays says this is “normal.” We have an appointment at the driver seat turned around. By swiveling the chair, moving it the factory in March 2013. Is there anything I can do now? By forward/backward, changing the angle of the back, and flipping 256-668-0211 the way, having owned a Prevost in the past, your product is the the armrest up, you should get a full rotation. [email protected] best we have ever experienced! Next time you are in Red Bay, Alabama, Steve Hansen Water Around the Refrigerator contact Ricky Johnson for a quote. The Villages, Florida We love our Phaeton. We have been to California, Camp Pen- Dear Steve, dleton, and stayed in WalMart parking lots as we traveled across This type of problem could be caused with a loose connection this great country from Pennsylvania to California. We also love ® on the relay or a loose ground. Until you have a chance to get the Eastern Shore in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, and Winegard provides the to the factory and have this problem analyzed, try this routine. our state parks. My problem is this: where is all the water com- Before starting the engine, turn the ignition switch to the ON ing from around the fridge? I told my husband, “You know, we Complete Solution... position and allow the computer to do its routine check in set- really should take the time to read the owner’s manual!” Antenna, Receiver and programming ting all of the programs. This should take five to ten seconds. Kay Long Then turn the key to the START position and crank the engine. Lewisburg, Pennsylvania Call the Winegard Receiver Hotline today and our experts will help you every step of the way. Inman’s Answers Dear Kay, Parking Brake Light on 1999 Allegro Assuming you have a residential refrigerator, the unit periodi- Hassle-free tV the way it should be. As the editor of “Serious Tech Talk,” Danny Inman, 39-year veteran When I pull the parking brake up, the yellow light stays on. cally drains into a pan that serves as an evaporator. Most likely, with Tiffin Motorhomes, invites your questions. Then the automatic red light comes on. Sometimes the RV will the line from the refrigerator that takes care of the condensation Please use the attached postcard and send Danny your ques- tions about your motorhome and its operation, especially those move. The coach is built on a Chevy chassis. Should I take it to from the automatic defroster is clogged and the water is drain- questions that may be useful to all of our readers. If you need more Red Bay for service or the Chevrolet dealer in Montgomery? Will ing from that point above the line onto your floor. See page 58, space, address your letter to: it hurt the motorhome to keep driving it? “Vinegar Dissolved the Problem,” to keep your drain line open. Danny Inman Louis Berry Roughing It Smoothly Montgomery, Alabama Installing Exhaust Brake on 2011 Breeze PO Box 1738 Dear Louis, We have a 2011 Allegro Breeze 28BR. I noticed the new Breeze Monroe, GA 30656-1738 The park brake system on the Chevy and Workhorse chassis is has an exhaust brake as standard equipment. Can an exhaust Danny would also like to hear your ideas, suggestions, and in- different from most automotive park systems on pickups and brake be installed in my Breeze and, if so, what is the approxi- tRAV’leR® novations that would make our motorhomes more useful and func- cars. The technicians at the Tiffin Service Center will probably mate cost? • Made with certified & approved reflectors for max performance tional. If you have a photograph to send, please put the postcard be more familiar with the problems on that system than a Chevy John Butler and photo in an envelope and send it to the same address. Please dealer would be. On your unit, the park brake pull handle ac- Melbourne Beach, Florida ® RoAdtRip miSSion® send a SASE if you would like for us to return your photographs, tivates a hydraulic pump motor which in turn locks the brake Dear John, • In-motion and stationary models disk files, or manuscript. on the drive shaft itself. If the brake is not putting resistance When Navistar redesigned the engine with the new emissions foR ReCeiVeR, pRogRAmming And ACtiVAtion For answers to urgent questions and problems, call the Parts and on the drive shaft, it will not hurt to drive the motorhome. Be system, they also added the exhaust brake. It first became avail- Service number at 256-356-0261. oR foR geneRAl queStionS CAll extremely careful where you park and be sure the brake system able on our 2013 Breeze. As far as we know, there is no aftermar- is activated before you get out of the motorhome. ket exhaust brake available for the years 2011 and 2012. 1-866-609-9374

Dear Danny . . . Rotating the Driver’s Chair on 2006 Allegro Oxidation Remover Not Compatible with Diamond Shield We have a 2006 Allegro 32BA. Other than the rattling noise I have created a nasty situation on the front cap of my coach. We just wanted to tell you how much we appreciate your always created by the awning over the driver side slide-out, we are very I bought a product called Wipe Out Oxidation Remover to re- being there for us when we have questions and concerns. You happy with it. When we purchased it new, the advertising lit- move bugs from the Diamond Shield protection film. Unfortu- are the best! We love our 2012 Allegro Bus. erature showed both the passenger’s and driver’s seats turned nately, it created a cloudy haze that I could not remove. I called www.winegard.com Kate & Steve Spence to face the living area. We can rotate the passenger’s seat 180 the manufacturer and was told the product is not compatible © Winegard 2012 Sioux Falls, South Dakota degrees, but in our coach the steering column blocks the rota- with Diamond Shield. During a recent visit to Red Bay, Barry

54 Roughing It Smoothly Serious Tech Talk 55 Serious Tech Talk

(a Diamond Shield employee) introduced the thermostats. It is very annoying to the Dear Everett, Your question should be addressed to mice problem. I was told the mice are get- Using Our Allegro in Texas Permanently me to Novus 2 to remove the haze. It is person sleeping when someone turns the The wiper control module board is about Ford Motor Company through your Ford ting in where the water pipe comes up We have a 2011 Allegro Open Road with sold primarily to remove fine scratches. light on to adjust the thermostat. three inches square and the flasher–turn service supplier. You could also check through the floor. How do I get to that the V10 Triton engine. We love it. We go “Wipe lightly and wipe until dry.” How- Dan Harvey signal is about one inch square. Both are with a company that makes handicap ac- area to seal the hole? to Texas each Winter. Rather than driv- ever, it is taking several applications to Clinton, Tennessee located down low on the inside firewall cessible modifications to see if they have William R. Lone, Jr. ing it back and forth between Ontario restore the Diamond Shield glow. Dear Dan, behind the steering column. Check for a Ford approved alteration. Silver Spring, Maryland and South Texas, we are thinking of leav- I have been working on my coach for We appreciate your suggestions and will bad connections or loose wiring. If the Dear William, ing it in Texas all year. We have a park- two hours a day over the last three weeks pass this along to engineering to see if wiring looks okay on the flasher–turn sig- Turn Signal Blinks/Peeps for No The best way to sanitize the water system is ing place under roof. What should we do and I am not close to being finished. If these modifications can be added. nal board, then change the relay. If tight- Apparent Reason to take the water filter cartridge out of the to the unit to maintain its viability over you will warn Tiffin owners that this ening the wiring did not correct the wiper I have a 2010 Allegro RED 36 QSA. Oc- filter case and pour one-half cup of chlo- the long haul? It will only be driven a few product is not compatible with Diamond 1988 Allegro Has Rattle in Bunk Over control module board, then you should casionally, with no key in the ignition, the rine bleach and one-half cup of distilled miles each year. I am especially concerned Shield, you will save a lot of grief. I’m pay- Driver’s Chair take the coach to a Ford service center to left turn signal light on the dash blinks white vinegar into your filter case and in- about the problem of gas left in the tank. ing the price for my ignorance. I have a 1988 Allegro with a bunk over the have it checked or replaced. and peeps for several minutes. The actual stall it. Then hook up your hose and run Bruce Hunter Herschel Anservitz driver’s chair. There is an annoying rattle exterior signal light is off and not blink- water into your tank fill connection. This Guelph, Ontario, Canada Winchester, Kentucky in the spring box. I do not know how to High Frequency Warning Tones ing. If I turn the ignition to “accessory” or should put the added fluids into the tank. Dear Bruce, Dear Herschel, get into the steel box to eliminate the Easily Missed start the engine, the blinking and peep- Run about 10 gallons of water. Drive the When you leave for Ontario in the Spring, Thanks for relating your adverse experi- rattle. Please advise. We are so happy with During a stop in our new Breeze, my wife ing stops. If I remove the key, the unusual unit around to slosh the water all over the be sure to add a fuel stabilizer to your fuel ence. We hope it will prevent others from the service we have gotten from our Alle- asked, “What’s that beeping?” I had for- blinking and peeping starts again. What inside of the tank. Then drain and reflush tank. Then you should run the generator making the same mistake. gro through the years. Thanks. gotten to set the air brake. Like many is going on here? the system with fresh water. to be certain the fuel stabilizer additive is Jim & Jane Vess “mature” adults, I have significant hear- Richard Mock In regard to your question about mice, also in the generator’s fuel system. Fully Electrical Draw Constant at 10 Amps Burlington, North Carolina ing loss in high frequency tones. Yes, Winston-Salem, North Carolina see the solutions offered on page 64. charge and then disconnect both the I own a 2008 Allegro Bus 40QRP with a Dear Jim & Jane, there is a warning light on the dash, but Dear Richard, PowerGlide chassis. I have an issue with To get to the interior of the box, it will seeing it can easily be blocked by the On the Freightliner chassis, the turn sig- an electrical draw constant at 10 amps. I have to be removed from the wall. This steering wheel. I suggest a lower frequen- nals are controlled by a headlight modu- have narrowed it down to GFI circuit #1. will be a two-person job. Keep in mind cy beeper. It could be a big help to many lar control board. This board will be lo- Tired of the Old Tank Monitor Issues? I hear a knocking or clicking noise under that this box is spring loaded and the of your owners. cated behind the lower center drawer of Here is the Solution!! our Sleep Number bed when I open and spring arms must be secured before the James P. Garriss the dash or, in later models, located out- Tired of the Old Tank Monitor Issues? close the GFI circuit breaker. Any ideas? bunk is removed from the hangers. There Poquoson, Virginia side in the left front compartment under Here is thev SeeLeveLSolution!! II 709 models are designed for retrofit, so you can use the existing wiring in your RV. Doug Hall are 12 to 15 screws that hold the box to Dear James, the driver’s seat. Once you find the board, v SeeLeveL II 709 models are designed for retrofit, Edmonds, Washington the wall. (Be very careful when removing I am very sympathetic to your sugges- unplug the wiring harness and allow it v soPercentage you can use readouts the existing are wiringevery in3/8 your inch RV instead. Tired of the Old Tank of the Monitor old way of “1/3” orIssues? “1/4” fractions. Dear Doug, the box.) Then you can look for the rattle. tion because I have a similar hearing loss. to set for 15–20 seconds and then recon- Here is thev PercentageSolution!! readouts are every 3/8 inch instead Your power draw is probably coming from We will check into this to see if our sup- nect. Most of the time this will solve any v ofExternal the old waysender of “1/3” board or “1/4”technology fractions. eliminates the Cummins engine block pre-heater re- Electrical Problems in 2005 plier can come up with a lower frequency of your light-associated problems. If not, 709PH Display v ExternalSeeLeveLfouling on sender II the 709 black board models and technology are gray designed tanks. eliminates for retrofit, ceptacle which is located in the outside Allegro 31DA beeper. the next step is to check the ground lug 709PH Display foulingso you oncan the use black the existingand gray wiring tanks. in your RV. v Digital design completely eliminates installation compartment underneath the bed. The I have a 2005 Allegro 31DA. After a recent where the main ground for the chassis v DigitalPercentagecalibrations design readouts and completely any are future everyeliminates recalibrations. 3/8 inch installation instead clicking noise is from a relay that acti- oil change, the tech informed me that my Brake Pedal Too Close to the Accelera- goes through the front firewall. This will calibrationsof the old way and of any “1/3” future or “1/4” recalibrations. fractions. v Senders are custom fitted to your tank by cutting vates the heater which is controlled from emergency hazard lights did not work. tor on 2011 Allegro be located underneath the dash on the v SendersExternal senderare custom board fitted technology to your tankeliminates by cutting 709PH Display foulingthe sender on the with black a pairand grayof scissors! tanks. the switch to the left of the driver’s seat The bulbs and fuses are OK. The turn sig- I own a 2011 Allegro Open Road. With my outside and above the generator. Hope- the sender with a pair of scissors! v DigitalNewest design models completely 709-4 and eliminates 709P-4 installation work with 4 and is labeled ENGINE PREHEAT. This nals work. I looked for a relay but could size 14 shoe, I often hit the brake pedal and fully, one of these repairs will take care of v Newestth models 709-4 and 709P-4 work with 4 calibrationstank 5th wheel and coaches.any future recalibrations. Tank Sender 709P- 4 Display tank 5 wheel coaches. switch should stay in the OFF position not find one that affected it. Is there a the accelerator at the same time. Would it the problem. Tank Sender 709P- 4 Display until engine heat is needed. relay involved? If so, what is its location? be possible to increase the separation be- v Senders are custom fitted to your tank by cutting the sender with a pair of scissors! Also, my windshield wipers only work tween the brake pedal and the accelerator? Checking Water Tank After Several SEESEE US US A TA TTHE THE COMPONENT COMPONENT SUPPLIERSSUPPLIERS BOOTH BOOTH #110-1 #110-112 12 v Newest models 709-4 and 709P-4 work with 4 Two Convenience Modifications in the fast mode, the intermittent speeds Fred M. Hicks Months Storage SHOWSHOW SPECIALS SPECIALS ONON ALL PRODUCTPRODUCTth AT AT THE THE SHOW! SHOW! tank 5 wheel coaches. We have a 2012 Phaeton 40QBH. Would no longer work. Could the two problems Springfield, Illinois I have a 2006 Allegro Bay 37QDB. Some- Tank Sender 709P- 4 Display v GARNETv GARNET TECHNOLOGIES TECHNOLOGIES INC INC Granbury,Granbury, TX TX 1-877-668-7813 1-877-668-7813 www www.rvgauge.com.rvgauge.com it be possible for Tiffin to put an indica- be related? Should the wiring on the Dear Fred, times our motorhome is in storage for SEE US AT THE COMPONENT SUPPLIERS BOOTH #110-112 tor device in the utility cabinet to show steering column be checked? I am anx- The chassis manufacturer (Ford) will not three to four months. I drain the fresh how much water is in the black tank iously awaiting your answer. allow us to modify or make any changes water tank before storage. What can I do SHOW SPECIALS ON ALL PRODUCT AT THE SHOW! when you are flushing it out? Everett Fernandez to their chassis and its mechanical sys- to be sure the water is safe to drink when v GARNET TECHNOLOGIES INC Granbury, TX 1-877-668-7813 www.rvgauge.com It would be nice to have a backlight on Augusta, Georgia tems. If we did, it would void warranties. I refill the tank for a trip? I also have a

56 Roughing It Smoothly Serious Tech Talk 57 Serious Tech Talk house and chassis batteries. Drain and same problem. A technician at Camping water heater and refrigerator are OFF and are talking about concerning the pinging lem consistently. Hopefully in the future, nace, the thermostat in the front controls clean your wet tanks. Turn off the LP gas. World “solved” our problem. The drain your converter is charged. It will be better noise heard in the ceiling of their Allegro we will discover the source of the pinging. the furnace and the front air conditioner. Cover the tires to prevent cracking and tube was thoroughly cleaned. Then I was if you are using a circuit with a 20-amp Bay. I have a 2008 Phaeton and I, too, But right now, we don’t have the answer. The rear thermostat only controls the dry rot. Leave the refrigerator door open. told to pour two tablespoons of vinegar breaker to run the motorhome from lim- hear the pinging noise throughout the rear air conditioner, and not the furnace. into the interior drain each week. The ited shore power. coach. The noise is heard when the coach 2009 Allegro 30 DA’s Heat Thermostat Sorry for the inconvenience. Basement Doors Slipping Off Hinge on vinegar dissolves any calcium buildup. is parked and sounds like a spring or relay We have a 2009 Allegro 30DA. It has two 1999 Allegro Bay An easy fix! Hope this works for other Door Panels Turning Green of some sort. Can you help? heat and AC controls: one in the bed- Could You Offer a Camp Tiffin? I have a 34-ft. 1999 Allegro Bay. My big- owners with the same problem. We own a 2009 Phaeton 36QSH and this Paul Redden room and one above the door steps. Both We are the happy owners of a 2010 Alle- gest problem with the coach is the base- Jeanne Koaler is our third Tiffin product. On the inside Chula Vista, California controls show heat and AC settings. Do gro RED. We have been to Red Bay several ment doors coming off their hinges, some Fairbanks, Alaska of the front door, the leather panels are Dear Paul, I understand correctly that I can set the times and have thoroughly enjoyed each part way and some all of the way. I would Dear Jeanne, covered with green spots. I removed the I have talked to two of our engineers and heater’s thermostat only from the con- visit. The staff at Tiffin is outstanding in like to know what can be done to stop this. Many thanks for sharing how your prob- access panel to the door locks and it looks several of the technicians in the Service trol above the steps? The control in the the service they provide and the friendly at- D. E. Cote lem was solved, resolved, and dissolved. I like TMH used a green color glue on the Center. This is a question that we have not bedroom only works for the AC. My hus- titude they demonstrate. I recently attend- Canyon Lake, Texas feel sure this will help other owners with panels. What can I do to repair these pan- been able to answer, but there are several band and I argue over who has to get up ed Camp Freightliner in Gaffney, South Dear D. E., the same problem. els short of replacing the entire door? theories. The only electronic relays are in on cold mornings and turn up the heat! Carolina. It was a wonderful two-day ex- The opening in the upper part of the John F. Werner the air conditioner. Some think it could Cheryl Curtin perience well worth the minimal charge hinge has become too wide. The best way A Source for Used Tow Cars Grand Bay, Alabama be the expansion of the components in Escondido, California to attend. I would love to attend a similar to reduce the size of the opening is to First, do you have a source for used tow Dear John, the roof: steel, aluminum, and wood. We Dear Cheryl, program put on by Tiffin regarding the take a one-foot length of 2 x 4 wood and cars, ready to tow? Is there a website that We have used glue with green and red have not been able to duplicate this prob- If the unit is equipped with only one fur- components of the coach. Based on the en- gently tap it with a hammer while slid- caters to that? Second, every time I plug colors, but we were not aware the color ing the block across the hinge. Be careful my 2006 Allegro Bay 38-ft triple slide into was bleeding through to the exterior vi- not to strike it too hard and bend it in 110v shore power, it trips the breaker. It nyl. The vinyl covered panels can be ex- too much. You should close up the hinge does not matter where I am (home, my changed or recovered without removing enough to make it retain the lower part of parent’s home, storage facility). I have the exterior door. C U S T O M U P G R A D E S the hinge sticking up from the door itself. made sure the 12v toggle switch inside the coach is turned off. Where would I Jack Won’t Stay Up Water Tank Too Small for Dry Camping begin to look for this problem? Thanks. I have a 2003 Allegro Bay 36-ft. I have an We have a 2008 Allegro Bay 34-ft. FRED. Jeff & Heather Watkins ongoing problem with the right rear lev- Executive Armor It has a 53-gal. fresh water tank. Is there Mandeville, Louisiana eler jack. I purchased this motorhome any way to install a larger water tank or Dear Jeff & Heather, new from Lazydays. When traveling, the add one that can be connected to the 53- We are unaware of any website for buy- jack drops down just enough to set off the gal. tank? We do a lot of dry camping and ing/selling used tow vehicles. Not know- alarm. I then have to stop and push the usually run out of water. ing what amp breaker is servicing the jack back up with a shovel and planks. Sev- Mary Ann Gregg plug where you are connecting, or what eral techs have looked at the problem, but Stainless Accents Placerville, California other draw could be on that circuit, we none have come up with a solution. Help! Dear Mary Ann, are only guessing about what is causing Henry Almquist It will be difficult to find a replacement your problem. Here are some possibili- Burlington, Massachusetts Custom laser cut packages of any height can now be installed at service centers tank that fits into the same space as the ties. Keep in mind that when you plug Dear Henry, original tank. A simple solution will be to into 110v power, the charger-converter Based on the age of your motorhome, the across the country or purchased direct from Summit Products for do-it-yourself add a water tank in one of your storage which charges the batteries on the motor- service centers you have consulted must installations. Visit our web site for more details on how to save money. locations and install a transfer pump to home are still active even with the 12v have tried several things to repair the jack. move the water over to your original tank disconnect OFF. If the batteries are low, If the jack itself is not faulty, then the so- F O R T H E D I S C E R N I N G T I F F I N C O A C H O W N E R as needed. this converter can pull several amps of lenoids and relays that control the flow of power. The best way to determine what is hydraulic fluid in/out of the jack may be Vinegar Dissolved the Problem causing the problem is to turn all of the faulty. It is a process of elimination track- www.summit-products.com An owner described the problem of water 110v breakers in the motorhome OFF, ing down where the problem is located. Make it Happen Today! seeping from the refrigerator onto the and then turn them ON one at a time to call 1-800-329-2958 floor and ice building up in the freezer. see which source is causing the breaker to Pinging Noise in the Ceiling We have a 2007 Phaeton that had the trip. Make sure the electric side of your I know exactly what Ronald & Ann Sims

58 Roughing It Smoothly Serious Tech Talk 59 Serious Tech Talk thusiasm I saw at Camp Freightliner, I am the sink sticks out too far and the faucet RV was a joy to drive, the ride was vastly cap covering the hose connection for the most effective way to permanently block neath and seal the holes from the bottom confident other Tiffin owners would be in- is too high, making it difficult for one to improved, and the unusual tire wearing tank wash system did not seal tightly. I these holes to keep the dust out. side of the motorhome. You should use terested in such a program. I just finished get his/her head over the sink. How do stopped completely. Now a true believer, replaced it with a good hose shut-off and James Rodgers a silicon sealant or an expandable foam my third annual nerve racking winterizing we get the “contemporary faucet” for the I then installed a set on the rear duals. the odors ended. I guess air was getting in Fultondale, AL 35068 insulation. If you cannot get to the holes experience on the RED. I find the instruc- vanity sink in the 2013 Breeze which is The issue in the back we had dismissed as through the original rubber cap. Dear James, underneath, go inside and seal the open- tion for winterizing in the owner’s manual shown in the Fall 2012 issue of Roughing “road noise” completely disappeared. I got Clark Wadlow Depending on the location of the holes, ings with an expandable foam insulation. to be very confusing! I could use a two-day It Smoothly (9:4) on page 35? my AWBs from Balance Masters. Finally, The Plains, Virginia if possible it is always better to go under- Be sure to cover the area around the hole seminar on the icemaker alone. Bob & Mary Walker many thanks to you, Danny, and to Tiffin Dear Clark, Ben Whittemore Payson, Arizona Motorhomes for the “Serious Tech Talk” I hope the hose shut-off did solve the Charles Town, West Virginia Dear Bob & Mary, column which is helping Tiffin owners odor problem. However, because of the Dear Ben, The 2013 faucet can be ordered from the make an already great RV even better. way water enters through the sprayers We have discussed offering seminars here Tiffin Service Center. The subject about John Johnk inside the black tank, there should not at the factory. However, Red Bay is a very the depth of the cabinet has been men- Lakeville, Minnesota be a way for bad odor to come back out small town and our service center is al- tioned by other owners. If we moved the Dear John, through the entrance port where water ways busy. There is no location for 200 ex- front of the cabinet back two or three Thank you relating your experience with goes in at the utility bay panel. If your tra motorhomes that might come for the inches, you would have to give up most of the Automatic Wheel Balancer and for “fix” does not continue to solve the odor seminar. We appreciate your suggestion, your storage space. your kind remark about STT. problem, please let us know and we will but logistically it would not work here in attack it from another angle. Red Bay. Solution to Unexplained Vibration Utility Service Door and Post is Loose In your last issue, Don Powell wrote that I have a 2010 Allegro 35 QBA on a Work- Draining Fresh Water Tank on Heat Thermostat Location on he had an alarming vibration in his 2004 horse chassis. Recently, when I opened 1990 Allegro Running the Generator 24/7 Allegro 32BA at speeds of 50 to 60 mph. the utility service door, the hinge and Please tell me how to drain the freshwater We have a 2011 Allegro Open Road. I am This is exactly a problem Carol and I expe- post came off of the door. I looked at tank in a 1990 Allegro Open Road. What on oxygen 24/7 and would like to know if rienced on taking delivery of our new Tif- the other storage doors and all had rivets are the possible causes for loss of water we can run the generator all night long. fin. In addition, after approximately 3,000 holding the inside door skin to the frame. pressure? Can I purchase a manual for I had an inverter installed so I can run miles, I could see an unusual and dam- The utility service door did not have any this motorhome? Thanks for your help. my oxygen concentrator while driving aging wear pattern starting in the tread rivets. Nothing else held this post. I put Opal Bennett and would like to use it if we dry camp. of the front tires. As Danny Inman sug- rivets around the inside of the door, but Tallahassee, Florida Also, is there a kit of LED bulbs for the gested, I had all the tires re-balanced and the hinge post still seems loose. What Dear Opal, ceiling lights. The lights put out over the front end aligned. This did not correct held this post in place for two years? How The owner’s manual can be purchased 140 degrees. It is difficult to cool the or reduce the vibration. I then contacted can I repair it? through the Tiffin Parts Department. On motorhome in hot places like Arizona. a friend who is a truck mechanic and Sloan Trigg the 1990 Allegro, your fresh water tank We love our Allegro, especially the big described the problem. He is seeing this Richton, Mississippi should be located under the bed. At one shower. Thanks for your help. problem on new truck chassis. He said it is Dear Sloan, end of the tank, there should be a line with Dawn Schneider due to an imbalance of the rotating mass The utility service door failed to get pot- a petcock valve that can be opened to let wa- Mountain Home, Idaho of the wheel hub and brake rotor. What? riveted on several units. We will take care ter drain out underneath the motorhome. Dear Dawn, How do you fix this? I asked. He said that of this problem if the unit is brought to The generator is capable of running 24/7 some years ago as this problem began to the Red Bay service center, or we can ship Closing Holes for Washer-Dryer Prep when needed. Be sure to follow the manu- escalate in his fleet of trucks (due to the the door to the owner and he will have to After we selected several options, we had al for service based on hours of operation, cost cutting measures of chassis manu- pay for the labor to get the job completed. Tiffin build a 2008 Phaeton for us. During and check the oil regularly. There is a re- facturers, according to him), he started the last trip to Dandy, we noticed a large placement LED bulb kit for your ceiling installing what is called Active Wheel Finding the Cause of Sewer Odor in amount of dust coming up into the closet lights. One source is Triple HHH Elec- Balancers (AWB) on all his trucks. This 2010 Phaeton which was designed and prepped for the tronics located in Red Bay. cured the problem in all but the worst This summer we began experiencing oc- stacked washer-dryer. There are two or situations. I then ordered and installed a casionally bad sewer odors in our 2010 three large openings in the back side of Owner Likes New Faucet in 2013 Breeze set of AWBs on the front of our Tiffin. On Phaeton 40 QTH. We had the seal on the the closet which, I am told, were put there We purchased our 2012 Allegro Breeze the next trip, I could not believe the dif- toilet checked. It was okay. There was in case the owner wanted to install the 32 BR in March 2012. We love it except for ference. It was not the same motorhome. no apparent reason for the odor. When washer-dryer later. Since we are not inter- the bathroom faucet. The cabinet above The vibration was completely gone, the I flushed the black tank, I noticed the ested in the washer-dryer, please tell us the

60 Roughing It Smoothly Serious Tech Talk 61 Serious Tech Talk to protect surrounding areas from over- and also the ground in the box. If nothing feature for future Tiffin motorhomes. circuit, my windshield washer tank, and objectionable odor when we run water in problem has been getting worse since we spray of the insulation. is found loose there, go to the plug where Richard E. Frechette some of the fender. After three months in the lavatory or sink. The cubes from the have owned the coach. HELP!! the converter is plugged in. Take it apart West Palm Beach, Florida the shop, the repair bill was $3,000, plus icemaker smell and taste so bad we have Charles Benoit Add Insulation to the Breeze’s and make sure all connections are tight. Dear Richard, six new tires. There should be an inner shut it off. After allowing the water to run Pensacola, Florida Engine Compartment If the breaker is a 15-amp, you can change Aftermarket burglar alarm systems are wheel well to protect all of the equipment for a while and drain out of the coach, the Dear Charles, The bed and the drawers under the bed it to a 20-amp and be okay with the 12/2 available, but we are not familiar with any that was destroyed. Other than that, we odor dissipates. But after turning the wa- I suggest that you visit your city water de- around the engine compartment in our wiring we use in the unit. particular brands that we can recommend. love our Allegro. ter off for a while, and then back on, the partment and enlist the help of a certified 2012 Allegro Breeze get very hot after Bruce Wilson odor returns. This happens whether we water biologist who can test for bacteria traveling. Even after running the AC all Moving Sofa Closer to the Wall? Aqua-Hot Thermostat with Lower Myrtle Creek, Oregon are connected to a fresh water source or and microorganisms in the coach’s water night, we can still feel the heat in those There is approximately seven inches of Setting for Storage Dear Bruce, using water in the fresh water tank. system. Testing should determine a plan areas. Is there any way to add insulation space between the back of the sofa and We have a 2011 Allegro Bus 43 QBP with In most cases on motorhomes, time will I have replaced the filter and added a of action to eliminate any bacteria and/or around the engine box to reduce the heat the slide-out wall on our 2007 Phaeton an Aqua-Hot heating system. The Aqua- take its toll on a tire before road mileage second filter and replaced the fresh water microorganisms that have infected your in the bedroom? 35DH. The sofa does not require this Hot thermostat appears to be a mercury wears it out. Most tire manufacturers rec- hose, but the problem persists. The odor system. Sally Lusk space when converted to a bed. Is it pos- type and is very inconsistent in its set- ommend that a tire be replaced if it is 10 is very unpleasant, like a cross between Ypsilanti, Michigan sible to move the sofa closer to the wall? ting. It does not have a setting below 50 years old. After a tire is five years old, it the smell of stale grey water and the black Purple Tint on Panasonic TV Screens Dear Sally, Robert Brown degrees. During the winter months, we should be checked by a professional for slurry. We had both tanks cleaned and In our 2012 Allegro Bus, the screens in Adding insulation under the motorhome Lakeville, Minnesota frequently leave the coach connected to dry rot, cracking, and uneven wear. have flushed out the water system. our Panasonic televisions occasionally floor and above the engine is not possible. Dear Robert, shore power but we would prefer a lower Short of trading in the coach, what can have a purple tint when we turn them on. You could remove the bed board and put Yes, you can move it closer to the wall. Re- thermostat setting to conserve fuel—elec- Odor Problem in Motorhome’s Water we do to get rid of the odor? The original I am certain the problem is not related an insulation blanket around the engine move the screws into the floor, slide the tric or diesel. I have an ongoing problem in my 2009 owner had the coach for 11 months and to the Panasonic television itself since it box from the inside. bed back to the position you want, and We would like to replace the thermo- Allegro Bus 40 QXP. We are getting an said he did not have the problem. The happens sporadically on all three units, reset the screws into the floor. stat with a more accurate digital unit. Inverter Problem on 2007 Allegro 30 DA Can you please recommend a good qual- I have a 2007 Allegro 30 DA on a Ford Moving the Fill Spout for ity, compatible thermostat? If not, could chassis. Since the motorhome was new, 2006 Allegro Bay you supply us with the applicable specifi- the circuit breaker for the inverter trips I have a 2006 Allegro Bay 34-ft. (gas) motor- cations to allow us to search for a replace- infrequently. The inverter was checked in home with the fill spout in the rear. This ment? Thanks. Red Bay and replaced. makes it very difficult to find a fueling Brian K. Ramey However, the problem continues with station. I have seen a similar motorhome Laurel, Delaware the C/B tripping occasionally. I have not with the gas fill spout just in front of the Dear Brian, been able to identify any common condi- rear brake light on the driver’s side. Is it With the thermostat having to control tions that would affect the inverter. I have possible to do a retrofit to the side of the the AC, heat pump, and then automati- tightened all the connectors I can find motorhome? cally engage the Aqua-Hot system, there and also replaced the C/B and cannot iso- Arthur Haynes are not many choices. The thermostat we late the cause. Any suggestions? Georgetown, Texas use is supplied by the AC manufacturer Chet Harrison Dear Arthur, who has modified it to control a gas fur- Snow Hill, North Carolina Moving the fill spout to a side location nace or the Aqua-Hot system. Dear Chet, cannot be recommended, especially if the On the 2007 Allegro there should not rerouting had to go through the interior Unaware of Tires’ Age have been a factory-installed inverter. We of the motorhome. There could be an is- I can sympathize with Sheila Miller. We did install a converter which is basically a sue with fumes and leaks. have a 2001 Allegro 33-ft. coach. On our battery charger that, once you connect to first trip this year, we were driving south 110v shore power or run your generator, Burglar Alarm for Motorhomes on I-5 when the front left tire blew out— will charge your house batteries. With the I have a 2010 Phaeton. Can you offer infor- actually, it shredded. It was a horrifying converter itself being replaced and you mation for an aftermarket burglar alarm experience that almost put us in the me- replacing the breaker, it points to a loose system? A resetting alarm would help deter dian ditch. I did not realize that our tires connection somewhere. With the power a repeated effort to break into our coach. were original equipment and 11 years disconnected, pull the cover off the 110v I think it should be electric with battery old. The blowout took out the hydraulics electrical box and check the neutral wire backup. This would be a great optional for the leveling jacks, a major electrical

62 Roughing It Smoothly Serious Tech Talk 63 Serious Tech Talk but not at the same time. None of the set- are four small lines: blue, black, white, with every cycle, thus causing a hole in tings on the televisions or the DirecTV and red. I need a diagram showing the the tubes. I patched the holes with good receiver will remove the purple tint. The positions that these lines are supposed ole duct tape. I am guessing by now TMH only way we can get the televisions back to go onto the dash control. I have found has corrected this minor design flaw. to normal colors is to disconnect and re- that model airplane fuel hoses will adapt Bruce Wharram connect the televisions’ power cords. We to the vacuum lines and the dash control Sylvania, Ohio are hoping there is a “fix” for this prob- module, but I need the order they plug Dear Bruce, lem other than disconnecting and recon- on to it. We would appreciate any help This is a problem we have occasionally. If necting the power cords. with part numbers or a diagram with the you examine the wiper locations on sev- Rex Gooch plug-in order. We spent $2,000 for repairs eral different Tiffin models, you will see Parker, Colorado on this unit and it never worked on the they are not all the same. We try to po- Dear Rex, whole Alaska trip. We also traveled in Cali- sition the washer hoses to prevent them This is most likely caused by some type of fornia, Nevada, and Utah where we really from touching the wiper arms. power interruption — either by a high or could have used it. Thanks for your help. low voltage spike. This could be caused by Donald McDougall Keeping Mice Out of Your Coach your general power source or possibly by a Vernon, Connecticut (1) Regarding Jerry Rockmart’s mice prob- loose ground at the inverter. On the front Dear Donald, lem (9:3, p68): “Our mice” nested in front of the inverter there will be a ground lug The system on your motorhome was used of the AC tubes under the dash. What a that grounds the inverter to the chassis. by Tiffin from the mid-seventies to the mess to clean out of a new Allegro Bus — Be sure both of the connections are tight early nineties. Unfortunately, the manu- and the stench! Using a UV light I found and making a good ground. Most of the facturer of this system went out of busi- their entrance: the flexible port in the hose time this will clear up your problem. ness in the late 1990s. You should have five bay where the fresh water hose passes vacuum lines coming off the back of the through. I capped this and ended the Automotive AC Problem on system. There will be numbers on the con- problem until I could finish a mouse proof 1985 Allegro 32RSD trol board where the vacuum hoses con- Steelmaster building. A molded cap would For the last few years we have had prob- nect. #1 (blue) goes to the fresh air return be great. It is too open without a hose in it. lems with the automotive air conditioner. door; #2 (green) goes to a vacuum pod Rick Larsen Before leaving on our second trip to Alas- that controls whether you choose the de- Cookeville, Tennessee ka (May 17 – Sept. 6, 2012), we did an over- frost or floor outlets; #3 (white) goes to the haul of the system which included a new top of the same solenoid; #4 (red) goes to (2) I have written before about the RVer’s compressor and condenser. During this the vacuum pod for the fresh air vent; #5 dilemma: mice in my motorhome. Now process, the dash controls that operate the (black) goes to a round vacuum pod that I think I may have a solution. I see that heater/air conditioner system got crossed pulls vacuum directly from the engine. We their favorite place to get into my coach up. The folks who worked on the unit have the schematics on file and I will mail is under the bathroom sink. I put mesh could not get it back together correctly. a copy to you for a visual clarification. hardware cloth inside and around the Is the pushbutton controller in the hole where the plumbing comes through dash a Chevy-Delco product, or is it an Wiper Arms Rub Holes on Windshield the floor and used wire to secure it. Allegro-supplied unit? It is a pushbutton Washer Hoses Mary Tichenor unit with a slider for the heat control and Just before “breaking camp” on our last Altoona, Wisconsin a switch for the fan speed. The pushbut- trip, I noticed that the windshield was tons (via vacuum) control air flow flaps dirty and decided to wash it before leav- (3) When the toilet was installed, a major in the heater ducts and switches on the ing. When I turned on the windshield gap in the floor was left around the plumb- compressor and fan speeds. There are wiper-washers, I noticed water squirt- ing pipes. We plugged the gap with foam four small vacuum lines that go into a ing out of the front cap. A hole had de- caulking and ended our mouse problem. soft rubber block that plugs into the rear veloped in each of the water tubes right Judy Martin of the control unit. This small rubber where they slip onto the fitting at the Athens, Michigan block has rotted away and will not hold wipers. Checking closer, I could see that Dear Rick, Mary, and Judy, the lines or control the vacuum. There the wiper arm was rubbing on the hose Thanks for all of your suggestions.

64 Roughing It Smoothly Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. Presorted 105 Second St. NW Standard US Postage Red Bay, AL 35582 PAID Pewaukee, WI Permit 1067

HG-2013Ad-RIS_Layout 1 12/12/12 7:00 AM Page 1

2400 US 31 North • Petoskey, MI 49770 www.facebook.com/hearthsidegrove 1-231-347-0905 • [email protected]

www.HearthsideGrove.com