TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

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08 8-9 An easy turn

For the better In the new 40 QRP Owners really like Allegro Bus handling

10 Jack & Ken’s Great adventure Cross-country Motorhome salesmen get to know the product

The Award-Winn ing A l legro C lub Magaz ine For Le isure & L iv ing

13 Volunteer State Makes voting tough For full-timers Tennessee requires residential address

The Award-Winn ing A l legro C lub Magaz ine For Le isure & L iv ing

2 SIDE ROADS

SIDE ROADSIs published quarterly March, June, September and December

by the Allegro Club, Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ON THE COVER What a beautiful view for a majestic mountain range: The 2008 Allegro. Tiffin National Sales Manager Jerry Williamson predicts that 90% of the entry-level Allegro coaches sold in this model year will have this optional full-body paint, until recently available only on higher-priced diesel pushers. The 2008 Allegro also comes with easy-to-clean full tile flooring in the living area and galley plus an automatic satellite dish. The Allegro can also be ordered with a front-engine diesel.

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

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

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

CONTACTS:Tiffin Motorhomes Parts & Service:

(256) 356-0261

Allegro Club: (256) 356-8522allegroclub@tiffinmotorhomes.com

Jimmy Johnson, Allegro Club presidentVerbon Jones, Allegro Club office manager

Cynthia Skinner, Allegro Club membership coordinatorJanet Gober, Allegro Club administrative assistant

www.tiffinmotorhomes.com

Something is missing and it’s not a mistake. Since its start four years ago, each issue of Side Roads had

contained three applications for upcoming Allegro Club rallies. This issue, you will only find one, the Allegro Club Louisiana Lagniappe, April 14-17 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Robert, LA. Our other 2008 rallies in Tucson, AZ; Niagara Falls; Manteca, CA; and Branson, MO; are sold out. If you’re interested in the Louisiana rally, you might want to stop reading this column long enough to call or fax your application. Only a few slots remain.

We have been sensitive to feedback in the past about the price tags on our rallies, even though the rally costs much more than the registration fees. The brisk signups for the 2008 rallies can be seen as a strong indication of perceived as well as actual value, including campground fees, meals, entertainment, some transportation to off-site activities and fun.

One Allegro Club chapter president called proudly early in January to announce his members wanted 10 spaces for the Branson rally. We had to tell him he was more than a month late. We were completely booked.

That brings me to our plans for 2009 and beyond. For those of you who missed out on the Branson rally, we

plan to repeat that opportunity in 2009, probably in mid-May. We are also looking at a Phoenix rally in March, Key West in April, the Northwest in June, the Northeast (Massachusetts, Hudson Valley or Lake George) in August or September and Du Quoin, IL, in September or October.

We also are considering some themed events which may be scheduled at some future dates. An Elvis adventure would trace The King’s path from Tupelo, MS, to Memphis. A bluegrass adventure might follow good music through Tennessee and Kentucky.

We appreciate the speedy reservations so many club members made to our 2008 rallies and we apologize to those we could not accommodate. Let’s hope we get to visit at a rally in 2009.

From thedriver’s seat

by Jimmy Johnson

PresidentAllegro Club

SIDE ROADS 3

Three new floor plans from Tiff in Motorhomes offer the popular seated eye-level midsection TV, which represents a fast-growing trend in viewing.

The 43-ft. Allegro Bus QRP and the 38-ft. Allegro Bay TGB are the longest ever produced in those model lines. The 40-ft. Phaeton QTH has the first midsection TV in that length. The new Allegro Bus and Allegro Bay arrived at Tiffin dealerships before the end of

2007; the first new Phaetons were shipped in January. The midsection TVs first appeared in 2007 Phaeton and Zephyr models; however, by the current model year the den-style TVs were standard or options in all five Tiffin lines. “Customer response to the midsection TV models has been fantastic,” says Jerry Williamson, Tiffin national sales manager. “We are projecting that 80% of Tiffin coaches will have midsection TVs within 24 months.” “Tailgaters rave about the TV mounted in the pantry wall because more guests can enjoy the action,” Williamson adds, “but so many other customers enjoy this feature as well. They tell us it’s just like watching TV at home. Sometimes, watching a TV above the windshield can be distracting or hampered by glare.” “You walk into the 43 QRP Bus and instantly you sense its great feel,” Williamson says. The new Allegro Bus’ residential refrigerator and the driver’s side lavi slide out with the living room, adding to the spaciousness of the interior. The 43 QRP is pushed by a 425HP Cummins diesel on a Spartan chassis. The retail base price is $327,600. “We expect the 43 QRP to have special appeal to current Allegro Bus owners, but the very competitive price point for a luxury coach also will turn heads from other product lines,” Williamson adds. The 2008 Allegro Bus, Phaeton, Allegro Bay and top-of-the-line Zephyr feature a lone remote for all

TVs, satellite and DVD plus HD- ready TV programming after the owner selects satellite service and its accompanying receiver. The new 38-ft. Allegro Bay TGB is available on a Workhorse chassis with gas engine at a base retail price of $153,930, or a Freightliner front-engine diesel (FRED) chassis at a base retail of $167,160.

“This new Allegro Bay floor plan will be very popular for entertaining, since it has opposing sofas,” Williamson says. “I can see the younger crowd in this coach, as well as veteran RVers.”

Watching TV no longer means looking up

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(Continued on Page 15)

4 SIDE ROADS

Roadside recipesby Gail Johnson

At this time of the year, I am always excitedly looking for those first little green daffodil sprouts in my garden, which signify that spring is not so far away.

As I am planning for my spring planting, I am also planning in my kitchen. I am looking for good hearty recipes that I can double and freeze a portion for use on those busy days when I am working outside or on the road in our Tiffin motorhome.

The recipes I am sharing in this issue are tried and true favorites: three chicken-based main dishes which freeze well, one easy vegetable side dish and a simple but delicious dessert.

Have a wonderful, productive spring and I hope to see you soon.

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

Combine:2 cups chicken broth2 cups chopped onion

2 cups chopped celery1 cup chopped bell pepper

1 clove garlic or 1 teaspoon minced

Place above ingredients together in heavy Dutch oven and simmer for about 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft.

Instructions:

Chicken pieces or whole chicken, cooked, boned and chopped. Set chicken aside.

Blend all ingredients well and heat thoroughly until simmering. Add chopped chicken and cover to keep hot over very low heat. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over wide noodles which have been prepared using package directions. May be topped with Parmesan cheese. This dish is better a day or two after it has been prepared.

Add:3 tablespoons sugar3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 bay leaf1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of tomato soup

My Mother’s DressingIf you serve chicken and dressing at Easter, you may want to try this recipe. My mother, Jean Jones, makes the best dressing I have ever tasted. It can be served along with chicken or turkey, or you may want to place the chopped meat in the dressing and serve it as one dish. Gravy on the side makes it even better.

Combine:16 cups cornbread 10 cups bread and buns 4 teaspoons sage (to taste) 1 teaspoon salt and pepper

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

Instructions:

Cook:Until vegetables are soft: 1½ cups finely chopped onion 1 cup finely chopped celery 1 stick butter or oleo

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

SIDE ROADS 5

Ingredients:1 box chocolate cake mix1 small package instant chocolate pudding

1¾ cup milk 2 eggs

1 (6-ounce) package chocolate chips

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

Chocolate Chip CakeEasy and delicious, try this recipe in your convection microwave oven.

3 to 4 pounds chicken2 sticks margarine1 diced onion

1 chopped bell pepper1 can cream of mushroom soup1 small can chopped mushrooms

1 jar diced pimientos1 pound Velveeta cheese10 ounces thin spaghetti

Instructions:Stew chicken; Remove meat from bones, set chicken aside and save strained broth.In a skillet, sauté onion and pepper in margarine. Turn off heat and lay quarter inch slices of cheese on top to melt. Add soup and mix gently until smooth. Cook spaghetti (not quite the entire package) in broth until tender. Add water if needed to cook spaghetti. Drain. In large bowl or pan, mix chicken, soup mixture, spaghetti, mushrooms, and pimientos. Gently stir until blended. Place in baking dish and bake in 350-degree oven until thoroughly heated. If freezing is desired, place in aluminum pans in desired serving portions, cover with foil, and freeze before baking.

Chicken SpaghettiThis is a favorite to take to potluck dinners or whenever food is needed at those happy or sad occasions that all families experience. This is comfort food at its best.

Ingredients:

Old Fashioned Green BeansCynthia Skinner, Membership Coordinator for the Allegro Club, shared this recipe. She wrote: “(This recipe) was an old family pass-along. It has never mattered which state I called home, everyone expected me to bring the green beans because they were most like Grandma’s.”

Ingredients:1 quart green beans 3 slices bacon 1 tablespoon canola oil

Put green beans in a crock-pot, add other ingredients and cover with water. Cook for 12 or more hours. Just before serving, put beans in a stockpot and steam liquid out. When the beans are dry, add 2 tablespoons of butter and place in serving dish. These taste like they were picked from the garden that morning.

Instructions:

I’m beginning to wonder just what motorhomers are all about. Consider these things that I have come to personally know about some of them. They are not to be taken offensively, just factually. Why do they load their rigs with food for a month for two people, when they’re only going for a weekend? Why do they load the rig with all kinds of food for a weekend campout, then once at the campground and hooked up, they go look for a place to eat out? Why does a couple with a brand

new motorhome pull into an unknown church’s parking lot,

ask the pastor if they can park in the lot for the night? After the puzzled pastor agrees to the unusual request, the cou-ple asks if they can plug their

rig into the church’s electri-cal outlet. (The pastor agreed

again..?) How about the fellow who doesn’t winterize his motor home claiming a higher power will thaw it out in the spring. He furthermore feels that since the lines are plastic, they won’t break. (Didn’t he read the book?) Okay, how about the couple who won’t replace their awning ’cause trees keep tearing them off? Does the movie “RV” come to mind here? Then there’s the fellow who feels

his 2” x 8” planks are still the great-est levelers ever built. (That’d be me.) Or sets up a 2” x 12” where he wants to back up to and waits for the motor home to knock it over for a back-up alarm. (Oops, me again.) But then hey, there’s this couple from Florida who are teachers so they travel in their motorhome all summer. Here’s the kicker, they use their toilet like everyone else but they never put toilet paper in it. WHAT?!?! Nice couple and their rig is kept immaculately. How many motorhomers do you know who find a beautiful camp-ground, set up some campfire wood, then stay in the motorhome and watch TV? It’s about time someone exposed the secrets of motorhoming in detail.

6 SIDE ROADS

The Yankee Doodler Cartoonist Bob Poiry

Exposing the quirky habits of the motor home setby Bob Poiry

SIDE ROADS 7

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Allegro Club Louisiana LagniappeApril 14 - April 17, 2008 (Check out April 18)

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park / Robert, LA

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

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

No reservations will be taken after the deadline of March 17, 2008. The refund deadline is March 17, 2008. Send check, money order or fill out complete credit card information below:q Visa q Master Card q DiscoverCredit Card Number: Expiration Date

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

Signature:

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

This event is available to the first 120 eligible applicants.

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

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

calling Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at 800/349-YOGI.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and the Allegro Club.”

Cost: Allegro Club member motorhome with two (2) people / $425 • Allegro Club member motorhome with one (1)person / $315 • Non-member motorhome with two (2) people / $625 • Non-member motorhome with one (1) person / $515• Each additional guest / $125 Total Cost: $

What the owners say: Testing the 2008 Allegro Bus 40 QRPour REvIEWERS

Louisiana is well known for fine food. Tom and Cindee Parsons take day trips in their Allegro Bus to discover new restaurants. Tom is in the retail business in Baton Rouge, their home. Joining them on their travels are their two sons, four grandsons plus Sissy and Yani, their Yorkshire terriers. The Parsons have had three diesel pushers, the most recent two made by Tiffin. They bought their new 40 QRP 15 years after parting with their second RV. After shopping around at “a bunch” of manufacturers, they kept coming back to Tiffin because they could see the quality difference. In addition to the restaurant adventures, they are planning some trips around the country as well as LSU tailgating.

225-806-0164Ta.parsons@yahoo.com

TURnIng radius, road HAnDLIng and STABILITy

Tom says the turning radius is exceptional, a huge improvement from their previous motorhome. POWER/TORqUE

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

LEARnIng CURvE for MAInTEnAnCE, ELECTROnICS and other features

Still learning all of the features. Louis Denson (our salesman) with Dixie RV was very knowledgable and professional. We had a great buying experience.

nOISE level (both PARkED and MOvIng) A vast improvement over the last buses they’ve owned.

efficiency of HEATIng and COOLIng SySTEMSWe have not yet used the heating system - but we have

used the A/C and love the zone feature.

SPACIOUSnESS of LIvIng room

Very impressive floor design. ATTRACTIvEnESS of interior DECORATIOn

Blows people away. WORkABILITy of gALLEy

Looks great but haven’t tried it yet. (They’re too busy finding new Cajun restaurants.) comfort and USABILITy of BATHROOM

Very roomy and comfortable.

LIvABILITy of BEDROOMVery nice.

8 SIDE ROADS

“Still learning all the

features. (Our salesman)

was very knowledgable

and professional. We had

a great buying experience.”

What the owners say: Testing the 2008 Allegro Bus 40 QRP

SIDE ROADS 9

our REvIEWERS Greg and

Penny Bunker retired from data processing careers but didn’t want to “sit around” at their home in Beverly Hills, FL. With their cats, CeCe, 15, and

Frankie(stein), 2, the logical solution was a home on wheels. For the past 2½ years they have roamed the western U.S. part-time, visiting national parks. The Bunkers still have too much “stuff” including amateur radio (HAM) equipment to be full-timers. This is their second diesel pusher but their first Tiffin product.

glbunker@hughes.net352-527-8604HAM callsigns: WA8SUA and KI4VIP

TURnIng radius, road HAnDLIng and STABILITy

Turning radius appears to be excellent for a 40-ft. coach and the ride and handling are wonderful. You still get blown around a little by the big rigs though.

POWER/TORqUE

The 425hp Cummins with 1,200 foot pounds of torque is GREAT for this size coach. Usually one finds smaller engines in a 40-footer, but please don’t change that!

LEARnIng CURvE for MAInTEnAnCE, ELECTROnICS and other features

Greg is still going through all of the documentation, but owning one previously helps! It is still daunting however. Some documentation though, especially concerning the operation of the slides requiring the ignition to be off, is incorrect or our coach is wired wrong. The hydraulic slides work either with the ignition on or off, but the electric slides only work with the ignition on.

nOISE level (both PARkED and MOvIng)

When parked with the windows closed, we hear next to nothing. The coach is very quiet with minimal wind and engine noise while moving. There is some noise from the roll-up blinds rattling around though.

efficiency of HEATIng and COOLIng SySTEMSWhile we haven’t been in any extremes yet, both

function normally so far, and we like the thermostatic Fan-tastic vents. The A/C is a lot quieter than in our previous coach, probably due to the design of the return system.

SPACIOUSnESS of LIvIng ROOM

Living space in the QRP model is good considering the larger bathroom and the full-size residential refrigerator, but these are trade-offs and an obvious buyer’s choice. We also have the freestanding dinette and Euro chairs which make a difference and we love the 42-in. plasma TV.

ATTRACTIvEnESS of interior DECORATIOn

The coach looks great inside (and out) and everyone that goes in it or sees it says so. The cabinets and trim are very attractive and appear to be well constructed. The full tile floor is a definite plus.

WORkABILITy of gALLEy

Counter space is tight when using the stove unless you keep one side of the sink covered, especially since the roll out expansion drawer doesn’t lock in the “out” position and tends to retract which is a little annoying. (We received conflicting information from the dealership on whether or not this was supposed to lock in the out position and it would be much more functional if it somehow did.)

comfort and USABILITy of BATHROOM

Bathroom is very spacious and neatly appointed. The only thing we found lacking would be a shower water cut-off for conservation without disrupting the temperature setting. It’s funny that the outside shower handle in the connection bay has this, and the inside shower does not.

LIvABILITy of BEDROOM

In our QRP with the king bed, the bedroom is a little tight on the forward side of the bed but it isn’t much trouble to crawl in. Again, this is a buyer’s choice and you should live with what you want. There is also a lot of storage space in the bedroom.

10 SIDE ROADS

For many Allegro Club members, a cross-country journey is a rather common venture. For others, the concept is daunting. Even though Jack Donovan and Ken Kaplan sell Tiffin motorhomes for a living at the La Mesa RV dealership in San Bernardino, CA, neither had spent time at the wheel of a rig. Donovan, 50, spent his younger years in England, then toured five continents in the first all-world rugby tour. After retiring from competitive rugby, he and a partner formed a commercial real estate firm. Donovan’s goal was to move his family to the U.S. and build a dream home. Kaplan, 51, has been on the La Mesa RV sales team for five years, but other than an eight-day trip to the northern California coast and a few weekend trips with his family, he also had very little motorhome experience. Neither Donovan nor Kaplan has ever owned an RV. While they were at the Tiffin plant in Red Bay, AL, for training, La Mesa General Sales Manager Steve Austin invited his two sales associates to drive a motorhome back to California. Jack’s journal of a 2,451-mile, seven-day westbound odyssey may spark fond memories for trans-American veterans. For others, it may provide encouragement to follow suit. This is the first in a Side Roads series of reports on Jack’s and Ken’s experiences.

As Ken and I drove away from the Tiffin Motorhomes plant

in Red Bay, AL, in a beautiful new 35 TSB Allegro Bay FRED diesel, I knew this would be an adventure f illed with

beautiful country and a million laughs. We left the factory on Aug. 9. The coach had just 24.9 miles on the odometer, 12 hours on the generator, a full tank of diesel, fresh water and plenty of LP. Ken was at the wheel. I quickly discovered Ken was afflicted with RDS, which stands for right drift syndrome. I confess I made up that term, however it most definitely applies. We had not traveled more than three miles and he had already drifted off the pavement and onto the grass three times. It was as though he were doing it purposefully to get my attention, which he surely did. The Tiffin family had treated everyone to a down-home southern lunch at Swamp John’s, a local eatery with delicious fried catfish and sweet tea. Our entire visit in Alabama was full of that famous southern hospitality. The next morning we headed west at 8 a.m. with 60.3 miles on the odometer, the generator purring like a kitten, and the air conditioning system providing much needed comfort as the outside temperature was already nearly 88 with very high humidity. Ken was at the wheel. We had no real itinerary except we knew we would take I-40 for a large portion of the trip.

We were out of Alabama and into Mississippi within minutes enjoying the green forested landscape dotted with the occasional roadside home. Ken’s bad back started to misbehave so I happily took over the wheel 195 miles into our journey in Memphis, TN. At 3 p.m. and with 439 miles on the odometer we pulled into a WalMart in Clarksville AR, to get some essentials for the trip. At about 4 p.m. we visited the tourist information center to get a recommendation for supper and an RV park for the night. We were in luck as Rivertowne BBQ in downtown Ozark, AR (www.rivertownebbq.com), was right down the street. Ken and I feasted on the most delicious baby back ribs I have ever eaten. At 5:30 p.m. with 464 miles on the odometer we pulled into the AUX-ARK RV Park alongside Dardanelle Lake and for only $17 we hooked up with electric and water. What a beautiful, peaceful place to enjoy the first night of our journey. I simply love pushing ON, then AUTO to let the jacks automatically level the coach. Many of the other motorhome brands require several more steps and can be a bit confusing. A simple push of the slide control buttons and we were all set for cocktails. At 8 a.m. Aug. 11, we left Dardanelle Lake heading west with Ken at the wheel, the generator as well as the front and rear air conditioners doing their jobs. We ran the generator virtually the entire trip as the portion of the nation we traveled was in the midst of a heat wave.

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

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

SIDE ROADS 11

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

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Membership Survey

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

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

1. About how much time do you usually spend reading each issue? q More than 30 minutes q 10 minutes q Fewer than 10 minutes 2. Which Side Roads features do you usually enjoy reading? (Mark as many as you wish.)

q President’s Column qRally Schedule qTiffin Motorhomes News qGail Johnson’s Cooking Column qBob Poiry Column qBob Poiry’s Yankee Doodler Cartoon qChapter Chatter qFeatures about Allegro Club members qTest Reports by Owners qContest qOther (please explain)

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

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

5. Would you be interested in receiving Side Roads by email? q Yes q No6. Do you read Side Roads back issues on the Tiffin web page? q Yes q No7. What else should we consider to make Side Roads even more effective for you?

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

Please put this completed survey in a stamped envelope addressed to: Allegro Club, Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582 or fax it to 256-356-9746. To request an email version of this survey, send a message to verbon.jones@tiffinmotorhomes.com

Thank you for your assistance.

12 SIDE ROADS

Campgrounds

The Virginia Allegros like Cozy Acres in Powhatan, VA, because it is very quiet in the country, and the night skies are “absolutely beautiful with the stars because there was very little light pollution.” Across the country, the Columbia River Allegros recommend Columbia Riverfront RV Park in Woodland, WA. The park, on the Columbia River, hence the name, is described as very clean with a great view of the waterway from RV sites and a very nice recreation hall with kitchen, dishes and dishwasher. Bonita Lake RV Resort in Bonita Springs, FL has a solid and detailed recommendation from the Sun Coast Allegros. Amenities include wi-fi, catch-and-release fishing in a small lake, 50-amp service, a clean recreation hall with kitchen, pool and hot tub, pool tables, poolside charcoal grill and covered pavilion plus nice and helpful management. The chapter also notes that cable TV is not available, the $39 per night fee (in November) is a bit costly, and road construction in front of the park is a temporary inconvenience.

Restaurants

A dozen coaches from the Arkansas Allegro Diamonds recommend two restaurants from their fall “Tom Sawyer on the Mississippi River” event in Memphis. At Half Shell, the 14 people in attendance loved the dishes, ser-vice and prices, reports scribe Steve Ecton. Jim Neely’s Interstate Barbecue catered one evening at the campground, providing wonderful flavor, good prices and the best sauce.

Burgerville USA in Kelso, WA, is known for their good old-fashioned hamburgers. Fancy that. The Puget Sound Allegros say give it a try. Who can pass up a great Sunday morning buffet? Not the Virginia Allegros, who dined at County Seat Restaurant in Powhatan, VA. The buffet was great and reasonably priced as well. Lunch and dinner menus also looked attractive. Sneaky Pete’s on Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs, FL, offers daily specials (prime rib for $12.95 one Saturday night), burgers, pizza, sandwiches, soup, steaks, fish, ribs, crabcakes and salads. The Sun Coast Allegros also noted good friendly service with an open, beachy, casual atmosphere. Everyone enjoyed the meal. Very good food, clean and able to accommodate large parties. That’s how the Columbia River Allegros describe Casa Tapatia Mexican Restaurant in Woodland, WA. Destination attractions

Feast your eyes on the Sun Coast Allegros’ list of attractions in the Bonita Springs, FL, area: six miles of beaches, Everglades Wonder Center, Corkscrew Swamp Nature Trail, Miromar Outlets, Cocohatchee Nature Center, Coconut Point Mall, boat rentals, casino, air-boat tours and Naples Zoo. The 2.5 mile boardwalk at Corkscrew Swamp, managed by the Audubon Society, wanders past raccoons, wading birds, owls, songbirds, alligators and “1.5 miles of nothing.” Bonita Springs is between Fort Myers and Naples.

Chapter Chatter: Next time you pass this way

(Continued on Page 13)

2008 Allegro Club Rally Schedule – Start Planning Now for 2009

Tiffin/La Mesa RV Southwest Shootout Old Tucson StudiosTucson, AZMarch 10-12, 2008 (break camp March 13)

Allegro Club Louisiana Lagniappe (Deadline extended to March 17) Yogi Bear’s Jellystone ParkRobert, LAApril 14-17, 2008 (break camp April 18)

Allegro Club Niagara Falls FlingFour Mile Creek Campsite Youngstown, NYJune 16-18, 2008 (break camp June 19)

Tiffin/JC’s RV’s Bay Bash French Camp RV Park ResortManteca, CAJune 24-26, 2008 (break camp June 27)

Allegro Club Branson or BustAmerica’s Best Campground Branson, MOSeptember 22-26, 2008 (break camp September 27)

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

sold out

sold out

sold out

sold out

SIDE ROADS 13

Some full-time RVers in Tennesssee may not be permitted to vote in 2008 elections because they don’t have permanent residential addresses. State election officials cancelled voter registrations of 286 retirees in January, according to the Associated Press. The Tennessee Presidential Primaries were Feb. 5. Three of the retirees, represented by an American Civil Liberties Union attorney, asked a federal judge to allow them to vote in the primaries. The Allegro Club could not immediately identify any of the full-timers as club members, however Allegro Club President Jimmy Johnson sympathized with their plight. “Full-time RVing is a dream-come-true for many and a dream for countless others, including Tiffin owners,” Johnson said. “I hope the courts and legislators on state and federal levels recognize their right to vote by solving this problem.” A number of the Tennessee full-time RVers had attempted to register using the street address and box number of a

business that forwards their mail. Many also had obtained driver’s licenses and registered their vehicles in Tennessee, which does not have a state income tax. Tennessee and other states allow homeless people to register as voters, providing only the location where they live, such as under a bridge, on a park bench or in a shelter. A 2005 Tennessee law prohibits business addresses used for residential purposes. A study by the University of Michigan Survey Research Center projects that 8.5 million households in the U.S. will own at least one recreational vehicle by 2010, including one in 10 Baby Boomers. Boomers, born between 1946 and 1963, comprise 75 million or 29% of the U.S. population. Canada has 6 million Boomies. According to the Christian Science Monitor, “While no one knows the precise number of full-timers, they are believed to make up a significant tribe. The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds estimates that about 200,000 Americans qualify as full-timers.”

Chapter chatter(Continued from Page 12)

The Underground Tour of Pendleton, OR, caught the attention of the Puget Sound Allegros. From 1860 until the 1950s, Asian Americans were not allowed on the city streets after dark. They dug tunnels instead.

Quirky Occurrences

David Cotton of the Puget Sound Allegros made a special presentation to Bob Tiffin, founder and CEO of Tiffin Motorhomes, during the Allegro Club’s Northwest Rally. Cotton presented

Tiffin a carpet knife that, during an Alaska trip, worked its way out of a space between cabinets and the windshield of the Cottons’ 1997 32-ft. Allegro. Tiffin returned the tool to the plant in Red Bay (in his checked luggage, not his carry-on bag). The Lucky 7 Allegros of Las Vegas recruited well. Ed Bennett served not only as wagonmaster but chef as well for a recent campout. Turns out Bennett has competed in chili cookoffs and that’s what he served. “I pledge allegiance to… Abe’s wind-sock?” The San Diego Allegros didn’t have flags handy for a campout at Tucalota Springs RV Resort. We hope Abe’s windsock was the good old Stars and Stripes. Murphy’s Law does not discriminate, according to the Suncoast Allegros. Lightning struck Bay Bayou RV Resort in Tampa, knocking out power in two

coaches. “After a couple hours of pushing buttons and praying, they were able to get everything reset. We are happy no one was hurt,” reports Jeanie Lynch, chapter secretary. Lynch also won the campout fishing contest, but she admits she was the only camper with a fishing rod and no one else knew about the contest until Lynch caught a fish.

Mailbox issue a hassle for full-timers in Tennessee

14 SIDE ROADS

Tiffin leads all brands in reliability, quality, price, design RED BAY, AL – In vehicle reliability/quality, competitive price/value, vehicle design and the five other criteria of dealer satisfaction, Tiffin Motorhomes led all motorhome brands in the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association’s 2007 industry-wide survey. Tiffin was one of only five motorhome manufacturers to receive the RVDA’s coveted Quality Circle Award for 2007. Tiffin has been honored with the Quality Circle nine of the 12 years it has been presented by the RVDA. A total of 527 RV dealers submitted 3,020 ratings in the 2007 satisfaction survey. In addition to the quality, reliability, price and design categories, Tiffin exceeded the ratings of all manufacturers in parts support, dealership warranty support, overall dealership communications, sales support and sales territory. For the first time in the 14-year history of the dealer satisfaction survey, the RVDA asked dealers the “Ultimate Question:” How likely would you be to recommend this brand to a friend (in a different market) to handle at his/her dealership?” A total of 84.4% of dealers responded positively on Tiffin, while only 42.4% of dealers responded positively for all motorhome manufacturers. When negative responses to the question were deleted to calculate

“Net Promoter Scores,” Tiffin’s 81.3% mark was even more dramatic compared with the 12.2% for all motorhome manufacturers. The “Ultimate Question” and the “Net Promoter Score” were developed by Fred Reichheld, recognized by Consulting Magazine as one of the world’s top 25 consultants. Reichheld helps clients achieve superior results through improvements in customer, employee, partner, and investor loyalty. He is considered a pioneer in quantification of links among loyalty, profits and growth. For Bob Tiffin, founder and president of Tiffin Motorhomes, the Quality Circle Award and the overwhelming dominance in the dealer satisfaction survey are gratifying but not surprising. “Since we began building motorhomes 36 years ago, we have built our reputation on quality, customer service and innovation,” Tiffin said. “We have about 1,100 employees dedicated to our philosophy. Every time a customer, a dealer or a supplier recognizes our effort, we are humbled and thankful. Then we go back to serving up the motorhomes our customers have come to expect from us.” Tiffin produces gas- and diesel-powered Allegro Class A motorhomes in five model lines: Allegro, Allegro Bay, Phaeton, Allegro Bus and Zephyr. For more information, visit www.tiffinmotorhomes.com.

De-winterize your coach in the spring thaw The following checklist is used by Tiffin service technicians for de-winterizing: Connect water hose to city water connection. Close holding tank gate valves. Place water valve to tank fill and put some water in the tank. With low-point drain valves and pump drain open turn on water pump and flush out antifreeze. Close drain valves and place water valve to city water. Close faucets and allow water to fill heater. Open faucets to allow air to escape. Turn on water heater switch and 110 breaker at breaker box. For additional information, contact the Tiffin Service Department at 256-356-0261.

The 40 QTH Phaeton sports a wider entry door plus optional freestanding dinette and Euro recliner with computer end table. The base retail price is $229,200.

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

OH TV

OPTIONALWASHERDRYER

QUEENBED

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STEP36"SHOWER

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OVERHEAD CABINET

OVERHEAD CABINET

OVERHEAD CABINET

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OVERHEADCABINET

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OVERHEAD CABINET

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OHC 26" LCD TV

OPTIONAL32" LCD TV

CONVECTIONMICROWAVE

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TSTA

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ENTE

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Phaeton 40 QTHWatching TV(Continued from Page 3)

New Allegro Club merchandise available Building your spring Allegro Club wardrobe? Check out the new line of merchandise on the Tiffin website at http://tiffinmotorhomes.com/tiffinowners/allegroclubMerch.php or

contact Verbon Jones in the Allegro Club office at verbon.jones@tiffinmotorhomes.com or 256-356-8522 to have a printed catalog mailed to you.

SIDE ROADS 15

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

REQUESTED

PRESORTED STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT # 159BIRMINGHAM, AL

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

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

Become an Al legro Club member or update your address info

Names:

Nickname for Allegro Club ID badge #1:

Nickname for Allegro Club ID badge #2:

Email:

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

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

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

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

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Sunny and Tweedy just flew away with the first place honors as the smallest pets riding in a Tiffin Motorhome. Their owners, Joyce and george beardSlee

of pineallaS park, fl, say the feathered RVers love to travel in the Beardslees’ 1996 Allegro Bay and look forward to their once-a-day flying around the interior. The Beardslees will receive a prize package from the Allegro Club, and it’s nicer than birdseed. We seldom recognize runners-up in our contests, but we will make an exception for Sophie. Sure, Sunny and Tweedy have her beaten size-wise, but how many parakeets can drive a 42-ft. 2006 Allegro Bus? george rogers and Susan Malfatti-rogers of Melbourne, fl, offer this proud photographic proof. Close, but no dog biscuit, Sophie.

Victory is tweet for smallest pets

Email your entry along with your name, address and phone number to allegroclub@tiffinmotorhomes.com. Please, only one entry per household. The Allegro Club is not responsible for lost entries. The judges will select the winner by May 1 for announcement in the June issue of Side Roads. The winner will receive a prize package from the Allegro Club.

Our new contest question does not have a right or a wrong answer, but creativity, imagination, sincerity and thoughtfulness must be summoned from within if you are to win the prize. We want you to name the person – alive or deceased, real or fictitional, famous or not – with whom you would most enjoy taking a trip in your Tiffin motorhome. We readily acknowledge that the decision of our judges will be subjective, so it’s up to you to earn their votes. Please, no more than 50 words to name your traveling companion and explain why.

Chapter #181 Pelican Allegros of LouisianaArea: Louisiana Meeting Weekend: 2ndPresident: Val DomingueEmail: vdomingue@bellsouth.net Phone: 337-984-0636

Chapter #182 Northwest Florida AllegrosArea: Pensacola Meeting Weekend: 2ndPresident: Ward EngelhardEmail: wardjr@earthlink.net Phone: 850-944-2418

New Allegro Chapters