Well this post has been a long time coming. That is because, well, we have been exhausted after going through all of this. We needed some time not only to move into the coach, but also to have some items that came up taken care of. Throughout all that, we really were not in the mood to do the videos as one could expect.
After a few days of decompression in a town park, see previous post, we have finally produced the videos we needed to finally close out this experience. So we proudly present them now.
NOTICE: These videos are long for videos on YouTube. So bandwidth is a consideration if you are RV’ing currently. Even though long, we feel that if you are looking at purchasing a new coach you will be spending a good amount of money. As such, the time it takes to watch these videos we hope you consider time well spent. So get a cup of coffee or something more to your liking, and call your loved one to watch with you….It’s show time. Remember…you can use the icons at the bottom right side of the video to go full screen and control the quality.
(We were not paid by Tiffin or anyone for these videos in any way, shape or form. All production costs etc for this past complete build series on our blog were incurred by us as these were made in hopes of helping others. We hope you will share this with others that may also have an interest.)
FINAL VIDEOS: 2014 TIFFIN ALLEGRO BUS 45LP BUILD
COMPLETE TIME LAPSE OF THE BUILD: The below video is 11 minutes and 30 seconds long but covers the complete built construction of our 45LP Allegro Bus. From build station one all the way to the drive to the dealer for delivery. It is 13 days compressed down to 11:30 via the use of time lapse images that were taken every 10 seconds. We hope you enjoy this video as it was quite the undertaking in time and will power.
SHOULD YOU BE ONSITE FOR THE BUILD?: If you are going to have a coach built, a Tiffin coach as we know of no others that allow for this, and you are wondering what it is like to be onsite and what to expect, we hope this video helps not only answer such questions, but also why you should be onsite. We made this video as we had been asked time and time again was it worth it to be at the factory for the build. So we cover some tips and also the overall experience and we hope your questions are answered in this video The run time is 8 minutes and 30 seconds.
THE INTERIOR WALK THROUGH: In this video we take you on a tour of our new home. Now this video is the longest of the all at about 29 minutes! It shows you the inside of our 2014 45LP Allegro Bus that has finely been setup as our new home. We talk about some of the changes we made to the coach that are not standard and also point out some items we hope that Tiffin considers for the future. Even though the video is long, it does move along and does show the coach from the point of view of the owners vs an on-line dealer video. We are not trying to sell you a coach, but only how it all ended up after we moved in and give you a different view than a sales view. We do not go over everything! We really did this for our family and friends who will not be able to see our new home for some time. We hope you enjoy this ONE TAKE, unedited video as we take you through our new home.
We hope you have enjoyed the the blog entries on the build process of our new home. It was a labor of love for sure to make this. It was a great time to say the least and we would surely do it again. We made a lot of new friends long the way and even learned a thing or two. To all that were involved, thank you. To all that followed along, thank you. To all that sent us notes of support and concerns, thank you.
And to our loving family and friends who miss us greatly, thank you the most for your understanding as to why we are on this journey.
(Please feel free to share this page to anyone considering Tiffin as a manufacturer. It shows the complete build and the other two personal videos. Of course all the blog entries will remain for anyone wanted to see it all in more detail. The complete build series can be found here.)
Do you consider yourselves “More or Less picky” than most people. when one spends hundreds of thousand dollar one does have the “RIGHT” to expect things be done correctly. We enjoyed your series on the build. I doubt if I would have the patience to go through the entire build as you did. After all the time, energy and just plain old waiting for completion you will really enjoy the fruits of you labor. congratulations on finally getting to move in and enjoy. thanks again for the series.
Hi….I would not say that we are “picky” but I will say we would expect things to be correctly made or installed correctly. I would hope, and think, anyone would be like that when talking about such an expense. This is our home after all, but even if it was not, it is a lot of money as you pointed out. :)
Thank you for doing this, I know it is a lot of work and time. It is very valuable to see how RV’s are made, Enjoy your rig and long awaited rest.
Thank you for all this. What was the total time from the day you signed the purchase order to the time you left Red Bay for the last time? You have left, right?
Got the order at the start of December. The coach was done in March. We still are waiting on a new fan clutch but also had a few other items taken care of. We are not currently at Red Bay, but will be going back for the new clutch.
We love your videos and blog, thanks for doing them !!
We have ordered a 2016 Allegro Bus 45OP and plan to be in Red Bay for at least three days of the build.
We were wondering what issues came up for you that required a trip or more back to Red Bay ? And could these issues been handled at a local dealer ?
Hi…First off, you are welcome. Second, congrats on your order!
If you are new to being a coach owner then you may not know that even though we pay a lot for these homes. they do no come without issues. You will be back to a dealer or Red Bay service. In our case, the major thing we had was bad A/C’s. This was not the fault of Tiffin, but a bad batch of units from the A/C manufacturer. Even though we went back to Red Bay for our service needs, any Tiffin dealer surely should have been able to handle it. I however like to do things myself, and as such, I usually reason out to service and they send me the needed part. We surely had other things come up here and their, but nothing major and nothing that was not handled either by me or as we passed by Red Bay.
We hope that we somehow helped you make your choice on the 45OP. If so, please be sure to let Mr. Bob Tiffin know or his son Tim. :)
Hi David & Brenda, We have been following your build since day one. We would like to thank you for all of the information and videos. What an excellent video to wrap things up with.We were much impressed with your creativity and the changes made from the standard coach. Thanks once again and safe travels. Bob & Diane P.
Thanks guys! We are glad you enjoyed it the series on the build. We hope it will help others.
Great videos — really amazing, thank you!
You are the reason we are placing a deposit on a new 45LP this morning.
Nice! Congrats and I am glad it seems we helped you make your choice.
hey David I like the leds lights in side where can I buy a set like yours and are they Remote control so please let me know thanks
Hi…Those I got from Amazon… Here is a link to the package that I used as it comes with a 12V plug you can just attached to the 12V line they have already for the current LED’s. http://www.amazon.com/LEMONBEST-Water-resistant-300LEDs-Flexible-Controller/dp/B00AJJDLHQ/?tag=af037-20&linkCode=w10&linkId=
can I put the leds on my street sport bike
I do not see why not. (Check local laws) But it is 12 vote and thus you could be used on anything with 12v. But the ones I mentioned above are not water proof. For outside use you would want LEDs that are in an IP68 casing vs IP58 as the ones are above.
You journey through Red Bay and your documenting of the build process have absolutely helped us. When the time and finances are right, we will be at Red Bay to follow our couch. Thank you for the excellent documentary.
You guys have to be happy to have the dream come true. Does it feel good to finally be settled in and getting down to a routine? Have Fun!
David and Brenda, I have been following your build since the very beginning, and can only say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, you videos, pictures and dialogue have been a constant source of GOOD INFORMATION and Knowledge from an owner that lives in their TIFFIN. You have added many features that I am sure will be in the New models and I for one will benefit from your due diligence and hands on experience. Again THANK YOU, and HAPPY TRAILS UNTIL WE MEET ON THE ROAD AGAIN… Bubba & Debra Roberts
Thanks for sharing these new videos! Your coach really is nice, congratulations, and best wishes to you both for many joyous years in it!
David and Brenda thanks for everything. We purchased a 2014 45lp in Feb. in Palm Desert someone else ordered and backed out. Love it. This is our 2nd Allegro Bus. Can you tell me the difference in the Villa couch. My wife likes it because she is short but I usually sit in the chair drag it out a ways when watching TV. I live in Oregon and wonder if we could possibly order one and install it with my contractors help. Thanks Bill and Carole
Hi…Yes, great coach thus far. Just want to get on the road with it more. LOL In regard to the couch, the main differences are a higher back, the pull out seat area is the same size as the other section vs being 3/5 inches smaller, much more cushion in the cushion as they as a little thicker, and no foot rests for it had it made with ottomans. (they are also for storage and can flip the top of them for a table/tray.)
As far as getting a “bott couch” (Hey, Ralph Lauren does it. LOL) You could try calling either Tiffin or Villa to inquire about how and costs. It will fit in your couch, however, the end table (aka cup holder area) up by the driver seat will need to be removed and the inside edge cut back to about 1/2 the size so it will fit in. (More or less reducing ones side of the back side of it so it will move towards the drive seat to make room for the couch.) That is what we needed to have done and all worked out well.
Sorry not sure whom to contact directly. Villa may or may not know what you are talking about based on whom you may get. Same goes for Tiffin but you can try Danny Inman who was the sales rep my dealer has. But be aware…It is a special order and thus a special build as it is not something that is in production. As such, you will more than likely pay higher costs than normal.
We really hope Tiffin chooses to use the design as we have been getting a lot of emails and questions on it. A lot!
Thanks for the info will talk it over with the wife. Bill
Outstanding job on documenting the experience. One of the best things you did was the final two videos that are just RV’ers talking to other RV’ers. Why do we say this? WE JUST PUT IN AN ORDER FOR A BUS! We are very grateful you both took the time to do this as we were on the fence with Tiffin vs Enterga. After these last few videos, the order is in. (Just like Bill above.) Thank you for helping us make a final choice and thank you for being so open in your thoughts. It made the difference.
Your thoughts and ideas for space and other features you had were again outstanding. Tiffin should ask you to take at look a future designs. We know we all have ideas, and that all ideas do not fit all people, but you at least look at it from living in a coach vs a designer who more than likely has really never used one other than a weekend which is not the same. And being younger coach owners you have your eyes on the future and technology needs in a coach.
Thank you again. We will keep reading. What’s next?
David and Brenda: You two are such a wonderful couple I just had to write a comment about the entire series on the making of your coach. You have provided so much insight on this process. Thank you so much!
That is so kind of you to say. Thank you for taking the time to post a comment. Glad you the series and our blog entries.
Thanks for sharing! What campground were you at when you did the aerial video?
It is McFarland Park in Florence, AL. It is a town park that is very nice.
Congratulations on your new coach! We were at Red Bay at the same time you were but we never ran into you. We were watching our 42 foot Phaeton being built. We are from Virginia but now on the road in Colorado starting our national parks tour. Perhaps we will meet you on the road one day. I have a blog for family/friends as noted below if you are interested in comparing experiences. Happy Trails!! Bob and Cathie Lane
Congrats David & Brenda! Your build series and videos have blown me away regarding how Tiffin handles the building and customer service of their Coaches. Completely sold me on our next MH being a Tiffin, and we’re really in love with the 45LP floor plan.
I’m curious.. in your video you state that you upgraded the Induction Cooktop… Could you share the Brand/Model# for both the Tiffin provided and the one you chose to upgrade to? Also, not sure if it’s anything you discussed with the Tiffin group, but any insight on if the Zypher shower could be substituted in the 45LP Allegro Bus? (Square shower vs the rounded glass shower).
Thanks in advance!
Michael J. Kidd
Hi…Yes, we are so excited we are actually on the road now! See the LIVE CAM page to see where we are. :) Glad also that it helped you with your choice for the future. We know of 9 coached, 8 of which were 45LP’s, that were ordered based on our coverage. Was not the intent, but very cool. The sad part, we make no money for it. LOL
The cooktop that Tiffin uses in an induction cooktop, however it is no a quality one. When you cook on it, it acts more like a microwave when it comes to power. So when you are on full power, you are at 100%. But when you lower it to say 50%, it does not reduce the power by 50%, instead, like a microwave, it will turn it on 100% and then off for X time, then back on 100% again and so on and so fourth. This as you may guess makes it very hard to simmer or cook cook something on low. I am not even sure on whom they use. Do not be confused by “Schott Ceran” on it, as that is the glass manufacturer and not the cook top manufacturer.
The one we put in is a Fagor model IFA30AL. It fits the opening made for the Tiffn and uses the same type of power. You just need to put an end on it as it comes ready to be hardwired. The issue however, and I hate to say this, is that they currently are not being made as they were discontinued last year by Fagor. I am not sure what the replacement model is nor am I sure on what other owners may have found to use as a replacement. (I do know that people look as the Tiffin one is not that great.) We had ours for 2 months before the coach went into production, it was that important to have one to us. There cooktop is $300 retail (I did find it at one time) and the Fagor was $900. That kind of spells it out.
The sad part is that for those who have never used an induction cooktop, they do not know that what is installed is not correct. They either think it is great not knowing it could be much better, or they think it is horrible and denounce induction cooktops. Let me go on record here…”INDUCTION COOKTOPS ARE OUTSTANDING!!!” That is as long as you have one that offers variable power use. Ours will go from 50 watts to 2700! Thus real control. It can bring water to a boil for pasta in 3 mins! (Not kidding)
Side note…You also must have cookware that is for induction. We used T-Fail that we bought on Amazon. Hope this helps.
Thanks very much for the response!
In looking at the Fagor (and many other 2 burner induction cooktops), It appears that they’re rated for 220volt operation, not 110. I realize that 50amp outlets have 2 legs of 110volt, but they’re not guaranteed to be on different phases at RV Parks since the standard is just 2 x 110v poles.
Is this something that is problematic, or does it simply need 2 separate 110v circuits, one for each burner due to the current draw?
Thanks again,
Michael J. Kidd
It it just the way it is wired with more or less two 110 lines. Not an issue. Only issue is that you can not use it on 30amp power. So we still carry a standalone single induction cooktop.
Thank you for the chronicle of your RV purchase experience. I read thru the Winnebago problem list and was shocked. We are not going to look at a Winnebago again. Tiffin was always on the top of our list. We presently own a 2012 Newmar gasser. We are happy with the quality. However, I have been pressing the wife to move up to a Diesel pusher.
Thanks again for sharing your experience. You probably saved us from making a mistake.
John and Paula
More than welcome. Tiffin is a great company to work with. We are so pleased with our 45LP Bus as it seems made for full time living. Good luck with “the talk”. :)
Hi, folks! Just learned of your blog thru another RVer. We are looking at the Allrgro RED 37 PA. You r videos have given us more info. Thank you so much! We hope to be at the factory in a couple of days. Looking forward to it! Safe travels!
Hi…Glad you found our context helpful. Enjoy your tour at Red Bay.
David & Brenda,
We appreciate the detailed reviews of your coach!! My wife, kids, and I actually visited D & N Camper Sales in Memphis, TN to test drive an Allegro Bus 45 OP 8.9L ISL last year. We hope to order one when the 2017 slots open up.
The ISL’s 450hp/1,250lb-ft seemed sufficient during the test drive with just five passengers and no gear, but I’m wondering if the engine will struggle when loaded and while flat towing my 9,000lb Ram Megacab 3500 single rear wheel 4×4 (I know, not the best toad, but it’s paid for). We live in the Nashville, TN area so there are a few hills. Given your towing experience, how would the 15L 600hp/1,950lb-ft ISX have influenced your engine choice had it been an option on your 45LP.
Thanks, Baron & Melanie L.
Hey Baron,
I know David will weigh in as well, but thought I’d pitch in my 2 cents..
I have a 2016 Allegro Bus 45OP and had (up until Oct) towed a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee which weighed about 6000 lbs.. I had no want for any more power than the 450HP ISL 8.9L engine.
I have since switched to towing a 20′ enclosed trailer with a Tesla Model S inside ( about 9000 lbs total ). Again, no issues at all. There are certainly hills where I’m not holding the speed limit, but so far, I’ve still been faster than the tractor-trailers.
In my opinion, I would not pay the extra $80k that the optional Freightliner w/ 600HP engine costs.
Happy Camping!
Michael
Hi…IMHO, and as Michael mentioned, $80k can buy a lot of fuel. In our case, we hit major climbs only about 5% of our travels. In those climbs we can still do 45 mph so we are with the semi’s. Seeing then we will be going downhill after that, then we save the fuel used to go up. :) So while TN has some nice climbs, IMHO, I would not spend the $80K they want for the 600HP engine. BTW…we do about 7.9 MPG average.
Michael and David,
THANK YOU so much for your responses. I can’t tell you how many RV blogs and reviews I have researched trying to find an answer(s) that I could reasonably apply to my anticipated situation. Needless to say that I’ve found both Turtle Herding and Outside Our Bubble to be great sources of useful information…and down right fun too!
Hi Guys,
First of all can I say how much I have enjoyed experiencing your RV journey with you.
You have an amazing home (On Wheels) I applaud you for taking the risk and becoming modern day travellers. Watching your videos from the beginning to recent events has convinced me that I should do the same . So I have sold the house the car even thought about selling the wife… Oops.. unfortunately even i cant make the impossible happen. haha.
My next job is to fly out to the states have a look at some RV manufacturers and decide what one im going to have …I will stay out there while my mobile palace is being built until delivery day ..
I have even got a shipper on standby you see I am from the UK so the cost will be a little different to yours i guess but that doesn’t bother me.. We are on this planet for such a little time and there is so much to see and do while i am able too.
My plan is to tour home Europe and the states and Canada..so watch this space..
Thank you both so very much for giving the kick I so badly needed..
All the best for the future..
Peter
From South UK.