A One-of-a-Kind Class A

The small town of Red Bay, Alabama, seems unassuming as you approach it from state Route 19 North. With a population of 3,184, and the largest nearby town of Tupelo over the border in Mississippi about 47 minutes away, the town is much like other rural Southern towns.

Except for when you turn onto 2nd Street Northwest.

That’s when you see dozens, if not hundreds, of recreational vehicles lined up next to mammoth manufacturing buildings and an impressive welcome center and office building, both beckoning visitors to come on in.

Welcome to the home of Tiffin Motorhomes, which Bob Tiffin has overseen since 1972.

At 82 years old, Bob still comes into the office every day — and early, too, usually arriving before anyone else. Watching him greet employees with a kind smile and handshake, I waited patiently to meet the RV industry legend myself one April day last spring. I admit that I was a wee bit nervous — meeting this business giant who, as CEO, runs the company with his grandsons Leigh Tiffin, president, and Trent Tiffin, national sales manager, along with his son Van.

Of course, as everyone had told me, there was no need to be nervous. Bob was welcoming and gracious, and I relished the opportunity to meet this Southern gentleman in person.

More Than a Figurehead

It’s clear he is a beloved figure of the company, so it was no wonder the company launched the “Bob Tiffin Limited Edition” in honor of his 82nd birthday to recognize all he has contributed to the Class A motorhome industry over the years.

With one-of-a-kind flooring that resembles cowhide, an aesthetically pleasing Southwest motif (a nod to Bob’s personal design tastes), and all the bells and whistles a Tiffin motorhome is known for (see sidebar below), by far the coolest feature (in this editor’s opinion) is that Bob personally signs a cabinet or door in each coach — you just have to find it.

It’s touches like this that have endeared Bob and the Tiffin brand to its dealer network and customers over the years.

Joel Logan, Tiffin’s senior vice president of operational support, says Bob’s example of servant leadership, plus a focus on end users, makes those relationships possible.

“We have to continue to be customer-driven,” Logan says. “We can’t control everything else.”

Southern Hospitality

One aspect of focusing on the customer is the company’s Allegro Club. This exclusive Tiffin Owners Club has member benefits and rallies every year, allowing Tiffin owners the chance to join a community of fellow RVers. Tiffin also has a welcome center in Red Bay for visitors who are bringing their coach in for repairs or upgrades. The service center has 50 bays and employs approximately 250 people. It is complete with a lounge area with snacks and beverages, a gift shop that includes Tiffin merchandise plus RV accessories one may need on the road, and last but not least, a pet area for customers to hang out with their furry friends.

This kind of Southern hospitality is evident in all of Tiffin’s employees, who exude warmth and kindness in their smiles. It’s clear that behind those smiles is a vision or ethos that has been passed down through years at Tiffin.

Logan has learned several mottos to live by during his time at Tiffin, he says, such as always being “coachable,” understanding that every problem has a solution, and to “do it once, do it well.”

Leading the company with the values of communication, a positive attitude and teamwork keeps the wellbeing and development of Tiffin’s employees at the forefront, as well. With locations in Mississippi and Winfield, Alabama, an hour’s drive from headquarters in Red Bay, one way that all employees hear announcements and stay connected is through Tiffin TV, which is aired in common areas at all locations.

“They want us to be great at what we do,” Logan says of Tiffin’s management. “It’s a challenge, but it’s an opportunity.”

Building Longtime Relationships

This same hands-on relationship is extended to Tiffin’s dealership network, says Jayne Fairley, national sales manager, Class A and Class C+. Bob started those relationships when the company was founded, she says, and that’s why many dealers continue to work with Tiffin.

“There’s nobody else that has that in the RV industry,” Fairley says.

Of course there are peaks and valleys in the RV industry, just like in every industry, Fairley says. But seeing the evolution of the industry — and the Tiffin brand — is rewarding. She refers to the recent surge of younger RVers coming to the market.

“Everybody can be a buyer. They want to get out and wander,” she says. “It’s fun to do what we do every day.”

In addition to attracting customers and those interested in how Tiffin does what they do, factory tours at its Red Bay location help to educate younger people about careers in RVing. Logan says the company hosts tours three days a week and typically sees 30 to 35 people at each tour. The company is also involved locally at council meetings, fundraisers, golf tournaments and more.

Tiffin’s human resources department has meetings with local high schools to reach out to a potential future workforce, and many people in the area see their parents working at Tiffin and follow in their footsteps.

“Not everyone wants to leave where they grew up,” Fairley says.

She’s been very happy to be a part of the Tiffin company, saying that it’s easy to uphold a brand that stands behind its products.

“I love the fact that I can do the right thing,” she says.

Logan agrees, mentioning the values of family and respect that the company stands for.

“Tiffin is the standard,” he says.

Bob Tiffin Limited Edition Allegro Bus 45 BTP

• GVWR: 52,000 pounds
• Exterior length: 45 feet
• Overall width: 101 inches
• Overall height: 13 feet, 3 inches
• Sleeps: 2 to 5
• AC: 15,000 Btu (3)
• Engine: Cummins L9 450 HP or 605 HP Diesel Engine
• Transmission: Allison 3000 MH 6-speed Automatic Transmission
• Chassis: PowerGlide Rear Engine Diesel Chassis or Freightliner PowerGlide XC Raised Rail Rear Engine Diesel Chassis
• Generator: 10.0-kW Onan Quiet Diesel Generator
• Storage Capacity: 257 cubic feet
• MSRP: $725,813

The coach is a tribute to founder Bob Tiffin and his 51 years (and counting) in the industry. The coach features two of Bob’s favorite things: his love of the desert Southwest U.S. and his passion for Packard automobiles, integrated throughout the coach in the decor and accents. The exterior paint depicts a Rocky Mountain scene, while the slide facia resembles the grille of his favorite car: a Packard. There will only be 82 of the limited edition models produced, in honor Bob’s 82 years. The limited edition Allegro Bus comes standard with Starlink and has three slideouts, a Girard powered door awning with LED lighting, a lightweight entry door with screen and seats nine to 12. The exterior has three options: Cinderwood, Nasa and Waterfall. The interior decor package, dubbed Great Smoky Mountains, features Southwestern motif throw pillows, five cabinet-color choices and intricately designed tile flooring.