The Next Chapter: Service Begins

29 Jun

Monday Morning at the Bob Tiffin Service Center -June 22, 2026

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Monday morning came early. Our appointment was scheduled for 7:00 a.m. in Bay #11, where we would meet with our service technician and review the list of items that needed attention. Nothing major, butenough to keep the technicians busy.

Our technician explained which repairs could be completed in Bay 11 and which would require the expertise of other departments throughout the Tiffin facility.

Besides the minor items, we had a paint issue. We had a paint bubble located on the front cap of the coach that would need to be evaluated and repaired by the paint specialists in the paint shop. 

Another item on our list involved the dinette table. We wanted it cut down to better fit our needs and create a little more living space inside the coach. That project would be completed by the cabinet shop.

By the end of our first appointment, we had a much better understanding of the process. Some repairs would happen immediately, while others would be scheduled as the appropriate technicians became available. It wasn’t simply a matter of parking in one bay and having everything completed there.

Tuesday Morning- Prestige Paint – Belmont, MSJune 23, 2026

Saved by the Clear Coat! 

The bubble on our coach’s front cap was frustrating and we feared the worst—a time-consuming full repaint. We were advised to take the coach to Prestige Paint in Belmont, and we are so glad we did!

After peeling back the Diamond Shield, the team discovered the bubble was, thankfully, just in the clear coat, not the base paint. Instead of a weeks-long project, they were able to buff out the clear coat and reapply the Diamond Shield. We were in and out in just five hours. It was a huge win for our schedule!

Taking Advantage of Red Bay’s Local Craftsmen

One of the advantages of bringing a Tiffin coach to Red Bay is the community of talented craftsmen and independent vendors that has grown the up around the factory.  These vendors offer custom accessories and modifications specifically designed for Tiffin motorhomes.

While we were waiting for our service appointments, we decided to take advantage of a couple of these local businesses.

Our first stop was to have a custom floor mat made for the cockpit area and entry steps. The custom fit was exactly what we were hoping for.

The second project was adding a protective cover for the exterior entry keypad. Since the keypad is exposed to the elements year-round, a cover helps shield it from rain, sun, and road grime while still allowing easy access. It was a simple modification, but one that should help preserve the keypad for years to come.

Both projects were completed quickly and professionally, reminding us why so many Tiffin owners schedule time with these independent vendors whenever they visit Red Bay. 

With a few days to kill between service appointments in Red Bay, we made a few short day trips… Florence AB, Huntsville AB, Fulton MS, Tuscumbia AB. 

Lunch at Guy’s Place on the Water (Fulton, MS)June 24,2026

For a relaxing lunch, we crossed the state line into Mississippi and headed to Guy’s Place on the Water at the Midway Marina in Fulton. Sitting right on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.The food was good and we even had a view of a barge!

Sunday Funday at the Rattlesnake Saloon (Tuscumbia, AL)June 28,2026

We saved the most unique experience for Sunday. Tucked into the foothills of Tuscumbia is the legendary Rattlesnake Saloon.

There is nothing quite like hitching a ride down into the gorge on the back of a pickup truck to find a restaurant built completely underneath a massive, natural stone bluff shelter. Between the the chuckwagon burgers, and the live acoustic music, it was the perfect end to our weekend.

A Scenic Drive Home on the Natchez Trace Parkway

After enjoying lunch at the Rattlesnake Saloon, we weren’t quite ready to head straight back to Red Bay. Instead, we chose the scenic route and spent part of the drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The parkway is one of those roads that encourages you to slow down. With no commercial traffic, billboards, or stoplights, it offers a peaceful drive through forests, rolling hills, and beautiful countryside.

Waiting for the Final Piece

It’s hard to believe we’ve now been in Red Bay for a full week.

Looking back, we’ve accomplished quite a bit. The warranty items are steadily being addressed, we’ve added a few custom upgrades to the coach, explored the surrounding communities, enjoyed some unique local restaurants, and become much more familiar with our new home on wheels.

Now we’re waiting for what we hope will be one of our final appointments.

The cabinet shop has our table modification on the schedule, and we’re hoping to get in on Tuesday. Once the table is cut down and finished, it will complete one of the last items on our punch list. 

We will have to return to Red Bay one more time.  During the build of our coach, the incorrect Starlink was installed.  We will have to return for the correct installation once the Starlink unit arrives.  It should arrive sometime in July.

As much as we’ve enjoyed discovering the Red Bay area, we’re anxious to continue our journey. Buying a new coach is exciting, but the real adventure will begin when we finally point it toward our next destination and start making memories on the open road.

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