June 15, 2023
We were really looking forward to our first Tiffin rally. Our purpose in going was threefold:
- To learn more about our motorhome
- To purchase upgrades and accessories
- To meet other Tiffin Motorhome owners to share experiences and knowledge
The rally in Amana, Iowa began on June 11. Each day there were many seminars to choose from, all throughout the day. We decided to split up and go to separate ones, so that we could see as many as possible. The presentations were very good and we learned a lot of new things. I suspect that we’ll always be learning, even if we continue the RV life for many years.
The credit card remained warm during the week. Our main purchase was to install Proteng fire suppression system in key areas of our RV to invest in our safety. These white tubes with red caps are the Proteng fire suppression system THIA tubes which are customized for each RV using the appropriate tube lengths and heat scenarios.
Check out this You Tube Video from NIRVC sharing the details for Proteng: Video
We also purchased a dash camera, dashboard carpeting cover, and tire covers. In addition we arranged for SuperSteer Safe-T-Plus Independent Front Suspension to be installed when we arrive in Niagara Falls area in July 2023. If we were ever to have a front steer tire blow out, this Safe-T-Plus can help to keep control to safely stop the vehicle (along with better track steering ability).
We also decided to lease a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) simulator to avoid any chance of being stranded due to the known DEF sensor issues nation-wide on newer diesel engines of trucks and RV’s. The DEF was meant to address emissions laws, but has been an ongoing issue for quite a few years. Our understanding is the ammonia, intended to reduce emissions, actually corrodes the sensors meant to operate the system and when this DEF sensor faults it then degrades the engine operation eventually down to 5 MPH (which is commonly referred to as limp mode). If you shut off your engine during limp mode you could be stranded. The simulator is then used to over-ride the system allowing you to get to the diesel engine mechanic who can order and install the replacement part, so that you can move on with limited disruption and avoid the expensive heavy duty tow truck.
With all that talk about our purchases, we have to say we had a lot of fun too. There were group dinners and evening entertainment. We spent time with our neighbors at the campground and went to dinner with them one night. We learn a lot from people in these types of informal gatherings. Other events included a parade of military veterans, a dog parade, fireworks, ice cream socials and a hot air balloon ride.
The new 2024 models we on display for the first time. They are beautiful, but not exactly in our current budget! In one of the new motor homes, we were surprised to see Bob Tiffin, sitting in there alone, and had a nice chat with him. As everyone who has ever met Bob knows, he is an impressive man and a true gentleman.
We enjoyed each session and took away a lot of nuggets from each workshop.
We were able to take a ride down the street to see the old Amish town, Amana, and check out the current shops. The General Store was a favorite with a dedicated space for Christmas decor. There was so much more to see…..Sian LOVED it!
The rally was all that we expected, and we will plan to go to others in the future if we find ourselves in the same part of the country as the rally.
Our first stop after the Tiffin Rally was the cute lakeside town South Haven, Michigan, where we enjoyed some down time staying at Sunny Brook RV Park.
We then traveled east stopping overnight at a Harvest Host location, American Winery & Brewery in Wauseon, OH, where a band was entertainment for the evening.
