The Tiffin Campground at Tiffin's Repair Facility, where we are staying, is at the edge of town, so we had to drive in to near downtown Red Bay where the factory is located. We parked at the Welcome Center where we met our tour guide, Red Davis, who began by giving us some history of the company and showing a film about the manufacturing process.
After the introduction, we walked to the main plant, which is a huge building. As there was activity in only part of the space, we were told that last year they were producing 13 units a day, but with the economy being so slow, they are now only producing 3 units a day. That's a big drop in activity and sales, but at least they are still operating, which can't be said for a lot of motor home manufacturers today.
To produce a motor home, they start with the chassis which is purchased from Freightliner or Spartan , or manufactured in Tiffin's Chassis Shop. The tanks, wiring, and plumbing is then added below the floor level.
. . . then the floor is added along with ceramic, vinyl, or carpet floor covering.
. . . then cabinets, fixtures, and appliances are set in place.
. . . then the sides and roof are manufactured.
. . . then the slide outs are constructed with all cabinetry and appliances installed.
. . . then the sides and roof are attached, the slide outs are set in place, and finally the front and rear caps are attached.After the unit is fully assembled, it is subjected to a heavy water spray to test for leaks, then sent to the paint shop.
Next we were able to look at a unit just returned from the Paint Shop and undergoing final inspections . . . a unit similar to ours, but the new model. We were also able to go through the inside which, of course, had a lot of new innovations "The Bus" doesn't have.
Carole liked the kitchen better than hers . . . from now on I'll have a tough time keeping her out of the new ones . . . until she sees the $300,000 price tag!
Watching motor homes being assembled which will sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars was a fascinating experience, especially since we live in one . . . although definitely an older model . . . but operating and maintaining one gives me a great appreciation for what goes into manufacturing a motor home and the various technical systems incorporated into these units.
Touring "The Tiffin Factory" was a great experience. If anyone has the opportunity to tour a motor home manufacturing facility, I strongly recommend it.
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