We take the extra time to craft your VanLeigh Fifth Wheel with the greatest attention to detail.
We like to approach our work with a quality-over-quantity attitude.
Bob Tiffin: a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and the visionary founder of Tiffin Motorhomes. Born on March 5, 1942, he celebrates his 82nd birthday today, March 5, 2024. Throughout the years, one aspect of his character has remained steadfast and holds true to this day – his unwavering loyalty and strong work ethic.
In 1941, in the small North Alabama town of Red Bay, Bob Tiffin’s father, Alex, began the Tiffin legacy with the establishment of Tiffin Supply Company. This store was a one-stop-shop for all your house-building and furnishing needs. A year later, in March 1942, Bob Tiffin was born to Alex and his wife, Katie. During his boyhood, Bob enjoyed playing football with the local boys, eventually becoming part of the Red Bay football team. Their remarkable success included winning every game except one in 1959, followed by an undefeated season the following year.
As Bob matured, he actively contributed to his father’s business. In 1965, the family business expanded with the acquisition of a cutting-edge cotton gin. At just 23 years old, Bob took charge of its operations under the guidance of his father, Alex. He took to the machinery and management like it was second nature. Fast forward to 1972, and Tiffin Motorhomes was born in the heart of Red Bay, Alabama.
Bob has two younger siblings, his brother David and sister Beulah, both of whom still reside in Red Bay. David is known for making regular visits to Bob’s office. In Bob’s younger years, he developed an interest in a young Judy, who was a few grades younger than him. Recounting their courtship, he shares that he was the pursuer, and after some persistence, Judy agreed to go on a date. The rest, as they say, is history! Those who meet Mrs. Judy quickly understand why Bob fell in love with her, and to this day, he remains smitten. Judy is characterized by her intelligence, humor, kindness, creativity, and undeniable beauty, both inside and out.
Bob and Judy tied the knot in 1961, and together they have three children: Tim, Van, and Lex. Each of their children has blessed them with grandchildren, and some of the grandchildren, in turn, have brought great-grandchildren into their lives. All three sons have worked for the business at some point in their lives, and Mrs. Judy still has a desk at the office, right beside Bob’s.
Judy played a key role in Tiffin Motorhomes with the iconic name “Allegro.” The summer before September 1972 , Bob tasked Judy with selecting a brand name. The criteria was clear: it had to start with the letter “A” to secure a spot at the top of dealer trader books. Judy instantly proposed “Allegro.” The name not only carries musical connotations, signifying an increase in tempo, but it also embodies sentiments of happiness and liveliness. Since the birth of the Allegro name, our product line has expanded to include a diverse range such as Open Road Allegro, Allegro Bay, Allegro Red, Allegro Breeze, Allegro Bus, Phaeton, Byway, Wayfarer, Midas, GH1, and Zephyr. This growth is a testament to the shared vision of Bob and Judy Tiffin. Beyond the motorhomes, the Allegro Club is the official owners group of Tiffin Motorhomes and Vanleigh RV. The club is a Tiffin community where the benefits are endless.
Bob’s appreciation for vehicles goes beyond motorhomes; he is an avid collector of vintage cars, with a particular fondness for Packards. Housing his prized collection in multiple car barns, Bob likes attending car shows, showcasing his passion for classic automobiles. To add a personal touch, Bob and Judy have given names upon each car in their collection. This tradition originated from Judy’s practical solution – faced with the challenge of recalling car number during maintenance, she opted to assign names instead. Now, everyone working on these cars refers to them by their given names.
Bob is also known to have a fascination with steam engines. Growing up he would hangout at the Train Depot in town and watch as the trains rolled in and out. He loved when they came through and stopped at the water tower, where the engines were filled.
As mentioned earlier regarding Bob’s younger days and his involvement in football, it comes as no surprise he’s also a devoted college football fan. In 1946, football games weren’t televised yet, but radio stations broadcasted them. Theaters in Alabama served as venues for gatherings to listen to the game plays together. The two teams playing in the 1946 Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, California featured the Alabama Crimson Tide vs. the Southern California Trojans. Bama, undefeated that year, won that game 34-14. In 1977, Bama and Auburn played the Iron Bowl in Birmingham and Alabama won that game 48-21. These were the two games that as Bob would say “set him on fire” for the Crimson Tide!
Strengthening his Crimson Tide loyalty, Bob and Judy’s children all attended the University of Alabama. Their middle child, Van Tiffin, would go on to attend the University, and become their primary placekicker from 1983-1986. Van holds the school record for longest converted field goal, with a successful 57-yard attempt against Texas A&M in 1985. Bob’s grandson and Van’s son, Leigh, also attended the University, serving as the placekicker for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2006-2009. Leigh was only the second kicker in Alabama football history to make two 50+ yard field goals in a game, following in his father’s footsteps.
The Tiffin family’s connection to the University extends beyond the field. Over the years, they have generously donated to the institution. Bob, in particular, used to contribute a motorhome annually for the Bama Cheer Team’s travel to games. He even personally transported the cheerleaders to a Penn State game in a Tiffin Motorhome on a one time occasion.
Bob is widely recognized for his unwavering commitment to Tiffin customers, valuing each individual and standing by his word when it comes to supporting his products. The roots of this dedication can be traced back to his father’s business, the Tiffin Supply Store. Bob recalls a specific washer brand the store carried, which consistently required repairs. Despite their efforts, the store couldn’t resolve the issues, prompting them to stop carrying that particular brand. Instead, they opted for a different brand that not only proved to be superior quality but also easy to repair when necessary. When founding Tiffin Motorhomes, Bob was adamant in modeling his brand after the latter – centered on top-notch products accompanied by exceptional service.
Bearing the name of Tiffin Motorhomes’ founder, Bob Tiffin, stands as a tribute to the remarkable history, culture, and legacy of the company. Unveiling this exclusive motorhome marks a gesture of respect and gratitude for Mr. Bob’s impressive 51-year journey in the motorhome industry. Limited to 82 coaches, the Allegro Bus 45 BTP is crafted with features that mirror the cherished values held by Mr. Bob. From exterior paint scenes capturing the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains to slide facia resembling the iconic Packard grill, a nod to Mr. Bob’s favorite car, every detail reflects the essence of this extraordinary man’s influence on the motorhome industry.
Leigh Tiffin, the President of Tiffin Motorhomes and the grandson of Bob Tiffin, enthusiastically introduced the concept of a limited edition model in honor of Bob to the company. Leigh’s idea received an immediate and wholehearted endorsement from everyone involved. Leigh envisioned a product that would genuinely pay homage to Bob’s remarkable contributions spanning over 50 years in the motorhome industry, and this coach successfully encapsulates that sentiment.
The luxury features and advanced engineering we build into today’s Tiffins would have been unimaginable when Bob Tiffin crafted the first Allegro in 1972. However, the core principles that drive the company remain unchanged: build it well, make it better, back it with good service and treat customers the way we would want to be treated.
From the beginning, Tiffin has operated as a family business. The company retains its small-town, family-operated essence. Our company is filled with employees who have made working at Tiffin Motorhomes a family tradition. It’s a kind of loyalty that is increasingly rare in todays times. But then again, neither is this kind of quality and service.
The question of Bob Tiffin’s retirement has lingered since he turned 60, and it continues to resurface today at now 82. Yet, Bob’s response has remained unwavering: “No, I’m not going to retire. I will work every day until I can’t.” This steadfast commitment reflects not just a job but a passion that fuels the enduring legacy of Tiffin Motorhomes.
Bob and Judy now reside in Florence, Alabama making his trip to and from work around 84 miles each day. Bob gets to work typically before the sun rises and is often around the last to leave.
