Raise your hand if this has ever happened to you. You’re all settled in on your motorhome couch with a cold drink in the cup holder, the remote in one hand and your favorite snack in the other. The television is all queued up to that movie or sporting event you have been looking so forward to. It’s a rainy day, so there’s no better way to spend the afternoon. Everything is perfect, until it isn’t.
Because just when you’re on the edge of your seat, watching that shoot ‘em up scene or that touchdown run, all of a sudden you get that dreaded black screen with that little circle spinning in the middle. We all know what that means. And by the time it finally clears up, that exciting scene or play is over, leaving you to wonder what happened. You can put your hands down now. We’ve all been there.
Welcome to the challenge of internet connectivity while on the road in your RV. Trying to stay connected in those areas where the world hasn’t caught up yet to modern technology. And in today’s world, everything revolves around a device, whether it be a television, laptop, tablet or phone. And with most people streaming these days, everything is dependent on being connected, and most importantly, staying connected. So how do we address this challenge?
Enter Tiffin Connect- Tiffin Motorhomes answer to staying connected. Always connected. Tiffin collaborated with MTEC, a technology company based in Fort Worth, Texas to invent a connectivity system that is reliable and cost effective. MTEC invented a similar system for high-speed trains in the desert southwest and was able to modify this system for use in motorhomes. Tiffin Motorhomes is the first manufacturer to offer this new technology. It is exclusive to Tiffin and no other manufacturer has anything close. Tiffin Connect was recently introduced as a brand-new feature on the 2027 models. It is standard on the Zephyr and the Allegro Bus and offered as an option on the Phaeton. It is also being considered for other Tiffin models due to very positive customer response.
So what is Tiffin Connect and how does it work you ask? Here is the official description straight from Tiffin: “Tiffin Connect is the all-in-one internet solution designed for the way you travel. Engineered specifically for the RV lifestyle, Tiffin Connect intelligently combines Starlink®, cellular, and Wi-Fi connectivity into a seamless experience that keeps you online whether you’re at a campground, on the road, or off the grid.”
Now, what does that mean? In simple terms, your motorhome has built-in Wi-Fi. Tiffin Connect uses that Wi-Fi and through a specially configured router, puts your cell coverage together with Starlink and/or other cellular coverage to provide seamless and constant internet connectivity even in the most remote areas of the country.
As I said, your motorhome has a built-in Wi-Fi. This system uses that Wi-Fi and together with the new router, combines multiple internet sources into a single RV network. You create your own Wi-Fi network inside the coach for all of your smart devices including your phones, tablets, laptops and TVs. This router automatically switches to the best available connection allowing you to stay connected even in remote areas while traveling or working from the road.
With this system, you have your choice of multiple internet options. Most people will use Starlink satellite along with their cellular carrier/s SIM card in the router. You can use one cellular data plan or multiple from different carriers. The most popular cellular plans are with AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon but others are available as well.
Tiffin also chose to use the best and most current equipment available today for this new feature. Starting with a rugged IP64 rated network router with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and dual band operation (2.4 GHz/5GHz) with support for Wi-Fi, along with the best high quality network connections for best performance. On the roof is an ultra-low profile, high gain antenna for both cellular and GPS. They did not spare expense. And it looks cool to boot.
Rather than connecting every device separately to Starlink, cellular, or campground Wi-Fi, you connect your devices to the coach’s Wi-Fi network, and Tiffin Connect manages the internet source in the background. You can use up to two different SIM cards from any major cellular carrier in the router if you choose. At any given time, the system can switch to another carrier, or switch to Starlink if that is better, to give you seamless connection. It can also switch to the campground Wi-Fi system, but we all know how unreliable those can be, not to mention unsecure. The system does all of the work and you get a fast, reliable and secure internet connection.
Below is a diagram of how Tiffin Connect works.
Now here is the good part. How it saves you money. The cost of internet keeps going up, especially now that everyone is streaming. Everyone wants their Netflix or Paramount Plus subscription and you got to have internet for that. The cost of the Starlink unlimited data plan is now $175.00 per month. But with Tiffin Connect, you could drop from the unlimited plan to the basic plan for $55.00 per month and still be covered. That’s because cellular service is almost always faster than Starlink, its just not always available if you’re in a remote area. And most of the time we’re not so cellular works just fine. This feature allows you to save $120.00 per month by dropping to the basic plan without comprising connection. And, to be sure you don’t exceed your basic plan data limit, the system can be set to switch back to cellular only to avoid additional monthly Starlink fees!
Tiffin Connect is fully customizable and allows you, the customer, to select the most cost-effective internet to meet your needs. You save money by using your cellular service as your primary internet source and Starlink only when needed. Plans are purchased direct from Starlink, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon plus with Tiffin Connect, there are no monthly subscription fees required. An added bonus!
As mentioned before, Tiffin Connect is now standard on the 2027 Zephyr and Allegro Bus and optional on the 2027 Phaeton. So what about those with an older coach? Not to worry, Tiffin is now in the process of making this new technology available to Zephyrs, Allegro Buses, and Phaetons built before 2027 through a retro-fit at the Bob Tiffin Service Center in Red Bay, Alabama.
So the next time you get that the black screen with the little spinning circle, don’t get mad. Get even! Get Tiffin Connect!
Greg’s dream was to own a motorhome after his retirement from a long career in law enforcement. He and his wife Tina live in Baneberry, TN part of the year and travel this great country in their Tiffin Phaeton 40IH, enjoying the excitement of exploring new places and meeting new people. Their motto is “If you can’t wear shorts, flip flops and a t-shirt, we ain’t going!”
