Tiffin Tech Talk – Summer 2025

2018 Open Road Shocks

What is the standard make or model Shocks on a 2018 34PA Open Road. Kona? or something else?
-Ken Rogers
2018 Open Road Allegro 34 PA

Dear Ken, Motorcraft shocks are what originally came on the Ford chassis and were standard for that year model. However, many customers have upgraded to a different shock such as the Koni shock for a little better ride.

Front Slides Stop Operating

I have a 2020 Phaeton 37BH – I am currently having issues with the two front slide outs – they are not working properly (they stop operating during extension & retraction). It is like they just run out of power and stop – I have reviewed the process and completed the following things to fix the problem:
1) replaced the small batteries in remotes located on the seats.
2) replaced the two(2) 12V chassis batteries – the stage 31 starting batteries,
3) the coach engine is running during slide operation.
4) we are on level ground when we are operating the slides.
I want to know if the electric/hydraulic slides use the chassis batteries two(2) 12V when operating or the coach batteries six(6) 6V batteries when in operation. Please advise.
-Steve Pukanich
2020 Phaeton 37 BH

Dear Steve, In your 2020 37BH your house batteries are what powers the slide outs (hydraulic and electric) and leveling system. If the slides are stalling mid operation, check for low voltage under load, loose of corroded connections, or a weak hydraulic pump solenoid. Even with the engine running, weak house batteries or poor connections can cause the system to cut out.

Hydraulic Oil Leak

Hydraulic oil leak above my black and fresh water tanks. Leaks down into my wet bay and now leaking in the ground under the coach. Looks to be a hydraulic cylinder above the wet bay. Can you tell me what could be leaking? I heard maybe a sync cylinder? Thank you.
-Justin Scribner
2017 Phaeton 40 AH

Dear Justin, If you’re seeing hydraulic fluid leaking in that area, there are a few possible causes: a compromised seal on the hydraulic cylinder, a leaking fitting at the cylinder, or a damaged hose carrying fluid to the cylinder. We recommend having an RV technician inspect the system as soon as possible. In the meantime, check your reservoir to ensure it has the proper fluid level. We also do not recommend operating the slide until this issue has been properly addressed, as doing so could cause further damage.

Foul Smell From Black Tank

We have a 2012 open road. Every time after about 2 days the bathroom starts to smell bad. We keep out black tank extract clean after every trip. We’ve used different types of holding tank pods. Water stays in the toilet, so we feel the seal is not leaking. We even put water and cleaner in on the trip home and reclean when we get home.
-Carolyn and Dannie Jones
2012 Open Road

Dear Carolyn and Dannie, Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like you may be getting gray tank odors. Check the air admittance valves (AAVs) under the sinks—tie a plastic shopping bag around one to see if the smell stops. If it does, the AAV needs replacing.

Also, we don’t recommend pod-style tank treatments. Instead, use a liquid enzyme-based treatment like Happy Campers or Unique, poured into the toilet. These break down solids more effectively and help control odors.

Noise In Kitchen While Traveling

I have a Allegro Open Road. It appears the slide out for the kitchen area makes a lot of noise while traveling. It seems secure and it does not appear to be anything in the cabinets. Any suggestions or thoughts?
-Edward Snow
2013 Open Road Allegro 35 QBA

Dear Edward, Thanks for reaching out! If the slide out is secure and the cabinets are empty, the noise may be from minor movement in the slide mechanism or trim rubbing. Make sure the slide is fully retracted and sealed tight. Adding rubber bumpers or felt pads inside the cabinets can also help reduce vibration.

If the noise continues, feel free to contact our tech support team at 256-356-0261—we’re happy to help!

Driver Side Mirror Stopped Working In Wayfarer

I have a 2021 Tiffin Wayfarer LW. My drivers side mirror stopped working. Would I take it to Mercedes of Hoover or Red Bay? Thanks for your help.
-Kevin Bovaird
2021 Wayfarer 25 LW

Dear Kevin, Thanks for reaching out! For a driver’s side mirror issue on your 2021 Wayfarer LW, start with Mercedes-Benz of Hoover since it’s part of the Sprinter chassis. If it ends up being a Tiffin wiring or coach-related issue, you can bring it to us in Red Bay.

If you’re unsure, give our tech support team a call at 256-356-0261—we’re happy to help!

Parking Brake Issues

I have a 2020 Tiffin Phaeton 37BH – the Freightliner chassis – over the past year – I am experiencing problems with the parking brake system – it does not release when I press the button to disengage the brakes – the brakes are still on – I try repeating engaging and disengaging – I put the Motorhome transmission into drive and it will break the brakes free. Can anyone tell me what the problem could be and what is happening here. Cheers!
-Steve Pukanich
2020 Phaeton 37 BH

Dear Steve, It sounds like a sticky brake control valve or spring brake chamber on your Freightliner chassis. Make sure air pressure is fully built up before releasing the brakes. If the issue continues, contact Freightliner or call our tech team at 256-356-0261 for help.

Issue with Jacks and Front Slides

In order to get jacks and front slides to work, I have to gently tap on the pump motor with a small hammer while my wife pushes the button for jacks or slides. Solution?
-Gary Hans
2015 Allegro Bus 45 LP

Dear Gary, Tapping the pump motor to get it working means the motor is likely failing internally (worn brushes or weak contacts). You’ll need to replace the pump motor, not the whole system.

For help identifying the right part, call our tech support at 256-356-0261. Best to take care of it before it fully fails.

Adding Third Air Conditioner?

I have 2022 Red 37BA with 2 air conditioners. Is it possible to add a third AC?
-David Carlton
2022 Allegro RED 360 37 BA

Dear David, The 2022 RED 37BA isn’t designed for a 3rd A/C due to electrical and roof limitations.

Electrical Issues

We put new batteries in and went on a trip dry camping everything worked came home didn’t want to winterize it so we left the heater on running on gas and it drained the batteries. So we jumped it, let it run and then plugged it in and everything was good for about 2 weeks now it’s dead no light and it plugged in. The step was out when we had light then it started going in when we shut the door now it is not doing anything. We have solar panels and an inverter and it’s off also. Help please.
-Ronnell Campbell
2013 Allegro Breeze 28 BR

Dear Ronnell, It sounds like the house batteries maybe deeply discharged. We would recommend having the batteries load tested as well as making sure your battery disconnect is on. If you are still having issues please give us a call 256-356-0261!

Suspension Issues With Rocker Switch

I recently began having problems when I drop the suspension using the rocker switch. Where can I find the manual release valve?
-Ramiro Argomaniz
2009 Allegro Bus 40 QXP

Dear Ramiro, We recommend getting the rocker switch issue resolved, as it’s the proper way to dump your air. We don’t suggest using the manual release—it’s hard to access and not intended for regular use. For help, give our tech team a call at 256-356-0261!

Cracks On The Roof

We have cracks that just appeared by our ladder on the roof. The RV is new to us but we checked the roof before we bought it and it was also inspected before we bought it and nothing wrong at the time of purchase. We drove home 2000 miles and put in a garage and now see these cracks. We have pictures we can send. How big of an issue is this?
-Rich Geary
2021 Allegro RED 33 AA

Dear Rich, Thanks for reaching out! Cracks near the ladder on the roof can be cosmetic, but they can also indicate flexing or stress in that area—especially after a long trip.

We recommend having it inspected soon to check for any potential water intrusion or structural concerns. If you’d like, you can send your photos and details to our tech team or give them a call at 256-356-0261 for guidance on next steps.