Reroute to Red Bay

Theresa was up before 7AM in anticipation of calls on Monday to determine the plan for repairs of the underbelly of the RV. At 8am sharp, the preferred local service center was called with only an option to leave a voice message. Several more tries where attempted with the same result. The second choice in local service was called they replied they had no openings for 2 weeks. Argh!

The next option was a call to Tiffin in Red Bay, Al (manufacturer of the Smitanic) to get their suggestion on A) was the RV drivable or will all the tanks fall out if the diaper burst? B) is it OK to fill the fresh tank and use the water pump for travel? C) where and when can this be repaired?

While waiting for the 8:30AM CT opening of Tiffin, Theresa and Kevin did some online searches of this issue. This led to some threads on RV forums that discussed a common issue with the Wet Bay on several Tiffin models including the Allegro Bus aka the Smitanic. The discussions indicated that Tiffin had installed a less than adequate flooring known as a Wet Bay under the holding tanks and Tiffin a)would be able to fix it and b)would be able to discount the cost. This excited the two stranded and homeless nomads. They dialed the Service number for Tiffin in Red Bay 30 min before the advertised CT open hours and surprise a real person answered! The issue was explained and the call was immediately transferred to a Service Technician! In less than 30 min with the knowledgeable service person a plan was determined that a) Yes this is a common issue and we have another service provider in the area that can fix it b) the freshwater and all tanks are strapped to the frame and will not fall out while driving c) you should be able to fill the freshwater tank for use while traveling d) if you can get here by Thursday and schedule the Wet Bay repair for that day and check into the Tiffin Campground the same day then hopefully on Monday or Tuesday the rest of the issues can be addressed in Express Service. e) since the Smitanic was 2 years past the warranty on this item, Tiffin will cover the service hours to do the repair, only parts will be the owners responsibility.  Two years earlier it would have been no cost!

The next call was to Kimbrough RV service to schedule the Wet Bay replacement. This service center was about 30 miles east of Red Bay and to Kevin and Theresa's delight they could get the Smitanic in on Thursday!

Theresa Quickly mapped the miles to Red Bay, AL. It was at best 3 days of travel. 

All doable. Yes there will be no Leeney reunion nor camping with Theresa's sister in WI. The hope will be that the repairs get done in time for a return to Cary in time to hop on a plan to LA for Theresa's nieces wedding at the end of August. Red Bay has always been a target destination for the Smitanic, so no better time than now! Other RVers ranted and raved about the experience and customer service that is offered to Tiffin Owners, making this a must do mecca for anyone who is “Ruffing it Smoothy”.

With a destination of Red Bay determined, it was time to finish loading and make some headway on the 660 miles that needed to be covered. By 2pm the toad was hooked up and the Smitanic hit I40 heading west.

By 4pm the Gaffney, SC peach was visible. A recollection that this was the the House of Cards, President Underwood's home town. Hummm looks much like a peach, but I guess some folks with their minds in other places see something else.

Theresa found a KOA in the area that had a pull thru site available for the night. Only electric was hooked up to make for a quick exit in the AM. 

The team lamented at the current dilemma and resolved to always do a check out trip prior to any lengthy trip plans in the future!