that pushes power through a six-speed Allison automatic transmission; Michelin XZE2 22.5-inch radial tires on aluminum wheels turn on Detroit I-Beam axles while Bendix air brakes provide stopping power. Sachs shocks by Rolls-Royce and Neway air suspension support the body; and the electrical is made by Delco. All this is supported on 9 x 2.75-inch high-strength steel frame rails that run the full length of the coach. Inside, the driver’s cockpit is designed not only to be functional but also comfortable for the many hours you’ll be spending in that powered leather seat. All the controls are plainly marked on rocker switches and easily within reach. The main three dashboard gauges provide all the vital engine data at a glance, while the push-button transmission and auxiliary controls are on the left. Fans, power blinds, cruise control, tilt wheel, outside feeds from three cameras, and panoramic visibility through the tinted glass all combine for one nice driving experience. The floorplan in the Red is new this year. It features four slide-outs—both opposing. The bedroom slide also pulls out the bathroom wall with its double sinks. The 72 x 80- inch king-size bed is housed in the other slide—this one also has windows (when open) for a nice cross-breeze. The salon and kitchen slides open up a ball-room-sized space in the front of the coach, all the better to show off the ceramic tile flooring. With all this space, the L-shaped sofa and lounge recliner look right at home. The focus of this seating is the television over the fireplace set amidship. This large flat-panel TV (like the one in the bedroom) is connected to a surround-sound system and
can be fed by cable, antenna, satellite, or optional in- motion satellite dish. My test unit featured a small workstation table with two chairs—this would double as the eating area. However, Tiffin gives you the option of a booth dinette or U-shaped dinette. Your choice. It’s about how much company you expect—or want. The kitchen itself is a study in elegant efficiency. The classic cabinetry is all made of lacquered hardwood; the drawers slide on ball bearings and are a slow close design, while the countertops are textured solid surfaces. Note that the three-burner gas range and the sinks both have matching covers. The residential size double-door refrigerator features a freezer on the bottom while built into the cabinets is the convection/microwave oven. For cleaning up there is a standard plug-in central vacuum system. The bedroom slides I mentioned open up a soothing space with windows, fans, mood lighting, built-in wardrobes, and a huge hanging closet that can also house a washer/dryer. A pocket door closes for privacy, though a second door gives night-time access to the bathroom. The bath itself also has a ceramic tile floor and a porcelain toilet with lots of space around it. The double sinks feature a deep, long, hard-surface counter with dual mirrored medicine cabinets above. The oversize shower has a built-in seat, towel bar, overhead skylight, and sliding glass door. The accent and direct lighting is nicely designed. It’s worth noting that when the slide-outs are closed,
RV REVIEW
COAST TO COAST FALL MAGAZINE 2017
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