questions about the rv
Disclosure: We only recommend products we use, and all opinions expressed here are our own. The links below may contain affiliate links that are no additional cost to you. When you use our links, we may earn some extra beer money, but it won’t be enough for Phil’s ice cream habit or a batch of Stacy’s famous margaritas (recipe here).
WHAT IS THE MAKE AND MODEL OF YOUR RV?
Ruby is a 35-foot Tiffin Allegro RED 33AA (Rear Engine Diesel).
HOW MUCH DID it COST?
$189,000.
DID YOU PURCHASE NEW OR USED?
We purchased Ruby, a year old with 10,000 miles.
What size are Ruby’s tanks?
Diesel fuel 100 gallons
Freshwater 90 gallons
Grey tank 70 gallons
Black tank 50 gallons
What size engine does Ruby have?
Ruby has a 360 Cummins engine which was an upgrade. The standard for this model is a 340 Cummins engine.
How does Ruby handle mountain driving?
Ruby handles mountain driving like a champ. We’ve climbed grades as steep as 10% without a problem.
What is Ruby’s hitch rated for?
10,000 lbs which was an upgrade. The standard for this model is 5,000 lbs.
IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN, WOULD YOU BUY A TIFFIN?
Yes, we love our Tiffin. Our experience with maintenance at Tiffin's repair facility has been great. Each visit was less expensive than we expected, and their customer service has been top-notch.
If you could do it all over again would you go bigger or smaller?
For our needs, Ruby is a perfect size! Before we purchased Ruby we made a list of our needs. Some of our must-haves included a workspace, recliner, the ability to face the TV, and a bathroom that is not divided. We are perfectly comfortable with the size of Ruby but initially, it was a compromise. Phil wanted to go bigger and Stacy smaller.
WHAT RV INSURANCE DO YOU HAVE?
We have Progressive as our full-time RV insurance carrier. We have found it to be the least expensive for us. In the first year, we paid $1900 for full-time coverage, and last year it increased to $3000. Not all insurance companies cover full-time RVers, so if you plan to go full-time, make sure you have the right coverage.
Shop around for the best rate. When we went full-time, we had USAA for our vehicles. They do not cover full-time RVers, so they referred us to Progressive. The rate they quoted us was more expensive than the Progressive rate outside of USAA.
We used an Insurance broker the last time we shopped for insurance. It was so much easier to find the best rate. We used FCIS Insurance. We are not affiliated and will not benefit from you using FCIS.
do you have roadside assistance?
We do not have a supplemental roadside assistance place outside our Progressive insurance policy. We had Good Sam the first year but did not renew.
DO THINGS ALWAYS BREAK ON YOUR RV?
RV repairs are just a part of life for the full-time RVer. Little things and big things break after miles of bumping down the road. Staying current on RV maintenance is the best way to prevent some of those problems.
Download our free RV maintenance spreadsheet so you never forget your PMS (planned maintenance systems).
WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR RV?
Lack of counter space, lack of storage in the basement, and the tiny bathroom are all items we would change in a perfect world. Every RV requires some compromise, and these were ours.
ARE THE WASHER AND DRYER WORTH IT?
YES!! We love our washer and dryer. Or maybe I should say we hate the laundromat! We have the Ariston Splendide stackable washer and dryer. Did you know….an extra 16 min spin on the highest RPM cuts drying time in half?
Is the Magna Shade Worth it
We say YES! We looked at that thing for 2 years but never pulled the trigger because of the cost. We really wish we had purchased it sooner. It makes a huge difference in the temperature of our RV. In the video below you can see your temp test. (We are not affiliated with Magna Shade).
