Ordered New 40QXP Bus today; Problem is where to Stay while RV is being Built

[JOLT]

Going to be as happy as a new daddy in 10 to 12 weeks. The deal requires me to give my current RV to Davis RV Mart in Memphis before Thanksgiving. We need a place to stay, close to Red Bay, for a couple of months so we can watch the Bus being built. Does anyone have experiance with or a suggestion of a furnished place to stay for just my wife and I that is similar to an extended stay with a kitchen, etc?

[JKill]

There is a motel right next store to the Tiffin service center which is about half mile of so from the Tiffin assembly plant.
Sorry I do not know the motels name, but you can probably give Tiffin a call.
JKill

[Melmoses]

There is nothing in Red Bay itself other than a bed and breakfast called J's Cozy Inn (it would be too expensive for me). But there are surrounding towns like Russellville (about 25 miles) and then there is Muscle Shoals & Florence (about 50 miles). I would google Russellville first - I know a lot of people who stayed in Russellville while their coaches were built but I don't know exactly where they stayed there.

[jackrobinryan]

If it were me.....

I wouln't want to be there everyday during the build process, I might consider going towards the coast and a place that has a lot of vacation rentals. Maybe Mobile or Pensacola FL. Furnished rentals tend to be more available during Nov-Jan and, with owners willing to negotiate a longer term rental. Usually more supply equals better pricing.

Then drive up to Red Bay once a week to visit the baby being built. It is a bit of a drive, about 370 miles one way, but you get a vacation in the process, and get to scope out possible places to return to in the new rig.

either way, good luck with the new Tiffin and safe travels.
jack

[nedster7]

No reason to stay in or near Red Bay until coach build is scheduled. Sales office will print a build schedule for you with detailed time line so you can watch the process. Your coach will built in 3 days and painted the following week. I just spent 4 days watching my bus go through the build process Oct. 11, should take delivery next week. Very enjoyable and informative experience. Take your camera.

[Roger G]

I think there are cabins available at Tishamingo State park just across the state line in Ms or there used to be? I would suggest Tuscumbia/ muscle shoals/ Florence area, lots to do and eat. It would be about 25 miles from Red Bay up Hwy 247, beautiful drive! Shoals Marriott is fantastic and they have a spa for the DW , but it's pricey.

[JOLT]

All, Thank you for writing back with the info you had. We called all three hotels in Russelville but they are just hotel rooms with a microwave and small refrigerator. I did get lucky and was led to the link below for a one bedroom furnished corporate apartment for $950 month in Florence. There two bedroom is $1200. We were also offered a deep discount on a one bedroom studio at Residence Inn by Mariott in Florence at $66 a night for two months. A little steep for us in retirement but may fit someone's budget.

Apartments, Short Term Leases, Furnished, Corporate Housing

nedster7, I was told that it will be built/ready in 10 to 12 weeks. Are you saying that it will be mostly completed over 3 or 4 days?

[JOLT]

nedster7, thanks for writing.
Was your bus built in three days like you stated?
We are going to be homeless and coachless just prior to Thanksgiving so that is my reason for looking for a place to watch the Bus being built. But if it is basically a three day process I might reconsider staying in Florence for two months.

[nedster7]

My order confirmation was Aug 31 and they said 8 to 10 weeks. My build schedule date was printed Sept 20 with chassis build start Oct 7. Stephanie in the sales office told me the main construction would begin Oct 11 at 7:52 so I arrived Oct 10 and picked up a copy of the build schedule and was at the main plant a 7:45 just as my chassis drove to the main door. That was Tuesday and I followed til 2:30 when the line shut down. The next 2 days I was there at 6 am until 2:30 and followed my coach all the way seeing all exterior and most of the interior. The 4th day is mainly finishing touches but the majority of the build is 3 days. I was ready to go home because I had already been to the paint facility. Four days in Red Bay is plenty. I stayed in Russellville but would not recommend staying there. Florence or Tuscumbia is a good call. Let me know if you need more info.

[nedster7]

Jolt let me know your email address and I will send you a copy of my build schedule

[Pigman1]

As NEDSTER7 said, it doesn't take the Red Bay folks long to put it together. It's a production line in all aspects and they move right along. I don't know where you are going to stay before the build, but if you'll be near Red Bay, a visit to see other coaches being built will give you a good idea of what goes on. Also, since the coaches are painted and floors made up in a separate location a few miles away, a visit there is worth a look, but checking out how they do it will tell you that watching your coach being painted, or your own floor laid down might be informative, but about as interesting as watching them make up a wire harness for your bedroom. One tends to look like the next. The assembly floor is where your coach is really created and is the most interesting. Good luck with your new coach and visit. No matter how you view it you'll love it. We didn't visit the factory until after we bought our Bus, But I've toured the facilities 4 times since then. There's always something to see and learn about. Endlessly fascinating. for me.

Pigman
2008 Allegro Bus 40QSP
2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 Toad

[JOLT]

Thanks for all your information. Where did you stay in Russelville that you would not recommend? My email is: deburman@gmail.com

Thanks again
Dave

[redbayjojo]

I live in Red Bay and thought of a place nearby that is very nice and has a great view. It is located on the local lakes about 12 miles East of Red Bay. There are several cabins and they are very nice and not very old. They are operated by the Bear Creek Watershed Association. I am unsure of the nightly rate but they are fully equiped with kitchen etc. They are just South of Highway 24 about a mile.

You can view them on website bearcreeklakes.com or by phoning 256-332-4392.

I am unsure of the rate but since this is the slower season for them I feel them would be very good.

Enjoy our nice town and the birth of your motorhome.