Why Every RV Should Visit Red Bay, Alabama
When most RVers hear Red Bay, Alabama, they immediately think of Tiffin Motorhomes. It’s easy to assume that if you don’t own a Tiffin, there’s no reason to come here. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Red Bay is home to a wide range of specialty repair and upgrade shops, many with decades of experience working on all types of RVs. After visiting every year for the past eight years, we can confidently say this is one of the best places in the country to get work done on your RV…regardless of the brand you own.
Click video to see all the work we’ve had done to our RV in Red Bay over the past 5 years.
The Shops We Personally Use
Over the years, we’ve worked with a number of shops in the area. These are the ones we continue to return to because they do quality work at fair prices and consistently deliver great results.
RV Solutions: Replaced our carpet throughout, installed vinyl flooring in the bedroom, replaced the passenger window, and installed a new stovetop.
Precision RV Repair: Our go-to for smaller repairs. They’ve replaced our keyless entry, slide sweep, slide glide, repaired shades and wood trim, fixed cabinet and fridge latches, and replaced rivets on slide trim.
Bay Diesel: Handles our engine, chassis, and generator maintenance. They’ve also installed Koni shocks & MCUs, and adjusted our Safe-T-Plus.
Nichols Custom: Created a custom cockpit rug and interior step covers.
Freedom Mobile RV: Installed aftermarket lighting for our bay door handles.
Fowler Detailing: Completed a four-corner weigh, full RV wash, and tile grout cleaning and sealing.
Ben Bullard: Specializes in HWH hydraulic repair and maintenance.
Cody Poores: Built custom cabinetry for our RV.
Why Red Bay Stands Out
There are two main reasons we continue to come back year after year: price and efficiency.
First, the cost savings can be significant. In many cases, you’ll pay half (or even less) than what similar work would cost elsewhere in the country. Labor rates are lower, and many of these shops operate with smaller overhead.
Second, parts and supplies are often readily available. The outside shops are able to get parts from Tiffin directly if they don’t keep it in stock, which means you’re not waiting days or weeks for basic repairs. That alone can save a significant amount of time during your stay.
Larger Companies in the Area
In addition to smaller specialty shops, Red Bay is also home to a few larger companies that offer well-known products and services.
Girard Awnings has a shop in the area. We had a Girard awning installed on our driver’s side slide here, and the entire process took about 20 minutes. It was a quick upgrade that made a noticeable difference. We’ve also seen firsthand how much less expensive installations can be here compared to other parts of the country. Friends of ours saved around $3,000 by having their awning replaced in Red Bay instead of California.
Previous Red Bay Videos
Custom Work and Upgrades
One of the biggest advantages of Red Bay is the ability to get custom work done. You’re not limited to basic repairs. Many shops offer upgrades such as custom cabinetry, paint and fiberglass repair, solar installations, tile backsplashes, new sinks, and window replacements. You’ll even find shops willing to take on unique or creative projects.
Most of these businesses are small, family-owned operations. They are experienced, hardworking, and rely heavily on word-of-mouth. You may find that some don’t have websites or don’t accept credit cards, but their reputation and craftsmanship speak for themselves.
Planning Your Visit
Red Bay gets extremely busy during the spring and summer months. Campgrounds fill up quickly, and shop schedules can book out months in advance.
If your schedule allows, we recommend visiting between Thanksgiving and Christmas. While the weather is cooler, the crowds are smaller and it’s much easier to get in and out.
For larger projects such as diesel maintenance, flooring, or cabinetry, it’s best to book appointments 6-9 months ahead of time at a minimum. Smaller jobs can often be added once you arrive, allowing you to work them in between your larger scheduled services.
Resources to Help You Plan
If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of shops and campgrounds in the area, we recommend downloading the Red Bay resource list below. It’s a valuable tool for planning your stay. A big thank you to the Tiffin Allegro Club for compiling and sharing this information.
Another great resource is the Facebook group Tiffin Red Bay Roll Call. Despite the name, the group is open to all RV owners. It’s one of the best places to ask questions, get recommendations, and hear real experiences from others who’ve had work done in the area.
We have a list of RV shops & campgrounds in and around the Red Bay, Alabama compiled by our friend, Steve, and updated by the Tiffin Allegro Club.
We have compiled a list of campgrounds in and around the Tiffin Service Center. We have stayed at many of these campgrounds since we purchased Ruby. We hope the list is helpful.
Final Thoughts
Red Bay may not be a traditional destination for non Tiffin owners. But if you need repairs, upgrades, or custom work, this small town offers an unmatched combination of experience, availability, and value.
Share Your Experience
Have you had work done in Red Bay? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share it in the comments below.
Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 5 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome youtube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.