I am considering purchasing a new Fifth-wheel. It saddens me that Western RV closed it doors. My question is this: What brand of fith-wheel is made to the specs of Alpenlite? By this I mean have the never lube axles, the Gel coat on the four sides, dual motors on the front jacks. Just overall, they company manufactured an outstanding coach. Looking at the companies, and some of the companies closed their doors such as Alpha and National, brings me to not know where to look. I want to buy one that is between 31 to 35 feet long.
It is a shame that a company did not take over Western RV, even if they called it another name.
I have not been to an RV show this year. I looked at RVs for the last 3-6 months and have some ideas. I did not care for the Hitchhiker and had not looked at the Excel.
One of the fifth-wheels I looked at and liked was the Cardinal 3100 RK. But even that one, as good as it was, lacked some of the items such as the Dexter never lube axels and the dual controls for the front jacks.
We bought an Alpenlite just as the trouble started with the company. The trailer is built like a tank. What we liked was the limited edition came with everything from 6 batteries and solar to a 2000 watt inverter and dump master waste system. And the unit has pretty large tanks (100 fresh, 75 grey and 50 black). However, it is heavy and at the edge of our specs on the duelly.
We really liked the quality of the Excel - but not the interior colors. The hitchhikers were nice, but again, I wasn't thrilled with the interior style. Carriage is another brand which has a good reputation for quality and they've got some new styles which are pretty nice.
Good luck in your search. Maybe, think about a used Alpenlite. There are a few around.
We have a friend who purchased the Cardinal rear kitchen model. It's very nice for the money, but the bathroom is ridiculously tiny.
KampingKris,FiremanSteve,DaughterCara
Jada - American Eskie princess
2003 GMC Sierra 3500
2006 Alpenlite Limited 34RLR
Why don't you look at a year or two old Alpenlite there are a few for sale out there.
Mine was built in '95 and everything still works, it's showing it's age with a few external niks and scratches, but so am I.
And, just so you'll know Western was sold in 2006 to Pilgrim Industries, ( the makers of Open Road and a few other lines) and it obviously didn't aid Western in it's survival as I understand Pilgrim went under too.
Some of these companies will resurrect themselves and some won't.
The comments above about the quality of HitchHiker, Excel are true as we found when we were looking for a 5'er. You may want to add Carriage and Carilite(sp) to that list, along with Teton etc. I understand that Hitchiker (NUWA) has re-opened one of their plants.
We are still loving our 2001 35 ft avalon alpenlite and after 1469 nights in it we haven't seen anything that is better for us.
I do have a friend with a nice 36 ft portfina that was for sale and might still could be.
chevman
chevman
2001 35 ft avalon alpenlite RK
2005 3500 2wd duramax CC dually
prodigy
easyrider/reese airhitch
trailair center point suspension
JT Strong Arm Stabilizers
KSH 55 inbed fuel tank
Garmin 2720
scanguage II
TD-EOC
Induction Overhaul Kit
To bobsallyh. The Alpenlites in Yuma, are Voyager models. Alpenlite came out with those around 2006 or 2007, as a less expensive model. They did not have the quality other Alpenlites in the past had. They are having trouble selling those now, even at a lower price.
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