Who knows about Alpenlite 5th wheels

[Paul65k]

So I've been thinking of upgrading from my 23' TT to a 30 - 32' 5th wheel (non-toyhauler) for our camping trips. While we found a pretty darn nice TT with a bunch of room as a result of the Murphy Bed option and a huge bathroom when we spend more that a week on the road it gets a little cramped so we're looking for a little more room.

I've been researching and the Alpenlites get great reviews. The company that built them went through a sale just prior to the financial crisis and the new owners just couldn't make it through so they are no longer being built. These units came with a set of features that were pretty spectacular for the day and seem hold up well even today (with good maintenance). From what I read these units seem a little like a quality boat (Hallett, Howard, Schiada, cobalt, etc..) vs most other Trailer brands that appear to be more like production boats where you get a bunch of features but just don't have the attention to detail and longevity.

I don't want to go out and buy a new unit that will be worth less than 50% in just a few years, plus I don't want to have a bunch of $$ sitting around in a depreciating asset so...........I've been looking at used units and seem to be coming back to the Alpenlites in the 30-32' range when I look at quality, features, etc...

A few pertinent facts:

• I'll pull this with a 2007 GMC Duramax (LBZ) 3500 SRW
• We plan to do 50 - 75% boon docking (already have the generator)
• We'll use it for 40 - 60 days a year (including quick trips around Havasu)
• Quality features like Corian, Big Shower, comfortable living room and large Kitchen area are a must

With these things in mind I am really a trailer/5th wheel newbie and would very much appreciate any and all advice from any inmates that have experience with Alpenlites or similar recommendations.

Thanks in advance

 

[fmo24]

30 is a great size 5th wheel. When opened up they have tons of room but still easily towed and maneuvered.

 

[TrojanDan]

I had a 2003 Alpenlite Truck Camper (with slide out) I bought from an inmate back in '08. I sold it for more in May 2016. Alpenlites hold their value. They were the Schiadas/Howard's of the Rv's, back in the day. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Alpenlite. 2FF had a big thread about his Alpenlite DP a while back. Of the few minor repairs I had to make, all the replacement parts are off the shelf products produced by manufacturers still in business. :cool

...Another great thing about the Alpenlites was their tank capacity. My truck Camper had 30g black, 30g grey, and 40g fresh. Surely the 5th wheel has more but if you plan on boon docking, the capacities are great.

 

[napanutt]

I had a 2003 Alpenlite Truck Camper (with slide out) I bought from an inmate back in '08. I sold it for more in May 2016. Alpenlites hold their value. They were the Schiadas/Howard's of the Rv's, back in the day. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Alpenlite. 2FF had a big thread about his Alpenlite DP a while back. Of the few minor repairs I had to make, all the replacement parts are off the shelf products produced by manufacturers still in business. :cool

...Another great thing about the Alpenlites was their tank capacity. My truck Camper had 30g black, 30g grey, and 40g fresh. Surely the 5th wheel has more but if you plan on boon docking, the capacities are great.

Congrats on the profitable sale. :thumbup:

That was my camper. We bought it new in 03. It was a very stout well built camper but after 5 years or so we out grew it and graduated to a DP. :champagne:

 

[AEA]

If you haven't already, go to RV.Net. There is a lot of info to dig through on that site. Maybe some of it will help you.

 

[TrojanDan]

Congrats on the profitable sale. :thumbup:

That was my camper. We bought it new in 03. It was a very stout well built camper but after 5 years or so we out grew it and graduated to a DP. :champagne:

Yeah, sold it for $10k more and bought Dodger Season tickets. :champagne:
J/k. It was a PIA storing it in Havasu in the winter and my mom's house in the summer. Was only using it twice a year so I sold it and bought a used RZR. My son and I had a blast using it. Sold it in less than a week to the first person who came to see it. :thumbsup I now just rent a trailer for my once a year Mammoth camping trips. :cool

 

[Willow Rat]

Owned an Alpenlite. Was a very good unit. They are built with an aluminum vs. wood structure. Top of the line. I miss mine.

Had to get a toyhauler.