Purchase Advice '05-'07

[bpotter]

I am interested in an Alpine Coach 38-40', yr '05-'07 and am thinking about the Quad slide. I would appreciate your experience and advice on what to look or look out for?
thanks, Byron

[Wrinklemeist]

Hi Byron,
On some eartly 'o5's, there is a potential steering box bracket issue and also an issue with frome bolts on the rear of the coach. Check out rear end deficiencies on this forum and also steering box bracket. It doesn't affect all of them but the one I bought had both problems which I had fixed.
Mike

[Old Rv'er]

Byron, any model 05 and after has the steering box issue, it's a fairly easy fix if you are talented with tools. Engineer Mike can assist in that area, he sell the kit.
The quad slide gives you more room, big living room area, big enough to dance in. I'm thinking the 05/06 are good years, with 07/08 being the next best, but WRV built 4 at a time. On the line would be a 2 - 36 & 2 - 40's. each with a different floor plan, so it just depends on what year, and when. My suggestion is have it checked out by an RV Tech you know and trust. Read this forum from start to finish at least areas of concern. Especially electrical areas, like genset, inveter, transfer switch. You can PM me if you need additional information. This forum is the best place to learn about alpines.

[mythplaced]

I'll weigh in with an opinion....

After 2003 WRV "changed" a lot of stuff..

• Vansco power management
• Changed the steering boxes
• changed the drive axle mounting
• changed the HWW system
• "copper" brake lines

In each of these changes was/is the potential for issues..

I like my 03

• No Vansco
• good strong steering box
• solid rear axle
• less complex HWH

[DrDaveCA]

A couple of things you should know

1) All RV's - top sources of fire, engine and refrigerator. We went with diesel, installed an automatic extinguiser in the engine compartment and a residential frig to mitigate the risk.

2) Prior to '06 WRV used a modified sine wave inverter and with the residential frig that caused problems (WRV had a modified control board for the frig they made available that resolved the problem, it is just a resistor wattage change). I think all the RV frig's (non residential) have had a recall for something or other.

3) If you don't like working on your own coach (or have too much money so you can hire someone else to do it for you) DON'T but a motorhome.

4) When you determine what year and model you want to buy post a thread and the forum will be glad to help with things to check. If you go to the ACA (Alpine Coach Association) tech library Alpine Coach - Technical Information you can find the WRV brochures for each year (if you can't find them PM me I have soft copies of '04, 05 and 06). Oh yes, I would stay away from the Avalanche, it had a lot of problems.

5) No matter what MH you get check the tires, particularly in the 05 - 07 range. Tires last about 7 - 10 years before the dry rot makes them unsafe (you will most likely run out of time before you run out of tread). The born date is stamped on the side of all tires. You can figure $3 - 4 K for 6 good tires, balance all 6 and get a 2 axle alignment.

6) Search the threads here for information on any problem, there are probably several threads on almost anything you can thinks of.

If you still want a MH (I hope I have not scared you off), the Alpine by WRV is a great choice, we have the best user group of any, the members will give you the shirt off their collective backs. If something happens to your coach there is someone here that has been there and figured out how to resolve it. We are by no means the largest manufacturers population, we are however the best users group. The owners are very loyal and willing to help one another, the ride is great, and the support here is wonderful.

[Wayne R]

Late 05 Alpines got the RS2000 pure sine wave inverter. At least mine came with the RS2000.

[DrDaveCA]

Wayne,

You are correct, my '05 model was actualy manufactured in Sept '04, I have the old modified sine wave inverter and a 100 gal fuel tank, the steering bracket has not shown signs of fatigue and we have the 1 1/8" chasis bolts (the old good news, bad news story). What we did get was 3903 tires, I just replaced ours (hense the comment about born dates).

[DRosedale]

Great posts by the previous folks. I have nothing to add except, welcome to forum and good luck in your search.

[mythplaced]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne R Late 05 Alpines got the RS2000 pure sine wave inverter. At least mine came with the RS2000.

Yea, Inverter change....I missed that one!
Xantrex recall

[bpotter]

Looks like I'd be looking at the, steering box, rear chassis bolts, and inverter. Appreciate all your your advice....we'll see what materializes.
Thanks, Byron

[takepride]

Byron:

We're rooting for you!

[DrDaveCA]

Byron,

Every RV has it's quirks, every single one . What I like about the Alpines is this forum. It is a great bunch of folks that will, to use and old quote "go to infinity and beyond" to help out another Alpiner. One member even sent me a switch and would not accept postage for sending it. The people who watch this board have been there and seen just about everything that can happen to our coaches (many of them have traded up so they have had multiple model experiences). This forum has multiple threads on just about everything that you will come across. Good luck and if you have any questions jump back on and ask or PM someone who has responded on the subject we will be glad to have you join our team!

[mythplaced]

Couldn't have said it better myself....

[bpotter]

What is different about the APEX model?
thanks, Byron