Community Forums

garyswann · 11-23-2013, 07:16 PM

I was browsing the LA mesa rv show just north of Tucson today. After looking at thirty or forty mostly new coaches I ran across a pusher that topped all the rest. It had two recliners, huge windows, power cords, and was huge inside. Every cabinet was huge and the shower was big. It was an 06 Alfa gold 40fd.
I prefer gas myself but this was over the top in most categories. The living room seemed so much bigger than the rest with a great line of sight for watching TV.
Anyone else seen one of these in a line up and was as impressed with the usability?

RickO · 11-23-2013, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyswann

It had two recliners, huge windows, power cords, and was huge inside.

Just curious.

Power cords?

Rick

garyswann · 11-23-2013, 09:48 PM

Powered electric cord and water hose spools.

Fred and Bonnie · 11-23-2013, 09:52 PM

Hmmmm, do a search for Alpha, lots of information. You have pointed out the pluses, check out the negatives and see if you can live with them.

fred

gruelens · 11-23-2013, 11:41 PM

I too was smitten over the Alfa MHs at one time. Upon investigation I learned if you stay away from the first 100 serial numbers made you would be fine. Upon even further investigation I learned if you stay away from all Alfa MHs you will be fine. As mentioned before, do your homework on what is now an orphan suffering from delamination problems and other issues.

Ranger Smith · 11-24-2013, 04:43 AM

I almost bought one. It had serious BB chips in it. It can be repaired with new panels and the cost is around 20k with new paint. Yes the interiors on them are awesome. I guess they also have issues with electrical.

spritz · 11-24-2013, 04:47 AM

I'll bite, Where can I read up on what your referring too. Please

Kurtsara · 11-24-2013, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spritz

I'll bite, Where can I read up on what your referring too. Please

I just googled it, nice looking camper but sure do find the problems searching

https://www.google.com/#newwindow=1&...+40fd&safe=off

spritz · 11-24-2013, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spritz

I'll bite, Where can I read up on what your referring too. Please

just did a search on the Alfa and I looked @ 4 pages and don't c anything about troubles with the MH. I must say they are really a nice looking rig.WOW
I looked at 5-6 of them that were for sale. All very nice inside and out.
It looks like a rig that I might be able to get into someday. A real Plus is it had a cat diesel

Still like to read up on it though if there is problems. Bummer nice looking rigs.

soricobob · 11-24-2013, 05:59 AM

When I was about to purchase one I was about to move to Arizona, and the basement a/c units were of concern to me. I thought they would help streamline the drive, maybe take some room from the basement, but would they hold up to the summers out West. When I enquired I was told (by sales people, and online) no problem adding additional unit(s) on the roof. Well, that sort of settled it for me. I was not interested in a unit I would have to modify. I bought an Essex, and shortly afterward Alfa went out of business. I still see a lot around, and I think they are holding up well, for their price, but I would guess that parts are getting hard to come by.

Mrchips · 11-24-2013, 06:00 AM

They were almost an innovation leader before their time. They sold themselves on multiple TV's, large overhead, large storage and great floorplan. Their basement heat-A/C sucked and well most of the coach lacked what most coaches need to run down the road. Although you do still see some out there. I looked at them too at one point several years ago and was very impressed just as you, until I started really looking at things like cabinets/doors....etc. They did have a wow factor though.

spritz · 11-24-2013, 06:19 AM

I am no expert in HVAC but even I would know that wouldn't work. They need air thru the coils. We had a 60 ton roof top unit @ work on one of our bldgs that was enclosed on 4 sides and we had trouble every summer. No air movement. That designer should have been shown the door. IMHO Too bad.

jmckinley · 11-24-2013, 08:02 AM

When they were still in business there was a guy out west somewhere who was making a living reworking new and old Alfas to make the A/C work. It took him about two days to seal up all the ductwork and coach air leaks. Most people said it did the trick.

devans47 · 11-24-2013, 01:39 PM

I'm sure this is going to ruffle some feathers. I have worked on motor homes for many years .If you're looking at an alpha and say in Essex and you believe they're the same build quality. PLEASE take a knowledgeable person along with you to look at motorhomes . Yes all of that room and big slides and big cabinets really does look good. The reason that the better manufactures don't build them like that is weight. To build one property like that you have to have for 4 Axles under it to carry the weight.