2002 or 2003

[Uncomike]

Need some help. We are looking at either a 2002 or 2003 38footer. Both same mileage 2002 has mid door 2003 has front door. Both same price. 2003 has a 400hp 2002 has a 350.
This will be pur first. Question is : do those air conditioners really keep the coach cool in hot weather. They both have duel 15k air. Thought they would but I ave been hearing that they do not can anyone shed some light on this for us?

[SteveS]

It depends on outside temp and if there is any shade on the coach. Mine does a pretty good job even when in total sunlight. In most situations, when we pull into a park, I usually turn both on to cool it down and then use one to hold the temp. This seems to work fairly well for temps below 88. Above that both are needed and will keep it reasonable inside for 110 degrees outside.


Of course, all of the above is subjective.

[Old Scout]

The 2002 and 2003 were at the end of what I would call the 1st generation Alpines or pre-Vansco. IMHO, although I prefer the mid-door, the 2003 with the 400 HP [true Jake brake] vs the 350 engine is a better buy. Otherwise, both 2002 and the 2003 were some of the best model years WRV built--again, IMHO.....
Assuming they are still in good working order, the two roof airs do fine. Above 100, the more shade the better, keep drapes closed, open rear engine panel if just coming off the road, etc.....

[Koop]

The 400HP ISL would seal the deal for me. The two-stage jake brake is something I wouldn't want to give up.The roof airs do a great job along with the solar shielded windows. We have window awnings and use the porch awning to provide shade when necessary. The Duo-Therm 15,000 BTU units on our coach also work admirably for heat when the temperature dips but doesn't get much below 40 degrees.

[DrDaveMA]

It will also help if you do not face west, the windshield absorbs a LOT of heat and transfers it onto the coach. We have Sunshades for the windshield, they really help if you are in a hot environment.


Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum
Dave, Bobbi and Fenway

[Jim A]

There is also a thread on here about sealing up the potential leak points in the attachment of the A/C unit to the ductwork. This improves the air flow and cooling.

I would take the power of the ISL with the Jake brake.

We put blackout lining on the front curtains. That cut down a lot of the heat coming in the windshield when we don't use the outside sunshades.

[Mule Skinner]

400 hp was at the top of my list of required options.

[wolfe10]

Originally Posted by Mule Skinner

400 hp was at the top of my list of required options.

Agree. Not just for the 400 HP and 1,200 Lb-FT of torque at 1,300 RPM, but also for the two stage engine compression/Jake brake.

Brett
2003 Alpine 38'

[MKelley]

They did not make a 38' mid door. 40' or 36'

[Uncomike]

Originally Posted by MKelley

They did not make a 38' mid door. 40' or 36'

The 2002 is a 37 mid door w/94,000 miles
The 2003 is a 38 front door. W/74,000 miles

[Jim A]

The 37' is marketed as a 36' even though the actual length is much closer to 37.