Community Forums

newbe1 · 02-04-2014, 05:36 PM

I have been looking at a 2006 Alpine listed as a "2006 Alpine Limited 40FD", How can I tell if it is actually a Apex Limited or an Avalanche model.

What are the issues with Avalanche that make it soo bad to own. Is there anyone out there with an Avalanche that is happy with it.

Thanks
Tom

Jim A · 02-04-2014, 06:19 PM

As far as I know all of the Avalanches have a rear radiator. The rest of the Alpine Coach models have a side radiator. That picture appears to show an Avalanche.

I have met at least one couple at a rally that has one, and seemed happy. But I know happy Avalanche owners are few and far between, at least initially. Not sure how many now have been able to get all of the issues resolved.

I don't know all of the issues. I just know there were a lot of them.

Old Scout · 02-04-2014, 06:26 PM

Dont remember the year the Avalanche was made but two indicators are electric slides and rear-engine radiator--this one looks like an Avalanche. APEX will be clearly stenciled on front and has many electronic upgrades and hydraulic basement slides, to name a few differences. Lots of initial problems with the Avalanche caused most to be returned to WRV. The few that remain in the market place seem to have done ok for their owners--but the sample size is really small.

Algoma · 02-04-2014, 07:08 PM

You can tell just by looking at the front cap that it is an Avalanche. Just look at the brochure for the Limited and you can see the difference. I wouldn't touch one.

Refuse1 · 02-05-2014, 06:48 AM

I have only seen one WRV Avalanche in person and it had serious delamination issues.

Personally, I make it a priority to never buy a vehicle that is named after a natural disaster of any kind !

Jeff

Jim A · 02-05-2014, 10:26 AM

I would also be very leery about dealing with a seller who tries to pass off an Avalanche as an Alpine Limited.

Janet and Todd · 02-05-2014, 12:41 PM

If it's the one in Davis, CA, it's an Avalanche. Definately. If it was a Limited SE, it would say so on the back, plus have a side draft radiator.

newbe1 · 02-05-2014, 01:10 PM

Yes, this is the one in Davis. It has been on the market since May 2013 at least, and I was considering buying it, but was concerned by the mixed reviews on this site and understanding how to distinguish the two models.

I thank everyone for helping me avoid a huge mistake.

Jim A · 02-05-2014, 06:44 PM

Don't let us discourage you from buying an Alpine Coach. They are great coaches. Just maybe not the Avalanche.

Janet and Todd · 02-05-2014, 07:03 PM

Check out the 2006 Limited SE here: 2006 Alpine 40fdts, Santa Fe Springs CA - 109083165 - RVTrader.com . It may be more than you want to pay. Make them an offer. If it were me, I would check this one out further, course we love the mid door.

WeBrzn2 · 02-06-2014, 04:50 PM

Having been the proud owner of an Avalanche, I can shed some light. First, it drives like an Alpine, very nice. On mine, the front jacks were located such that they caused damage to the coach when leveling and were moved, the roof leaked, the bedroom slide mechanism was not mounted properly, the fuel gauge never read correctly as there was no slosh baffles in the tank, I could go on, but I wont. WRV replaced all of the cabinets in the front 3 times as well as the carpet due to water damage, moved the jacks behind the front axle, moved the propane tank and replaced the fuel tank among a lot of other things. WRV bought it back 5 weeks prior to closing their doors forever.

I now own an Apex and am very happy with it even though I just experienced the dreaded radiator leak that cost me a bundle.

Algoma · 02-06-2014, 05:01 PM

We have to admit the Avalanche was a lemon. WRV tried to produce a lower cost Alpine but didn't really know how to do that without compromising the quality they had built in to the Limited.

EngineerMike · 02-06-2014, 07:26 PM

WeBrnz- fortunately, somebody bought that Avalanche at the factory auction.

I drove by the Davis lot (its visible from the I-80 freeway), and the Avalanche had moved. Now I know why. It was under suspicion.

I've run into two Avalanche owners who love their coaches. And they don't have the steering bracket issue.