Need input about ALFA 5er

[rweis]

I would like input on ALFA Light.



Specifically 2004 35RLIKBS.



Quality, known problems, systems, construction, support by manufacturer.



I found their owner site over on Yahoo and have read it all.



SEEMS to be a smaller manufacturer, good quality, good support. but?



Bob Weis

 

[Dkevdog]

I don't seem to recall hearing anything bad about them, they seem to be very well built and using my "take a closer look" approach when I've looked at them, they seem to have a close attention to detail and qaulity. This of course is just my observation and, That abeing said, I've not owned one so I can't speak from first hand experience.



Kev

 

[stick]

Kev:

I tried to find some info on the RV Buyers Guide about that particular model, but it did not list it, because I have the 2003 book.

I can tell you the Buyers Guide list most of the Alfa's as fair. Most of them have about a two star rating out of a possible five.

If you are going to spend that much money on a new rig, I highly recommend getting the RV Buyers Guide. They rate the rigs on safety, reliability, resale, and highway control.



Stick



P. S. Just in case you wanted to know which fifth wheel has the only five star rating, it's New Horizon's made in Kansas

 

[KBalzuweit]

I have seen good and bad. Being smaller I would think they should be able to control there quality better. For the money check out Carriage. The make a Carri-lite X-5. 5 slides and nice quality. They tow like a dream. List is about $71,000. Dealer cost is $43,000 or so. So shop. (Nice mark-up isn't it) I saw the invoice and list sheet supplied by Carriage so this it true not a guess. Karl

 

[VietDoc]

Alfa Light??

Bob,



We have a 2003 Alfa Gold. The wife and I love it. But I have never heard of an Alfa Light. I just checked the Alfa Leisure web pages and they don't list a "Light" ( http://www.alfaleisure.com ). Are you thinking of an Alpenlite??





Ours is a GF34RLTKBS. It is 36 feet long, three axles 14,000# dry and comes with everything included.



We pull it with our 2003 (sold our '99 2500) and our 3500 barely strains. Went over Donner westbound and went over Highway 17 to Santa Cruz. So many turns on 17 I did slow down a bit, but no problems. Came out through Watsonville and back to UT through Jackson and Highway 88 to Minden, NV. Pulled like a dream. Never have a problem meeting 18 wheelers on two lane roads. She's stable and steady. Crossed NV and ran her up to 80 and 85 mph to "see" then back down to 75mph. Solid as a rock. Cruised home at 70 mph, but I run slower most of the time (~60 to 65). The desert is so boring!!



Livability is fantastic!! We have it opened and go in it often to eat diner and watch DVD's.



Not having owned another 5er I can't honestly compare to other 5er's. But I have been in several and looked at several before purchasing.

Quality -- superb. A few minor things were fixed by the dealer.



Known Problems. -- The owners wife used to do the interior and we about gagged. In 2003 they brought in a different interior decorator and that was why we bought. I don't know of any other recurring problems.



Systems. My wife focuses on the interior and she liked the Montana Interiors prior to 2002 over the Alfa. I focus on the mechanics of course. One item really favored the Alfa. It is the under floor heat pump vs the roof A/C Units. Also the Gold has lots of attic storage. The underfloor Heat Pump lowers the center of gravity. I am 6'2" and really like the headroom in the rear living. If not 8' then it is close to 8' Most others have a sloping roof and both the wife and I feel closed in. The height in the bedroom is 6' or 6'2" at the very front and at least 6" more in the rest of the bedroom. We really love the walk -in closet. The slides are awesome. Not hydraulic, but electric geared. no pumps and oil to worry about. They are also much deeper (at or almost 4') than others. Another thing I really liked was it included all the options. other manufacturers the options were extra and I really didn't know how much weight was added to the coach with each option. With Alfa I know the approximate dry weight with all the options (except we had a washer/dryer added).



Construction. Our unit was an early production model and has 2 problems. The dealer took apart the TV cabinet because the metal brackets didn't fight tight. But then the cabinet didn't fit right. We went out and looked at 2 models on their lot and the newer models did not have the problem. Also one of the ceiling panels is about 1/4" to 3/8" lower at a joint than the one next to it. (Can you tell I am a very detailed person!!) They couldn't do anything about it and I am the only person who ever noticed. None of the other 5ers have it.



I talked with Teton homes at length about their wood structure and looked very closely at their coaches. Alfa has an Aluminum frame. both are sandwiched with insulation and some kind of panels. Teton has a slightly high "R" value because the wood does not transmit cold like AL does. But I found the difference to be minimal. We liked the Teton floor plans a little better (kitchen opposite the door) and the round dining table. But the kitchen on the same side as the door is nice too, it is not seen as the first thing you see when you walk into the trailer.



Support by MFG. Very good to good with reservations. The problem was the parts guy at Alfa would often ship the wrong part to my dealer or would take awhile to ship it. Nothing was critical so not a big deal. Now they have a new parts guy and my dealer said things have improved. Everything I had a problem with Alfa has stood behind. New parts were shipped in no questions asked and either I or the dealer has installed them.



Our Alfa Gold had an MSRP of $72,000 and we got a great deal because we are in the RV rental business (but buy rental units from another dealer who is close friend with out 5er dealer... . it really pays to know someone!!).



I have a couple of photos but not posted them -- will have to do it someday.



Doc

 

[rweis]

Ideal, sorry (CRS, can't remember ****)



We just picked up the ID35RLIKBS yesterday. It is a beauty! I have 2 axles and about 11k on the axles and 2. 5k on the pin box.



We have been looking for about 2 years and did notice that the interiors are much nicer in the last year or so. MUCH better coordinated than before.



We did not do the W/D yet. We are going to go full time in about 4 years and are going to wait till then to do the W/D. It will make a great huge wardrobe closet till then.



We too had looked at Carriage and Montana and Teaton. Same arguments about the wood vs AL. I tended to lean toward the AL for tow weight vs floorplan sq ft. I was fairly not real sure of the weight vs the pulling ability of my 3500, but the 3500 as I have outfitted it pulls just fine. I need to get more mileage with it and get use to how it pulls. I did not go over 1100* with the KSB1B. The more it spools, the more air flow through it and it keeps the EGT temps down.



I have set up my 3500 with the intention of pulling heavy. On the way home on the interstate yesterday (flat central florida) I was pleased with the pull. I think I am developing about 350 hp or so, and the exhaust brake worked pretty well. I only towed at 60 mph as I wanted to get the feel of it. It DEFINITELY is heavier than my 8k Dutchman, lol.



I tend to be a very detail person as well. I looked at every nook and cranny in every different unit we looked at. I to liked the Alfa for the "standard options" and not a bunch of haggling as to what was or not included.



I definitely like the low cg with the under A/C. There is a Alfa owners site on Yahoo that has some interesting threads about what other Alfa owners have experienced. You can get there through the Alfa Home web page. They have NO clue about their tow vehicles, but I am tryng to direct them to their respective make truck web sites. There is a common complaint about the inability of the A/C to get to the bedroom area. A couple of owners are experimenting with duct fans. That seems to be the only area of concern.



I have a question on the 30/50 amp switch. I am still reading all the owners manuals too. When in the 30 amp position it only uses A/C compressor #1 right? We are going to take it out next weekend for the first time and much to learn on systems operation.



We are starting to load contents this weekend. With the slides in it is OBVIOUS that a layout engineer had something to do with it. The slides are within an inch of the IK, no handles on cabinets towards the steps up to the front - no clearance for the slide otherwise. Really tucked in there! A real living space engineering feat.



Another question came to mind. I use to put bicycles inside old unit, will go outside fo this unit. I have read threads that the ladder is not a good spot, not designed for the weight an road oscillations. I saw a front bumper frame hitch (9k longitudinal, 300# verticle) on etrailer.com made by E-Z I think. What do you think about air flow to the front end? I have a DTT and Smart Controller and in SC lockup towing yesterday it did not budge off 150*.



I have a thousand things going through my mind about the 5er, but will stop here. If you will, please send me your email so TDR folks don't have to deal with the long post.



Thanks to all who replied, your inputs certainly helped.



Bob Weis

 

[Driftwood Ram]

Beware if you get on the roof to clean it, though I do not know how else to do it. We have a 2000 31rl and the roof decking broke under the rubber while I was crawling around on it doing cleaning. Alfa was supposed to fix it. I took time off work and drove to the factory. When we got there, the story changed. Their last "offer" was to open the rubber at the damaged spots, repair, and patch the rubber. Not an acceptable solution. Needless to say we were, are, not "Happy Campers"

Good luck

 

[rweis]

Thanks, that is also the kind of information I need. Anything that I can find out about that maybe I can avoid or figuer out another way.



I went up to the roof during "occupancy inspection" and it seemed fairly ok, but I would not want to spend a lot of time up there. Maybe take something to spread out the point of pressure (knees, feet, etc) when I seal the roof.



Would not have otherwise thought of that being a problem.



Thanks,



What was the outcome of the repairs?, just courious?



Bob Weis

 

[Dkevdog]

Originally posted by stick

Kev:

I can tell you the Buyers Guide list most of the Alfa's as fair. Most of them have about a two star rating out of a possible five.

If you are going to spend that much money on a new rig, I highly recommend getting the RV Buyers Guide. They rate the rigs on safety, reliability, resale, and highway control.



Stick

Stick I bought the book back when I was shopping for My Sunnybrook. I used as an opinion, and not as Bible. The Fleetwood trailer that became my WORST nightmare was issued 4 stars at the time... . Granted a 5 or even a 4 star rating is certainly no guarantee of a well built coach, Based on what I've seen in other Forums I was skeptical of some of the ratings. Guess that's why they call it a "Guide".



Kev

 

[Driftwood Ram]

Bob:



Here is the response from Alfa.



"I understand that you have requested a new roof. I have reviewed your request with our staff. The area that you are concerned about is due to damage to the luan substrate in a small and circular pattern, below the rubber cap. There is no damage to the rubber cap sheet, and the roof is not punctured. Your 1 year warranty has long since expired, and neither your one year warranty or the Alfa Leisure Solid Gold 5 Year Protection Plan that currently covers your coach covers damage. This is normally covered by your insurance company. You may wish to consider a claim. In any case, under these circumstances, we will not be willing to replace your roof.



Further, since the roof is intact, we would recommend that you take no action. In the alternative, as a customer accommodation, we would be willing to open the affected area, make any needed repairs to the substrate, and then have the roof resealed by our roof repair personnel. While Alfa is not under obligation to do this, we offer this because we value you and your business. "



We took no action and left the roof alone. We also had some other repairs done. Of these three have reoccurred. The one of the most concern is the bedroom slide leaks. The water comes in around the windows. They resealed the whole outside and did a "rain test" at the factory, but it failed the real rain test. We are in Washington state and this is where the test failed. Also the furnace will not light and the oven door does not close. We have an appointment at a local shop to get these repaired. Just a real PITA as we live in our unit.



I'll keep you posted as to how well Alfa steps up to the plate on this. I feel they should cover all expenses as we already had the unit to the factory for these same problems.

 

[cpo223]

alfa

Hi Bob,

I bought my 2002 Alfa 280 as a left over here in Tampa. I 't have'nt used it yet,so I can't say if it's beyound a two star,but boy it sure is a beauty!I've walked all over the roof,& feel no flexing,I weigh 245#'s. If you discover a good front receiver for a bike rack,I'd be also interested,I'm using a ladder bike rack,but I feel that it could cause ladder damage,maybe.

I see you live in Winter Haven,I lived there as a kid,my bother was a flight instrutor at ,then Bartow AFB, he was a old P- 40 pilot. We lived off lake cannon.

Our first major trip will be Dec 26 to sugar loaf key for a week,so far the alfa pulls really nice, & seems to be a nice 5 er,time will tell. Pat

 

[stick]

Kev:

I couldn't agree more! It just seems to help some when all these units start to look the same. (if you know what I mean)



Stick

 

[rweis]

PCoakley,



The front bumper receiver I found is on etrailer.com. Go to the home page and on that page you will see a list of the subpages. One of the subpages is front bumper hitches. The hitch bolts to the frame in 3 (I think) places on each side. Specifically uses existing holes and designed to mate directly to the frame.



I was looking for a 2002 3500 (which they had). It is rated for 9k pull and 300# verticle which should be pleanty. Not sure how it might be for air to the intercooler etc. I plan to take the wheels off the bikes each time to minimize the frontal area, I also have quick release wheels on the bikes.



This is the only way to carry bikes I think. With my old rv there was some room in the bed, but the Alfa pin box sits directly over the hitch and the rear bumper is within inches of the front of the Alfa in a 45* angle turn.



I am pretty sure I am going with the bike rack. Designed for the exact truck, frame, and you can put a step in the receiver when working on the engine changing oil etc. I think the cost is about $115 or so + shipping I'm sure.



Since you are close maybe we can find a weekend and find a park after the first of the year. Would be fun comparing notes on the 5er's and CTD's.



On the roof thing, I think I will take some 1/8 plywood squares up with me to spread any weight out a little. I weigh ~ 200#, but better be forwarned and prepared.



I have been reading the owner's manual for the Alfa, whew, could be a full time job keeping it clean and waxed. Work just seems to get in the way more and more, lol.



We are going to take ours out the first time next weekend. Are you going to do anything about protecting for power surges? The manual says to shutoff the coach breakers before pluging in incase you get a hot spade in before you get the ground pin into the park receptical. Never worried about that before, but ... never had the electronics this one has either.



Let me know what you think about the front hitch on etrailer.



Tracy,



If you are anywhere in central florida I know where there is a truly skilled rv tech. Not a dealer, strickly a mom and pop small rv repair place, but REALLY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I was talking to the Bate's RV service mgr and they are booked into feb. I think Lazydays RV is booked into mar. I might do the rv tech course online and moonlight. Huge demand for someone with a brain. Could make a good part time sideline.



We plan to live in our unit in about 2 - 3 years. Good luck! I would be interested in knowing how it turns out.



Bob Weis

 

[Driftwood Ram]

Roof

Bob;





My point with Alfa is you should not have to carry anything up on the roof to walk on. When we were at the factory e took the tour and they run across a unit on the line.

Read your manual carefully. Ours says the roof is supposed to be "inspected annually". Alfa says this means you have to take it to a RV shop and pay them to "inspect" it. I too am on the Alfa 5er's site but right now do not have the time to do a lot of posting.



We did the same thing, bought the unit and did not use it much for the first year or so. Unfortunately some of the problems we have would have been evident had we used it more in the first year (Can you say one year warranty??)



Good luck.



Tracy