takingthereins
Washington
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Joined: 08/03/2008
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Hello all,
I spent the afternoon reading posts and then decided to join.
We are looking at two 1999 29 ft 5th wheels only to find that both mfg have gone out of business. Alfa and Alpenlite.
This will be our first and we need to buy a good bargin but I also don't want to buy something only to find that we can't get parts. So where would you even go to get parts and service if you have a 5th wheel that the mfg has gone out of business? And would you buy or look for another brand?
thanks,
takingthereins
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bldrbuck
Boulder, Colorado
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Joined: 02/11/2001
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Those are both good units. They are old enough that there is no warrentee left so if the price and condition is good buy the one you want.
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tbax46
Holly Lake Ranch, Tex.
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I have a Travel Supreme product and they, too, went out of business. However, there are places to buy parts for them. Some parts businesses buy up the mfg.'s parts.
Also, remember, probably over 90% of the parts on these trailers are not that unique. They come from another vendor and are pretty universal. You can generally find a part somewhere.
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beenie weenie
Indiana
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Well I don't see why it would be a factor on an RV that is nearly 10 years old. It wouldn't be covered by a factory warranty anymore anyway. Most of the components you will find in any RV are made by other companys that are still in business. Example Fridge is made by Norcold or Dometic, Toilet by Thetford, stove by Atwood etc... generally you can find what you need.
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portablevcb
Tijeras, NM
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I agree. Things that will go wrong are either appliances, electric, or plumbing. All of which can be fixed with some common tools or by any RV maint center.
charlie
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bobsallyh
Livingston, Tx.
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Joined: 01/08/2004
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We have an "orphan" Alfa, sure doesn't bother us.
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takingthereins
Washington
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Wow, what quick response.
Thank you all so much. Yes what you say makes sense.
I plan to live in the 5th wheel during the week while on a job and then use it to do some traveling. We want to start out on a small budget and then move up if we ever really need to.
So that said, I have read many of the reviews on here about these two brands and then also the Cardinal and Jayco. Would you consider all these brands along the same quality level? Any comments on the brands that would help me make the decision or does it really come down to the particular trailer and which style we like the best?
thank you all---
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bfast54
Traverse City ,Mi.
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takingthereins wrote:Wow, what quick response.
Thank you all so much. Yes what you say makes sense.
I plan to live in the 5th wheel during the week while on a job and then use it to do some traveling. We want to start out on a small budget and then move up if we ever really need to.
So that said, I have read many of the reviews on here about these two brands and then also the Cardinal and Jayco. Would you consider all these brands along the same quality level? Any comments on the brands that would help me make the decision or does it really come down to the particular trailer and which style we like the best?
thank you all---
Well, in the 5th wheel trailer business, as in others there are Brand LEVELS, to choose from for example ------Jayco makes about 3 diff. levels, in the 5er series
Jayco lite, a lighter cheaper model, ( Jayflight ) is also another name for that series
there is a middle series, which is known as EAGLE
Designer is their top of the line unit , which has more features, higher end wood, fabrics, etc...
A lot of companies make several different "brands" IE Keystone Mfg makes a zilllion "brands" IE different levels from basic, all the way to top end.
Buying used is not going to be a problem, for LIVING in it .....BUT, be aware , when buying new MOST ALL units ARE NOT WARRANTED to be lived in FULL TIME !!
SO, before you buy new, check out if it will be covered if you have an issue.
Good luck, and have fun.
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alpenliter
Olympia WA
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Jean, as stated above,both units are quality products and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase either. In fact, even though we bought our sig Alpenlite for fulltiming before Western RV went out of business, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another one in a heartbeat. Make sure the roof on either rig is in good shape and spend lots of time looking at the floorplan. Good Luck on your purchase!! And welcome to the forum!
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mockturtle
Northwest
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Joined: 05/31/2005
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Can't speak on the Alfa, but Alpenlites are considered one of the best and we know some very happy owners. The hold up well. I think those manufactured prior to 2002 are better made than later models, but that's not based on any proof, just 'hearsay'.
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