Forum Discussion

Acei's avatar
Acei
Explorer
Oct 20, 2013

Lifestyle Alfa Gold?

Looks like Lifestyle has another line-up of 5th wheels - there are only 3 floorplans under this brand and just like the regular Lifestyle 5th wheels, it is built strong (sounds like the same frame) hence good for full-timing use. But it does look lighter than the existing models so perhaps it is meant to be a cheaper alternative?

Does anyone know what this is about?

20 Replies

  • We are happy Carriage owners and wonder what will happen with the quality of the produce under the name Carriage under the Thor ownership. Only time will tell. The name is one thing, the product is something else.
  • After having the wide body on the Escalade, we really like the not-so-wide body on the Lifestyle. Company quality seems good but they sure are slow in shipping parts...
  • bobsallyh wrote:
    I think we will be keeping our 2003 Alfa Gold.


    I don't think the new ones will be in the same class as the previously manufactured units.

    They will probably be rebadged "Bay Hill" models, perhaps a few new features. I looked at the weights and a 41ft 5th wheel in the same class as the older Alfa's (mid - high end) would be a bit higher than 2200lbs (see example from new brochure below).

    That seems to be the trend now. Companies bought the rights to the names of higher end, bankrupt brands. Redwood did it with Carriage, Evergreen now does it with Alfa. Redwood's plan didn't seem to happen or has been delayed, but there was / is a lot of concern about what they will do to the reputation associated with the name. Carriage built their own frames and had a reputation for high standards of build quality. Building "Carriage" units on mass produced frames with lower quality materials might sell a few units initially, but if the quality isn't there the success will be short lived. Evergreen may experience this with their new line if not careful. Their brochure says they will use the same Titan frame, so time will tell.

    I support any manufacturer trying to expand their market (more competition is better for the consumer), but you have to look closely at scenarios like this and be sure you know what you are getting as a consumer. Current Alfa owners are going to have some grief about this, just as Carriage owners were concerned about Redwood / Thor building new "Carriages".

    Every original Alfa I walked through was a solid and quality unit. Evergreen will have big shoes to fill.

    OJ

    MODEL 3805BH

    Total Dry Weight (UVW) *12,485
    Dry Hitch Weight (LBS) *2,195
    GVWR (LBS) *16,300
    Fresh Water Capacity (GAL) 70
    Gray Water Tank Capacity (GAL) 80
    Black Water Tank Capacity (GAL) 40
    LP Capacity (LBS) 60
    Cargo Carrying Capacity (LBS) 2196
    Overall Length 41’
    Height (including A/C) 13’ 1”
    Width 100
    Bed Size 60x80
    Power Awning Length 16’
    Tire Size ST235/80R16
  • Luke Porter wrote:
    Acei wrote:
    One of the thing I noticed about these new models is the width - it's 100"! That's wider than Lifestyle or even DRV.


    The DRV is 101".


    I stand corrected. :)
  • Acei wrote:
    One of the thing I noticed about these new models is the width - it's 100"! That's wider than Lifestyle or even DRV.


    The DRV is 101".
  • I see... I downloaded their brochure for the Gold Alfa and it says:

    "Built on the Titan Structure™ frame, built in-house for the ultimate in quality
    control and seamless integration with the chassis of the Alfa Gold fifth wheel,
    this double-stacked, box-steel tube frame is designed for superior strength and
    durability. The Alfa Gold is built for travel and the ultimate in comfort."

    So I guess the frame is built by Lippert? DRV still gets Lippert build theirs so perhaps these guys are ok too. "double-stacked, box-steel tube frame" sounds decent to me.

    Good to know that they are a step below the Lifestyle.
  • We were at Lifestyle factory a couple of months ago. They said Alfa Gold is a step down from Lifestyle. Lifestyle will still have the in house built frame. Alfa Gold will have a Lippert frame as well as the Bayview which is also built in the same factory. The to bottom will be Lifestyle, Alfa Gold and Bayview.
  • One of the thing I noticed about these new models is the width - it's 100"! That's wider than Lifestyle or even DRV.

    Anyone with any pricing info?
  • Lifestyles is a very solid made 5th wheel. Alfa is a new brand built by them and I'm sure there will be more floor plans. Don't know about the weight difference. I heard lifestyles is coming out with a wide body with a split bath in the near future. Not sure if this will also come under the Alfa name.