08 Alfa SeeYa Apology
First Morisheh, I do want to apologize for my bad manners and comment, however I do have issues when statements are made with no data to support the statement.
Your statement "A quick Google on the AC problem brings up lots of posts". Ok, I have used a Google Search window for the following statements:
"rv basement air conditioning problems", "rv basement air conditioner problems", and "motorhome basement air conditioner".
I believed that if I search at least 10 web links, I would find Alfa Motor homes in at least 1 of them stating problems or concerns. I found listing for Tradewinds, Winnebago, and Holiday Ramblers, unfortunately for the 10 links I looked at no mention of Alfa with AC problems.
One of the reason, some owners installed an additional unit and which in later models, Alfa offered a desert package, was due to people like to stay in areas where temperatures exceeded 105 degrees or higher. Now it is common for air conditioners whether basement or roof mounted to be unable to keep up with the demand in cooling. Especially above 105 degrees. RV units are mainly only able to compensate 20 to 30 degrees between outside and inside room. This is especially true for both units. A basement AC has (2) compressors, which equals about 30,000 BTU, a single roof unit is about 15,000. So 2 roof tops are needed to replace a basement unit.
Now tack on the 2 biggest design differences, 13 Ft ceiling and large windows. In extreme heat, yes it would require an additional 3rd unit. However for temperatures below 105, you would be comfortable. The inside temperature would be in the range of 75 to 80 degrees. At night with sun down, the rig would be much cooler and by the next day, more comfortable. In addition, since Susan and I live in Arizona we can live comfortably in our 03 SeeYa even in 105 temps. We do take extra steps, but have yet needed to add the 3rd unit.
Also, from our road trips, most new 40 to 45 Ft rigs now have 3 roof top units. I suspect it is due to the same reason. Extreme temperature and the limitation of the Freon used in the air conditioners.
So, can a person be comfortable in an Alfa, yes. Are there reasons to be concern, no except for the problem with the Crane Composite material. On some rigs (other brands included) blisters started to form. This one one of the main reason Alfa went out of business. They were performing warranty replacement of the Crane Composite material. To date, some rigs have had blisters and other have not.
Lastly, we are hosting a Alfa rally in April in Casa Grande, where over 120 rigs will be attending. You are more then welcome to visit and discuss with anyone, issues, problems or any subject concerning the Alfa motor-homes.
Sincerely Dale Prichard
Your statement "A quick Google on the AC problem brings up lots of posts". Ok, I have used a Google Search window for the following statements:
"rv basement air conditioning problems", "rv basement air conditioner problems", and "motorhome basement air conditioner".
I believed that if I search at least 10 web links, I would find Alfa Motor homes in at least 1 of them stating problems or concerns. I found listing for Tradewinds, Winnebago, and Holiday Ramblers, unfortunately for the 10 links I looked at no mention of Alfa with AC problems.
One of the reason, some owners installed an additional unit and which in later models, Alfa offered a desert package, was due to people like to stay in areas where temperatures exceeded 105 degrees or higher. Now it is common for air conditioners whether basement or roof mounted to be unable to keep up with the demand in cooling. Especially above 105 degrees. RV units are mainly only able to compensate 20 to 30 degrees between outside and inside room. This is especially true for both units. A basement AC has (2) compressors, which equals about 30,000 BTU, a single roof unit is about 15,000. So 2 roof tops are needed to replace a basement unit.
Now tack on the 2 biggest design differences, 13 Ft ceiling and large windows. In extreme heat, yes it would require an additional 3rd unit. However for temperatures below 105, you would be comfortable. The inside temperature would be in the range of 75 to 80 degrees. At night with sun down, the rig would be much cooler and by the next day, more comfortable. In addition, since Susan and I live in Arizona we can live comfortably in our 03 SeeYa even in 105 temps. We do take extra steps, but have yet needed to add the 3rd unit.
Also, from our road trips, most new 40 to 45 Ft rigs now have 3 roof top units. I suspect it is due to the same reason. Extreme temperature and the limitation of the Freon used in the air conditioners.
So, can a person be comfortable in an Alfa, yes. Are there reasons to be concern, no except for the problem with the Crane Composite material. On some rigs (other brands included) blisters started to form. This one one of the main reason Alfa went out of business. They were performing warranty replacement of the Crane Composite material. To date, some rigs have had blisters and other have not.
Lastly, we are hosting a Alfa rally in April in Casa Grande, where over 120 rigs will be attending. You are more then welcome to visit and discuss with anyone, issues, problems or any subject concerning the Alfa motor-homes.
Sincerely Dale Prichard
