Is a Western RV Alpine a Quality Coach?

wolfe10 wrote:
OK, some of the reasons we bought (and very much appreciate) the Alpine built by Western RV (and I am VERY PICKY):

Long wheelbase/OL for better ride and handle. Physics is physics. The 38' Alpine (same length as ours) is on a very long for its length 260" wheelbase.

The chassis was custom designed for Alpine (called Peak chassis) by Gary Jones and the design criteria were to make it the "BMW" of motorhomes. Very rigid frame, 4 ride height valves (virtually all others have 3), larger than required running gear (over 5,700 pound CCC). And big engines for their size (400 HP/1,200 lb-ft of torque ISL) in a 33,000 pound GVWR coach).

Huge basement storage areas, excellent fit and finish with all solid wood cabinets,

The Alpine has a side radiator with excellent access to engine.

We have taken a couple of long trips in ours, TX to CA and TX to UP of Michigan and generally take the back roads. It is a joy to drive.

To view a brochure on the 2004:

Click on: http://www.alpinecoachassociation.com/tech/tech.html#brochures

Scroll down to "Alpine Owners Manuals". Click on 2004 and then "go".

Yes, I do mechanical inspections on coaches, but are located just south of Houston, TX-- no idea where you or the coach are located.

On edit: Long story: Here is how we came to look for an Alpine. In 2001, the FMCA Convention was in Redmond, OR. The stock market had not yet crashed and we were looking for a newer coach (had 1993 Foretravel). Since we enjoy the back roads (U.S. 50/the loneliest road in America is one of our favorites), I wanted a coach that drove very well. There is a narrow twisting road that heads east from the airport in Redmond. We took our Foretravel on that road, pushing it hard. Dianne noted speed and comments on the drive. We then took demo drives in coaches we were considering, including Country Coach, Foretravel, upper end of Monaco as well as Alpine. The Alpine won by a significant margin.