Forum Discussion

Camp__Forrest__'s avatar
Camp__Forrest__
Explorer
May 24, 2013

Alpenlite opinions.

We have a 1985 Lance 920 (11'3"). We've had it for 12 years and have been pretty happy with it but we are untested in upgrading to get more creature comforts like A/C, electric jacks, generator, N/S bed, etc. we have found two campers locally that are interesting. But are 11'6" Alpenlite campers, one a 1994 and a 1999. The 99 has a stable lift and generator and isn't much more than the 1994, but the 94 looks like new inside and out, has been stored indoors, and is for sale by the original owners.

Just looking for opinions on Alpenlites and wondering if there are any significant differences between the years.

P.S. Both have aluminum frames according to the owners.
Truck Campers
  • portscanner's avatar
    portscanner
    Explorer
    May 24, 2013
    First thing I did when I got mine in September 2011 was to put liquid EPDM on the roof and caulk everything.

    Only repairs was to replace the control board on the fridge and the oil pressure sender on the generator.
  • Dcoleram's avatar
    Dcoleram
    Explorer
    May 24, 2013
    i have a 12 foot 1995 , i love it, had to have some delamanation issues this winter, but the was previous owners not doing proper maitnece , other wise i love it, i haul a 16 foot horse trailer with it
  • btggraphix's avatar
    btggraphix
    Explorer
    May 24, 2013
    msminoff had one at the expo and he really likes his. Similar vintage I think. If it works for you (layout/features) and seems to be in good shape, I'd go for it. If the indoor stored one has the items you want, I'd go for it over a 5 year newer one that has been outside, gone through multiple owners and is more worn out.

    Good luck! 12 years is a lot of years of camping in your old Lance.
  • whizbang's avatar
    whizbang
    Explorer II
    May 24, 2013
    Alpenlites were considered one of the better campers in there day. After 2000, the quality suffered a bit. We loved ours.

    From your description, the 1994 sounds like a better camper. In an older used model condition and maintenance are what set then apart. The indoor storage would have protect many critical parts from UV degradation as well as keep moisture from being a problem.
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    May 24, 2013
    Alpenlites are nice but the ones I've seen have very dark interiors. Take a look at the layouts and interior pictures. I don't think there are significant advantages of buying a 13 year old camper compared to a 18 year old one.

    I think you are probably considering nonslide based on the age. I'd also consider Northern Lite.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    May 24, 2013
    IMHO Alpenlite ( Western RV) made some of the best products going. Full aluminum frames, good insulation, large tanks, whats not to love? But at those ages, things are bound to need replacing. Like the roof. Even on the newest the material is now 14/15 years old. It will probably be getting brittle. So figure those sorts maintenance items into your upgrade budget.

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