Alpenlite Aspen

[CatInSnoho]

Hello everyone, I am a long time lurker but first time poster. I am so grateful for all of the helpful information shared on these forums! My husband and I are looking to buy a well-built older trailer that we can give the “Rock My RV” treatment to – full body paint or wrap, new flooring, countertops, window treatments, furniture, etc. We are considering a 2004 Alpenlite Aspen. Does anyone have any experience with or opinions on these trailers? I know back in the day Alpenlite/Western RV was well-respected for building quality units.

Any information on how the Aspen tows would be helpful also. I’d hate to buy the trailer and find out it tows terrible. Also any suggestions of other trailer brands I should look out for that are sturdy and quality-built is much appreciated. TIA!

[N7SJN]

I would be interested in knowing if you found your Aspen. If you did there is a group on FaceBook of Alpenlite owners.

[CatInSnoho]

WyoTraveler - Thanks for the honest feedback, I appreciate it. It is unfortunate that stupidity drove Western RV out of business. Every time I see an Alpenlite fifth wheel on the road (I’m not sure I have ever even seen one of their trailers before now) I admire how nicely they are constructed. We are going to examine the unit closely and jump on it if it is in good shape.

ReferDog – I am very familiar with AF and Nash being in the Northwest but I think people are keeping their good units! All of the used ones I have seen for sale are in very poor shape. Maybe a gem will turn up eventually!

[ReferDog]

Arctic Fox,Nash.

[WyoTraveler]

I'll give you some honest input about what I thought of Alpenlite.

I bought a 2001 Alpenlite Augusta 32 5th wheel from them in (new) 2001. They had a fantastic facility in Washington. I was totally impressed. Once I purchased the 5ver and headed to CA, and AZ I discovered that warranty service was almost impossible. In fact I stopped at one of their service dealers in CA and they did about $1000 damage to my new 5th wheel. I returned to Washington and Alpenlite told me they could fix it but was not responsibile for any service their licensed dealers did on my unit. Plus would not even help to recover any funds. Alpenlite built a great RV but the lack of good warranty service by their dealers drove them out of business. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used unit because the warranty is gone anyway. We loved our 5ver. Very good solid construction. One of the better RVs built. I told Western RV when I returned to Washington that their poor dealer service to us was going to come back to bite them if it continued and that they should try to rectify the problems they had. Guess what? Drove them into bankruptcy.