(10/06)
There are few things RVers anticipate more than "taking delivery" of a new unit. And we were certainly no exception to this RVing fact of life. October 3 we began the extensive process of accepting delivery of our new 34' 2007 Alpine Limited SE at the Western RV Service Center in Yakima, WA.
CAVEAT: As we have with other RV products we've reported on, our purpose is to "tell it like it is". We'll factually describe the unit, discuss how the delivery process was handled, and then give our preliminary impression of the coach's characteristics and features. In the process we'll discuss both what we like, and what we think might be improved. This is not what most readers are accustomed to when reading a more formal "product review", because almost without exception those reviews appear in publications that are supported in part by advertising revenues from the manufacturer. Thus to the extent we may note some things that might be improved, it's important to keep in mind the fact that unlike most reviews, our purpose here is not to sugar-coat anything, but rather to report factually and fairly.
The Alpine Coach: Ours was the first '07 34 foot Alpine coach to be produced in the current model year (maybe a reason for crossed fingers?). It is designated as a "Limited SE", which is just below Western RV's top of the line "Apex" model -- which to our knowledge has only been produced in a 40 foot length. Interestingly, the '07 Limited SE models now include some of the key features that previously had been available only in the Alpine Apex models. Our unit is powered by a Cummins 400 HP engine, equipped with a six speed Allison Transmission and a two-stage engine brake. We have a 2 x 100 watt engineered solar system that has some very nice features about which we'll be saying more in a separate article. Included with our model is an 8,000 watt Onan quiet diesel generator equipped with autostart.
The coach cabinetry is "Tuscan Maple", a warm and light color, and the countertops, dining table and other surfaces are a light Karadon (Corion type) surface. Backsplashes are high with designer accents. We opted to omit some of the mirrored surface that is standard (for which omissions we paid extra!), as Stephanie much prefers to have a bit of our own artwork with us on our travels. The floor tiling in entry area of the coach and in the galley/vanity/bath area is a matching light color, and the fabrics and window treatments are, in our opinion, very tastefully done -- by not being overdone.
We opted for the standard electric/propane Dometic refrigerator, which in the case of this floorplan leaves space for a very handy slideout pantry immediately adjacent to the fridge. We also chose an upgrade to the GE Advantium Microwave oven. The 34' model comes with two slideouts on the driver's side. We have a WeatherPro automatic awning (with wind sensor) over the main patio area, and a second automatic awning over the entry door. The entry door is equipped with posi-lock, which holds the door in the open position until the handle is pulled slightly to close the door. We have a coded and lighted keyless entry system, and the locks also can be activated by a wireless keychain device -- or even a key if you're so inclined. [There is a funny story about finding ourselves locked out in the dark one evening before we'd fully understand how the locking systems work, or which key might actually open the door -- but that was entirely our fault, and was solved by hoisting a grandchild through an open bedroom window!] The front windshield and the front side windows all have remote controlled sun shades -- which we'd not had before, but now find very handy. We were pleasantly surprised by the highly efficient and effective built-in vac system.
The unit is equipped with HydroHot, which acts as a furnace, water heater, and can pre-heat the engine on cold mornings. We're finding for most purposes that the electric heating element is sufficient for hot water and "normal" furnace operations. That was good news for the diesel tank... The roof air conditioners are also equipped with a heat pump. In terms of chassis electronics, we have both the Silverleaf engine monitoring system, which is incorporated into the relatively large screen color rear-view monitor, and a SmarTire system that is monitoring both the six coach tires and the four tires on the Jeep Grand Cherokee that we're towing.
New to the Limited SE models for '07 is Alpine's patented "SmartBed" system -- which is one of the most interesting new coach features we've seen on any brand. On units longer than ours, there are usually four separate storage bays that extend and retract with an HWH powered hydraulic motor. While there are only two of these bays in the 34' models (one on either side of the coach), they are extremely spacious, with each measuring 5 feet wide by 4 feet deep, and a depth sufficient to accommodate two tiers of standard storage containers in most of the inside area. Each of these "magic storage bays" is designed to accommodate 750 pounds of stored goods. There are no "handles" on the SmartBeds -- because they don't need any. When they're closed, they're "locked". All the other bay doors are side-hinged, using two very robust aircraft style hinges that provide extremely easy and convenient access to the various other bays.
The entertainment center includes a 32" Hi Def flat screen TV in the main living area, and a 20" standard TV in the bedroom. A Kingdome is included as a standard feature on the Limiteds, and there are separate satellite receivers for the front and back TVs. There is a Sony AV home theatre system with five speakers plus a subwoofer in the main living area. Included is a 5 disk CD/DVD changer. The dash radio is a satellite-ready AM/FM/Cassette/CD unit. Although the original specifications called for a traditional Winegard over-the-air antenna, a production change was apparently made and ours has an "omni" antenna instead. Our past experience with omni antennas has not been favorable, though we'll have to see how well this new design works. As usual, with all the different electronic components, the coach comes with a drawer full of remotes. However, and now I speak in the hypothetical, this is all resolved easily by using the optional Harmony 880 universal remote. More on that later...
The PDI Process: We've only had one other experience in taking factory delivery -- when we took delivery of our 2000 Country Coach Intrigue. That was a full day's process, and our anticipation was that it would be about the same with the Alpine. In fact we thought we knew so much more about motorhomes at this point that we might require less time for the PDI this time around. We'd tentatively planned to do the walk through and any minor adjustments on Tuesday, take a trip to Leavenworth on Wednesday, and return for a firm service appointment to take care of any punchlist items on Friday. Then we'd head home. How very wrong we were!
We began the process on the morning of Tuesday, October 3. The morning was spent going around the outside of the coach, and the afternoon was devoted to learning all of the features and systems inside. In the process we of course pushed every button, turned on and off every switch, opened every door, drawer and cabinet, and kept a list of any items that we thought might qualify for a punch list. I started taking notes at the beginning of the process, and by the end of the day I had practically used up the entire notepad. As comprehensive as this walk through had been, it was really only a "once over lightly", because there were so very many items to note, and systems to learn. Every system we learned we of course needed to know what to do if it didn't operate as intended. If the SmartBed failed to retract, what to do? If the front generator slide didn't retract, what next? If the hydraulic jacks failed to store, what's the work-around?
By the end of the day we had the definite feeling that we had not only not "finished", but rather had just begun. We now had a more realistic assessment of the complexities involved, and a better understanding of why "factory delivery" of a new coach at WRV is a process they intend be accomplished over a number of days. During that period of time we had access to the WRV tech ("Izzy") who spent the entire first day with us. Our next few days were spent in one of the hookup sites at the new WRV Service Center -- continuing to test everything, learn how to operate all the systems as best we could, and make notes of questions we had or things we wanted to be adjusted or changed. Included was some driving time to road test the new unit. Actually the first "road test" was done with one of the WRV chassis techs on board. Typical of the next four (work week) days would be meeting with Izzy first thing in the morning, and go over our list of items to be checked out in Service, and/or new questions we'd have from using the coach. The coach would go into the Service Center for any needed tests or adjustments. By midday the coach would be back, and we'd continue to use and test the coach as best we could for the balance of that day and evening.
The Punch List: As it turned out most of the items we'd list were things we didn't fully understand on the first walk through. We went back over the "what if" questions -- i.e., if the slide doesn't retract, etc. And we've found mastering the electronics using the Harmony 880 universal remote is a continuing challenge. By spending so much time in the coach we did find some items that had slipped through the factory PDI inspections. These included (i) a bedroom drawer that had insufficient clearance to open all the way; (ii) and outside security light that once turned on would not turn off; (iii) a front entry step that would not stay extended when the front door was closed while parked; (iv) a small portion of overspray on the exterior paint that became visible once the coach was no longer under artificial light; (vi) a strip of moulding in the corner of the bathroom that was a bit rough, and needed refinishing; and (vii) our discovery that the Flexsteel driver's seat had one armrest that rotated further back than it should, and could become loose. Given the fact that we had five days plus an intervening weekend to test and retest everything, and considering that none of the items represented major problems, we think most coach owners who have taken delivery of a new unit would conclude this was a pretty good outcome.
We did notice a few things that could only be partially addressed at the factory. The HWH hydraulic jacks sometimes required a bit of coaxing to get them to report they had fully retracted (sometimes when they actually had done so). But of course it couldn't be replicated in the Service Center (don't we all love the term "intermittent"?). In addition we found the Kingdome satellite signal was marginal in the front (Hi Def) TV -- reaching only into the low 50s. The signal in the smaller back TV was much stronger. Applying some sort of magic potion to the dome got it from the mid 40s into the 50s, but that's still an awfully weak signal for satellite. I fear the problem has more to do with inherent limitations in domed systems. Our preference would have certainly been for a non-domed automatic MotoSat unit, but the Kingdome is included in the Alpine purchase price, and there is little discount if you choose not to have it. Fortunately the Alpine has a built in switch that allows you to attach an external portable dish. We subsequently tried that, and the results were interesting: While the signal was much stronger using our portable dish, the signal to the Hi Def front TV was still 20 points less than the signal reporting at the smaller standard bedroom TV.
One thing we were unable to test at the factory was how the system would process a park cable signal. As it turns out while the back TV does fine, there seems to be no setting that provides for using cable input to the front (Hi Def) TV. As of the present writing, this is the only unresolved issue -- save for the spotty performance-to-date of the Harmony 880 universal remote. But we need to be certain we've mastered the "right way to do it" with the Harmony before we pass judgment on that product.
Our "Net" Preliminary Conclusion: Having described with some specificity the issues we found, in the interest of fairness we should also set for our first impression -- which on balance is extremely favorable. First, the Alpine's claim to being the ultimate "Performance RV" in terms of drivability seems entirely understandable now that we've put several hundred miles behind us. We have not driven every brand of motorhome on the road, so we have no objective way to "compare". However, it's difficult to imagine a motorhome that is easier or more comfortable to drive than our new Alpine coach. Other high end brands that we've driven tended to fall into one of two categories -- either "solid but not too peppy", or "reasonably peppy, but not entirely solid". The Alpine is both solid AND peppy. With the Cummins 400 powering a unit that is lighter than its counterparts in other high end coaches, the "pep" is very noticeable. Yet the coach has the "feel" of coaches that weigh far more than ours. It tracks effortlessly without need for constant compensation on the steering wheel. And the 50 degree turning radius makes parking this unit a breeze. The only feature that at first seems a bit different is that the service brakes seem to require a bit more pressure that we experienced with air brakes -- though the stopping distance seems good.
Beyond its road handling characteristics, we're finding the unit to be extremely livable Keeping in mind that we were anxious to not go over 34 feet, the floor plan is just perfect for our needs. We have two driver's side slides, and none on the passenger side. In a 34' unit, this preserves both inside and outside storage space that might otherwise be strained. We've now had a chance to load the rig with all our "stuff" -- and we still have ample unused storage in the two very large SmartBeds, plus inside cabinets and drawers that as yet have nothing in them. We're pleased with both the exterior graphics and the very impressive fit and finish of the interior mill work. In most coaches you can immediately spot cabinet doors that don't quite line up perfectly. Not so in this Alpine. Moreover, the "Tuscan Maple" interior wood tone blends well with the fabrics and countertops. All of the drawers are on steel sliding hardware that are sturdy, and remind one of the "heavy stuff" that is used in filing cabinets. To date we're very pleased with our choice of an Alpine Coach.
A Follow Up is Due: We don't feel the "first impressions" we've documented above are more than preliminary observations, and more experience with the coach will undoubtedly provide significant additional perspective. And we shall report further in due course. Nevertheless, we thought it important to provide our initial thoughts on the new unit in an objective article. We'll be doing an update as we spend more time in our new unit, and also have a chance to "experience" the manufacturer and dealer after-sale support. Our bottom line first take on the new Alpine is simply this: If you're considering the purchase of a new high end diesel pusher, you will do yourself a favor by counting Alpine among the coaches you will want to consider. And by all means -- drive one!
Note: For a distaff perspective on this process, see Stephanie's account in "Postcards". We've posted a few digital pix in slide show format that illustrate some of what is discussed above. Because of the artificial interior light the cabinet color is not well represented in these pix, as it is in fact much lighter and brighter than is there depicted. Nevertheless you can get some visual sense of the coach by clicking here.
Update: 03/01/07: Since we purchased our new Alpine, WRV was acquired by Monomoy, and Investment Company. The transaction was facilitated by Bob Lee, founder of Country Coach. Ron Doyle continues as president, and the key managers remain in place. Bob Lee served as Chairman for a brief period before participating in the purchase of Country Coach from National RV Holdings, where he now serves as Chairman emertius. While complex, the net effect of these corporate changes has, in our opinion, resulted in significant new capital and management resources available to WRV.