When we purchased out Alpine 3495FL 5th wheel trailer in late 2014 we did so based upon our then vision of what we thought would be important for full-time RV’ing. Considering we were working from a base of zero experience, we did a pretty good job. The Alpine has been a dependable and functional travel home for us this year.
However, with the passing of time some fundamental shortcomings of the Alpine have become apparent. For example, we now feel the front living area design, at least in this Alpine, provides a limited amount of living room space. This becomes an issue when you toss a 70lb dog into the mix. We’ve also found the furniture to be uncomfortable, which wouldn’t be a deal-breaker in itself except for the fact a raised slide-out floor design in the living room area prevents any furniture replacement. Also, the bed slide-in design makes it difficult to substitute a higher grade and more comfortable mattress. And finally there’s the limited storage space under living space — the “basement.” But our opinion of the Alpine is certainly not all negative. I could list many positive things about it as well.
Nevertheless, the seeds of dissatisfaction had rooted and in the last month we’ve looked at many different RV’s to see what was available. Without finding anything that offered more than what we have now, we even entertained just addressing the discomforts of the Alpine by customizing it somewhat. We briefly consider a Class A Motor Home but Maggie went into a full panic during a test drive which put an end to that thought — she doesn’t like her home to move while she’s in it.
Via the web we’d seen a North Carolina dealer had a couple of 5th Wheels we wanted to look at, which we did this past Monday.
“You’ve got to be careful when you look for something because you might just find what you’re looking for.”
We got a good deal on a 2016 VanLeigh Vilano 365RL 5th Wheel. It addresses the negatives listed above while mostly keeping the good features we liked about the Alpine and doesn’t put us in a financial pinch (breathe easy, Liz). I’m sure after a year there will be things we would like to be different in this one too, but I think we’re drawing closer to meeting our base needs for the longer term.
An interesting side note to this story is while the Vilano has more inner storage it is shorter then the Alpine so in a way we’ve downsized again. We know during the process of moving our possessions from the old to the new (tomorrow) there’s a number of things we’ve seldom or never used that will not make the transition so it’s also another step of simplifying and minimization.
Oh, my gosh what a gorgeous home! If, I’m not mistaken this looks similar in color to the your other one. I’m actually glad you stayed with the 5th wheel as the class A does require towing a second vehicle. As they say, there is not perfect RV, car, church, or person. Since this is your permanent residence, I hope this makes life a bit better for you. Love the colors, by the way.
Thank you, Monte, we’re glad you like it — I think we’ll love it. The old one outside is white where this one is tan. The wood in the old coach was a dark cherry where the new is dark oak and the interior design of the new one is much more contemporary. There are functional upgrades which are going to make things a little nicer as well…double-pane windows, heat pump, residential refrigerator and covers over the slides…and the furniture and bed are comfortable! Certainly not roughing it! :-)
Looks like a worthy upgrade Brooks. It looks very modern and I can’t get over the kitchen. Amazing interior design.
Thanks, Cedric. The VanLiegh company is a recent startup owned by the Tiffin family (grandfather, father and son) which has been building high-quality motor coaches here in the U.S. for over 30 years. They’re now bringing that vast design, technology and customer service experience to building 5th Wheel coaches.
I’m sure you and Bonnie have gained a lot of experience over the last year, not to mention the opportunity to see a lot of other choices. Sounds like a worthwhile change, especially if it gets you more comfort and doesn’t upset the budget too much. Keep in touch and let us know when and where you get settled, if only for a few weeks!
Thanks, Tom. Today is the day we take possession of the new coach, learn about the differences between it’s controls and the old one and then move everything from the old to the new. It’s going to be a long day…especially since I woke up this morning at 4 am with my head spinning from all we have to do. :-( The dealer in Mocksville is setting us up on their lot, side-by-side, for Saturday and Saturday night so we can transition. Then Sunday we drive to Ft. Mill, SC, where we’ll stay for a few more weeks and get organized again. We’ll try and arrange something and will be in touch.
Looks nicer than my house! Very nice!
Mark, thanks.