Winnebago Alpine on Isuzu NQR450

[Craig]

Hi David,
Which model Alpine are you looking at? I have a 2855 on a mazda base and have owned it since 2007. The Mazda has been great. It is a little under powered with regard to head winds and hills and I have been told the same with the Isuzu. But the Isuzu can be chipped I believe. This is why I asked which model you are looking at.
Things to look for are water leaks from the John Guest fittings, check in all cupboards for evidence of this. I have changed nearly all of the fittings with compression fittings which are far superior than the JG fittings.
Check the city water connection also as I have had a lot of problems with these leaking and of course they are fitted in behind draws or cupboards and not below floor level. Pay particular attention to the EPDM roof and fittings. Make sure the self levelling compound has been applied at the specified periods. This is an expensive job if you are paying to have it done properly. A Winnebago dealer informed us that if they aren't charging you at least $1000 then they aren't doing the job properly.
My MH was not looked after very well in the early part of its life and as the EPDM roof was neglected and the outside fittings and rear corner molds' sealant was breaking down. The sealing putty they use on all the outside fittings goes hard and needs to be replaced periodically. I have had to replace the frame work in the walls around the hot water system and the large fridge vent. Both were rotted out by water ingress. Easy to check as the immediate area around the items will be soft and the outside wall will move when pushed. It should be solid and not deflect.
The suspension had to be upgraded with an additional leaf all round and heavier duty shocks. So take it for a good test drive and make sure you are happy with the ride and handling.
I am happy to talk further on some of the other issues I have had if you would like, pm me for my number if you want.

Craig

[supersparky]

Craig, The unit we looked at recently was a 2855. The missus loved the floorplan and it was very low k's for a 2003 model but I think that it had been used onsite somewhere as permanent accom. All the sidelight lenses are sunbleached and the tyres are all cracked on the sidewall. The EPDM covering on the roof looks to be blistered and loose but I have never had a proper look at one in good nick so can't really compare. We have opted to not consider this vehicle further but now the real search begins. We looked at probably 100 vehicles before we got the Coaster 6-7 years ago and I have been pretty happy with it. My bigger pain is the East West bed.
Thanks for all the feed back folks.

[generdawg]

My bigger pain is the East West bed.

Dave, if you cannot rearrange your setup for an island double, then single beds on the sides is the only other option. As you know, the East/West setup is the practical less expensive choice.

I can only imagine that the call of nature is the issue here and if so, the one with the least frequent call should be the one on the inside. Helps if they are the most flexible too.

I have an idea how to deal with this, but don't want to go public. I realise just saying that probably gives the game away.

If I'm barking up the wrong tree please set me straight.

dawg

[jon_d]

I have an Isuzu.... goes well. Sometimes feels like I'm driving an old Bedford though.

[BruceS]

Jon if you change the hubcaps and steering wheel emblem to Isuzu it'll go faster!!
Maybe a Ferrari emblem ........... nah, that won't work! Will it? haha

[supersparky]

Jon if you change the hubcaps and steering wheel emblem to Isuzu it'll go faster!!
Maybe a Ferrari emblem ........... nah, that won't work! Will it? haha

I reckon he needs to paint it red.....They always go faster.

Brad, Not the problem. I sleep at the back and rarely wake through the night, the major problem is making the bed and the lack of ventilation in the back corner when I'm sleeping. If I have had a little drink I sweat like a bastard and need some space. Single beds will never be on the agenda. Might as well live in different houses.

[Dot]

Not the "little drink" making you sweat David, you are now at that age of MENopause...

[Shirley]

Making the bed you need to sew long strips or ribbons on the back side & corners of the sheet, then just pull on the ribbons from front side, easy, sheet all straight, looks a bid weird on the cloths line

[jon_d]

Apologies to Dave for a second.

Bruce, it does have a Isuzu emblem on the (Isuzu) steering wheel.... because it has Isuzu PAS and all engineered.

[generdawg]

... the major problem is making the bed ...

Wot a woose (sp). You know that I managed quite well on my own for years including doing my own laundry and E/W bed making, but I'll let you in on a little secret that to this day I don't know why someone else has not thought of it. Everybody has a fitted bottom sheet, but I had fitted top sheets! Never had the sheet pulled off my feet in the middle of a cold night and man did it make the job of making the bed so easy.

Now that I've solved your problem I guess you will be keeping the coaster - HEY, that's two problems in one day, a record!

dawg (guess you owe me a beer - pity it'll be XXXX )