Keystone-Alpine 5th Wheel???

[dsprik]

quote:Keystone to Unveil New Products at Louisville
Posted: 12 Oct 2009 06:54 AM PDT
One of the industry’s most aggressive RV manufacturers, Keystone RV Co., will launch two new fifth-wheel lines at the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky. — a new high-end Alpine and less-expensive Avalanche. The high-gloss fiberglass-and-aluminum Alpine, Keystone’s new flagship fifth-wheel brand, will be available in six 32- to 39-foot with up to [...]

What is this??? Got this snippet in my RV news email and the link to the full article is not working. First I have heard of this... Tried a Google and got nothing. Anyone have a clue??? The article is not on RVbusiness.com

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Dave, about a week or so ago, someone posted that Challenger and Everest were going by by, seems these were the names of the new line to replace them.

[Montana Sky]

I look forward to seeing the new high end Alpine units!

[dsprik]

quote:Originally posted by Mrs. CountryGuy

Dave, about a week or so ago, someone posted that Challenger and Everest were going by by, seems these were the names of the new line to replace them.

That would make sense, but I would assume a this will be a total makeover with many new technologies??? After all, they already have they the Big Sky. Just making a heavier Big Sky would not be a good marketing staregy, I would think...

I'm with Dave... I would be extremely curious to get details on this unit.

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Here Dave

LOOKIE HERE

[sreigle]

From the "Breaking RV Industry News" email newsletter I subscribe to.

Keystone to Unveil New Products at Louisville

Posted: 12 Oct 2009 06:54 AM PDT

One of the industry’s most aggressive RV manufacturers, Keystone RV Co., will launch two new fifth-wheel lines at the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky. — a new high-end Alpine and less-expensive Avalanche. The high-gloss fiberglass-and-aluminum Alpine, Keystone’s new flagship fifth-wheel brand, will be available in six 32- to 39-foot with up to [...]

The link for more info is

Well, the link now goes to page not found. I read it earlier. The key is the comment about the Alpine is to be Keystone's "flagship fifth-wheel brand" which says to me it might be above the Big Sky, maybe around where the Cambridge used to be. Time will tell.

[Rondo]

Would the Alpine be the one we saw at the factory tour during the Fall Rally? I don't remember the name or number on that one IF anyone gave it to us, that is! I do think that was a Montana however!

[dsprik]

Thanks, Carol. Missed that topic. Seems the discussion leaned toward discontinuing the two lines, when actually they are being replaced. Not sure what the thinking is here. Surely wouldn't just change the decals and/or paint? I would think it would be in the same price range as the Cambridge/Everest (Alpine), but a total change in branding should mean a total renovation of a fifth wheel?

Ron, my thought - and I could be way off - is that Aram/Montana/Mountaineer will not be associated with these two new lines, therefore, Aram will not be in charge of this project? May be another division mgr, as are other Keystone products...

[Emmel]

I thought they learned a lesson on the Cambridge, it was too expensive . The price on the Big Sky is high enough, I wonder who'll pay more?

[Rondo]

Ah Steve, you know that if Patti likes it you'll get it for her!!

[richfaa]

Those are the replacements for the Everest and Challenger. Those models are no longer in production. A keystone person told us last week that these would be a bit below the Montana line and would be lighter. We snooped around the Everest/Challenger plants but saw nothing...

[dsprik]

quote:Originally posted by richfaa

Those are the replacements for the Everest and Challenger. Those models are no longer in production. A keystone person told us last week that these would be a bit below the Montana line and would be lighter.

That would make sense, Rich. I agree that trying to produce high end fifth wheel trailers right now would fly in the face of what is happening with all other mfrs of these expensive units, They are not selling right now.

Hence the curious comment/quote about the Alpine being a "Flagship"? Possibly a misquote...

[cmawendy]

I was looking on Keystone's web page and they no longer list the Big Sky, however, under luxury they list the Alpine.....Is this the replacement for the Big Sky? The pictures sure do look nice

[richfaa]

The Alpine according to the Keystone web site is now the top of the line best you can buy Keystone product. Big sky is gone.

[Chip]

I thought the Alpine already was the top of the line 5th wheel in the Keystone line. We looked at one last summer and it was much more expensive than the Montana. They were all big heavy units.

[CRUZIN 2]

The Alpine is about the same weight, in some cases may be lighter, check the spec's.

[richfaa]

Both the Montana Big Sky and the Alpine were in the "luxury" classification of the Keystone line.the Montana Big Sky is no longer in that category and in fact is not listed at all..

[DQDick]

It will be interesting to see how this all sorts out. The Alpines I've been able to closely examine were pretty, but lacked in infrastructure compared to my Monty. Also, when asked about training employees for the Montana line we were told that employees started on lessor models and only the best made it to the Montana line. That indicated that they were still looking at Montana as the top of the line in October.

[Exnavydiver]

I wouldn't worry about the Alpines for awhile, if the two owners I have talked to this trip are any indication. Both are VERY VERY P.O. ed at the shabby quality to the entire rig. From suspension to interior finish. In two different CG between North Platte and Cheyenne Wy, and both were heading back to Goshen.

[1retired06]

Agree, met an Alpine owner at the KOA in Starke Florida, and he was very unhappy, with flooring separating, cracked toilet, and pushback from his dealer.