Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone RV Customer Comments > Prospective Owners' Questions
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 02-25-2017, 05:34 AM   #1
brad2388
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Climax
Posts: 85
Alpine vs montana buyers guide?

We currently have a forest river sandpiper 5th wheel.
We are looking at both the alpine which my wife is set on and the montanas.

Were currently not happy with the build of the sandpiper and looking to step up some and was looking at both keystone products.

It seems these are rated for 4 seasons living which is what we would be doing almost. We normally camp around christmas so it can get pretty cold and also camp 4th of july which can get upwards of 95.
Here in Nc we have pretty rough humidity.

Our camper now we cant stay warm in a roughly 30 degree night.

How will the keystones compare? Are they lacking in a/c and heat like the sandpiper is?

I have noticed theres only 4 vents for the ac which was a problem in our sandpiper. Which i have added the third ac too.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
brad2388 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 05:52 AM   #2
bsmith0404
Senior Member
 
bsmith0404's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Las Cruces
Posts: 4,665
The Alpine and Montana are going to compare very closely with each other.

We love our Alpine and the dual zone system. We have camped in both hot and cold. We don't have any problem keeping it comfortable in either. We can keep it comfortable down to around 30 degree outside temps with just the heat pump and fireplace. When it starts getting colder than that, the furnace is needed, which is good anyway because the furnace provides heat to the underbelly and all of the plumbing. Using the dual zone set to auto, the front AC will actually kick in from time to time to keep the bedroom area from getting too warm as the main living area is warmed to the set temp. I plan to add adjustable vents to the bedroom and bathroom so I can shut them off a bit, but haven't done that yet. We set it at 70 degrees for heating.

As for warm weather, we've been in the 90s and humid in MO, and the 90s and dry in AZ, never had a problem keeping it cool in either. We set it at 74 degrees for cooling.
__________________

Brent
2013 Alpine 3500RE
2019 Silverado 2500HD Duramax
U.S. Air Force Retired (25 yrs)
bsmith0404 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 05:54 AM   #3
brad2388
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Climax
Posts: 85
Quote:
Originally Posted by bsmith0404 View Post
The Alpine and Montana are going to compare very closely with each other.



We love our Alpine and the dual zone system. We have camped in both hot and cold. We don't have any problem keeping it comfortable in either. We can keep it comfortable down to around 30 degree outside temps with just the heat pump and fireplace. When it starts getting colder than that, the furnace is needed, which is good anyway because the furnace provides heat to the underbelly and all of the plumbing. Using the dual zone set to auto, the front AC will actually kick in from time to time to keep the bedroom area from getting too warm as the main living area is warmed to the set temp. I plan to add adjustable vents to the bedroom and bathroom so I can shut them off a bit, but haven't done that yet. We set it at 70 degrees for heating.



As for warm weather, we've been in the 90s and humid in MO, and the 90s and dry in AZ, never had a problem keeping it cool in either. We set it at 74 degrees for cooling.


Awesome! Thats good to hear!
What model year is your alpine?

Does it have one heat pump or is both a heatpump?
From my understanding only one is?
I thought the heatpump cut off at 38 degrees? Hopefully they changed that and sounds like they did.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
brad2388 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 06:20 AM   #4
Ddubya
Senior Member
 
Ddubya's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Sherman
Posts: 326
We went to a dealer to purchase a Montana and left with an Alpine. We love it.
But then you need to get what is best for you. In your case in may be the Alpine since that is what your wife likes.
__________________
2017 Alpine 3401RS,Titan Disc brakes,Morryde SRE 4000, 2016 Ram 3500HD Laramie SRW,LWB,4X4, Aisin transmission

Ddubya is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 06:47 AM   #5
capnttom
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Cypress
Posts: 34
We picked our Alpine 3401 up yesterday and the pre-delivery inspection was close to perfect. Only 1 very minor issue. Compared to a previous experience on a class b motor home, the Alpine's readiness was very impressive. Also, I had a 15 page inspection list that I didn't really need. That's how thorough our dealer was


Tom & Cathy
2017 Alpine 3401RS
2016 Ram 2500 CTD w/airbags
__________________
Tom & Cathy
2017 Alpine 3401RL
2016 Ram 2500 CTD MC
capnttom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 07:31 AM   #6
PARAPTOR
Site Team | Emeritus
 
PARAPTOR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Western PA
Posts: 2,732
Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by capnttom View Post
We picked our Alpine 3401 up yesterday and the pre-delivery inspection was close to perfect. Only 1 very minor issue. Compared to a previous experience on a class b motor home, the Alpine's readiness was very impressive. Also, I had a 15 page inspection list that I didn't really need. That's how thorough our dealer was


Tom & Cathy
2017 Alpine 3401RS
2016 Ram 2500 CTD w/airbags
Just curious, a little confused on your inspection criteria
__________________
2013 RAPTOR 300MP w/Rear Patio Deck NO Folding Side Ladder
2013 Silverado 3500HD LTZ CC LB 4X4 DRW
Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel; Allison Trans
Reese 20K; Carlisle Radial Trail RH/HD; TPMS (12 Tires)

Veteran


PSU (GO LIONS)
PARAPTOR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 07:52 AM   #7
tdawg
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Winterset, Ia
Posts: 280
Love our alpine no problems keeping cool and have camped in low teens no problem with heating.
tdawg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 09:18 AM   #8
ChuckS
Senior Member
 
ChuckS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Mountain Home, Idaho
Posts: 2,975
We have a 2014 Alpine 3010RE and are very satisfied. A few minor issues, mostly cosmetic. I'd buy another Alpine

Some items to ask about....
.. cracks around front slide out edge
.. roof, some have had issues with roof tearing off starting right at front cap
.. tires... I would not buy without upgraded 14 ply tires and all metal valve stems
.. suspension... look at the lubrication fittings and verify fresh fresh at each point
.. a few folks are experiencing issues with the Lippert suspension shackle bolts,bushings
.. mine came with all Dexter so I have not had that issue yet
.. batteries... I would not accept if they only install 1 battery. It's not enough power.. I'd upgrade and insist on two 6 volt golf cart batteries



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________


2007 GMC Classic club cab 4x4 Duramax LBZ
2014 Alpine 3010 RE. 34 foot fifth wheel
ChuckS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 09:20 AM   #9
ChuckS
Senior Member
 
ChuckS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Mountain Home, Idaho
Posts: 2,975
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChuckS View Post
We have a 2014 Alpine 3010RE and are very satisfied. A few minor issues, mostly cosmetic. I'd buy another Alpine

Some items to ask about....
.. cracks around front slide out edge
.. roof, some have had issues with roof tearing off starting right at front cap
.. tires... I would not buy without upgraded 14 ply tires and all metal valve stems
.. suspension... look at the lubrication fittings and verify fresh fresh at each point
.. a few folks are experiencing issues with the Lippert suspension shackle bolts,bushings
.. mine came with all Dexter so I have not had that issue yet
.. batteries... I would not accept if they only install 1 battery. It's not enough power.. I'd upgrade and insist on two 6 volt golf cart batteries



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


And if the dealer you are working with says he hasn't heard of any of these issues he is either stupid or lying to you. These issues are all over the internet with pictures


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________


2007 GMC Classic club cab 4x4 Duramax LBZ
2014 Alpine 3010 RE. 34 foot fifth wheel
ChuckS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 05:16 AM   #10
bsmith0404
Senior Member
 
bsmith0404's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Las Cruces
Posts: 4,665
Quote:
Originally Posted by brad2388 View Post
Awesome! Thats good to hear!
What model year is your alpine?

Does it have one heat pump or is both a heatpump?
From my understanding only one is?
I thought the heatpump cut off at 38 degrees? Hopefully they changed that and sounds like they did.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just one heat pump. Don't know anything about the heat pump cutting off at 38 degrees. It may do that. Keep in mind that when the temps drop to low 30s, it's typically at the last couple hours of the night just before dawn. If your camper is already heated, even if the heat pump shuts down, the fireplace will continue to heat and it's probably enough to maintain for a couple hours.
__________________

Brent
2013 Alpine 3500RE
2019 Silverado 2500HD Duramax
U.S. Air Force Retired (25 yrs)
bsmith0404 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 05:21 AM   #11
capnttom
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Cypress
Posts: 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by PARAPTOR View Post
Just curious, a little confused on your inspection criteria


Before we paid, we inspected everything to make sure there were no defects. For example, all systems (hvac, cooking, plumbing, fridge, etc). I brought a 15 page checklist to use as a reference, but really didn't need it, as the dealer was very thorough.



Tom & Cathy
2017 Alpine 3401RS
2016 Ram 2500 CTD w/airbags
__________________
Tom & Cathy
2017 Alpine 3401RL
2016 Ram 2500 CTD MC
capnttom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 05:54 AM   #12
brad2388
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Climax
Posts: 85
Quote:
Originally Posted by bsmith0404 View Post
Just one heat pump. Don't know anything about the heat pump cutting off at 38 degrees. It may do that. Keep in mind that when the temps drop to low 30s, it's typically at the last couple hours of the night just before dawn. If your camper is already heated, even if the heat pump shuts down, the fireplace will continue to heat and it's probably enough to maintain for a couple hours.


Gotcha. Have you ever measured the temp coming from the heatpump? Just curious what it was. I know our house heat pump works down till about 10 or so with the new 410 freon.
Im not planning on camping in anything much below freezeing but you never know.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
brad2388 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 07:07 AM   #13
bsmith0404
Senior Member
 
bsmith0404's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Las Cruces
Posts: 4,665
Quote:
Originally Posted by brad2388 View Post
Gotcha. Have you ever measured the temp coming from the heatpump? Just curious what it was. I know our house heat pump works down till about 10 or so with the new 410 freon.
Im not planning on camping in anything much below freezeing but you never know.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sorry, I've never measured it, but it does produce a nice comfortable temp and when combined with the fireplace is very nice.
__________________

Brent
2013 Alpine 3500RE
2019 Silverado 2500HD Duramax
U.S. Air Force Retired (25 yrs)
bsmith0404 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 07:36 AM   #14
gearhead
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Liberty, Texas
Posts: 5,021
Quote:
Originally Posted by capnttom View Post
Before we paid, we inspected everything to make sure there were no defects. For example, all systems (hvac, cooking, plumbing, fridge, etc). I brought a 15 page checklist to use as a reference, but really didn't need it, as the dealer was very thorough.



Tom & Cathy
2017 Alpine 3401RS
2016 Ram 2500 CTD w/airbags
C'mon Tom, we're dying to know the dealer.
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 Laramie CC DRW LWB 4X4 Cummins Aisin 3.73
Reese Goosebox 20K
2018 Heartland Landmark 365 Oshkosh
2008 Bigfoot 25C9.4 LB Cabover
gearhead is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 07:57 AM   #15
brad2388
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Climax
Posts: 85
Quote:
Originally Posted by bsmith0404 View Post
Sorry, I've never measured it, but it does produce a nice comfortable temp and when combined with the fireplace is very nice.


The floorplan we likes they quit making it. The 3536re.
Were going today to look at a couple big horns to see how they are built.

Im pretty sold on keystone though. Just gotta find the right floor plan.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
brad2388 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 08:01 AM   #16
capnttom
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Cypress
Posts: 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by gearhead View Post
C'mon Tom, we're dying to know the dealer.


LOL! Holiday World of Houston.


Tom & Cathy
2017 Alpine 3401RS
2016 Ram 2500 CTD w/airbags
__________________
Tom & Cathy
2017 Alpine 3401RL
2016 Ram 2500 CTD MC
capnttom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 09:08 AM   #17
gearhead
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Liberty, Texas
Posts: 5,021
Quote:
Originally Posted by capnttom View Post
LOL! Holiday World of Houston.


Tom & Cathy
2017 Alpine 3401RS
2016 Ram 2500 CTD w/airbags
Figured it was CW or HW. We bought ours there as well. Had some service done there but most at League City since it is closer.
They cleaned house at the League City store service department. Sounds like they may have at Katy as well, assuming that is where you bought.
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 Laramie CC DRW LWB 4X4 Cummins Aisin 3.73
Reese Goosebox 20K
2018 Heartland Landmark 365 Oshkosh
2008 Bigfoot 25C9.4 LB Cabover
gearhead is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 09:19 AM   #18
brad2388
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Climax
Posts: 85
Quote:
Originally Posted by capnttom View Post
LOL! Holiday World of Houston.


Tom & Cathy
2017 Alpine 3401RS
2016 Ram 2500 CTD w/airbags


How do u like the 2017? The ac and heat work good? I think its the same 30k eith a heat pump.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
brad2388 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 10:58 AM   #19
bsmith0404
Senior Member
 
bsmith0404's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Las Cruces
Posts: 4,665
Quote:
Originally Posted by brad2388 View Post
The floorplan we likes they quit making it. The 3536re.
Were going today to look at a couple big horns to see how they are built.

Im pretty sold on keystone though. Just gotta find the right floor plan.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I think you will be disappointed with the Big Horn. They are a nice unit, but look at little things like closet latches and other hardware compared to the Alpine. We were originally going to get a Big Country or Big Horn, they have some nice floor plans, but the little things metal vs plastic steered us to the Alpine.
__________________

Brent
2013 Alpine 3500RE
2019 Silverado 2500HD Duramax
U.S. Air Force Retired (25 yrs)
bsmith0404 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 11:47 AM   #20
brad2388
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Climax
Posts: 85
Quote:
Originally Posted by bsmith0404 View Post
I think you will be disappointed with the Big Horn. They are a nice unit, but look at little things like closet latches and other hardware compared to the Alpine. We were originally going to get a Big Country or Big Horn, they have some nice floor plans, but the little things metal vs plastic steered us to the Alpine.


I notcied that!

I also noticed on the montana the floor latches are not up to par as to the alpine.

I thought montana was above alpine but it seems alpine gets the goodys.

We are back to finiding a alpine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
brad2388 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
alpine, montana

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:53 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.