Aliner vs Chalet
John L. Ferri
a-frame pop-up. Chalet produces a model that seems to be identical
except that it's heavier.
Can anyone compare the two companies and their product.
Thank you,
John Ferri
--------------------
John L. Ferri
jlf...@epix.net
http://home.epix.net/~jlferri
Nancy
I have a Chalet so I'm definitely partial to them. I used to think
they were identical
also, but at the last RV show I went to I looked at an Aliner. The
cabinet work inside and the upholstery seemed to flimsy. One cabinet
door was made of 1/4"
unfinished plywood. Also, the salesman was really nasty. Don't know if
he was
just having a bad day or what, but he was not forthcoming with
information. Not
friendly at all.
Someone posted here a few weeks ago that he has a Chalet and his brother
in law
has an Aliner. They put them side by side and the workmanship on the
Chalet was
much better, more solid.
Nancy
chr...@proaxis.com
similar in weight to the Chalet. Beware of the weight claims made by
some Manufacturers.
Ken Martin
I see a post from "Nancy" about me and my brother-in-law comparing his
Aliner to my Chalet. Even he agreed the fit and finish with the Chalet
is better. A wooden support for the pull out bed broke off the first
time he used it. The shower wall in his Aliner is de-laminating. Not
huge defects, but enough to point out the difference. If you look close
you'll see the outside trim on the Chalet is better looking too ...
white painted to match the trailer, rather than aluminum finish.
Also, a MAJOR factor to consider. The Aliner uses plexiglass windows
while the Chalet has solar tinted =glass= windows. A small amount of
extra weight but much much better quality. Less distortion and more
durable than plexiglass.
I'm not saying Aliner is a bad product, and neither does my
brother-in-law who has one, but compare them side by side, and I'm sure
you'll see the difference.
Good luck in your decision.
Ken
Ross Duncan
The Aliner Expedition has additional storage at the front on the trailer.
I can store two lawn chairs, barbeque, portapotti a plastic storage bin
water hose and tool box in it. We still have not used all the storage space
under the sofa bed or dinette.
The quality and workmanship are just fine. Cabinets are well built, etc.
Also, the larger wheels on the Expedition model are well worth it. Good
solid frame, etc. Tows well. Lots of interest in the campgrounds from folks
who want to see inside and who like the concept of solid walls.
Cheers Ross
2000 Aliner Expedition (sofa bed model)
2000 Astro AWD
John L. Ferri wrote in message <39c15162...@news.epix.net>...
mrw...@my-deja.com
Nancy <nb2...@idirect.com> wrote:
> John
>
> I have a Chalet so I'm definitely partial to them. I used to think
> they were identical
> also, but at the last RV show I went to I looked at an Aliner. The
> cabinet work inside and the upholstery seemed to flimsy. One cabinet
> door was made of 1/4"
> unfinished plywood. Also, the salesman was really nasty. Don't know if
> he was
> just having a bad day or what, but he was not forthcoming with
> information. Not
> friendly at all.
>
> Someone posted here a few weeks ago that he has a Chalet and his
brother
> in law
> has an Aliner. They put them side by side and the workmanship on the
> Chalet was
> much better, more solid.
>
> Nancy
Hi Nancy,
My sister has been looking at campers for a while and I suggested that
one of those may be the way to go for a single woman. Is it really
easy to set up and manuever around? Also how much do they cost? I
have heard that they are comprable in price to hybrid campers.
Thanks in advance for the info.
Don Crandall
2001 Coachmen Catalina Lite 249QB
>
> "John L. Ferri" wrote:
>
> > I'm in the market for a pop-up camper and have rented an Aliner
> > a-frame pop-up. Chalet produces a model that seems to be identical
> > except that it's heavier.
> >
> > Can anyone compare the two companies and their product.
> >
> > Thank you,
> > John Ferri
> > --------------------
> > John L. Ferri
> > jlf...@epix.net
> > http://home.epix.net/~jlferri
>
>
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
Bob Wallace
I think many single women might feel more safe and secure in one
of these because they have a hard shell top, instead of fabric which
could be easily cut for entry.
- Bob Wallace (just my opinion); bo...@promind.com
Mind Books offers publications about psychedelics;
bo...@promind.com, or http://www.promind.com
John L. Ferri
I found it after a few searches.
http://www.campersfactoryoutlet.com/ma-framed.html
>
>My sister has been looking at campers for a while and I suggested that
>one of those may be the way to go for a single woman. Is it really
>easy to set up and manuever around? Also how much do they cost? I
>have heard that they are comprable in price to hybrid campers.
>
--------------------
Gerald Pearson & Sue Sarlette
>
> In article <39C163E7...@idirect.com>,
> Nancy <nb2...@idirect.com> wrote:
> > brother in law has an Aliner. They put them side by side and the
> > workmanship on the Chalet was much better, more solid.
>
>
> My sister has been looking at campers for a while and I suggested that
> one of those may be the way to go for a single woman. Is it really
> easy to set up and manuever around?
Yes, they really are easy & very fast to set up. On level smooth
pavement, they can be easily moved around by one small adult or large
child. But I don't think that anything would be easy to move around by
hand on irregular ground such as gravel with ruts and potholes.
> Also how much do they cost? I have heard that they are comprable in price
> to hybrid campers.
Campers Factory Outlet in Wisconsin sells both, as well as many other
RV's. Prices are on their web site.
http://www.campersfactoryoutlet.com/
FWIW:
We are very satisfied with our Aliner. Since late spring 1999, it has
been towed nearly 10,000 miles and slept in roughly 70 nights.
We bought our Aliner from Campers Factory Outlet in early Spring,
1999. This dealer is about 200 miles from our home, and is one of the
closest Aliner dealers. At that time, the Chalet company was in limbo,
their web site had not been maintained for over a half year, this dealer
did not sell them, and we avoided them because of the uncertainty of the
company's future. Chalet has since been acquired by new owners and the
factory moved. My understanding is that Chalet has always been a good
product, that the new owners are determined to continue to produce a
good product, and that the new owners are in fact succeeding in
producing good stuff.
-- Gerry
'99 Aliner, sofabed model
'98 Grand Caravan, 3.3L w. tow pkg. + automatic load levelers
Nancy
It's very easy to handle on my own. Before I bought it I went to the dealer
and
set it up and took it down on my own. I had to know I could do it by myself.
Except for being too short to get the roof up (I'm 5 ft) , I could manage it
easily. I bought a folding 2 step step-ladder that stays in the trailer. I
stand on it to get the roof up, and keep it outside beside the door as a
"hall table" while we camp. It
takes me 3 1/2 minutes to set it up including the stabilizing jacks.
I'm not strong enough to move the trailer by hand, but I can give it a good
shove to
make the hitch and ball come into line. A friend of mine who's a big guy
picked up
the hitch and moved it over a foot or so to get it on the ball, but I can't
do it. That's
ok, I just wind it up high, drive the car as close as I can to it, get out
and shove the
trailer around a bit and lower it onto the ball. Even on a bad day it only
takes about
5 minutes.
It does feel very safe because of the solid walls and locking door. Plus the
insulated walls and roof make it quieter inside so it seems more house-like.
I bought mine 3 1/2 yrs ago. It cost me $10,000 Cdn dollars (about $6400
US). That included freight to Toronto and installing a hitch on my car. Not
sure what
they cost these days.
I remember a few years ago when I bought a Neon someone told me it was "a
women's car" and I didn't know what they were talking about. But I can see
someone thinking of the Chalet as being especially suitable to women.. It's
light so you don't have to drive a big brute of a car to pull it. You have
all the comforts of home - fridge, stove, sink and can add extras like ac,
heat, toilet. It's showy - the crowds at campgrounds love to admire it.
It's practical and comfy. And it's so cute.
Your sister should check it out.
Nancy
mrw...@my-deja.com wrote:
> In article <39C163E7...@idirect.com>,
> Nancy <nb2...@idirect.com> wrote:
> > John
> >
> > I have a Chalet so I'm definitely partial to them. I used to think
> > they were identical
> > also, but at the last RV show I went to I looked at an Aliner. The
> > cabinet work inside and the upholstery seemed to flimsy. One cabinet
> > door was made of 1/4"
> > unfinished plywood. Also, the salesman was really nasty. Don't know if
> > he was
> > just having a bad day or what, but he was not forthcoming with
> > information. Not
> > friendly at all.
> >
> > Someone posted here a few weeks ago that he has a Chalet and his
> brother
> > in law
> > has an Aliner. They put them side by side and the workmanship on the
> > Chalet was
> > much better, more solid.
> >
> > Nancy
>
> Hi Nancy,
>
> My sister has been looking at campers for a while and I suggested that
> one of those may be the way to go for a single woman. Is it really
> easy to set up and manuever around? Also how much do they cost? I
> have heard that they are comprable in price to hybrid campers.
>
> Thanks in advance for the info.
>
> Don Crandall
> 2001 Coachmen Catalina Lite 249QB
> >
>
> > "John L. Ferri" wrote:
> >
> > > I'm in the market for a pop-up camper and have rented an Aliner
> > > a-frame pop-up. Chalet produces a model that seems to be identical
> > > except that it's heavier.
> > >
> > > Can anyone compare the two companies and their product.
> > >
> > > Thank you,
> > > John Ferri
> > > --------------------
> > > John L. Ferri
> > > jlf...@epix.net
> > > http://home.epix.net/~jlferri
> >
> >
>
Jerry Berrier
really like it.
I am totally blind but fairly mechanically inclined. I can set it up in
about 3 minutes. It really is very easy. You simply open the latches that
hold the top down, raise the top up with minimal strength required. You
then raise the two sides and set two clamps in place for each. Connect the
upper and lower parts of the door together with a small latch, and that's
it, other than the leveler jacks.
<mrw...@my-deja.com> wrote in message news:8ptcr9$ser$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
Jim and Linda King
there any type of outside awning available to use on them?
Linda King
Fleetville, PA
'93 Chevy Suburban
'99 Coleman Bayside
karlman
They do make an awning for them but we didn't get one. The price tag was a
little steep in my opinion ($300 at the time we bought our Aliner...probably
more now)
Karl Maness
Jemez Mountains, NM
98 Aliner
"Jim and Linda King" <love2...@cs.com> wrote in message
news:20000920092532...@ng-mf1.news.cs.com...
mel.dx
425$(look into Aliner/Optional equip.
http://www.campersfactoryoutlet.com/af-alinerframe.html
Mel.
mrw...@my-deja.com
Kisok type awnings with them.
I guess that is an inexpensive solution to the awning problem for those
with that type of camper.
Don Crandall
2001 Coachmen Catalina Lite 249QB
In article <39C8C999...@sympatico.ca>,
Therese
Group. Here is the posting again.
G'day Jim & Linda
We live in Australia and will be the proud Owners of a 'new' A Liner in
November. We have thought long and hard about our purchase but know we have
made the correct choice.
The A Liner has two Options one for an Awning and one for an Annex. An
Annex is a fully enclosed room with side and front flyscreen areas. It
follows the shape of the A Liner Roof. I am sure what we have available
here would be available in the USA.
Now for the shock with the price of just the Annexe here in Australia.
$1,455.00. Yes you read it right. One thousand four hundred and fifty five
dollars. Our exchange rate is around 54cents to your American Dollar so
that works out around $ 727.00 US.
The Awning costs $560.00 Australian. We have seen the two and for
Australian conditions the Annexe is the only way to go.
I know your next question will be how much does the A Liner cost here in
Australia?
We are getting the following Options with ours. Front Boot Upgrade Chassis,
Annexe, Rear Large Skylight Winding type, Solar Panel Large, Battery
Upgrade, Reading Lights, Innerspring Mattress - Double and Raised Walls with
a 90 litre refrigerator.
TOTAL COST $26,108.95 Australian. Yes, you read it correctly, twenty six
thousand, one hundred and eight dollars and ninety five cents.
They reckon we are the Lucky Country. hahahahahahah
Bet you guys will not complain now about how much things cost in America.
Regards
Ian & Therese Goodwin
Ian & Therese Goodwin Call me through VoiceCONTACTtm -- right from your
computer. Online Status:
"Jim and Linda King" <love2...@cs.com> wrote in message
news:20000920092532...@ng-mf1.news.cs.com...
Kate H.
Greetings from "up over"!
Your Aliner sounds great!
Big bucks, eh? I'm wondering how that compares to average incomes down under.
Kate
~~~Kate
1998 GMC Safari
1999 Coleman Cheyenne
1989 Daughter 1991 Son 1994 Son 1998 Daughter
1993 Dog
"My Child is an Honor Student at Domestica Schola" [this is a joke!]
"These ARE the good old days!"
goo...@chello.com.au
The average incomes are meagre. People in the Hospitality Industry earn
around $22,000 to $25,000.00 Australian per annum. Teachers around
$38,000.00 to $45,000.00 Australian depending on qualifications.
That is why Australians leave here in droves. From what I have gleaned from
my overseas friends, Australia is similar to Canada and Germany as far as
what we get for our money. Very pricey.
Good place for you to visit though. The exchange rate works well for
Americans visiting here. Our dollar is worth 54cents to your dollar. Bad
news though if we travel abroad.
Regards
Therese
Ian & Therese Goodwin Call me through VoiceCONTACTtm -- right from your
computer. Online Status:
"Kate H." <km...@aol.com.com> wrote in message
news:20000921095211...@ng-fc1.aol.com...
WB
G'day Therese!
Sounds to me like you're really getting hit for shipping your Aliner to
Oz! The Canadian distributor for Aliner happens to be about 20 minutes
from our home so I took a close look at them before we bought our
Coleman Santa Fe, and what you describe (although the terminology is
somewhat different) I believe would price out at less than $15,000
Cdn, which is surprising considering our dollar is running about 68
cents to the US dollar while yours is about 54 cents.
I read your other post about incomes vs cost of living in Australia
compared to the US. We're not quite as bad off here in Canada as you
are but it's a clear example of how the US economy can price itself out
of the world market. Almost all camping trailers available here in
Canada are actually built in the States so the cost of ownership is
really high compared to what our US friends have to pay ... one has to
want one awful badly to justify the cost! Millions of Canadians live
within easy reach of the US border but the cost of travel in the States
when paid for with (converted) Canadian dollars makes it really
expensive. We still go as often as we can but the further south we go
the rarer it is to see a Canadian licence plate ... on a recent trip to
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina we saw only a handful of Canadian
vehicles, despite the fact MB is a favoured travel destination. The
reverse, of course, is true for Americans coming up to Canada and
although millions of trips are made each year into our country from the
States I'm still surprised at the relatively few American tourists we
see overall, considering their dollar is so strong against ours.
Perhaps now that the Olympics is displaying what a great country
Australia is to visit, you will see more of our American friends
visiting downunder, along with their "powerpacked" dollars!
BTW, my wife is from the Wollongong area. Why she'd want to leave a
perfectly civilized, WARM country to come and live in the frozen north
is beyond me!
Bill in Ontario
2000 Santa Fe
goo...@chello.com.au
From what I have been told the A Liners are put together in Melbourne
VICTORIA here in Australia. Whether they come in pre-fabricated form from
the USA, I do not know. But the factory is definitely down in Victoria.
That is the reason we have to wait so long to get one. They are transported
up to the local Dealer here. Then some of the options are put in by the
Local Dealer.
There is absolutely no leverage as far as getting a discount. It is a
matter of this is what it costs and if you don't like it goodbye. We know
we are being ripped off.
There is only one Dealer in Queensland and the Owners of A'Van in Melbourne
are related to the Queensland Dealer. So as you can imagine, it is a closed
shop. The price is set and that is that.
Unlike the USA where you can shop elsewhere for the same or a similar
product. That is not the case here. Turnover is not important to Traders.
They make so much profit on each sale, that the ones they miss out on, they
dont worry about.
Residents in Australia are just so used to having to pay through the nose
for everything. We are truly ripped off but there is little you can do
about it. If you are not prepared to pay the price for goods and services
you go without.
There would be a Civil Riot in the USA if you had to pay what we do here.
You are fortunate to have "people power" and that makes the world of
difference.
As your wife is from Woolongong she would be able to relate to what I am
saying.
Regards
Therese
"WB" <oz_a...@my-deja.com> wrote in message
news:8qeoq1$of9$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
WB
<goo...@chello.com.au> wrote:
> Bill
>
> From what I have been told the A Liners are put together in Melbourne
> VICTORIA here in Australia. Whether they come in pre-fabricated form
from
> the USA, I do not know. But the factory is definitely down in
Victoria.
>
Hi again Therese!
Well, I know Jayco tent campers are available in Australia but the
floor plans are considerably different than the North American versions
so I wonder if they're built from the ground up in Australia rather
being shipped from the US. Do you happen to know ... and if they are
built in Oz would they not be comparatively less expensive? Or, is it
as you say ... there's so little competition that you pay what the
dealers demand?
I know that on our last trip to Oz back in '92 I was really surprised
when my wife's mother told us the Toyota Corolla station wagon they had
just bought new was nearly $25,000 Aus ... I couldn't believe it as a
similar model (although I'm not sure a station wagon model was
available here at that time) would have been much less than $15,000
Cdn, including all taxes. As I remember even the Australian built
Holdens were really expensive.
Nevertheless, congrats on your Aliner ... I'm sure you'll have a great
time with it!
ibis
>Good place for you to visit though. The exchange rate works well for
>Americans visiting here. Our dollar is worth 54cents to your dollar. Bad
>news though if we travel abroad.
Abroad! Australians do not travel abroad, they travel overseas.
You sound like one of those whinging pom immigrants who have a
better quality of life here but still complain about life in this
magic country. I paid over $22,000 for my popup, $27,000 for
my 3 yr old 4wd, expensive, yes, but I feel very fortunate to be
given the opportunity to accumulate the wealth through hard work
to afford such items. Anyway, they are not as important to me
as my families health and happiness. Most people do not know
how fortunate they are till it's taken away.
True Blue Aussie
goo...@chello.com.au
I state the facts.
I am proud to be an Australian and NO I am not a 'whinging pom immigrant'.
But at least, I am open minded enough to call a spade a spade.
I am not going to get into a 'flaming match' with you.
If you can prove that our standard of living is the same as the USA I am all
ears.
Regards
Therese
"ibis" <ib...@angelfire.com> wrote in message
news:aprnsskte10ejill7...@4ax.com...
goo...@chello.com.au
We intend to. Even it is on the "never never plan".
That is slang here for being paid off over 25 years. LOL
Jayco's are made in Australia and the Canvas material is from Bradmill an
Australian Company. They are very well put together.
The Web Site for Jayco here in Australia is www.jayco.com.au
When you go to the Australian Jayco Web Site the Swa/Hawk is $20,000.00
Australian and the Eagle is around the $16,000.00 Australian mark. Any
Options you may wish for are extra on top of that.
Airconditioning is NOT an Option here. Probably, because of the hot
climate.
Mildew is really a problem in the hot climate and that was the reason we
steered clear of that Brand. But it really is personal choice. Horses for
courses.
When we toast the arrival of the A Liner we will have one for you too.
You are correct in your assumption of Cars being dearer. Everything is.
Ashame the Americans did not invade us initially, and not the British. LOL
Regards
Therese
"WB" <oz_a...@my-deja.com> wrote in message
news:8qg20m$830$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> In article <JWCy5.334$Sp3.6...@news.chello.com.au>,
> <goo...@chello.com.au> wrote:
> > Bill
> >
> > From what I have been told the A Liners are put together in Melbourne
> > VICTORIA here in Australia. Whether they come in pre-fabricated form
> from
> > the USA, I do not know. But the factory is definitely down in
> Victoria.
> >
>
> Hi again Therese!
>
> Well, I know Jayco tent campers are available in Australia but the
> floor plans are considerably different than the North American versions
> so I wonder if they're built from the ground up in Australia rather
> being shipped from the US. Do you happen to know ... and if they are
> built in Oz would they not be comparatively less expensive? Or, is it
> as you say ... there's so little competition that you pay what the
> dealers demand?
>
> I know that on our last trip to Oz back in '92 I was really surprised
> when my wife's mother told us the Toyota Corolla station wagon they had
> just bought new was nearly $25,000 Aus ... I couldn't believe it as a
> similar model (although I'm not sure a station wagon model was
> available here at that time) would have been much less than $15,000
> Cdn, including all taxes. As I remember even the Australian built
> Holdens were really expensive.
>
> Nevertheless, congrats on your Aliner ... I'm sure you'll have a great
> time with it!
>
ibis
>If you can prove that our standard of living is the same as the USA I am all
>ears.
Nope, I can't prove that because it isn't true, I didn't say it was. I
get on with life being thankful for living in this magnificent
country. Get out in that Aliner of yours, smell the bush and
don't be so materialistic.
See you in the bush
KEN
woundrful place and I have dreamed of living there many times. If I
compare where I am vs. where you are it's like comparing a train station
bathroom to a very expensive hotel. It is a great country and no one
here should forget that. Best across the waters. Ken
--
Visit My Camping Web Site
http://home.rochester.rr.com./sar/camping.htm
ibis
>Airconditioning is NOT an Option here. Probably, because of the hot
>climate.
I asked for air con and they said no but agreed when pushed. In
the end I purchased another brand. They had no probs with installing
the air con although not on the options list.
ibis
>Just my $.02 or $.04 in your case. I hear and think Australia is a
>woundrful place and I have dreamed of living there many times. If I
>compare where I am vs. where you are it's like comparing a train station
>bathroom to a very expensive hotel. It is a great country and no one
>here should forget that. Best across the waters. Ken
We have to make the best of where we live. We are both fortunate to
live in great countries Ken.
KEN
live in great countries Ken.
Yes we do! Ken