Avalanche 40′

One of the best ways to build a no-compromise motorhome is to start from the ground up and
manufacture the entire product, including the chassis. Western Recreational Vehicles (WRV)
does exactly that with its Alpine Coach motorhome series, and the Avalanche 40-footer is
the newest addition to that stable. All Alpine Coach models are based on the exclusive Peak
Custom Chassis manufactured at the WRV facility in Yakima, Washington. As with other
motorhome manufacturers, building its own chassis gives WRV unprecedented control over its
product. The Avalanche comes loaded with all the high-end construction materials, features
and accessories a buyer would expect in such a motorhome. Yet, its $228,093 msrp is
surprisingly reasonable, given the vehicle’s long list of standard appointments. Three
large slideouts are on that list: A streetside unit houses the sofa/bed and dinette; a
curbsider encompasses the galley and loveseat; and a rear streetside bedroom slide extends
with the bed and bathroom vanity cabinet. Combined, the three transform the coach into a
wonderfully roomy living space. Any RV trip naturally starts with a drive, and this one was
nothing but fun. The Avalanche displays the kind of well-balanced sense of design that
makes it truly feel like one cohesive unit on the road, as opposed to some motorhomes that
appear more than a bit mismatched between coach and chassis. Of course, once on-site, a
40-footer isn’t always a picnic to park. Luckily, I had a helper with an FMRS two-way radio
to help guide me into place. WRV builds the Peak chassis with a 50-degree front wheel cut
angle; that was a big help, too, so tight spaces aren’t as bad as they could be. Builders
of quality Class A motorhomes have their jobs down to an art form, and the WRV staff excels
at its craft. When you compare motorhomes on the basis of cost, livability, comfort and
quality assembly, among other characteristics, the Alpine Coach Avalanche is clearly a unit
that gives a shopper an alternative that’s almost a no-brainer. For full test impressions
and specs on the Avalanche 40′, pick up the August 2004 issue of MotorHome magazine on the
newsstand — then subscribe to
MotorHome so you can stay informed on the latest motorhome tests and previews, products
and technical information, and travel info. Western Recreational Vehicles Incorporated,
(800) 777-4133, wrv.com