In 2002 we needed to replace the roof on the XL so it went back to an Alpenlite dealer for the work. Like any good dealer, they had repair records on us, and they suggested we had been in the XL quite a while and that we should consider trading up to a newer unit. They said, "Have we got a deal for you!" and presented us with a used, but pristine 30-foot Alpenlite Spyglass with one slide-out. We had figured out that we liked this RVing stuff. The trade-in the dealer offered was favorable, and the price was right, so we traded the XL for the Spyglass. Wow, having a slide-out felt like we had added a football field inside! The Dodge could pull the new rig, sorta okay, but like most RVing males I wanted a bigger truck. Besides, one of our sons needed a truck to pull a horse trailer, sorta. So, he got the Dodge and I got a Chevrolet 2500 HD Silverado with the 8.1 liter engine and Allison transmission.
Now, like many RVing couples, we really got the urge to "go full-timing." We had toyed with the idea before, and even had the house on the market to sell, twice. Both times we chickened out, anticipating a full price offer on the house the next day. This time we were committed. I had been researching full-time sized fifth-wheels, and a real bargain came up. A 36-foot Portofino with three slide-outs that had been used by the officers of the Alpenlite Travel Club (ATC) became available--just the one that I had been leaning toward. These officers received a new Alpenlite model every year from Western RV (Alpenlite manufacturers in Yakima), to use and take around to shows as a display model, and we were able to snap it up before it even got advertised to the dealers. Management at Western RV found out we were members of the ATC, and once again, the trade-in was favorable and the price was right. We sent it back to the factory for some upgrades--a washer/dryer and a heat pump, for instance. When we got it back, we moved in and went to our first rally, out in Hutchison, Kansas. We also stopped by to visit relatives in Iowa, and heard that our house in Shelton had sold, and high-tailed it back to complete the sale, have estate sales on the stuff in our house, and move out before closing.
Although we had been members of the ATC since 1994 when we bought the original XL, we had not participated in club activities at all. The Alpenlite officers who had the Portofino made it clear we "had" to become active in the Club. We did and enjoyed many good times with the club members, many who became dear friends. It was sad when the club disbanded due to the demise of Western RV. Many Alpenlite owners keep in touch still, and some of the chapters have moved to other RVing organizations.
Much to my amazement the Chevy could pull the new rig just fine--now I had no excuse to get another new truck. We still have the Portofino and the Chevy (245,000 miles and still going strong). Both have been to Mexico three times, to Alaska once, completely around the U.S. at least once, and on many trips across and throughout the country (see our Trips page). We recently replaced the flooring in the Portofino with linoleum and a plush carpet, putting in more linoleum in the bath and kitchen areas. What a difference! It's like having a new rig! We also had some frame work done. We will keep it--and the Chevy as long as it still pulls. We think our Portofino was one of the finest rigs Western RV ever made. If they would have continued manufacturing the high quality fifth-wheels upon which their reputation had been built, they probably would still be in business. In our opinion, venturing into the uncertain market of motor homes and lower quality 5th wheels was their undoing. So be it!
So glad the work you had to have done on the frame was successful. Still remember how your rig dwarfed our little van at Cascade Locks, OR.
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