REVIEWS | ALINER CLASSIC
the Aliner representative, told me that Aliner is making the rear bed 6 inches wider in the 2010 model year, which should solve that problem. Speaking of sleeping, the trailer had no unusual noises to interrupt sleep. I even went out to use the facilities at 2:30 in the morning, and was able to get in and out without disturbing anybody. The door latch is a natural, and the stabilizers work well.
Although the temperature got down to 54 degrees Fahrenheit, we slept cozy in the trailer with the vents slightly open, even though we left the furnace turned off. The hard walls insulate the living space well, and provide additional security from nocturnal creatures. The water heater also radiated a little heat, even though it was turned off.
CONVENIENCE is a priority to Aliner. The Dometic refrigerator has an auto-select feature that will choose 110 volt, gas, or battery. This is great for traveling because when stopping to shop, you just turn the gas on and the refrigerator will automatically switch to gas, ignite itself, and you don’ t even have to touch it. The water heater is also automatic: no lighting the pilot anymore! 110 volt electric plugs are everywhere you need them. The laptop worked well when I was seated on the rear sofa us ing one of the folding tables.
The water heater, pump, and fresh water tank are easily accessible in the event of a problem. They are located on the driver’ s side rear under the sofa. Storage space is generous, with ample access inside and outside to all of the three compartments. There also is storage under the sink and the microwave. Since the Classic is not equipped with a toilet, it provides storage space for a portable toilet near the entry door. There is no gray water tank, so the sink drain must flow into a bucket or portable gray water container when at most parks.
Setting up the A-frame took about a minute and a half to be able to walk into it. The biggest challenge is raising the roof. People that cannot raise their arms above five feet would find the process difficult because the spring assisted roof is manually tilted up, as are the sides. This model requires a little maneuvering to raise the passenger side because the door can scuff against the roof if it is not positioned properly, so it is part of the set up routine to hold the door. Other models have the door open differently, eliminating any clearance problem. Raising the roof and sides was easy for us.
COST is always a factor. Aliner has six models with diverse options to meet most any price point ranging from $ 6171.00 to $ 20,924.00 MSRP plus shipping. Dan told me this particular trailer we reviewed would have an MSRP of $ 15,837.00 plus
( top) Road ready.( middle) Back of refrigerator. The white tube is the drain for the drip pan. What a convenience!( bottom) Water heater, pump, and fresh water tank. Notice the black pipe elbow to the left of the water heater going down into the floor: This is the low point water drain for the entire system.
shipping. I found it interesting that air conditioners are most popular in the eastern U. S., while furnaces are more popular in the western U. S. The options on our model included the 3000 pound axle( off road) package, Fantastic fan, 6 gallon water
16 Autumn 2009 |