2024 Paradigm 385FL Issues and Corrective Actions

[JefferyB]

This document serves as an official record and summary for my 2024 Alliance Paradigm 385FL. It is prepared to identify issues along with proposed solutions, including communications with Alliance and RV dealers regarding necessary corrections to my coach. It is recommended that Alliance review this information and implement appropriate corrective actions to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction. Utilizing Alliance customer service via e-mail was very professional to include quick responses, acknowledgement of issues, shipment of repair parts, prepaid return of parts and phone conversations as required to correct the identified problems. I provided Alliance technical support pictures, movies, PDF’s and written details of issues as requested.
My wife and I love the layout and functionality of the coach. The coach tows great and is very stable in crosswinds.

Vehicle Details​

• Year: 2024 (placed in service 7-18-2024)
• Model: Alliance Paradigm 385FL
• Options - Full body paint, MORryde 8K axles with independent suspension and DeeMax disc brakes, slide toppers and convection microwave.

Problem/Issues and Corrective Actions ​

Alliance case numbers 70722, 79041, 24944, 24054, 89589, 205173

• The washer drain pipe was not connected to the “Y" pipe located in the rear storage area. XXX Alliance authorized a local RV dealer to perform the necessary connection, and the owner covered the cost of the repair, which was subsequently reimbursed by Alliance. It is unclear why this issue was not identified during Alliance tank and drain piping smoke test.
• The washing machine hot and cold hose connection valves were absent, with blank PEX fittings installed in their place. XXX Alliance authorized the local RV dealer to install hot and cold isolation valves for the washer, which were provided by Alliance. I initially covered the cost of the repair and was subsequently reimbursed by Alliance. For RV coaches marketed as washer/dryer ready, it is recommended to include hot and cold water isolation valves rather than blank fittings.
• Master Bath sink drain piping leaking at sink connection. XXX Alliance provide new sink piping drain kit and I installed. Originally installed piping was not cut to fit application and gasket/washer missing at sink drain threaded connections.
• Slide toppers not rolling up correctly. No screws holding topper at side wall channel from walking forward or aft. XXX I aligned slide topper and installed securing screws.
• Four exterior up-to-open doors, open position holding magnets were loose on exterior wall. Screws stripped out. XXX I installed larger screws and caulked to prevent leaks.
• The electrical combination panel includes 120 VAC / DC inverter functionality, with 12 VDC yellow wires installed on TB3-14 through TB3-17. Four 12 VDC circuits are labeled as 15 amps (green wires, TB1-1 through TB1-4), although 10 amp fuses have been installed. The exterior coach male plug is rated at 50 amps but incorrectly labeled as 30 amps. XXX I relocated the yellow 12 VDC wires and corresponding 15 amp fuses to TB3-15 through TB3-18 according to the electrical panel identification label. After consultation with Alliance technical support, it was recommended that the identification label plate fuse rating for the green wires be updated from 15 amps to 10 amps. The coach male plug sticker has yet to be replaced with a 50 amp sticker.
• Black tank wash down PEX piping, behind Nautilus Panel, 90 degree PEX fitting stainless PEX pipe band clamp was not crimped resulting in a water leak. XXX I installed ½ inch PEX stainless band clamp on existing 90 degree PEX fitting and operationally tested satisfactory.
• Electrical stranded wire connections (two wires in one terminal lug) for electric slide motors were loose and pulled out of terminal lug crimp connection. Connections located aft of hydraulic pump located in front upper compartment on terminal board. XXX I installed proper size terminal lugs, one on each wire, reconnected and operational test was satisfactory. Stranded electrical wiring leads should be installed in individual properly sized terminal lugs to provide a positive mechanical connection.
• Both hydraulic slides (stove and table) underside of slide waterproofing material damaged by screws backing out of floor mounted Teflon floor ski securing screws. Screws over torqued and loose in plywood floor. XXX I removed and relocated Teflon floor slides to provided positive securing screw engagement to floor. Alliance provided repair material and authorized local RV dealer to install. I paid for repair and Alliance reimbursed my repair cost.
• Half bath ceiling fan manual open/close mechanism would not close fully. XXX I removed fan cover which revealed electrical fan wiring obstructed manual open/close fan mechanism. Relocated and secured fan wiring to provide clearance for manual fan open/close mechanism.
• Norcold Refrigerator/freezer gaskets fell out of track and were damaged. XXX Alliance provided new refrigerator and freezer door gaskets and I installed.
• Five Clear Vision up to open windows will not lock in open or close positions. Sliding window/glass plastic guides not secured to window frame. Alliance approved window replacement. XXX Discussion with Alliance technical support stated the plastic guides are secured to window frame with industrial glue. I purchased industrial super glue and secured window/glass guides in the proper locations to allow window to be secured in the open and close position.
• MORryde/DeeMax disc brake pads noisy and squealing when brakes applied. XXX Multiple conversations with Alliance and DeeMax representatives stated disc brake pads material composition was incorrect, too aggressive, for one batch of pads received from manufacturing facility. Deemax provided newer version of Disc Brake pads (Kelvar vice semi-metallic) and I installed.
• Rear garage area MORryde roll out shelf/table mounting screws backed out and table foundation was adrift in storage area. All screws undersized for application. XXX I obtain and installed larger slide out tray foundation mounting screws.
• Stove and table hydraulic slides wall seals, one on each slide, failed and torn. Five of six Norco/Bal electrical slide wall seals damaged/torn. XXX Alliance provided replacement slide out seals and General RV of Richmond (purchased dealer) installed. Replacement took 5 weeks after waiting 7 weeks for appointment. I provided detailed timeline with conversations with General RV representative to Ms. Larson/Alliance customer service via e-mail Jul 30, 2025.
• The MorRyde 8000-pound axle bearings were not properly adjusted, resulting in heat damage to the bearings and races, as well as slight damage to the axle spindles. Both front axle bearing retainer/adjustment nuts were missing their retaining clips. XXX Alliance and MorRyde supplied four new disc brake rotors with Timken bearing races installed and two axle sets of Timken bearings. I cleaned the axle spindles using crocus cloth, packed and installed the new bearings, and adjusted the bearing preload according to MorRyde specifications. Additionally, I purchased and installed new axle bearing nut retainers/clips. The absence of the axle bearing retaining clips could have resulted in the wheel separating from the axle at highway speeds.
• Master bath MaxAir fan motor noisy. XXX Alliance provided new Maxair fan motor and I installed.
• Master Bedroom light switch failed. XXX Alliance provided new light switch and I installed. I return damaged light switch to Alliance via prepaid shipping.
• Suburban hot water heater electric circuit failed. Wire to thermostat shorted to steel hot water heater shell. XXX Alliance and Suburban provided new hot water heater. I installed thermostat from provided hot water heater, hot water heater steel shell folded back to prevent electrical wiring contact to sharp metal, shorten damaged wiring and installed 90 degree high temperature terminal lug. Operational tested satisfactory.
• Nautilus panel PEX piping and flow valves continue to leak intermittently. XXX Alliance provided one nautilus panel valve. I removed and reinstalled new valve and two PEX ½ inch female fittings and various pieces of PEX ½ inch tubing. Ireturned removed valve to Alliance via prepaid shipping. I installed flood alarm behind the Nautilus panel because Nautilus piping/connections intermittent nuisance leak persists.
• Front living area slides Norco/Bal electric motor gear boxes are failing. Replaced four motor/gearboxes to date. One motor/gearbox replaced twice. The motor gearboxes are not adequately designed for this application. Aluminum gearboxes and drive sprocket gear bend under normal operation. XXX Alliance has supplied all four replacement motor gearbox assemblies. I have replaced three units and one unit replaced by General RV technicians. The fourth motor/gearbox assembly was provided after my coach’s warranty period expired; however, Alliance supplied it as a goodwill gesture. Notwithstanding these replacements, the motor gearboxes continue to experience failures, suggesting that NORCO/BAL assemblies may not be optimally designed for this application. I respectfully request that Alliance and NORCO/BAL evaluate the mechanism for potential redesign to improve reliability, and to provide the updated motor/gearbox assemblies for installation.

 

[2 Allies]

Great documentation of your repairs. We too have a 2024 385FL. We have had some minor issues that I could resolve with Alliance's support. Your slide motor issues concern me though. How did tell the motors were failing? So far so good for us.

Thanks for the post,

 

[7426TRISS]

Dammit, that's a lot of problems, I have not see any of that on my 2024 385FL, And sorry for all of it too. I would have asked to return too the Factory for repairs with that list

 

[M and E]

Definitely a laundry list of items. Good thing you’re handy, looking at it from the positive.

 

[Midnight Rider]

This document serves as an official record and summary for my 2024 Alliance Paradigm 385FL. It is prepared to identify issues along with proposed solutions, including communications with Alliance and RV dealers regarding necessary corrections to my coach. It is recommended that Alliance review this information and implement appropriate corrective actions to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction. Utilizing Alliance customer service via e-mail was very professional to include quick responses, acknowledgement of issues, shipment of repair parts, prepaid return of parts and phone conversations as required to correct the identified problems. I provided Alliance technical support pictures, movies, PDF’s and written details of issues as requested.
My wife and I love the layout and functionality of the coach. The coach tows great and is very stable in crosswinds.

Vehicle Details​

• Year: 2024 (placed in service 7-18-2024)
• Model: Alliance Paradigm 385FL
• Options - Full body paint, MORryde 8K axles with independent suspension and DeeMax disc brakes, slide toppers and convection microwave.

Problem/Issues and Corrective Actions ​

Alliance case numbers 70722, 79041, 24944, 24054, 89589, 205173

• The washer drain pipe was not connected to the “Y" pipe located in the rear storage area. XXX Alliance authorized a local RV dealer to perform the necessary connection, and the owner covered the cost of the repair, which was subsequently reimbursed by Alliance. It is unclear why this issue was not identified during Alliance tank and drain piping smoke test.
• The washing machine hot and cold hose connection valves were absent, with blank PEX fittings installed in their place. XXX Alliance authorized the local RV dealer to install hot and cold isolation valves for the washer, which were provided by Alliance. I initially covered the cost of the repair and was subsequently reimbursed by Alliance. For RV coaches marketed as washer/dryer ready, it is recommended to include hot and cold water isolation valves rather than blank fittings.
• Master Bath sink drain piping leaking at sink connection. XXX Alliance provide new sink piping drain kit and I installed. Originally installed piping was not cut to fit application and gasket/washer missing at sink drain threaded connections.
• Slide toppers not rolling up correctly. No screws holding topper at side wall channel from walking forward or aft. XXX I aligned slide topper and installed securing screws.
• Four exterior up-to-open doors, open position holding magnets were loose on exterior wall. Screws stripped out. XXX I installed larger screws and caulked to prevent leaks.
• The electrical combination panel includes 120 VAC / DC inverter functionality, with 12 VDC yellow wires installed on TB3-14 through TB3-17. Four 12 VDC circuits are labeled as 15 amps (green wires, TB1-1 through TB1-4), although 10 amp fuses have been installed. The exterior coach male plug is rated at 50 amps but incorrectly labeled as 30 amps. XXX I relocated the yellow 12 VDC wires and corresponding 15 amp fuses to TB3-15 through TB3-18 according to the electrical panel identification label. After consultation with Alliance technical support, it was recommended that the identification label plate fuse rating for the green wires be updated from 15 amps to 10 amps. The coach male plug sticker has yet to be replaced with a 50 amp sticker.
• Black tank wash down PEX piping, behind Nautilus Panel, 90 degree PEX fitting stainless PEX pipe band clamp was not crimped resulting in a water leak. XXX I installed ½ inch PEX stainless band clamp on existing 90 degree PEX fitting and operationally tested satisfactory.
• Electrical stranded wire connections (two wires in one terminal lug) for electric slide motors were loose and pulled out of terminal lug crimp connection. Connections located aft of hydraulic pump located in front upper compartment on terminal board. XXX I installed proper size terminal lugs, one on each wire, reconnected and operational test was satisfactory. Stranded electrical wiring leads should be installed in individual properly sized terminal lugs to provide a positive mechanical connection.
• Both hydraulic slides (stove and table) underside of slide waterproofing material damaged by screws backing out of floor mounted Teflon floor ski securing screws. Screws over torqued and loose in plywood floor. XXX I removed and relocated Teflon floor slides to provided positive securing screw engagement to floor. Alliance provided repair material and authorized local RV dealer to install. I paid for repair and Alliance reimbursed my repair cost.
• Half bath ceiling fan manual open/close mechanism would not close fully. XXX I removed fan cover which revealed electrical fan wiring obstructed manual open/close fan mechanism. Relocated and secured fan wiring to provide clearance for manual fan open/close mechanism.
• Norcold Refrigerator/freezer gaskets fell out of track and were damaged. XXX Alliance provided new refrigerator and freezer door gaskets and I installed.
• Five Clear Vision up to open windows will not lock in open or close positions. Sliding window/glass plastic guides not secured to window frame. Alliance approved window replacement. XXX Discussion with Alliance technical support stated the plastic guides are secured to window frame with industrial glue. I purchased industrial super glue and secured window/glass guides in the proper locations to allow window to be secured in the open and close position.
• MORryde/DeeMax disc brake pads noisy and squealing when brakes applied. XXX Multiple conversations with Alliance and DeeMax representatives stated disc brake pads material composition was incorrect, too aggressive, for one batch of pads received from manufacturing facility. Deemax provided newer version of Disc Brake pads (Kelvar vice semi-metallic) and I installed.
• Rear garage area MORryde roll out shelf/table mounting screws backed out and table foundation was adrift in storage area. All screws undersized for application. XXX I obtain and installed larger slide out tray foundation mounting screws.
• Stove and table hydraulic slides wall seals, one on each slide, failed and torn. Five of six Norco/Bal electrical slide wall seals damaged/torn. XXX Alliance provided replacement slide out seals and General RV of Richmond (purchased dealer) installed. Replacement took 5 weeks after waiting 7 weeks for appointment. I provided detailed timeline with conversations with General RV representative to Ms. Larson/Alliance customer service via e-mail Jul 30, 2025.
• The MorRyde 8000-pound axle bearings were not properly adjusted, resulting in heat damage to the bearings and races, as well as slight damage to the axle spindles. Both front axle bearing retainer/adjustment nuts were missing their retaining clips. XXX Alliance and MorRyde supplied four new disc brake rotors with Timken bearing races installed and two axle sets of Timken bearings. I cleaned the axle spindles using crocus cloth, packed and installed the new bearings, and adjusted the bearing preload according to MorRyde specifications. Additionally, I purchased and installed new axle bearing nut retainers/clips. The absence of the axle bearing retaining clips could have resulted in the wheel separating from the axle at highway speeds.
• Master bath MaxAir fan motor noisy. XXX Alliance provided new Maxair fan motor and I installed.
• Master Bedroom light switch failed. XXX Alliance provided new light switch and I installed. I return damaged light switch to Alliance via prepaid shipping.
• Suburban hot water heater electric circuit failed. Wire to thermostat shorted to steel hot water heater shell. XXX Alliance and Suburban provided new hot water heater. I installed thermostat from provided hot water heater, hot water heater steel shell folded back to prevent electrical wiring contact to sharp metal, shorten damaged wiring and installed 90 degree high temperature terminal lug. Operational tested satisfactory.
• Nautilus panel PEX piping and flow valves continue to leak intermittently. XXX Alliance provided one nautilus panel valve. I removed and reinstalled new valve and two PEX ½ inch female fittings and various pieces of PEX ½ inch tubing. Ireturned removed valve to Alliance via prepaid shipping. I installed flood alarm behind the Nautilus panel because Nautilus piping/connections intermittent nuisance leak persists.
• Front living area slides Norco/Bal electric motor gear boxes are failing. Replaced four motor/gearboxes to date. One motor/gearbox replaced twice. The motor gearboxes are not adequately designed for this application. Aluminum gearboxes and drive sprocket gear bend under normal operation. XXX Alliance has supplied all four replacement motor gearbox assemblies. I have replaced three units and one unit replaced by General RV technicians. The fourth motor/gearbox assembly was provided after my coach’s warranty period expired; however, Alliance supplied it as a goodwill gesture. Notwithstanding these replacements, the motor gearboxes continue to experience failures, suggesting that NORCO/BAL assemblies may not be optimally designed for this application. I respectfully request that Alliance and NORCO/BAL evaluate the mechanism for potential redesign to improve reliability, and to provide the updated motor/gearbox assemblies for installation.

Did you do a Pre Delivery Inspection?

 

[JefferyB]

Did you do a Pre Delivery Inspection?

Yes we did. Of course it was raining. General RV in Richmond Va scheduled walk thru at 1:00 pm. I didn’t leave there until 5:00 pm. I even had to adjust my truck hitch lower because the unit was front high. Asked General RV to adjust and their specs are between 6-9 inches RV to truck clearance. They refused. I’ll never go there again for anything. I would say 60% of these problems manifested after using the coach for a few months.

 

[JefferyB]

Great documentation of your repairs. We too have a 2024 385FL. We have had some minor issues that I could resolve with Alliance's support. Your slide motor issues concern me though. How did tell the motors were failing? So far so good for us.

Thanks for the post,

Slide would not retract on the side with the damaged gearbox and sprocket. Sprocket shaft bent and sprocket skipping on bicycle chain.

 

[BryanValRox]

Slide would not retract on the side with the damaged gearbox and sprocket. Sprocket shaft bent and sprocket skipping on bicycle chain.

That deflection is quite common on the BAL slide. I experienced the same issue and replaced both motors at the same time.
The new ones I received had strength ing ribs cast into the housings. Be sure to slide the picture up to see the newer design. Time will tell if it is an improvement.

 

[RockDr896]

What a list! I don't think Alliance was really building trailers the day they pumped yours out. I am picturing the samsonite luggage monkeys whacking yours with a whiffle ball bats....LOL. Sounds like you have the skills to get through it, as well as a bit of experience with legal matters. Yours is a great case for others to do the pre-inspection starting at 8am and lasting several days if necessary. That includes hooking up water and even dumping the tanks!

 

[JefferyB]

That deflection is quite common on the BAL slide. I experienced the same issue and replaced both motors at the same time.
The new ones I received had strength ing ribs cast into the housings. Be sure to slide the picture up to see the newer design. Time will tell if it is an improvement.

View attachment 4295

Thank you for the info. All 4 replacement motor/gearbox I have received from Alliance are exact copy of the original without the strengthen ribs added to the aluminum gearbox. It does appear Norco/Bal are redesigning unit due to this problem.

 

[WE3ZS]

We were just at the Alliance factory service shop (awesome team there.) Nov 10 through 14 and they installed all 4 drive motor gearboxes on our 385FL’s living room slides with the new webbed design, we had not experienced a failure but did have a couple making a little more noise than normal. Hopefully these new ones will last longer.

 

[7426TRISS]

Question is, if they know these are failing, why is the not a recall?

 

[RockDr896]

Question is, if they know these are failing, why is the not a recall?

I believe it to be a legal decision. Other than what they make themselves, they all rely on their suppliers. Unless their suppliers recognize it as a problem, they protect themselves with a 1 year parts warranty and they are not alone amongst RV builders. They are really parts assemblers that make it into a product. Then they wholesale the product to a RV retail seller. So the RV seller has to not only find repair talent to do Electrical, body work, plumbing, carpentry, ect....they also have to wait for Alliance to get vendor approval as to whether the vendor will back the claim. It is truly a broken system at all levels. If an end user cannot fix it themselves, wait for a dealer to fix the problem, or fix it and get reimbursed for efforts made...then I think the industry is losing their potential sales. I don't think all the marketing in the world will offset bad building and lack of quality control. They are all dipping out of the same labor pool. So, they are all trading workers amongst them all.

So I will now offer a solution. QC needs to be the focus. QC is the last line of defense for RV manufacturers. They need to be stationed at each point AS IT IS ASSEMBLED. This post, my posts, and all other posts, show that QC lacks technical knowledge and installation knowledge. It is also obvious, that much escapes the foreman or supervisors in the build stage.

I would be curious too know, how many units have warranty issues in the first year. Looking at the 2026 line up and all the component changes they have made, to include instant hot units, tells me they are still trying to find the right components to assemble. I don't see innovation. I see them looking for reliable parts and build techniques.

 

[Lantley]

I believe it to be a legal decision. Other than what they make themselves, they all rely on their suppliers. Unless their suppliers recognize it as a problem, they protect themselves with a 1 year parts warranty and they are not alone amongst RV builders. They are really parts assemblers that make it into a product. Then they wholesale the product to a RV retail seller. So the RV seller has to not only find repair talent to do Electrical, body work, plumbing, carpentry, ect....they also have to wait for Alliance to get vendor approval as to whether the vendor will back the claim. It is truly a broken system at all levels. If an end user cannot fix it themselves, wait for a dealer to fix the problem, or fix it and get reimbursed for efforts made...then I think the industry is losing their potential sales. I don't think all the marketing in the world will offset bad building and lack of quality control. They are all dipping out of the same labor pool. So, they are all trading workers amongst them all.

So I will now offer a solution. QC needs to be the focus. QC is the last line of defense for RV manufacturers. They need to be stationed at each point AS IT IS ASSEMBLED. This post, my posts, and all other posts, show that QC lacks technical knowledge and installation knowledge. It is also obvious, that much escapes the foreman or supervisors in the build stage.

I would be curious too know, how many units have warranty issues in the first year. Looking at the 2026 line up and all the component changes they have made, to include instant hot units, tells me they are still trying to find the right components to assemble. I don't see innovation. I see them looking for reliable parts and build techniques.

As long as they are paid by the piece not by the hour there can be no quality control! Stop the line for an inspection! Not going to happen.
Under the current system they have incentive to be fast and quick vs. careful and sure.
Quality control does not exist in the RV industry and when it does/did consumers are reluctant to pay for it.
Carriage, Peterson Industries Excel, the original DRV, and Evergreen were all premium brands that built a higher quality RV a few years back
They are all defunct now due to lack of sales and consumer support.
I'm not trying to let Alliance or the industry as a whole off the hook, but at this point I understand they are not going to reform themselves.
The entire industry for the most part has the same assembly procedure and pay employees by the piece.
The fact there are no unions and robots in the RV industry speaks to the importance of quality control.
It will take foreign competition and legislation to force the RV industry to build a better mouse trap.
Unfortunately RV's are for the most part a USA phenomenon, reform is not likely to come from overseas.
Don't expect Japan to bring the pressure in the way they forced Detroit to do a better job in the 70's.
Simply Getting units out the door is a far bigger priority than quality control.
Alliance, Brinkley, are currently the premier players and they are far from perfect, in my mind the other brands only get worse from there.

Honestly it's not about warranty. The warranty only last a year and then you are on your own.
Focus on and conduct a very thorough, obsessive PDI because once you leave the lot don't expect much from most dealers.
Now if you are in a position and have time to return unit to factory you can receive quality service, otherwise you are on your own despite the marketing claims.
The current RV warranty system is often more trouble that its worth. Between the hauling back and forth, Approvals, denials, parts delays you are better off dealing with small things yourself and reserve playing the warranty game for large catastrophic issues.