Hello all, this is my first post here, and I'm looking for some first hand input. We are looking to get back into a 5th wheel, and I have generally narrowed it down to an Alliance, Grand Design, and Keystone manufacture. It is just three of us (me, wife and 13yo son), and we aren't wanting a bunkhouse style unit, so we'd be looking at a middle room option like the Alliance Paradigm 390MP (or possibly the 380MP - I know its newer), a Keystone Montana 3857BR, or GD Solitude 378MBS, or other models that are similar. We owned a Keystone Cougar several years ago, which we bought new, and eventually sold to a survivor of the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, CA. We had very few issues with the unit and the few issues we did have were easily resolved, and I don't recall having to have any warranty work performed.
While I know no manufacturer is immune from issues, I do my best to research before making a purchase, especially something at this level. I've read through several threads and posts here on different issues owners have encountered and their various outcomes. It's my understanding Alliance is a relatively new manufacturer, but evolved from those who were already in the industry. One of the factors in our decision is availability of dealers for service/repair. There are two where we now live in NW Montana, Blue Compass RV and Bish RV, and they also sell and service the other manufacturers mentioned.
Another factor is the ability to swap the pinbox to a Reese Goosebox hitch. I do know the Keystone and GD are compatible as they are Lippert built frames, however I can't seem to find a definitive answer as to whether the Alliance Paradigm is compatible since I can't find any info as to who builds their frames. As far as weights, I've researched weights and compatibility many times and am very familiar with limits etc., as I am a retired sergeant from the CHP.
The tow rig is already owned, as my retirement gift to myself was a 2019 Ram 3500 HO Limited, DRW, 4x4, Aisin with 4:10, and a payload capacity of about 5140 pounds. This is part of the reason for the Goosebox setup, as I already have the Ram 5th wheel prep kit, and it will be nice having a clean bed when pulling the ball after parking.
I'm looking for some honest feedback from those who have come from another brand, and what led you to choose an Alliance over others, mainly the other two I referenced. How much research did you do before finally deciding to go with an Alliance, and what made you choose them over the others. Did you leave the other brands and go to Alliance, and if so, do you have any regrets? Are you considering going back to the manufacturer you left and if so why might you be leaning that direction. I will say, I have seen a couple of threads where there is an Alliance Liaison who is working with the member, as well as one of the company VP's who has posted. You don't normally see that in any public forum, so that is encouraging.
If there is anything you feel you can offer that will help our decision one way or the other, your opinions and input will be greatly appreciated.
While I know no manufacturer is immune from issues, I do my best to research before making a purchase, especially something at this level. I've read through several threads and posts here on different issues owners have encountered and their various outcomes. It's my understanding Alliance is a relatively new manufacturer, but evolved from those who were already in the industry. One of the factors in our decision is availability of dealers for service/repair. There are two where we now live in NW Montana, Blue Compass RV and Bish RV, and they also sell and service the other manufacturers mentioned.
Another factor is the ability to swap the pinbox to a Reese Goosebox hitch. I do know the Keystone and GD are compatible as they are Lippert built frames, however I can't seem to find a definitive answer as to whether the Alliance Paradigm is compatible since I can't find any info as to who builds their frames. As far as weights, I've researched weights and compatibility many times and am very familiar with limits etc., as I am a retired sergeant from the CHP.
The tow rig is already owned, as my retirement gift to myself was a 2019 Ram 3500 HO Limited, DRW, 4x4, Aisin with 4:10, and a payload capacity of about 5140 pounds. This is part of the reason for the Goosebox setup, as I already have the Ram 5th wheel prep kit, and it will be nice having a clean bed when pulling the ball after parking.
I'm looking for some honest feedback from those who have come from another brand, and what led you to choose an Alliance over others, mainly the other two I referenced. How much research did you do before finally deciding to go with an Alliance, and what made you choose them over the others. Did you leave the other brands and go to Alliance, and if so, do you have any regrets? Are you considering going back to the manufacturer you left and if so why might you be leaning that direction. I will say, I have seen a couple of threads where there is an Alliance Liaison who is working with the member, as well as one of the company VP's who has posted. You don't normally see that in any public forum, so that is encouraging.
If there is anything you feel you can offer that will help our decision one way or the other, your opinions and input will be greatly appreciated.
