We picked up a rough, very used 2001 Chalet Alpine last summer, and have been towing it around the Pacific Northwest to use as our base camp while hiking. It's the high clearance, 3500 lb axle, 14" wheel version, with dry weight claimed to be 1,300 by the factory (but reportedly it's really higher than that). Tongue weight is 210 lbs without the 2 propane tanks. We didn't want a tent trailer, having heard unhappy things about canvas and mildew and cold nights, and have found the 1" thick insulated hardwall design helps keep things nice and (fairly) warm inside. Also, we've heard that in Glacier N.P. (maybe Yellowstone too) and parts of the Canadian Rockies they won't let people sleep in tent trailers cuz the bears will get in through the canvas and eat everyone alive - as if
any trailer could keep them out. It sets up in about 90 seconds - the roof panels pivot up to form the peak, then the triangular side walls swing out and up to meet the roof and it all locks into place with 4 latches. It has lots of stuff that we maybe really didn't want - more weight and more stuff to crap out - but they all seem to come fully equipped by default: 15 gal water tank, sink and pump, water heater, outside shower, 2 burner stove, fridge (12v, 120v, propane), and a cute little propane furnace. It's a pretty typical pop-up scenario: at each end is a dinette/table (with storage under the seats) that converts to a bed, and in the middle is the kitchen and storage cabinets. Alas, a good portion of the floor is rotten, so this winter we get to take the whole damn thing apart and replace the floor; the newer ones have a composite floor rather than wood. And install a new axle, new springs, and new brakes. Maybe should have just bought a brand new trailer to start with.
It tows real nice with the F'runner - no sway despite the relatively short tow vehicle wheelbase, even when meeting oncoming semi's on narrow 2-lane roads at 65 mph. With the fold-down design, we really don't see much degradation in fuel mileage, but we could use a bit more poop when accelerating from a standing start, climbing hills, and merging. The only issue so far is that the ScanGauge is saying that the ATF is getting too hot - it hit 235 degrees at the top of a 5 mile, 6% grade after a 30 mile long 2% grade, holding 50 mph in 4th (manual) gear (eastbound Highway 2 over the Washington Cascades). I need to review the auxiliary transmission cooler threads on this forum and get something installed before heading down into the high temps of Utah and Arizona next year.
Alpine : Chalet RV
