Introduction
As many RV enthusiasts know, their mobile home will be one of the most expensive purchase one can every make. Therefore, understanding exactly what you are purchasing is essential to ensure you have the best customer experience possible.
This is true of all brand and manufacturers including River Forest’s Alpha Wolf. Their innovative RV style is a substantially sized home with a slide out and full living and bedroom space as standard.
These luxury RVs are impressive luxury vehicles which have taken the market by storm. Unfortunately, they have been associated with a number of consistent issues reported by owers. Therefore, this article will highlight all of the major and most frequent concerns raised to allow a buy to make the best informed decision.
Alpha Wolf RV Problems
Electrical Installation and Capacity
Often the size of an RV correlates with the level of luxury and capacity of the internal specifications. The Alpha Wolf RV is no different. It is equipped with a vast array of electrical appliances and outlets as standard, which is powered by a 30A mains hook-up system integrated with the onboard control panel.
However, even with a cleverly integrated electrical setup, there has been an abundance of fundamental errors occurring. Most notably, there have been several complaints about the onboard battery system.
Many modern RVs have been adapted to function ‘off-grid’ as a means of being self-sufficient for periods of time outside of RV camping parks. Beyond provisions for substantial water and food supplies, they also offer onboard leisure batteries and power electronics without the need for a mains hook-up.
Often these RVs come with onboard power that can last hours, if not days, and have solar panels as backup power sources. Unfortunately, both solar panels and onboard storage are considered ‘options.’ They do not come as standard, which is incredibly limiting for a contemporary RV owner.
These simple demands should not come at a premium for potential buyers. However, concerningly some owners have commented that it is a means of appearing cheaper, to begin with, and the additional ‘options’ include the kind of electrical capacities that make it a standard RV level for a substantial cost.
Moreover, some who have purchased all of the bells and whistles in terms of electrical options have noted that there are consistent installation problems.
Firstly, the Alpha Wolf is renowned for its fuse box, which trips too frequently. In addition, many have commented that it is due to the insufficient wire gauges which have been used to reduce production costs.
Buyers have also reported basic installation faults. Although some teething issues can be expected in such complex RVs, it appears as if they are being built to hurridly allow basic wire installation to be improperly connected.
Although, of course, Forest River has been happy to rectify these problems. It has influenced the perception of quality associated with the brand.
Stability Problems
Large, well-equipped RVs like the Alpha Wolf have a similar square footage as a small apartment. But critically, apartments are built on solid foundations that are perfectly level. Therefore, when it comes to stabilising the Alpha Wolf, owners have encountered some ongoing issues.
Stabilisation is a headache for many RV owners. The complex system in modern RVs requires a high degree of precision and accuracy when it comes to levelling their foundation. Water issues are the first concern.
Water pressure is generated on board and stored in hidden tanks, so they are susceptible to malfunctioning if not level. It can cause poor water flow combined with inaccurate readings from the level dials.
The Alpha is equipped with at least one hydraulic slide-out as standard. This slide-out offers substantial additional space when set up for camp. However, these heavy-moving components require a very tight degree of tolerance when it comes to expanding and contracting.
The RV’s structure is designed with lightweight materials in mind so that it can be towed reasonably easily. Therefore, the hydraulic motor and bearings can only tolerate a certain amount of resistance. If it is levelled inaccurately, customers can find that their components fail or malfunction prematurely after a few uses.
To maintain a low centre of gravity, many of the heaviest components of the RV are stored underneath the floor. In doing so, it maximises living space without compromising the functionality of the RV.
Heavy water storage tanks, gas canisters and leisure batteries are dispersed throughout the flooring area depending on the floor plan and model chosen. However, this has been the cause of many stability issues.
The weight is spread unevenly, which makes it incredibly difficult to level accurately. Although these issues plague many RV brands, the Alpha Wolf has no provision to counter this industry-wide problem.
It should be noted that there are stabilising hydraulic jacks available in some of their performance packages. But, again, a common theme with the Alpha Wolf is that these basic essential RV features are only for those willing to spend substantially more for the privilege.
Poor Quality Door and Frame
An unusual issue that has been frequently associated with the Alph Wolf is the side door failing. Unfortunately, this is not a single issue but an overall design and installation failure.
It is commented that if the door is shut firmly, it will jam. Many customers suggested that the locking mechanism fails, but it is more commonly because the door material is pressed into too small a space.
The flimsy plastic door panel collapses into the door frame, which causes it to get stuck. After the first occasion of the door being slammed, it is permanently damaged, later leading to sealing issues and compromised weatherproofing.
Beyond the poor quality door material, the failure is also the result of cheaper hinges which allow for a full 365-degree swing. If they were fixed correctly with the necessary hinges, it would prevent the door from being forced shut and damaged easily.
The only reasonable resolution is to remove and replace both the RV door and hinges. As you may imagine, this is a complicated and expensive process that no new owner should be expected to do. Furthermore, finding and fitting a bespoke door is purely a comment on the build quality of the manufacturer.
Refrigerant Leak
Like some of the other appliance issues, the standard refrigeration unit is known for its leaking issues. There have been many reports of leaking brown fluid from underneath the refrigerator after just a few weeks of use.
Unfortunately, like many other issues with the Alpha Wolf, the refrigerant leaking fridge is due to a failing cheap appliance which has been installed to cut manufacturing costs.
There is little to no excuse from Forest River as this is a highly common issue which has not resulted in a total product recall and replacement. Instead, they have helped customers once they reported the problem and issued instructions for what to do when the problem occurs.
The most effective solution to resolve the isseu is simply replacing the refrigerator. As many RV enthusiasts will know, this is a very expensive appliance which must fit the predesigned space precisely for it to be a viable solution. Alternatively, River Forest have suggested some operational advice to minimize leakage.
Firstly, ensure that the refrigerant storage tube at the bottom of the first is cleaner regularly. Pay particular attention to mold forming on the tube. The mold is firstly renowned for grow quickly, but ore importantly has the potential to perferate the rubber seal of the storage tank.
Moreover, attempt to refil the reridgerant frerquently. It may seem counterintuitive, but additional refidgerant ensures that the leaking seal are continually hydrate which allows them to function optimally for the longest period possible.
Finally, if you live or travel in hotter climates then you should be more conscious of these two techniques. Hotter weather makes the fridge and refrigerant to work harder, and therefore creates issue quicker. Keep on top of your fridge maintenance, to ensure that the leak is kept at bay for as long as possible.
Ultimately, these are not ideal solution as they require continually attention rather than a long term fix. Sadly, fridge itself is not good quality and it fundamentally flawed.
Conclusion
Ultimatly, whatever RV you purchase there are likely to be some teething issues. Although there are some basic excusable issues, there are certainly some more pressing concerns that buyers should be aware of before they make their purchase.
Many of the issues regarding the Alpha Wolf are due to poor quality materials and appliances used and the lack of a well design standard package. With a little more money being spent on the build quality and greater transparency for users would significantly improve the overall standard of the River Forest brand.
