Our pleasure! We agree it always good to see money flowing into better production, and not just bleeding the company! I think they will be around for a while !
2023 Scout Lite owner and have had good results with my camper and made mods to electrical, cabinets, and Lagun table. Been out west and in mountains in east. A few small issues. But small and dyi fixable. Thanks Rick. 😊
Thanks for the comment. Usually you only hear from the complainers. And no matter how minor their complaint, they taint the decisions of future buyers/voters.
@@RickMartinUA-cam my tow vehicle for the Scout Lite with very careful tongue weight management (150 pd max) is a 2022 CRV-EX. Turbo does excellent job with 20.5 mpg over 6000 miles towing. Trailer tracks perfectly.
Rick, thanks for the video. Good interview with the boss. I noticed you got your opinion on the shower in the conversation. I like the option to have an included shower for several reasons. Normally, I will use the showers that are at the campgrounds for ease and ability to take longer showers but if the facilities are disgusting or if it’s pretty cold outside, I’d prefer to shower inside the camper. One does have to take the increased humidity into account, but that can be negated by running the fantastic fan till the shower curtain and shower pan are dry. One can also use one of the silicone type water absorbent wiping cloths to get rid of any excess moisture. It’s also nice that the toilet isn’t part of a wet bath IMHO. I see lots of complaints about the prices of new Aliners but having owned 4 different RVs of various types in the past, I’m willing to pay for the quality especially at this late stage of my life. I like that the Evolution series comes with everything except the outside grill. An evolution is going to be my next RV as I need it to be garageable since I live in an HOA neighborhood.
I think you will like that if you get one. Definitely negotiate the price down as far as possible. The humidity is what causes most of the damage in an Aliner. It condenses on the side walls and runs down into the springs. People don't realize that just a 10deg difference in outside versus inside temps will cause the wall aluminum extrusions to weep and pool water in bad places. Wiping and drying and covering doesn't help too much. So humidity is the real enemy of the Aliner. It allows the walls and Roofs to sag and warp. When I had 2 dogs and camped in all weather, the sides and roof connections were always dripping from their breath and wet fur. Just be aware and take care. It will still last 10+ years.
Still loving my 2011 ALiner Ranger after all these years with it in the Smokies and the Rockies. When not on the road, it's in the barn with a dust cover to protect it from all the elements. First bought my ALiner when I wanted something for a backpacking basecamp as I got older. I applied the same principles I used for lightweight backpacking to choosing the ALiner (a local dealership was a big +). The no wet canvas was a HUUUGE incentive for the Ranger! After recently thinking I might like to try something different behind my '08FJC, I've decided to stick with it. It's a comfortable basecamp for flyfishing and for a jumping off spot for a few days of backpacking...and flyfishing. I've hauled the Ranger up Colorado's Tin Cup Pass from St. Elmo, all along FSR 250 to Platoro, Colorado, and well into Colorado's Routt Roosevelt NF, to mention only a few places I've been with it in that state. It also held up well on the 30+ mile washboard road into the Green River Lakes area of Wyoming. Not to mention the comfort provided in the Smokies. I'll be getting it ready soon to head out to Colorado in September from home in the southeast. The only issues so far, the spare tire carrier cracked on the road in Colorado (causing me to carry the spare in the ALiner and a fiberglass repair), I'm on my third air conditioner, replaced the fresh water pump (now carry a spare), and replaced the circuit board on the heater ( now carry a spare heat source). Rick, safe travels on your continued 2023 journey, and thanks for the opportunity to communicate with the ALiner boss through your channel.
Informative interview. Traditional travel trailers have become too expensive and Aliner fills a need for affordable campers that can be pulled by most SUVs. The Scout Lite is what fits our need for short weekend camping trips. Even this smaller unit has storage compartments, room for a portapotty and AC. Much future success.
anks Rick nice video! i just purchased a 2021 LXE and love it i think my only compaint is the bungies to raise and lower the sides wish they could have went with the little shocks like have on the dolmers.
It's pretty easy to add those, if you need the extra push. But they aren't really to lift it, as much as just take the weight off. Not quite like the lift gate on a van or SUV. Lots of Videos and DIY on the Aliners Owners Club Website
It's interesting to see how they build these things. That CEO is a lot like Bob Tiffin. When I had my Allegro MH, I spoke with him personally on the phone. Really nice guy and always made himself available to his customers. Of course things might be different now that Thor owns them.
Gosh darn it. I was supposed to interview Brett last week (remote / zoom) but we had technical issues. And now you beat me to the punch. Great interview though Rick. So.. their doing away with the microwaves? I know on the Evolution they replaced the microwave area with a casette toilet, but didn't realize they were doing away with it on the other models? Interesting.
I have seen in the Aliner how well the electrical wires are managed. If you lift the seating boards on my Rockwood 213HW you will see a bird nest of wires. I would like to try out an Aliner and see if I like it better. An inside shower would be good but lately, we need a gray water holding tank for most of the US Forest Service area
They have the grey water tank, just not too big. And you can always use one of those totes people are always dragging to the trailer dump station behind their vehicles.
Hey: Love your videos & I've just subscribed! I'm an A-Liner newbie. Is there an inverter on the A122S which allows me to use an appliance (CPAP Machine) while off grid (from battery power). I have 2 batteries installed. Can you direct me to videos about this model & subject?😁
I do not believe there is an inverter and depending on your CPAP you might kill your battery during the night. Talk to the service department at your dealer and hopefully they gave you 2 LiFePO4 Batteries and not Lead Acid. Welcome aboard!
That's probably a good idea. But do remember that what people post on UA-cam is usually ways to fix things, DYI videos. They don't usually show all the fun and places they went with the trailer, unless they have a full time channel about it!
I don’t believe he’s been the CEO/president/top guy for the entire 10 years. But I do think he is a part owner in the company. So he definitely has serious intentions on growing the company. I’m missing my Aliner as I play in the wolf pup.
I wish you had asked him about the OUTRAGEOUS pricing for the new Aliners, ranging from $20K to $40K, unless you want one of the tiny Scout models. This is insane!
I think it matches the pricing of all new campers and RVs. Their supply chain was seriously impacted by COVID and they were shut down from production through 2020-2021. Their demand is still high.
@@GoingNoWhereFast Yes, any new camper can run into serious money, but we're talking about a pop-up with very limited amenities. It's like comparing apples to oranges, since most travel trailers in that price range ($20K-$40K) have fully-equipped kitchens and bathrooms with showers. I previously owned an Aliner and, in my opinion, it's just one step up from camping in a tent. No, $40K for a pop-up is just hard to believe.
They are a unique item. And they come with all the appliances the big rigs have. And they hold their value. Look at the 2018-2020 used ones are still going for $20-$30K. And selling for that!
Yeah at $23,000+ it should last more than 10 years. Im not a fan of the lime green. It looks better on the dark colored one though. Can you buy direct from the manufacturer? I can’t decide if I want to buy new or buy a used one. I hear the ones made prior to 2020 are better made. Is that true?
Well, They didn't make any during COVID, and it appears the 2022's are pretty high tech. And How long does a $50,000 vehicle last if you don't take care of it? The Aliner just needs a little attention every few months and it will last 30yrs. Personally, I like the 2012-2014's the best.
For me, from what I commonly read/hear in reviews of A-Frames -- and I mean ALL the brands due to their "fold-up" design, not just Aliner -- is the nagging concern about leaks and drafts (air gaps) even if the RV isn't an older/"vintage" one...which probably would leak if that old. But that'd be okay if new gaskets are available to replace gaskets on older Aliners (I hope so). But I'm not sure about new/newer ones being 100% leak-proof, especially in wind-blown rain. Otherwise, I can't really come up with anything else about A-Frames -- or Aliner -- that might be an issue for me, at least nothing serious. Although I'm looking at 2 models of another brand (that are also "garage-able" in a standard residential 2-car garage with a 7' high door opening), an Aliner Ranger 10 is on my Short List as well. -- BR
The Aliner is really quite water tight. What people often think is a leak is condensation inside the aliner. Also the roof panels are quite fragile if people get on them or put weight on them. You can’t put a kayak or a canoe on top of an Aliner. But all parts on an airliner are replaceable either from everyday sources like Amazon or Aliner themselves.
Thanks!
Thank you AGAIN! You are my best patron and viewer (And I love your ID name)
Nice factory tour, good marketing giving you and interview on the product. Thanks for the video...........
Thanks for watching! And Great meeting you afterwards in Ithaca
Glad that Aliner is listening and investing in updates in plant equipment and model design. The interview was informative. Thanks.
Our pleasure! We agree it always good to see money flowing into better production, and not just bleeding the company! I think they will be around for a while !
2023 Scout Lite owner and have had good results with my camper and made mods to electrical, cabinets, and Lagun table. Been out west and in mountains in east. A few small issues. But small and dyi fixable. Thanks Rick. 😊
Thanks for the comment. Usually you only hear from the complainers. And no matter how minor their complaint, they taint the decisions of future buyers/voters.
@@RickMartinUA-cam my tow vehicle for the Scout Lite with very careful tongue weight management (150 pd max) is a 2022 CRV-EX. Turbo does excellent job with 20.5 mpg over 6000 miles towing. Trailer tracks perfectly.
Great intervoew, Rick... you may gave found a new career!!
I think he had made that same interview many times. He had all the key points ready to go.
Nice video and interview. Nice to see how they're built. Safe travels to y'all 🙏🙏🙏❤️🐾🐾❤️✌️☕
Thanks Wanda, We will continue to "GoNoWhereFast" !
Really nice video Rick. Makes me proud to own a completely remodeled 2008 Scout. I don't think I've beat mine up nearly as much as you did :)
Mine is in rough shape, but still better than my backpack tents...... which look like franksteins monster with so many sutures!
Pretty cool that the boss took the time to be there for the tours. I considered getting an Aliner but went with a camp-inn teardrop instead.
He and his staff were all pretty down to earth. After all, this isn't GE!
I can't wait to own one someday and join the club! Thank you for this video! :o)
You are so welcome!
Rick, thanks for the video. Good interview with the boss. I noticed you got your opinion on the shower in the conversation. I like the option to have an included shower for several reasons. Normally, I will use the showers that are at the campgrounds for ease and ability to take longer showers but if the facilities are disgusting or if it’s pretty cold outside, I’d prefer to shower inside the camper. One does have to take the increased humidity into account, but that can be negated by running the fantastic fan till the shower curtain and shower pan are dry. One can also use one of the silicone type water absorbent wiping cloths to get rid of any excess moisture. It’s also nice that the toilet isn’t part of a wet bath IMHO. I see lots of complaints about the prices of new Aliners but having owned 4 different RVs of various types in the past, I’m willing to pay for the quality especially at this late stage of my life. I like that the Evolution series comes with everything except the outside grill. An evolution is going to be my next RV as I need it to be garageable since I live in an HOA neighborhood.
I think you will like that if you get one. Definitely negotiate the price down as far as possible. The humidity is what causes most of the damage in an Aliner. It condenses on the side walls and runs down into the springs. People don't realize that just a 10deg difference in outside versus inside temps will cause the wall aluminum extrusions to weep and pool water in bad places. Wiping and drying and covering doesn't help too much. So humidity is the real enemy of the Aliner. It allows the walls and Roofs to sag and warp. When I had 2 dogs and camped in all weather, the sides and roof connections were always dripping from their breath and wet fur. Just be aware and take care. It will still last 10+ years.
Still loving my 2011 ALiner Ranger after all these years with it in the Smokies and the Rockies. When not on the road, it's in the barn with a dust cover to protect it from all the elements. First bought my ALiner when I wanted something for a backpacking basecamp as I got older. I applied the same principles I used for lightweight backpacking to choosing the ALiner (a local dealership was a big +). The no wet canvas was a HUUUGE incentive for the Ranger! After recently thinking I might like to try something different behind my '08FJC, I've decided to stick with it. It's a comfortable basecamp for flyfishing and for a jumping off spot for a few days of backpacking...and flyfishing. I've hauled the Ranger up Colorado's Tin Cup Pass from St. Elmo, all along FSR 250 to Platoro, Colorado, and well into Colorado's Routt Roosevelt NF, to mention only a few places I've been with it in that state. It also held up well on the 30+ mile washboard road into the Green River Lakes area of Wyoming. Not to mention the comfort provided in the Smokies. I'll be getting it ready soon to head out to Colorado in September from home in the southeast. The only issues so far, the spare tire carrier cracked on the road in Colorado (causing me to carry the spare in the ALiner and a fiberglass repair), I'm on my third air conditioner, replaced the fresh water pump (now carry a spare), and replaced the circuit board on the heater ( now carry a spare heat source). Rick, safe travels on your continued 2023 journey, and thanks for the opportunity to communicate with the ALiner boss through your channel.
Thanks John. You are definitely living a life to be envied! You make me want to take up Fly Fishing again!!
great video, you and i have the same aliner but mines a 04
Mine is barely an Aliner. After a few days in the Adirondacks I may have to totally rebuild it.
I've been there! Back when they also built Somerset PopUps.
Did you see the UFO?
They sold 3x the Aliners, and the popups were much more complicated with more warrantee complaints. They may bring them back someday though.
Informative interview. Traditional travel trailers have become too expensive and Aliner fills a need for affordable campers that can be pulled by most SUVs. The Scout Lite is what fits our need for short weekend camping trips. Even this smaller unit has storage compartments, room for a portapotty and AC. Much future success.
We agree 100%.
anks Rick nice video! i just purchased a 2021 LXE and love it i think my only compaint is the bungies to raise and lower the sides wish they could have went with the little shocks like have on the dolmers.
It's pretty easy to add those, if you need the extra push. But they aren't really to lift it, as much as just take the weight off. Not quite like the lift gate on a van or SUV. Lots of Videos and DIY on the Aliners Owners Club Website
Great video Rick. Are you going back to work. For A liner 😂
I would if it was just 2 days a week... But for now I am working full time trying to make UA-cam Videos.... lol
@@GoingNoWhereFast Me too !! My retirement job !!
It's interesting to see how they build these things. That CEO is a lot like Bob Tiffin. When I had my Allegro MH, I spoke with him personally on the phone. Really nice guy and always made himself available to his customers. Of course things might be different now that Thor owns them.
Thor definitely made things "More efficient" and more profitable.
Gosh darn it. I was supposed to interview Brett last week (remote / zoom) but we had technical issues. And now you beat me to the punch. Great interview though Rick. So.. their doing away with the microwaves? I know on the Evolution they replaced the microwave area with a casette toilet, but didn't realize they were doing away with it on the other models? Interesting.
I think it was a bit problematic and that size was getting hard to get. I know I tried to get some parts for mine and it was impossible.
@@GoingNoWhereFast Thanks..
It would have been nice to see a camper built.
My prior video had a little more actual building and assembly in it. ua-cam.com/video/k58sdC_kEsg/v-deo.html
Sounds like you need to be the Aliner ambassador!!
I tried, they don't want me. Truth is, I just really like the camper !!
I have seen in the Aliner how well the electrical wires are managed. If you lift the seating boards on my Rockwood 213HW you will see a bird nest of wires. I would like to try out an Aliner and see if I like it better. An inside shower would be good but lately, we need a gray water holding tank for most of the US Forest Service area
They have the grey water tank, just not too big. And you can always use one of those totes people are always dragging to the trailer dump station behind their vehicles.
Hey: Love your videos & I've just subscribed! I'm an A-Liner newbie. Is there an inverter on the A122S which allows me to use an appliance (CPAP Machine) while off grid (from battery power). I have 2 batteries installed. Can you direct me to videos about this model & subject?😁
I do not believe there is an inverter and depending on your CPAP you might kill your battery during the night. Talk to the service department at your dealer and hopefully they gave you 2 LiFePO4 Batteries and not Lead Acid. Welcome aboard!
Does A Liner make a chassis model with trailing arm suspension?
You would have to call Aliner on that. But I don't think so
No screen door?
You can add a magnetic one for around $20 from Walmart.
After watching and reading all these damage stories I've decided to rent a trailer when the urge gets me.
That's probably a good idea. But do remember that what people post on UA-cam is usually ways to fix things, DYI videos. They don't usually show all the fun and places they went with the trailer, unless they have a full time channel about it!
I wonder if they know of that guy in England that built the ENGLISH PENNLINER AFrame camper in his garden ?
That would be a great question. He did a good job building it and I think it is pretty close to the Aliner or Chalet details. Maybe best of both!
"How long have u been here?"
"10 years"
I don’t believe he’s been the CEO/president/top guy for the entire 10 years. But I do think he is a part owner in the company. So he definitely has serious intentions on growing the company. I’m missing my Aliner as I play in the wolf pup.
No one says you can't get another one 😏
Aliner summers, wolf pup winters
I wish you had asked him about the OUTRAGEOUS pricing for the new Aliners, ranging from $20K to $40K, unless you want one of the tiny Scout models. This is insane!
I think it matches the pricing of all new campers and RVs. Their supply chain was seriously impacted by COVID and they were shut down from production through 2020-2021. Their demand is still high.
@@RickMartinUA-cam This is true about cars, trucks and RVs during the Pandemic
@@GoingNoWhereFast Yes, any new camper can run into serious money, but we're talking about a pop-up with very limited amenities. It's like comparing apples to oranges, since most travel trailers in that price range ($20K-$40K) have fully-equipped kitchens and bathrooms with showers. I previously owned an Aliner and, in my opinion, it's just one step up from camping in a tent. No, $40K for a pop-up is just hard to believe.
They are a unique item. And they come with all the appliances the big rigs have. And they hold their value. Look at the 2018-2020 used ones are still going for $20-$30K. And selling for that!
Yeah at $23,000+ it should last more than 10 years. Im not a fan of the lime green. It looks better on the dark colored one though. Can you buy direct from the manufacturer? I can’t decide if I want to buy new or buy a used one. I hear the ones made prior to 2020 are better made. Is that true?
Well, They didn't make any during COVID, and it appears the 2022's are pretty high tech. And How long does a $50,000 vehicle last if you don't take care of it? The Aliner just needs a little attention every few months and it will last 30yrs. Personally, I like the 2012-2014's the best.
For me, from what I commonly read/hear in reviews of A-Frames -- and I mean ALL the brands due to their "fold-up" design, not just Aliner -- is the nagging concern about leaks and drafts (air gaps) even if the RV isn't an older/"vintage" one...which probably would leak if that old. But that'd be okay if new gaskets are available to replace gaskets on older Aliners (I hope so). But I'm not sure about new/newer ones being 100% leak-proof, especially in wind-blown rain.
Otherwise, I can't really come up with anything else about A-Frames -- or Aliner -- that might be an issue for me, at least nothing serious.
Although I'm looking at 2 models of another brand (that are also "garage-able" in a standard residential 2-car garage with a 7' high door opening), an Aliner Ranger 10 is on my Short List as well.
-- BR
The Aliner is really quite water tight. What people often think is a leak is condensation inside the aliner. Also the roof panels are quite fragile if people get on them or put weight on them. You can’t put a kayak or a canoe on top of an Aliner. But all parts on an airliner are replaceable either from everyday sources like Amazon or Aliner themselves.
@@GoingNoWhereFast Thanks for that info. Happy New Year's Day! 🙂
-- BR
Show us something!
And what something would you like to see??
I thought Avan Aliners where Australian
Aliner is the American parent company. Avan is the Australian version of
Don’t tell the ceo that you purchased a wolf pup for less money.
We talked about that. I told him he could have given me a deal on a new Classic, but he wasn't buying it.
bought my evo-15 in Nov.2023 As new as it gets.
Oh nice. Will you make it to the National Aliner Rally in NC in May?
sadly no, we will be heading to calif to visit friends. And if I can’t get the tow wiring harness for my new telluride I maybe hoteling it
@@augustschellhase OH NO!! The wiring harness should be instantly available!! Get mad!!