1988 Holiday Rambler Alumalite XL - info

[wjell]

I am now looking at a 1988 Holiday Rambler Alumalite XL. I'm trying to get pricing info on NADA. But there is no mention of an Alumalite model. Is an Alumalite considered an Imperial?

I have both the VIN and the unit Serial #. The VIN can get me some info, but not what I'm looking for to find anything out on NADA as far as original equipment goes.

Can anybody point me to a source?

 

[donn]

Alumilite along with it's sister, Monitor is and always was always considered the entry level trailer line in the Holiday Rambler lineup.  They were excellent trailers.  But as with any trailer that old condition is going to dictate price.  Remember that they can always have leaks, and the appliances could be shot and need replacing.  Aluminum frame and as I remember they also had aluminum roofs and smooth aluminum siding.  We really liked out Monitor,  It was very well insulated, but always seemed narrower than other trailers of the era.

 

[cloudten]

Hello,

As an owner of an AlumaLite Class A, I would like to add some info.  AlumaLite was a body builder and acquired by Holiday Rambler.  HR put their Presidential interior inside sitting on their HR  spec'ed P-30 chassis  (eg - 33' AL XL had tag axles - uncommon for that size coach except by premium builders).  The AlumaLite offers a full aluminum (no rot studs/joists but floor is wood) structure.  Everything from the Imperial was an option for the AlumaLite just like the Presidential (jacks, etc) - but not standard.  The 1980's and early 1990's Class A's were not "entry level" - but a different breed of HR.  Just like a Mercedes Benz diesel may not have cost as much as the top of the line flagship MB, but it was no less a well engineered car and still an MB.  Also, bodies from those years did not have rubber roofs either.

While I really like the look of the Imperial (old BlueBird bus look), I intentionally searched for an old AL XL because I knew it inherently stood a better chance of being in better condition, relatively speaking, as a used coach. The AlumaLite is also lighter and was the first model when HR introduced the "shark" front end. 

Harley Davidson purchased HR in 1986.  HD later sold HR in the mid 90's.  Then, during subsequent transitions of ownership, and pride of branding and near bankruptcies the AumaLite brand did morph however, but it appears the new "HR" AL's Class A's may be trying to find their roots as well.

Also, NADA is virtually worthless on older coaches - it just boils down to  - if the coach checks out, is it worth it to you?...

I assumed you were talking about a Class A since you mentioned XL. Trailers are a different matter and I don't know anything about them.

Hope this helps,
-Stu
1985 33' Holiday Rambler AlumaLite XL

 

[wjell]

Yes, I was referring  to a Class A. We had our hearts set on a HR and the Alumalites looked like the really held up pretty well.
-----------------------------------------
Well... it is done. We bought a 33' or a 35' or maybe a 36', no one knows for sure... until I get the tape measure out.

She is currently in the RV hospital diagnosed as needing a new master brake cylinder.

Last I saw her,  the front driver's wheel had been removed and the disc brake looked like they had just done a brake
job on it yesterday, even though it was almost 10 years ago. It had logged less than 2,000 miles in 9 years.

It was a definitely white knuckle 7 mile ride to the RV clinic. And it was really funny to see the look on the repair shop owners face when we pulled in.

He looked at that RV like someone would look at a ghost ship. He had done a lot of work on it 10 years ago for the PPO (now deceased) . He had put on a new tag axle, new radiator and on and on.

It will probably be Tues or Weds of next week when we get it back. In the meantime we will continue to search for the right spot to bed her down for the next 6 months.

It occurs to me that owning a vintage HR is like joining a monastery: You do a lot of praying, a lot of hard work and take a vow of poverty.

The adventure begins. We can't wait to spend our 1st night in it.

 

[old_as_dirt]

We just bought a 1988 Aluma-lite XL too!  I believe ours is a 28' model, but it sure is hard to tell for sure. 

If you look under "Aluma-lite" instead of Holiday Rambler you can get NADA book prices, but as someone said, they are pretty much useless.  Do take note that the XL model adds $1300 to whatever value they come up with (its in the "notes" section)

http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/1988/Aluma-Lite

The first thing we did too was take ours to the RV emergency ward for a 3 week visit.  Its pretty much all systems green now, just a few minor things and the hydraulics to get fixed.  Ours is the GM 454 ci model.  Very strong engine and on our one trip so far we got a solid 8 mpg.

We just upgraded from a 1977 Tioga class C on a dodge chassis.  It had a 440 and got HORRIBLE gas mileage (5, maybe 6 mpg) and had nowhere near the power this one has. 

So have you had yours out for a "maiden" voyage; if so, how was it?

 

[wjell]

Been a long time, but we are settling in. We ran her about 40 miles to an RV park in June where we are staying and she has been resting since. She has had a couple of leaks during heavy rains.

I have been making myself crazy trying to find some info on her roof construction - is it aluminum or fiberglass - or both? AND is it safe to walk around up there without a piece of plywood? I can see the thin plywood/pebbly styrofoam?/Aluminum beam/peebly styrofoam/thin plywood/ceiling - by removing the bathroom vent, but not the roof itself.

It has finally stopped raining so I am going to have someone "seal" it tomorrow. The guy who looked at it said it was fiberglass but I dunno... He found some good sized holes up there that were sealed with DUCT TAPE. He will reseal the holes with eternabond and will seal the middle seam and all the ducts and vents with some kind of rubber looking stuff he applies with a wand.

The other problem is that the front A/C pees when it gets used. He cleaned out the drains but they obviously need more "cleaning" or something.

All in all she is a good old gal so far after being neglected for about 8 years. I love the thought that the day will come that we can fire her up and go wherever we want. Can't beat that feeling.

 

[Alfa38User]

The other problem is that the front A/C pees when it gets used. He cleaned out the drains but they obviously need more "cleaning" or something.

Air conditioners have to 'pee' and usually do so onto the roof if the drains have been cleaned out properly, otherwise, they may overflow INSIDE which is NOT a good thing. A few people complain about the location that the water ends up dripping off the roof, but that will depend on the A/C location and how the roof is sloped. Hopefully yours won't end up dripping off over a door or awning and becoming a real PITA.

 

[Robby13325]

Warning with the P30 chassis you need power steering for the brakes to work because the booster comes off of the power steering

 

[Rene T]

1st, welcome to the forum.
This is a 9 year old post and the OP hasn’t been back for the last 8 years. But the information that you provided may still help someone.
I see you are from Florida. I’m a snowbird from NH staying in Lakeland FL for 2 more weeks.

 

[readytoramble]

1st, welcome to the forum.
This is a 9 year old post and the OP hasn’t been back for the last 8 years. But the information that you provided may still help someone.
I see you are from Florida. I’m a snowbird from NH staying in Lakeland FL for 2 more weeks.

I found it useful thanks

 

[Ex-Calif]

I found it useful thanks

Rene posted that over a year ago as well and Robby looked like a one hit wonder.

Welcome aboard and glad you found this helpful post!