Cherokee Alpha Wolf 26DBH-L by Forest River

Product Review: 2022 Alpha Wold 26DBH-L

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Alpha Wolf 26DBH-L Floorplan

Classified as one of Forest River's most popular travel trailers. Lightweight, with an UVW of 5,795lbs and a max GVWR of 7,600lbs with a hitch weight of 600lbs. Can sleep up to 10 people though, in our opinion, 4 people comfortably.

First Impressions

The first thing that caught our attention about this rig was truthfully the floor plan. It featured the u-shape dinette, couch and electric fireplace. These three items made us eager to see it in person. Once we located one on a dealer lot, we weren't disappointed. We actually stumbled across the comparable Grey Wolf 26DBH Black Label with same features. We spent a few hours walking the lot checking other floor plans. We ended up choosing the Alpha Wolf for these reasons:

1. Outter shell - not aluminum

2. Weighed less

3. Underbelly is enclosed

One feature we loved about the Black Label was the shower head! It was a much 'fancier' and seemed like it belonged in the "high end" Alpha Wolf. Not to worry, it is something we can easily upgrade.

Maiden Voyage

The maiden voyage was only about 45 minutes from home base. We essentially packed clothes, food, dishes, bathroom supplies and the basics for full hookup, stinky slinky, drinking hose and cleaning hose.

The Alpha Wolf 26DBH-L traveled well behind out 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave. I would like to stop and say...we HAVE done all our research. This particular Gladiator, bought brand new by us, was properly outfitted for towing up to 7500lbs with a hitch weight 600lbs. We have one person and very little cargo to factor into the cargo capacity of the Gladiator. Our Alpha Wolf is weighing in under 6,000lbs. We also have electric brakes installed on the Gladiator. The hitch is a 14,000lb rated hitch with anti-sway bars. We DO have to obtain a more level hitch ball but they aren't readily available from Lippert at this time, so we have a slight angle when towing.

Out of the gate, the Alpha Wolf 26DBH-L pulls great, on highways, it does sway when larger rigs pass. We are hoping that is attributed to it being empty. Stopping was not a problem nor was climbing inclines. It tracks well when backing in. The outside seems solid. The rear bumper passenger side cap will not stay on so we have removed it. Getting the rear camera to work is not easy, will take more time to learn. We literally lived inside the camper for 2 and 1/2 days. The electric fireplace was equally visually pleasing and functional even for our one night below freezing. It was tricky getting it to the desired temperature, according to the factory thermostat. We may be looking to install an aftermarket. The appliances were all functional and working as needed. The couch was comfortable even to sleep on as opposed to the factory queen bed. Yeah. I know, everyone warns you about the factory camper/RV mattresses. We have a topper on order after the first night. If we could offer advice to all manufacturers it would be either A) delete mattresses from all models from the factory or B) upgrade to the aftermarket and build it into the already inflated prices. I am SURE that if manufacturers bought in bulk the mattresses wouldn't be as expensive. The rear lower bunk was comfortable and only used for a short nap. The top bunk was utilized for storage as the ladder does not feel very safe for a grown 200lb adult to use. The one thing we didn't like about the shower was the factory shower head. The hose isn't long enough for someone who is over 5' tall to actually stand under and wash hair. Changing the shower head is one of the upgrades we have on our list.

We also noticed that the gray tank seemed to be filling up fast. We attributed it to our not being perfectly level, as mentioned in our blog about our first trip, we were short a few leveling blocks and the park we were at had a huge slop to the rear. We did call and ask Forest River and was advised that we may have a faulty sensor in the tank. Calling to get warranty work meant we would have to leave it for about a month. We needed to take it out one more time before we opted to get it in for any length of time.

The bedroom door on the left of the fireplace does not open completely. The slide for the couch is in the way and the door hits the trim around the slider. It would have been better if they had just installed pocket doors. That would mean that the bedroom would not be equipped with a TV backer plate. Personally, we would be okay with that, but chances are there are far more people out there that install TVs as a first upgrade. While thinking about doors, one major and important upgrade we were going to do was the Thin Shades on both doors. Frankly, it is ridiculous that Forest River does not include these or Lippert does not include them as a standard on all their doors. They are not an expensive consumer upgrade but they are essential, especially in the bathroom. For the first trip, we simply opened the door, put a towel over the window securing it between the doors and shut the door. It was a quick fix in a pinch.

Outside, one of the features we were looking for is the outdoor kitchen. We were pleased to not only have the outdoor kitchen but we lucked out and got the ice maker/water dispenser in our floor plan. Being as we haven't used it as of yet, we will have to do another review.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

This camper is lightweight;

Accommodates 2 above average sized adults and 3 adult huskies;

Holds up to freezing temps;

Large pantry;

Electric fireplace;

Counter space;

Floor space;

and outdoor kitchen with ice maker

Cons:

Mattress should be deleted entirely or offer upgrades;

Bedroom door won't fully open (left of fireplace);

Doors needed blinds, especially bathroom door

The Final Score

Overall, based on a short maiden voyage will reserve the final score after our next lengthy adventure.