Anyone have any opinions on these? Went to an RV show, and evidently we have a dealer nearby - saw several and thought they were beautiful. We would definitely go used b/c they were very pricey. Any opinions?
I was disappointed there were no Mobile Suites there for us to look at. May have to go searching for them.
Heidi
Terry and Jo said
09:21 PM Mar 26, 2011
Heidi,
Others will have to speak of the Excel. They claim to be top rated, but I wouldn't have any clue as to what is considered to get their rating. They have been around for quite a long time. I think the company goes back to the '60's.
As for Mobile Suites, check out the link below. That is to a company in Elk City, Oklahoma called Rolling Retreats. It is run by a husband and wife. They generally purchase used DRV products at auction, usually after a repossession, and then they go through them and clean and check out the systems.
We went over to their lot about a year and a half ago. The units they had on their lot at that time looked as good as the pictures portrayed. Jo and I dealt only with Alicia, but she impressed us. They have managed to sell quite a few units since we went over there.
I think we will try to stop there - we drive by Elk City btwn 2-4x a year, on the way to the in-laws. I just mapquested it and it is right on the way.
Heidi
janieD said
01:16 PM Mar 27, 2011
We have a 2010 Limited RSO30 and love it. The really great thing about this 5th wheel is that the company really backs you up and it is small enough you learn who to talk to when you have any issues. In 2010 the instituted a new quality control program. Their quality control has always been pretty good but they wanted to take it to a new level. They also will work with you if you order one to make changes specific to you, if it is at all possible. They even have new custom paint options that came on after we got ours. We have been living full time in the unit for almost a year and the problems we have had have been minor and easily remedied. We visited the factory before we ordered and actually got to sit down with the Bryan, the president of the company. What really impressed us in our talk with him was his honesty. He said if you think you will never have any issues than an RV is not for you, remember you are pulling your home through and earth quake zone with a lot of bumps and shaking going on but when and if things go wrong the Excel service is there to support you. There are many high end companies out there. We did a lot of research and from the independent reviews Excel came out on top in many categories. I know we are a little biased but we are very happy with our choice of 5th wheel.
Racerguy said
04:57 PM Mar 27, 2011
For what it's worth I've talked to many people in our travels and I've heard just as many complaints about DRV products as I have any other brand.I've also talked to people that would have nothing else.That being said I've had the same conversation with owners of just about every brand out there.Excel products are fulltime rated just like DRV products so I would say decide which one gives you the features you want for the price you are comfortable with and enjoy the lifestyle.Just remember happy owners of a particular brand are going to feel theirs is the best because that's what they have.Just human nature.
-- Edited by Racerguy on Sunday 27th of March 2011 05:00:05 PM
2fortheroad said
06:21 PM Mar 27, 2011
Racerguy wrote:
For what it's worth I've talked to many people in our travels and I've heard just as many complaints about DRV products as I have any other brand.I've also talked to people that would have nothing else.That being said I've had the same conversation with owners of just about every brand out there.Excel products are fulltime rated just like DRV products so I would say decide which one gives you the features you want for the price you are comfortable with and enjoy the lifestyle.Just remember happy owners of a particular brand are going to feel theirs is the best because that's what they have.Just human nature.
-- Edited by Racerguy on Sunday 27th of March 2011 05:00:05 PM
Well said George!
Dr Gonzo said
08:52 PM Apr 11, 2011
GIVE IT UP AMY!
Mallo said
07:43 AM Apr 12, 2011
We've looked at all the K state builders and like them all (Nu Wa, Peterson Ind., and New Horizon (or Hitchhiker, Excel, and New Horizon))
The Excel has in many ways the best of the three units the roof isn't rubber the frames are heavy and solid. I've found very few fit and finish flaws in them. The sub 0 warranty is a good thing to have in ones back pocket. They tend to have a lower profile then most units at sub 12 feet I think good for a couple of reasons (fuel costs and low clearance issues). The weight isn't so high as to force a medium duty truck.
They have had issues with slide outs in the recent past but my understanding has been that like the other two Kansas builders they stand behind the product 100 percent and I know of very few disgruntled Excel owners (In fact I know more disgruntled Hitchhiker owners but then we own a Hitchhiker so I watch harder for them).
I know some folks are big on DRV products but I've never been a fan our short list still has Excell on it if for some reason we had to replace our current unit.
Mallo
Terry and Jo said
07:36 PM Apr 12, 2011
Heidi,
There is also a dealership for DRV products in Lubbock, Texas. However, right now it looks like all they have are new ones. Here is a link to their website:
As for the quality, from all the research and looking that we did over a two year period, the DRV was the best for us. Now, keep in mind that ours will be our full-time home once our house sells.
If you should ever get up into northern Indiana, there are a lot of RV factories located there. DRV's is at Howe, IN. I recommend that if you can, tour some factories before making a choice. You will get a good idea of the quality of each one if you are observant. I know of two or three couples who toured numerous factories but purchased DRV's after touring their factory in Howe.
If you are ever going through the Oklahoma City area and would like to see ours, let us know via private message and I can provide you with our phone number and e-mail address.
Terry
victorianlady51 said
07:01 AM Jun 19, 2013
Is there anyone who has an updated opinion on the Excel 5th wheel? Peterson manufacturer. They speak of a "drop z"
"Our exclusive “Drop Z” frame design provides a lower center of gravity for easy towing stability and more useful basement storage. We use a box tube frame for unbeatable strength and durability."
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 19th of June 2013 07:27:13 AM
MarkS said
08:26 AM Jun 19, 2013
Excel has just introduced placing the entry door in the slide out. Working with Lippert, they came up with a way to stow the steps on the side of the coach.
-- Edited by MarkS on Wednesday 19th of June 2013 08:26:59 AM
Anyone have any opinions on these? Went to an RV show, and evidently we have a dealer nearby - saw several and thought they were beautiful. We would definitely go used b/c they were very pricey. Any opinions?
I was disappointed there were no Mobile Suites there for us to look at. May have to go searching for them.
Heidi
Heidi,
Others will have to speak of the Excel. They claim to be top rated, but I wouldn't have any clue as to what is considered to get their rating. They have been around for quite a long time. I think the company goes back to the '60's.
As for Mobile Suites, check out the link below. That is to a company in Elk City, Oklahoma called Rolling Retreats. It is run by a husband and wife. They generally purchase used DRV products at auction, usually after a repossession, and then they go through them and clean and check out the systems.
We went over to their lot about a year and a half ago. The units they had on their lot at that time looked as good as the pictures portrayed. Jo and I dealt only with Alicia, but she impressed us. They have managed to sell quite a few units since we went over there.
http://www.rollingretreats.com/
Terry
I think we will try to stop there - we drive by Elk City btwn 2-4x a year, on the way to the in-laws. I just mapquested it and it is right on the way.
Heidi
For what it's worth I've talked to many people in our travels and I've heard just as many complaints about DRV products as I have any other brand.I've also talked to people that would have nothing else.That being said I've had the same conversation with owners of just about every brand out there.Excel products are fulltime rated just like DRV products so I would say decide which one gives you the features you want for the price you are comfortable with and enjoy the lifestyle.Just remember happy owners of a particular brand are going to feel theirs is the best because that's what they have.Just human nature.
-- Edited by Racerguy on Sunday 27th of March 2011 05:00:05 PM
Well said George!
GIVE IT UP AMY!
We've looked at all the K state builders and like them all (Nu Wa, Peterson Ind., and New Horizon (or Hitchhiker, Excel, and New Horizon))
The Excel has in many ways the best of the three units the roof isn't rubber the frames are heavy and solid. I've found very few fit and finish flaws in them. The sub 0 warranty is a good thing to have in ones back pocket. They tend to have a lower profile then most units at sub 12 feet I think good for a couple of reasons (fuel costs and low clearance issues). The weight isn't so high as to force a medium duty truck.
They have had issues with slide outs in the recent past but my understanding has been that like the other two Kansas builders they stand behind the product 100 percent and I know of very few disgruntled Excel owners (In fact I know more disgruntled Hitchhiker owners but then we own a Hitchhiker so I watch harder for them).
I know some folks are big on DRV products but I've never been a fan our short list still has Excell on it if for some reason we had to replace our current unit.
Mallo
Heidi,
There is also a dealership for DRV products in Lubbock, Texas. However, right now it looks like all they have are new ones. Here is a link to their website:
http://campercoaches.com/home.htm
As for the quality, from all the research and looking that we did over a two year period, the DRV was the best for us. Now, keep in mind that ours will be our full-time home once our house sells.
If you should ever get up into northern Indiana, there are a lot of RV factories located there. DRV's is at Howe, IN. I recommend that if you can, tour some factories before making a choice. You will get a good idea of the quality of each one if you are observant. I know of two or three couples who toured numerous factories but purchased DRV's after touring their factory in Howe.
If you are ever going through the Oklahoma City area and would like to see ours, let us know via private message and I can provide you with our phone number and e-mail address.
Terry
Is there anyone who has an updated opinion on the Excel 5th wheel? Peterson manufacturer. They speak of a "drop z"
"Our exclusive “Drop Z” frame design provides a lower
center of gravity for easy towing stability and more useful
basement storage. We use a box tube frame for
unbeatable strength and durability."
http://www.excelrvs.com/assets/files/Excel-2013-Catalog.pdf
Thank you for advice.
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 19th of June 2013 07:27:13 AM
Excel has just introduced placing the entry door in the slide out. Working with Lippert, they came up with a way to stow the steps on the side of the coach.
-- Edited by MarkS on Wednesday 19th of June 2013 08:26:59 AM