Hello All,

My husband, Dave and I (Candy) are from Iowa and have been RVing in an Airstream since 2001.  We are not full-timing it, but on weekends and vacations.   We LOVE RVing!!  We are considering going full-time once we retire, hopefully in about another year.  At that time we want to purchase a 5th wheel, because even if we don't go full-time we will travel for a few months at a time.  We love our Airstream, but I feel the need for more space and storage even when we are only out for a couple weeks. 

I just found Howard and Linda and RV Dreams this last week.  I love the site!!!  Thanks for all you do!!!  So informative and fun to read.  I was sick for a day and read for about 4 hours or more that day!! WOW, I have never read that much on the web before. 

Looking forward to a great summer and fall of camping for 2011.

Candy and David,

Well, I suspect that you will be spending a lot more hours on the forum.  It is a very good source of information, coming from a wide variety of folks with varied experiences.  Plus, the people here tend to be very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

Feel free to ask questions, and when folks ask about RV'ing in a travel trailer, or even specifically an Airstream, feel free to make comments.  All who have been enjoying camping and the RV life have the opportunity to share.

Welcome, and many happy hours to come.

Terry

Welcome Candy,

Glad you found this site. There's tons of information here and by doing some research, I'm sure you'll find the answers to many of your questions.

Also, as Terry said, the folks here are very friendly and will be more than willing to answer any other questions you may have.

Good luck with your plans.

Jim

Candy,

There is nothing wrong with a follow-up question in an introduction post.  So, don't let that bother you.  There aren't many issues that make a big deal, although a lot of times, it makes it easier for people to research if one's thread is in an "appropriate" section.

Mobile Suites is one of three "levels" of fifth wheels built by DRV Suites out of Howe, Indiana.  The DRV Suites (formerly known as Doubletree RV) company was begun by the owners of Sunnybrook RV with the intention of building coaches specifically for the full-time market.

Top of the line DRV units are the Elite Suites, mid-line units are the Mobile Suites, and Select Suites are the "entry-level" units.  Elite and Mobile Suites are built on a 15" triple box frame while the Select Suites is on a 12" I-beam frame.  All of the DRV Suites models are built with 3 1/4" walls instead of 2" ones, thus having a higher "R" insulation rating.

When we were researching RV's for our purchase, the Mobile Suites kind of became a standard to compare by because it was the first "luxury" RV that we had really been in.  We narrowed our choices down to DRV, Carri-Lite (by Carriage), Cedar Creek (by Forest River), and Open Range.

In our case, the R rating, the frame size, the amenities (including a better quality wood interior), and the Level-Up hydraulic system helped to make us choose the Mobile Suites.  They are heavier units than the other brands, thus needing a heavier truck to safely tow them. That is why our choice of a Ford F450 as the minimum for towing.  (We like going to the mountains, so a good truck is important on mountain passes.)

The DRV Suites, specifically the Elite and Mobile Suites, are more expensive than many of the other brands.  Comparable high-dollar brands would be New Horizon and Carriage's Royals International, with Royals International being the most expensive.

There are a number of participants on the forums who are in the other brands you mentioned, and each of them will give you a better feel for their units.  Other than cosmetic appearances, I can't really speak to the other brands.

If you end up with specific questions about the DRV models, there are a number of participants on the forums that have them as well.  So, ask away and if you want to, contact individual people via the "private message" feature under their profiles.

Terry 

 Welcome!!!! It is always good to have new members in the RV-Dreams family.

Candy, there is a topic heading "Buying An RV" on this forum. If you go to it and scroll down a ways you will come to a post topic I started in March under the heading, "Back in the market and looking for advise." I just went there and read most of the comments from members that answered my questions then.

Since that post, we have spent a lot of time in a Carriage Carri-Lite & a Cameo with their factory rep and several DRV Mobile Suites and one Elite Suites. I have talked with the DRV factory rep several times in the last few weeks. Like Terry, after doing my research, I bought a 2010 Mobile Suites. Our choice was the rear entertainment model with a side enclosed bath know as a 38RESB4.  The "4" meaning four slides and "38" meaning length in feet. Actual length was 38'10".

As noted on my earlier post, after some initial problems, we were very happy and lived in our 5th wheel for over 3 months. Prior to buying our Mobile Suites, Evin and I toured six different manufacturers' plants in February 2010. Carriage, Keystone, KZ, Heartland, Open Range and DRV were the factories we toured. During this time, we learned that all makes and models are not suited for full-time use. Some makes and models are not suited for extreme hot or cold climates. Some manufactuers throw their units together as fast as they can with little attention to detail while others take their time and have pride in their finished products. Often, price determines materials used, production speed and attention to detail. Often, not always.

Also, as many have reported before, you can and will most likely have some problems with whatever you buy at all price points. Some units by some manufactures have more problems than others. Some manufacturers improve from year to year and some decline and look for shortcuts. Some "new ideas and improvements" don't always work out.  Automobile makers make major changes every six to eight years. The first year of a major change is not always best in autos or RVs. I bought a 2010 heavy duty truck as the government mandated DEF exhaust system equipped 2011 models were about to come out. I got the 2010 and didn't wait for the 2011 because I wanted Ford to work out any bugs before I bought. I will buy a 2012 hoping that has happened.

One risks getting a "lemon" with any brand. How and in what time frame each individual company and dealer stands behind their product after the sale is what's important. Often, the manufacturer is more important than the dealer. Sometimes it is the other way around. Several years ago, Heartland couldn't keep a dealer in our area because of disagreements on warranty labor rate issues.

As I have written before, the experience was "eye opening". Before going to Elkhart, we had spent hours in one or more units of all six brands. After we were sure of our floor plan choice, rear entertain & side bath, we spent more time in a similar unit for each brand. To be honest, we did not want to pay the price of a Mobile Suites. After seeing the differences used from the naked frame to each companies step by step process in arriving at a finished product, we bought the DRV. We actually went on the  DRV tour before the Carriage tour and later, we went on the DRV tour again. There is a lot to take in. We really wanted to buy the Carriage Carri-Lite with the full length slide. Also, we really liked the salesman we worked with at Tiara RV Sales in Elkhart.

We did not buy the Carriage because of issues with factory resolution of warranty problems with owners that I had read about on several forums. We was neither pleased nor impressed with how the Carriage factory rep answered my questions and concerns after our tour. This time out I learned that the two individuals I had problems with at Carriage are no longer there. We met a great salesman at my nearest Carriage dealer and I again gave Carriage a shot at my business. We are not buying a Carriage this time because of ceiling height in the bedroom and their recliners will not support my legs. We also found, IMHO, that most used Carriages we went into did not appear to have held up as well as similar year DRV models. They looked more dated as well. Differences in fit and finish also.

We just sold our house.As soon as it closes, we will be buying a new RV and go full-time. We are considering a 2011 Monaco Diplomat 43DFT motorhome and a "to be built" 2012 DRV Elite Suites 38RESB3 with custom features in the kitchen. We did not see the value in the 4th slide of our last Mobile Suites. We are stepping up in price to the Elite because DRV has invested in new machinery and equipment to finish the cabinetry and drawers in the Elite Suites, more like that in an upscale home. There has been some improvement in how they attach trim and molding. The ceiling height is also higher at the rear of the Elite Suites. The bedroom ceiling height in either DRV model is higher than that of the Carriages we were in. Elite Suites have a one piece fiberglass roof. DRVs have 3.25" walls and the industry's highest insulation rating.

Both Carriage and DRV are rated for full-time use. I like both. As I previously stated, I really like the Carriage rep for my region and I really like the Carriage salesman at my closest dealer. He had many years of experience selling DRVs and now he sales Carriages. Unlike many sales people, he only said good things about both companies. He said good things about Tiffin, the other motorhome brand we considered. Although we heard and read a lot of great owner comments, we did find the decor to fit our own individual taste.  Because we are going to full-time and no longer own a house, I will shop very, very hard on price this time. Last time buying from the closest dealer was important ( I thought). Not this time. I may be on the other side of the country when I need service or repairs. I will spend the money for features I want that I may have done without last time.

We had all service and warranty work done while on the road or at the DRV factory. We were very pleased with our treatment and service. We bought at Southern RV in Jonesboro, GA from a pleasant, very knowledgable owner/sales manager. When we found it necessary to sell our DRV, he sold it for us. We found him to be more than fair. He has invested in new equipment and has a larger service work force than our closest DRV dealer, RVs for Less in Knoxville. However, we will most likely not get service done at either location. So price will matter more to us because of our particular situation this time. Most everyone's situation is different as often is their taste. That's why there is so many different makes, models and price points.

Candy, if Dave and you can, go tour Keystone, KZ and Heartland. There are at one price point and I don't think they make a full-time rated unit. Look at each respective companies top of the line. Then go to Carriage. Then go to DRV. Compare everything you can. For example compare brakes, tire rating and size, axle ratings, insulation, frames, holding tank capacity and ease of use, quality and comfort of furniture over the long term, heating and air systems and so on. Many full-timers delete furniture and buy residential furniture. There is a company in the Elkhart area that makes a better quality product. Think about where and how you are going to use you 5th wheel. How often and how far are you going to travel?

Go when the line is in operation. It took us a week to do six tours. To me it was worth it. We may do it again. There is a lot of fun stuff to see and do in the area. Some good food as well. Several campgrounds if you want to take your Airstream. Go to Tiara Sales and tell Pat I sent you. Have him arrange your tour. Better yet, call him before you go.

There is or was a DRV dealer in Elkhart as well. International, I think. Couldn't do much with them then. Maybe things are different now. Schedule your tours ahead of time, before you travel all the way to Indiana. If you are told that tours are conducted only after the line is closed down, call and ask to speak to the factory rep of the region where the dealer you are most likely to buy is located. In a nice, but firm way, tell him you are ruling them out if you can't see it being built, start to finish. As opposed to seeing where it is built. During the process; not, after the process. It is your time, money and effort. For if you are going to RV  full-time, it will be your home.

Shop hard. There is a much greater mark up than dealers would like for you to think. Each area of the country has a selling season. Off season, you should be able to get a better price. Compare apples to apples with several different dealers. Get build sheets and list all options that your want. We were lucky to find what we wanted on the lot last time. We want some custom work this time. Last time, we were not patient. This time we will be. We have a cabin to live in till we take delivery of whatever RV we buy.

Montana was, and maybe still is, the #1 selling 5th in the country. However, it is intended for the broad RV market and appeals to those who camp and use it part-time, on weekends and on vacations. It is not built for or intended to be used for those in the full-time market. That is, unless some things have changed. There are people who full-time in a Montana, a Big Horn, an Open Range, or a KZ and they are happy and have few problems. There are people unhappy in an Elite Suites. Some people will be happy in anything. Some people will not be happy in any RV,  new or used,  low price or the most expensive thing on the market. If you like your Airstream, you will probably like a Carriage or DRV more because each has more room and creature comforts.

The more I was "OUTSIDE" with my camera, in my kayak, sitting around a campfire with other RVers or walking with Evin and the dogs --- the happier I was. Did I enjoy my sleep number bed, my fireplace, my recliner, my 42" HD tv, the level up system, ice maker, etc.? Yes! Did I have a good time staying in a nearby motel this year at the RV-Dreams Rally instead of in my Mobile Suites last year? Yes! Because, for me, it was and is about the people, learning new things, the local food and culture experiences, and the sights to be seen. It is in the doing.

Enjoy the shopping and information gathering process. Don't take what others may say or do personally. If you meet people or situations you don't like, move on to a dealer or manufacturer where you are more comfortable. Ask the factory rep for a dealer that does business the way you want to do business. When you find one that won't or does not followup with your request in a timely manner, move on.

Don't make assumptions. Be skeptical, inspect what you expect to the best of your ability. I listened and took notes. Things work best when I talk less and listen more. I used my video camera. Carriage has an excellent DVD they will send you. In person is better. If you can, see the DVD before you go. You will know more of what to expect. DRV has an online PDF of their product information brochure. Correspond by email with the factory reps on key issues. When in doubt, have it in writing. I read about a salesman tell a customer that Open Range models were rated full-time. The factory rep said no. I think there website as such in FAQ section. Deal with people and companies that others have found to reputable and that care about and take pride in what they do.  

Again, welcome. Enjoy the ride.

Steve

Candy and David,

Steve has given you some excellent advice.  I'll had just a little more as I forgot to mention it in my earlier posting.

In our case, we will have no home other than our coach.  For that reason, we wanted the best we could afford with the best "foundation" that we could get.  With regards to RV's, the foundation can be important since they will be traveling down the road, imitating a home enduring an earthquake.

Just as a person wants a good foundation for a stix and brix, so it should be with an RV.  So, pay attention to frames, suspensions, axles, wheels and tires.  In regards to tires you will want to COMPLETELY AVOID any Chinese made tires.  They do not have a good reputation.

I also recommend that when you find a "brand" that you like, search online for an owners association with a forum as a part of it.  By reading information on those forums, you can get a good idea of people's opinions of their particular RV's.  However, keep one thing in mind when viewing any forum.

A lot of people go to forums in search of a solution to a problem with their RV.  Thus, one can get the idea that such-and-such brand must really be bad because so many people are trying to solve a problem.  Keep in mind that there are probably more people NOT writing into forums for solutions than there are with problems.

For instance, there are two different forums that are either solely related to DRV's or mostly related to DRV's.  Some of the participants on the one "mostly" related to DRV's complain about the "cheerleaders" over on the "solely" related forums.  (I like to jokingly refer to the forums as being made up of either "cheerleaders" or "whiners".)  But, to give an idea of the relationship of forum participants and those that aren't, there have been more than 5332 different DRV's built, but probably only about 100 to 200 different owners regularly frequent the forums.  (I said more than 5332 because that is the pin number on ours, but I know a lot more have been made since.)

If you register for those forums, you will have the opportunity to ask a very important question.  The same question can be asked of people you meet in a campground, or wherever, when you see them with a brand you are interested in purchasing.  The question is: "If you were in a position to buy another RV, would you buy the same one, and why, or why not?"

When researching, keep in mind where you will want to be going so that you can choose an appropriate tow vehicle.  I mentioned that we bought an F450 because we plan on doing mountain passes.  Others will tell you that they own "such-and-such" brand and "haven't had any problems towing."

I won't say that they aren't telling the truth, as I don't know their driving conditions.  Keep in mind that you also have to stop those heavy RV's as well.  So brakes are important, both on the truck and the coach.  (Disk brakes are the best.)

I recall two stories that I'll bring to your attention.  One mentioned that when towing his coach, he constantly looked for a means or direction of "escape" from a hazardous road or traffic condition.  My question would be, "Is he concerned that maybe his truck isn't big enough to handle the situation?"

The second spoke of towing a DRV with a Ford F350 and coming up on a traffic light at 45 mph, the light changed with him having a considerable distance within which to stop, but couldn't.  Good fortune was that the traffic getting ready to go on their green noticed his dilemma and waited.  That person has since traded off his F350 for an MDT (Medium Duty Truck - such as a mini-Freightliner).

Terry