Getting closer to that FT date of 2018. We have narrowed our choices down for our fifth wheel. One brand that has peaked our interest is Augusta Rv, LUXE. Has anyone actually seen this unit in person or know of anyone who has one? We missed them at Hershey last year. They actually have a white cabinet option which I find very bright and cheery. DRV Mobile Suites and Lifestyle are also on our short list. We are hoping to get to the 2016 rally and possibly do some factory tours and put the house up for sale in 2017 fingers crossed!
Thanks for the help in advance!
Lori
RickandJanice said
03:07 PM Jul 15, 2015
We toured the Augusta factory in June and got to look 2 of their Luxe units. Nicely equipped rigs with excellent fit and finish. Construction is not as heavy as I prefer for FT use, but then again, I am a DRV Mobile Suites owner and really prefer their frame and superstructure. The Luxe cost is slightly less than a DRV but when taking the tour, we could see why, lighter frame and thinner sidewalls. Take a tour of the 3 factories of the brands you are looking at and compare the frame and superstructure construction and the suspension and tires they offer (standard and optional). All 3 have very nice amenities, fit and finish.
BiggarView said
03:51 PM Jul 15, 2015
The Augusta RV Luxe models look interesting but getting a peek at one is rather a challenge. Still, what I have seen in video... looks interesting. Agree with the DRV and Lifestyle Luxury as well I'd add the Heartland Landmark line as a strong potential for the price range you are looking at. We are looking in the same range.
Brian
Ckerr said
04:30 PM Jul 15, 2015
We saw 3 of the Augusta Lux units a few weeks ago in New Braunfels, TX. Very nice units. Lots of "sexy" lighting, nice storage etc. One of the units had a full size gas range, vent hood and pot filler! Excellant kitchen if you like to cook.
One of the things that set us back though was the weight. Very heavy units, and if what Rick and Janice say is true about the frames I might be concerned.
We're actually look at a MH rather than a 5th wheel, but we just couldn't resist a peek
PD CFK said
08:14 PM Jul 15, 2015
Lifestyle builds their own double box tube frame from US high grade steel. Going to the different factories where you can actually see the product being built and having the process explained is a real eye opener. Makes comparing units easier. Plus, it's fun to see. Pk
Terry and Jo said
10:15 AM Jul 16, 2015
I'd also have to remind everyone that the very foundation of one's RV is the frame, suspension, axles, wheels and tires. One of the main reasons we liked the DRV, and thus bought a Mobile Suites, was that DRV puts a triple-box 15" frame in both the Mobile Suites and Elite Suites.
Terry
LAM said
01:58 PM Jul 16, 2015
Thanks for all the replies.
Our main concern at this point is WEIGHT. Unless we find a good used 450 or use a transport service we have to stay with a 350/3500 for cost reasons. Also do you know if you jump to a 450 if you need a CDL license? We might have to make some concessions on our choices. We have a set amount to work with in order to do this debt free. We still have some time but we want to make sure we make the best initial decision. We are hoping the 2016 rally will answer a lot of those last questions we still have.
Wish this part was behind us!
BiggarView said
02:26 PM Jul 16, 2015
Pretty sure a CDL is not needed for a F450 or similar truck. Where the CDL requirements come into play is the COMBINED weight of truck and trailer with 26,000lbs being the weight in most states that puts you into special licensing requirements. A CDL license is nothing to fear, just to put that to rest. Just some additional questions and more thorough driving test (more or less) If you study and practice the driving portion you'll have no problem. IF you opt for the Luxe, combined with the truck you are likely going to be over the 26,000lbs weight with all your gear loaded onboard.
Brian
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
04:36 PM Jul 16, 2015
For any large truck, you are not commercial unless you are for hire or receive payment or reward for "Hauling" an item. We tow with a HDT, licensed out of South Dakota. Most of the newer Ford, and Dodge trucks are capable of towing all but the largest (read heaviest) 5th wheels. You may need a class A license or equivalent in your state based on the weight of your vehicle.. But it's still a non-commercial license and is easy to obtain.
-- Edited by Alie and Jims Carrilite on Thursday 16th of July 2015 04:36:49 PM
BiggarView said
06:39 PM Jul 16, 2015
Thanks for clarifying that Jim. I was on the same track but used the wrong description.. Many people call a Class A license, a CDL including me (apparently) which was incorrect.
Brian
Terry and Jo said
09:33 AM Jul 17, 2015
LAM wrote:
Thanks for all the replies.
Our main concern at this point is WEIGHT. Unless we find a good used 450 or use a transport service we have to stay with a 350/3500 for cost reasons. Also do you know if you jump to a 450 if you need a CDL license? We might have to make some concessions on our choices. We have a set amount to work with in order to do this debt free. We still have some time but we want to make sure we make the best initial decision. We are hoping the 2016 rally will answer a lot of those last questions we still have.
Wish this part was behind us!
Don't rule out looking for a used Ford F450. One of the advantages of the F450 over some of the other trucks is that it has a very good turning radius, which helps a lot in maneuvering around in parking lots. We bought our 2008 when it was 1 year old and got it for a bit over $30,000 off of a dealer's lot. As for radius, our F450 was 3 feet longer than the old F250 club cab we had, but turned in the same radius as the F250. I think that some of the newer F350's may also have that turning radius capability if it is equipped right, but it's been so long since I looked at trucks, I don't remember all the options.
Terry
kb0zke said
08:22 PM Jul 21, 2015
Since you are looking at full-timing, you will also need to consider your domicile. If you are keeping your home, then that will remain your domicile. If you are getting rid of everything I'd suggest you check one of the "big three" (Florida, South Dakota, and Texas) as they have no income tax and are very friendly towards full-timers. SD will let you license your vehicle remotely (no inspection).
Thanks for the hint about the F450, Terry. We're thinking about switching from our Foretravel/Jeep to pickup/Airstream. We were thinking F250, but I wonder if I could get an F450 for similar money. Have to check.
LAM said
07:58 AM Jul 23, 2015
Actually All 3 are on our radar. I like SD because it seems to be a little less stringent, but we have family in FL which might make it easier if we need to make any annual trips. Terry, we have been doing a lot of looking at Rolling Retreats. Mobile Suites are still the top choice, but I would love to look at the LUXE. They have some great consignments that may work for us if we can't go brand new. A combo of trailer and truck would be great.
LAM said
07:14 AM Aug 28, 2015
My husband has been communicating with Augusta RV to try to get some more information on their newest model ambition which seems to be a mid range model. This model interest us because of the weight and cost factor. It is not as heavy as the DRV and Augusta's LUXE model. The Ambition has just been released so there is not a lot of information about it. We had asked about dealers that were close to Sevierville, TN. because were were planning on attending the Rally. We were told that that they are changing their business model and moving to factory direct. He did say that he was willing to bring a unit to the rally for us to look at which I thought was great since there are very hard to track down. I kind of like the idea of cutting the middle man out. I would think pricing would be much better since the dealer no longer needs his cut. He also said that they will be at the Hersey show next year. Anybody else going to rally interested in seeing this?
BiggarView said
07:41 AM Aug 28, 2015
LAM wrote:
Actually All 3 are on our radar. I like SD because it seems to be a little less stringent, but we have family in FL which might make it easier if we need to make any annual trips. ...
Being as you are not Medicare age yet (and I'm presuming you aren't covered by it for other reasons), I'd be careful opting for SD as domicile state owing to less comprehensive ACA options until such time as you can go on Medicare. The difference in costs for your healthcare could easily wipe out any savings registering your vehicles, DLs etc. in SD over TX or FL.
Just a thought.
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 28th of August 2015 07:42:29 AM
LAM said
08:02 AM Aug 28, 2015
My husband is nine years older then me so he will be on Medicare (A&B). He is also a veteran so he has that option open to him. I will have to see what will be left of any individual coverage's by then for me with OBAMACARE in such flux. Of course by then income will be greatly reduced once he is retired. Florida is still a serious options also because our son lives there. We are going to the rally in May so perhaps some of our questions will be answered there and the pros and cons of those 3 states laid out.
BiggarView said
08:56 AM Aug 28, 2015
Lori, I just went to the Augusta RV website... the Ambition line looks worth looking into further. We had the LUXE line on our radar. Thanks for the heads up.
Brian
Sushidog said
08:16 AM Aug 29, 2015
LAM, I am also planning on a 2018 departure date, so we're in the same boat so to speak. By that time, there's no telling what will happen with the ACA or if it will even be around, as we have an presidential election coming up that may change the current health insurance rules dramatically (hopefully) by the time we're ready, as both DW and I will be 62 then. We're looking at a TT rather than a fiver, like you guys want, basically for the one level floorplan, as it's rather difficult for DW to negotiate stairs.
I really like the floorplans of the LF37RS and the LF38RL. Have you seen any of their Ambition line of FT fivers yet? I also like their 36ft ARV Flex model fiver which is towable (barely) with something as small as my 3/4 ton. I also like the Flex models because their sidewalls are hung and not laminated like their Luxe and Ambition lines, so no worries of expensive delamination once their warranty is up. Which model did you have in mind?
Chip
travlingman said
08:38 AM Aug 29, 2015
Sushidog wrote:
LAM, I am also planning on a 2018 departure date, so we're in the same boat so to speak. By that time, there's no telling what will happen with the ACA or if it will even be around, as we have an presidential election coming up that may change the current health insurance rules dramatically (hopefully) by the time we're ready, as both DW and I will be 62 then. We're looking at a TT rather than a fiver, like you guys want, basically for the one level floorplan, as it's rather difficult for DW to negotiate stairs.
I really like the floorplans of the LF37RS and the LF38RL. Have you seen any of their Ambition line of FT fivers yet? I also like their 36ft ARV Flex model fiver which is towable (barely) with something as small as my 3/4 ton. I also like the Flex models because their sidewalls are hung and not laminated like their Luxe and Ambition lines, so no worries of expensive delamination once their warranty is up. Which model did you have in mind?
Chip
When did they change the Luxe from hung walls to laminated. All information I can find says the Luxe and even the Ambition are hung walls. Also, here are the changes for the 2017 models that was posted on another site. http://www.irv2.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=104781&d=1440627439 Looks like some good changes coming to the Luxe.
Sushidog said
03:34 PM Aug 29, 2015
I don't know about their older models, but their current website gives a 5 yr warranty against delamination for both Luxe and Ambition (but not the Flex, and they clearly state in their literature that the Flex has hung walls). Why would they give a warranty against delamination if they were not laminated to begin with? The Luxe brochure states that they have fiberglass insulation, which would necessitate hung walls, unless they are just referencing their ceiling and floor insulation. The Luxe brochure does not mention wall construction at all - sort of an important feature to leave out.
Luxe brochure describes the same gel coated hung walls as the Flex. Flex brochure also mentions eliminating delamination (same wording as the Luxe and Ambition brochures) I'd also wager that the Luxe walls are thicker than the Flex... nonetheless they all mention Gel Coated Hung walls to eliminate delamination.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 29th of August 2015 05:04:44 PM
Sushidog said
06:18 PM Aug 29, 2015
I stand corrected, thanks BiggaRView. Hung walls are way better. It's good to see they use them in all their units. That delamination warranty threw me off.
Chip
travlingman said
10:13 PM Aug 29, 2015
Sushidog wrote:
I don't know about their older models, but their current website gives a 5 yr warranty against delamination for both Luxe and Ambition (but not the Flex, and they clearly state in their literature that the Flex has hung walls). Why would they give a warranty against delamination if they were not laminated to begin with? The Luxe brochure states that they have fiberglass insulation, which would necessitate hung walls, unless they are just referencing their ceiling and floor insulation. The Luxe brochure does not mention wall construction at all - sort of an important feature to leave out.
The Luxe is built to compete with DRV Mobile Suites, Lifestyle and New Horizons in it's construction and framing. The Ambition is built to compete with DRV Tradition, Montana, Redwood and others in the the medium priced market with only 2" side walls and lighter frames. Just keep in mind that the weight and price differences are made up in these areas so depends on how long you plan on using a rig as to which one you buy. When we toured Augsuta, we saw both the Luxe and the Ambition. The Luxe is built with full timing in mind where the Ambition is more for the extended traveler. Both are nice units with great fit and finish, but just not built as heavy as a DRV and the Agusta frame and side wall frame construction is just not to my liking.
Jack Mayer said
12:15 PM Sep 2, 2015
I would not put the Luxe, Mobile Suite, Elite Suite or Lifestyle in the same category as a New Horizons, Spacecraft or Forks Continental Coach. The custom coaches are a whole different world.
Lets get moving said
10:07 AM Sep 20, 2015
Augusta was at Hershey this year. We had never heard of them and were very curious.
We spoke to Chris Eppers, the company President, as well as Ryan Miller who left Drv in April when Thor started to initiate a lot of changes.
As far as Luxe, The side walls are 3.25 and hung. All interior walls are also padded which made a big difference in the sound insulation and acoustics. They did not have a cut away of the frame but explained it as 12 inch I Beam sitting on a stacked 2 inch box frame. A tour would be beneficial to get an idea how this looks. And I'm not an engineer but if anyone is they can advise on the difference it makes.
The inside had a much more residential appearance than Drv, that I would compare more to New Horizon. Note that is an interior appearance comparison only and implies nothing else. I was very impressed with the residential range with full size oven as well as the hood and pot filling faucet in one particular model. The bathrooms also seem to have larger counter areas and all units had a lot more storage in all areas than we've seen in other units mentioned. Another thing that was very attractive to me was the lack of Vegas style lighting! It looks like a home and not a casino suite.
We won't decide if we're sold on Luxe until we see the production factory. But if we end up buying, Augusta has a policy of reimbursing us for our travel for the visit!
We expected to buy DRV, but after seeing it and talking to the two guys, Luxe is much closer to being our choice than anything else has been.
jrzygrl64 said
06:55 AM Sep 21, 2015
We saw the Luxe and Ambition models at the Hershey show and from a strictly appearance standpoint, they were impressive. I am not sure I like the soft walls - I'm thinking if there was ever a tear - that could be bad - not sure how it would wear. The kitchens were NICE - especially the one with the full size oven and hood, but even the others that had smaller ovens - they were apartment ovens - not the usual RV ovens - which I liked a lot. The bathrooms were also very nice - as someone else said - the counters were large. We sat on their couches and chairs and they were all very comfortable.
We are completely happy with our Landmark but the Ambition line is close in price and if we were in the market - would be a serious contender.
erikkford said
12:30 PM May 24, 2016
We just returned from touring many RV manufacturers in Elkhart, IN. By far the wife and I favorite was the Luxe 39-FB. We also toured DRV, which isn't a bad 5th either. Honestly, it comes down to taste. I would absolutely chose a Luxe over a DRV. Mainly because of the color schemes offered and the placement of the vents. Another thing that really bothered me was the complete chaos at DRV manufacturing. It left room for error for sure. They were producing 11 a day compared to the 2 a week at Augusta. Yes Augusta is new and not well known but they are also hourly employeed and not set to a production number. I am a commercial aircraft technician by trade and for me its about the little details. An example would be the insulation being laid in the belly. Augusta's was flawless no gaps and went up the side of the frame as well. DRV not so much, gaps in a lot of places and none on the side of frame. DRV used screws to hold their side wall structure together. Augusta welded. Wall insulation is glued on by both. Augusta went over the top with the glue using ample, DRV not so much. They both are custom and say they can make alterations sometimes for the customer. DRV offers only dark wood. I asked if a lighter wood could be used as a custom wood. Nope???? THe icing on the cake for my was usb ports. Usb ports are becoming a norm in all hotels and you can now get them for your home. They are standard on a Luxe. I asked DRV if they could install and the guy laughed and said that was just bling and who really uses them? I wouldn't worry yourself too much with warranties and all that stuff because anyone whos been doing it for a minute will honestly tell you they are all the same. About 1 year and after that its like pulling teeth.
The internet is a great resource use it. I will say once again both of these 5ths are beautiful and absolutely at the top of their game. It comes down to taste. BUT please before you by a 100K RV go take a free factory tour. Once you see it with your own eyes I promise you will know a difference.
erikkford said
03:57 PM May 24, 2016
Correction sorry, 11 a week cersus 2 a week.
mds1 said
08:43 PM May 24, 2016
Erikkford - Thank you for the post about your factory tour. I had recently checked out the August Ambition in detail - online. Looking forward to a factory tour someday. I noticed your report on Augusta paying employees by the hour. In another post, perhaps on another site, someone stated Augusta and two other high-end custom builders employee workers by the hour. I recall one of the others reportedly being New Horizons but have no way to confirm that.
Good post, thanks again.
-- Edited by mds1 on Tuesday 24th of May 2016 08:48:02 PM
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
03:33 PM May 25, 2016
That would have been me... over on IRV2. It's my understanding that Augusta RV pays their employee's hourly instead of by the part/piece they install. The other 3 companies that I believe also pay by the hour are New Horizon, Space Craft, and Forks RV (Continental Coach).
I may be wrong about this. But there is no way you can pay by the part assembled when it may take 8-12 weeks to produce 1 rig. Yes, there are multiple rigs in production, but they don't turn out 10 per day. More like 30 per year at the most.
Hi everyone,
Getting closer to that FT date of 2018. We have narrowed our choices down for our fifth wheel. One brand that has peaked our interest is Augusta Rv, LUXE. Has anyone actually seen this unit in person or know of anyone who has one? We missed them at Hershey last year. They actually have a white cabinet option which I find very bright and cheery. DRV Mobile Suites and Lifestyle are also on our short list. We are hoping to get to the 2016 rally and possibly do some factory tours and put the house up for sale in 2017 fingers crossed!
Thanks for the help in advance!
Lori
The Augusta RV Luxe models look interesting but getting a peek at one is rather a challenge. Still, what I have seen in video... looks interesting. Agree with the DRV and Lifestyle Luxury as well I'd add the Heartland Landmark line as a strong potential for the price range you are looking at. We are looking in the same range.
Brian
One of the things that set us back though was the weight. Very heavy units, and if what Rick and Janice say is true about the frames I might be concerned.
We're actually look at a MH rather than a 5th wheel, but we just couldn't resist a peek
I'd also have to remind everyone that the very foundation of one's RV is the frame, suspension, axles, wheels and tires. One of the main reasons we liked the DRV, and thus bought a Mobile Suites, was that DRV puts a triple-box 15" frame in both the Mobile Suites and Elite Suites.
Terry
Our main concern at this point is WEIGHT. Unless we find a good used 450 or use a transport service we have to stay with a 350/3500 for cost reasons. Also do you know if you jump to a 450 if you need a CDL license? We might have to make some concessions on our choices. We have a set amount to work with in order to do this debt free. We still have some time but we want to make sure we make the best initial decision. We are hoping the 2016 rally will answer a lot of those last questions we still have.
Wish this part was behind us!
Pretty sure a CDL is not needed for a F450 or similar truck. Where the CDL requirements come into play is the COMBINED weight of truck and trailer with 26,000lbs being the weight in most states that puts you into special licensing requirements. A CDL license is nothing to fear, just to put that to rest. Just some additional questions and more thorough driving test (more or less) If you study and practice the driving portion you'll have no problem. IF you opt for the Luxe, combined with the truck you are likely going to be over the 26,000lbs weight with all your gear loaded onboard.
Brian
For any large truck, you are not commercial unless you are for hire or receive payment or reward for "Hauling" an item.
We tow with a HDT, licensed out of South Dakota. Most of the newer Ford, and Dodge trucks are capable of towing all but the largest (read heaviest) 5th wheels.
You may need a class A license or equivalent in your state based on the weight of your vehicle.. But it's still a non-commercial license and is easy to obtain.
-- Edited by Alie and Jims Carrilite on Thursday 16th of July 2015 04:36:49 PM
Thanks for clarifying that Jim. I was on the same track but used the wrong description.. Many people call a Class A license, a CDL including me (apparently) which was incorrect.
Brian
Don't rule out looking for a used Ford F450. One of the advantages of the F450 over some of the other trucks is that it has a very good turning radius, which helps a lot in maneuvering around in parking lots. We bought our 2008 when it was 1 year old and got it for a bit over $30,000 off of a dealer's lot. As for radius, our F450 was 3 feet longer than the old F250 club cab we had, but turned in the same radius as the F250. I think that some of the newer F350's may also have that turning radius capability if it is equipped right, but it's been so long since I looked at trucks, I don't remember all the options.
Terry
Thanks for the hint about the F450, Terry. We're thinking about switching from our Foretravel/Jeep to pickup/Airstream. We were thinking F250, but I wonder if I could get an F450 for similar money. Have to check.
My husband has been communicating with Augusta RV to try to get some more information on their newest model ambition which seems to be a mid range model. This model interest us because of the weight and cost factor. It is not as heavy as the DRV and Augusta's LUXE model. The Ambition has just been released so there is not a lot of information about it. We had asked about dealers that were close to Sevierville, TN. because were were planning on attending the Rally. We were told that that they are changing their business model and moving to factory direct. He did say that he was willing to bring a unit to the rally for us to look at which I thought was great since there are very hard to track down. I kind of like the idea of cutting the middle man out. I would think pricing would be much better since the dealer no longer needs his cut. He also said that they will be at the Hersey show next year. Anybody else going to rally interested in seeing this?
Being as you are not Medicare age yet (and I'm presuming you aren't covered by it for other reasons), I'd be careful opting for SD as domicile state owing to less comprehensive ACA options until such time as you can go on Medicare. The difference in costs for your healthcare could easily wipe out any savings registering your vehicles, DLs etc. in SD over TX or FL.
Just a thought.
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 28th of August 2015 07:42:29 AM
My husband is nine years older then me so he will be on Medicare (A&B). He is also a veteran so he has that option open to him. I will have to see what will be left of any individual coverage's by then for me with OBAMACARE in such flux. Of course by then income will be greatly reduced once he is retired. Florida is still a serious options also because our son lives there. We are going to the rally in May so perhaps some of our questions will be answered there and the pros and cons of those 3 states laid out.
Lori, I just went to the Augusta RV website... the Ambition line looks worth looking into further. We had the LUXE line on our radar. Thanks for the heads up.
Brian
I really like the floorplans of the LF37RS and the LF38RL. Have you seen any of their Ambition line of FT fivers yet? I also like their 36ft ARV Flex model fiver which is towable (barely) with something as small as my 3/4 ton. I also like the Flex models because their sidewalls are hung and not laminated like their Luxe and Ambition lines, so no worries of expensive delamination once their warranty is up. Which model did you have in mind?
Chip
When did they change the Luxe from hung walls to laminated. All information I can find says the Luxe and even the Ambition are hung walls. Also, here are the changes for the 2017 models that was posted on another site. http://www.irv2.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=104781&d=1440627439 Looks like some good changes coming to the Luxe.
I don't know about their older models, but their current website gives a 5 yr warranty against delamination for both Luxe and Ambition (but not the Flex, and they clearly state in their literature that the Flex has hung walls). Why would they give a warranty against delamination if they were not laminated to begin with? The Luxe brochure states that they have fiberglass insulation, which would necessitate hung walls, unless they are just referencing their ceiling and floor insulation. The Luxe brochure does not mention wall construction at all - sort of an important feature to leave out.
Here's the links: http://augusta-rv.com/luxe-warranty/ http://augusta-rv.com/ambition-shield-protection/
Chip
Luxe brochure describes the same gel coated hung walls as the Flex. Flex brochure also mentions eliminating delamination (same wording as the Luxe and Ambition brochures) I'd also wager that the Luxe walls are thicker than the Flex... nonetheless they all mention Gel Coated Hung walls to eliminate delamination.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 29th of August 2015 05:04:44 PM
Chip
Here is a video that talks that all there units are built with hung walls and even shows them.
We spoke to Chris Eppers, the company President, as well as Ryan Miller who left Drv in April when Thor started to initiate a lot of changes.
As far as Luxe, The side walls are 3.25 and hung. All interior walls are also padded which made a big difference in the sound insulation and acoustics. They did not have a cut away of the frame but explained it as 12 inch I Beam sitting on a stacked 2 inch box frame. A tour would be beneficial to get an idea how this looks. And I'm not an engineer but if anyone is they can advise on the difference it makes.
The inside had a much more residential appearance than Drv, that I would compare more to New Horizon. Note that is an interior appearance comparison only and implies nothing else. I was very impressed with the residential range with full size oven as well as the hood and pot filling faucet in one particular model. The bathrooms also seem to have larger counter areas and all units had a lot more storage in all areas than we've seen in other units mentioned. Another thing that was very attractive to me was the lack of Vegas style lighting! It looks like a home and not a casino suite.
We won't decide if we're sold on Luxe until we see the production factory. But if we end up buying, Augusta has a policy of reimbursing us for our travel for the visit!
We expected to buy DRV, but after seeing it and talking to the two guys, Luxe is much closer to being our choice than anything else has been.
We are completely happy with our Landmark but the Ambition line is close in price and if we were in the market - would be a serious contender.
We just returned from touring many RV manufacturers in Elkhart, IN. By far the wife and I favorite was the Luxe 39-FB. We also toured DRV, which isn't a bad 5th either. Honestly, it comes down to taste. I would absolutely chose a Luxe over a DRV. Mainly because of the color schemes offered and the placement of the vents. Another thing that really bothered me was the complete chaos at DRV manufacturing. It left room for error for sure. They were producing 11 a day compared to the 2 a week at Augusta. Yes Augusta is new and not well known but they are also hourly employeed and not set to a production number. I am a commercial aircraft technician by trade and for me its about the little details. An example would be the insulation being laid in the belly. Augusta's was flawless no gaps and went up the side of the frame as well. DRV not so much, gaps in a lot of places and none on the side of frame. DRV used screws to hold their side wall structure together. Augusta welded. Wall insulation is glued on by both. Augusta went over the top with the glue using ample, DRV not so much. They both are custom and say they can make alterations sometimes for the customer. DRV offers only dark wood. I asked if a lighter wood could be used as a custom wood. Nope???? THe icing on the cake for my was usb ports. Usb ports are becoming a norm in all hotels and you can now get them for your home. They are standard on a Luxe. I asked DRV if they could install and the guy laughed and said that was just bling and who really uses them? I wouldn't worry yourself too much with warranties and all that stuff because anyone whos been doing it for a minute will honestly tell you they are all the same. About 1 year and after that its like pulling teeth.
The internet is a great resource use it. I will say once again both of these 5ths are beautiful and absolutely at the top of their game. It comes down to taste. BUT please before you by a 100K RV go take a free factory tour. Once you see it with your own eyes I promise you will know a difference.
Erikkford - Thank you for the post about your factory tour. I had recently checked out the August Ambition in detail - online. Looking forward to a factory tour someday. I noticed your report on Augusta paying employees by the hour. In another post, perhaps on another site, someone stated Augusta and two other high-end custom builders employee workers by the hour. I recall one of the others reportedly being New Horizons but have no way to confirm that.
Good post, thanks again.
-- Edited by mds1 on Tuesday 24th of May 2016 08:48:02 PM
I may be wrong about this. But there is no way you can pay by the part assembled when it may take 8-12 weeks to produce 1 rig. Yes, there are multiple rigs in production, but they don't turn out 10 per day. More like 30 per year at the most.