Being that I'm my own special idiot, I have a list of wants that are likely not realistic but I'd still like to see someone try. If we go fulltime for good (we've been on the road for 3 months into a 14-month trip), I have been kicking around the idea of having someone custom design/build a fifth wheel for my family.A few of the makers that I'm familiar with are:http://www.recreationbydesign.us/http://www.spacecraftmfg.com/http://www.horizonsrv.com/First, are there others? Does DRV do custom work? or do they just tweak designs?Second, does anyone have reviews/remarks on the quality of these rigs?

DRV will do limited custom work. They will start with an existing floorplan that you can tweak, within limits. They aren't start-from-scratch pure custom builders if that's what you want.Rusty

RustyJC wrote:DRV will do limited custom work. They will start with an existing floorplan that you can tweak, within limits. They aren't start-from-scratch pure custom builders if that's what you want.Thanks, Rusty. I'm not 100% sure what we want (or if my wife even wants the work of a custom build). I know they have a bunkhouse model; the customizations to it are where I'm not sure if I'd cross their threshold of what they are and aren't willing to do (given what I want- I imagine it's well outside of that).

I guess it would be worth talking to DRV (ask for Kyle to start) or one of the DRV dealers who specialize in custom orders. Karen at RVs for Less (Knoxville, TN) or Alicia at Rolling Retreats (Elk City, OK) come to mind, but there are others. They may be able to accommodate your needs.Rusty

Cool. Thanks.I'm definitely still interest if anyone has any reviews on RBD or Spacecraft.

I am glad you are trying out the lifestyle prior to investing the big money for a custom design.Just remember someday you will have to sell it and if it is to quirky the resale value may not be realized.It may not apply to your situation (financial) but it is a consideration.

Custom makers - reviews? | Good Sam Community

RustyJC
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
DRV will do limited custom work. They will start with an existing floorplan that you can tweak, within limits. They aren't start-from-scratch pure custom builders if that's what you want.

Rusty
ependydad
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
RustyJC wrote:
DRV will do limited custom work. They will start with an existing floorplan that you can tweak, within limits. They aren't start-from-scratch pure custom builders if that's what you want.

Thanks, Rusty. I'm not 100% sure what we want (or if my wife even wants the work of a custom build). I know they have a bunkhouse model; the customizations to it are where I'm not sure if I'd cross their threshold of what they are and aren't willing to do (given what I want- I imagine it's well outside of that).
RustyJC
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
I guess it would be worth talking to DRV (ask for Kyle to start) or one of the DRV dealers who specialize in custom orders. Karen at RVs for Less (Knoxville, TN) or Alicia at Rolling Retreats (Elk City, OK) come to mind, but there are others. They may be able to accommodate your needs.

Rusty
ependydad
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
Cool. Thanks.

I'm definitely still interest if anyone has any reviews on RBD or Spacecraft.
darsben
Explorer II
Sep 24, 2015
I am glad you are trying out the lifestyle prior to investing the big money for a custom design.

Just remember someday you will have to sell it and if it is to quirky the resale value may not be realized.
It may not apply to your situation (financial) but it is a consideration.
ZOSO
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
If you end up going with a custom build, you may want to check out this site as well link

Good luck! :)

Oh, he also has a youtube channel.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Sep 24, 2015
We custom ordered our MobileSuites from Alicia at Rolling Retreats. I would call it "semi custom", we had around 68 "specials" as they call it. Kyle finally said "enough" !

Bottom line we have the RV we wanted not what was sitting on a lot that would not be exactly what we wanted.
Pipeman
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
ependydad, you may want to post on the HDT site as a few of them had custom 5ers built. Jack Mayer is one and just state your position. Now they are 40 feet or better, long but you just might get an idea for yourself. Good luck.
ependydad
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
darsben wrote:
I am glad you are trying out the lifestyle prior to investing the big money for a custom design.

Just remember someday you will have to sell it and if it is to quirky the resale value may not be realized.
It may not apply to your situation (financial) but it is a consideration.

You're certainly right about that. I have to really decide on the whole expense of a custom build vs. the convenience of it.

I do think, though, with what I want would receive interest from other fulltiming families. Basically, I'm looking for a bunkhouse with better living arrangements, a 1/2-bath, and outdoor kitchen. Lots of commercial plans come close, just none quite trip my trigger saying "this is the one".
ependydad
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
ZOSO wrote:
If you end up going with a custom build, you may want to check out this site as well link

Good luck! :)

Oh, he also has a youtube channel.

Yeah, I know I'm going to need a lot of truck for whatever I get. I know our weights on what I have now. I actually am really intruiged by some of the long haulers with 3 rows of seats.

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