DRV

Look at the DRV as a heavier built - higher class unit, but don't disappoint yourself thinking that it's assembled by guys in white lab coats like a Mercedes commercial.

Quality is an industry wide issue - and you will have some problems. Look for a good warranty, a service department you like, and know that your DRV has better walls, frame, construction and higher end features than the class of 5ers below it.

Think of an Escalade, but open the hood and you see GM just like a Tahoe.

I think it was used on the vanity slide, not main the bedroom. I know my doesn't use the hydraulic system for that slide like all the others. I've heard it has chains. I could leave that slide in if I wanted, only moves a foot or so.

Me Again wrote:
Schwintek looks as goofy as the cable slide systems. Lippert has no info on cable system on their web site! Chris

Is it Lippert that makes the cable slide system? I don't know either.

Schwintek looks as goofy as the cable slide systems. Lippert has no info on cable system on their web site! Chris

For two model years, I believe 2012 and 2013, DRV used the Lippert Schwintek system on their bedroom slides. I have had problems with the system and dealers and even DRV have problems repairing them. I'd pass on these two model years but otherwise the camper is well made.

DRV has changed over to a cable system for the bedroom because of the Schwintek problems.

Bought our 07.5 36SB3 3 years ago went thru the whole rig to make sure all was well. Adjusted slides, checked the brakes and found that one brake pad was missing. Kodiak sent me a new rotor and caliper for a very reasonable price. Lived full time in it for all three years and are very happy.

Keep toying with the idea of a new 15 38' similar to what we have.

I should add, if you list out what you must have, want and need in an RV your choice gets clearer.

Wife wanted island kitchen, pretty, lots of room.
I wanted, dual pane windows, NOT a rubber roof, 6 point leveling, well built and insulated.

I wanted an excel, but DRV fit our needs and we found it first. I used to be kept up by people in the camp grounds at night make noise, not any more. Can't hear a car door. Had a diesel pusher back in beside us and we didn't even know it, like 6 foot from the slides.

It's tall, wide and heavy, nearly 20,000# by it's self with a lot of pin weight. Doesn't belong on a SRW truck.

DRV's are a highly regarded fifth wheel for sure.

As far as the Lippert frames for these goes, well over 10 years on the fifth wheel forums and just recently I heard the very first and only report of Lippert frame problems on a DRV.

Mind you, just one report. Seems to be a lot of DRV owners here also, so that may be an indication that this one report is rare indeed.

My friend full times in his DRV. Drives all over, chasing race cars, I don't get it, but he loves it. He had his for a little over a year and lost a wheel. Lug nuts came loose, tire and wheel ran off into oncoming traffic. He never torqued his lug nuts, like was recommended. DRV sent a rep. down to check on what happened. DRV payed for all the damage to his 5ver and all the expenses he incurred while the 5ver was out of service.KB
2011 Cameo 37RESLS
2012 Ford F350 PSD DRW

When we bought this last RV the DRV was high on our list. It had a lot of good points for full timing. We change RV's every five years, we're going to try the Mobile Suites at that time.