Hi AllWe're looking at buying our first 5th Wheel. We currently live in the UK so we haven't had a chance to look at anything in person yet. We have a pretty reasonable budget so would prefer to go for one of the premium makes.Based on a bit of internet research, DRV seems like one of the "better" makes if price is anything to go by. Whatever we buy, we'll go for a used one so we can avoid the worst of the early years depreciation.Does anyone have experience of DRV's and what do you think of them?Are there any other makers that you believe we should consider and for what reason?Any other tips and advice would also be appreciated.ThanksMagor

The majority of our RV experience has been with the DRV product....full time use since '06.The DRV product could easily be a better product with better quality control during manufacturing process. It is better built, with a larger frame, larger wheels, more insulating qualities, full body paint/few decals and more options/amenities available than a lot of (not all of) the rigs on the road. That said, we are pleased with our choice, however we have had our share of small problems, either from engineering errors, or poor quality practices provided by installation department, and overlooked by management, normal wear and tear issues aside. Your decision to purchase a used unit is wise on 2 accounts...depreciation and the hope that all of the installation problems should have been identified and rectified by the previous owner(s). After 10 years of production, DRV has a good dealer/service network across the country, as well as former workers who have set up a service business in Indiana.One thing to remember with RV's...they all use the same few brands of frames and appliances, which can be built to the standards required by the RV manufacturer, or can be the minimal standards of the original manufacturer....what differentiates RV manufacturers is what materials/specifications they use, and how well they use them. Glitz and glamor are nice, but it's not what keeps your rig together, and gets you to your destination.You'd do well to expand your search, then you'll be able to make a more informed decision.You can get DRV specific feedback from long time users at this web site/thread: 5th Wheel ForumsRegardsGemstone

Just remember, DRVs are heavy and many of the models will put a strain on a 1 ton Dually, so if you go that route, remember to get a TV that's up to the task.

You say this is your first fifth wheel. Have you pulled other trailers in the past?If not, a 38 foot DRV is a lot of trailer and so you might want to see one "in person" before getting out your checkbook.

Post this question on the Drv owners forum, www.suitesowners.com. You can post any question and get responses from actual owners. You are going to get lots of responses as to what is "best". There are a few brands that are of good quality, Drv is one of them. As someone else said they are heavy and you need a big truck to pull one, we had a 2007 Drv Select Suites that weighed 16,200 loaded, now we have a Drv Mobile Suites that weighs 19,400. Buying a good quality used unit is a very good idea, buy one that looks like a liveable floor plan, you won't know what is best for you until you spend time in it.

There are several other fifth wheel manufacturers I would add besides DRV. Excel Limited by Peterson Industries. New HorizonHitchhiker Champagne by Nuwa.These can all be found in a used, pre-owned status. And all will directly compare with the DRV Mobile Suites models in quality, weight, and amenities.

Is a DRV the best 36-38 Fifth Wheel to buy? | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 23, 2013
93Cobra2771 wrote:
Check out Trilogy units as well. VERY nice units, and appear to be great bang for the buck.

Ther have a nich but not DRV level.
93Cobra2771
Explorer
Jul 23, 2013
Check out Trilogy units as well. VERY nice units, and appear to be great bang for the buck.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 22, 2013
Michelle.S wrote:
Just remember, DRVs are heavy and many of the models will put a strain on a 1 ton Dually, so if you go that route, remember to get a TV that's up to the task.

Any of the big 3 Duallys will easily handle the 36'-38' Mobile Suites.

We bought our 07.5 MS fall of 11 and have lived in it since. Saved a ton of money compared to new. It has been a great rig.

Our 11 Ram handles the 28K combined load very well.

Good luck!
soos
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2013
All the advice you've gotten so far is good- we have a DRV product and have lived in it for 2 years. Its a quality rig, but DRV is not the only company that makes a good 5th wheel. As mentioned, HitchHiker and Excel are both good, as is Carriage, if you are looking for used anyway. One thing Mobile Suites, and some of the others (HitchHiker Champagne) is that they are wider than most 5th wheels. 101 inches wide, instead of 96, so they seem bigger and have more room inside. A 38 ft Mobile Suites is really big.
If you have any specific questions about the Mobile Suites, feel free to send me a message.

Sue
45Ricochet
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
You already have the cream of the crop in the above posts. But what Gemstone told you is correct. That little small Cougar might very well share some components.
Although they are no longer made you might add a Grand Teton to your list. They will also require a DRW tow vehicle in most cases as they are heavy. Most will have three axles which lightens up the pin weight.
Most any 2011 trucks will pull them without a problem. In fact the new Dodge Ram is rated to combo out at 37k lbs which is a trailer tow rating weight of ~ 28000 lbs. That there is bigger than any fiver I've seen.
Good luck and drive on the right side of the road :B
Traveler_II
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Mobile Suites are great rigs, but a new company that looks good is called LifeStyle, take a look.
http://www.lifestylelrv.com
kydale
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
I have a 2013 Mobile Suites, 18000lb, being pulled with a 2011 ford F350 dually, my truck is under capacity. It pulles great, and comes down the mountains even better with tow haul. My DW and I looked at lots before our purchase. We bought the MS because we liked it better than the others and we had the money to buy it. This is our third 5er and so far the best.
Luke_Porter
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Vulcaneer wrote:
Not easily towable by a 1 ton dually.

I disagree. I have been towing a 20K Newmar for 10 years with ease. Soon to be pulling a 20K DRV. My current Chevy is rated by the manufacturer for around 22,600.
Magor
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Hi All
Many thanks for the great information. I will definitely take a look at the Excel, New Horizon and other quality makers. I will also join The consumer group as suggested. Please keep the responses coming.
Kind regards
Magor
chipper
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Eycom wrote:
Your question regarding DRV indicates an interest with regards to quality. As mentioned, quality translates into weight. You might also look at New Horizons and Excel. When considering a used unit, NuWa with their HitchHiker line is another highly regarded manufacturer. While they haven't produced a product in the recent past due to the economy, they own and maintain the Kansas RV Center in Chanute, KS. Other orphans such as Teton, Western RV's Alpinlite, and Travel Supreme have enjoyed good reputations over the years.

Since you aren't in a position to tour various and sundry factories, I'd recommend that you visit RV Consumer Group and look around the website. They rate RVs and while some folks don't place much value in their offerings, many do. Twenty plus years in the industry is a testament to that fact. A membership will cost you, yet increase your awareness of products, both current and orphans. But in the overall scheme of your RV costs, it's a paltry sum. Since you are considering used, it will be helpful now that the new brochures have long flown off the shelf. Just be mindful of how the information is accumulated and how the ratings are reached. Once you've narrowed your scope, look for available owner's forums for further research. Happy hunting.

Absolutely, buy the book by Consumers Group. They have done their homework well. I bought a 1996 Excel that now has about 60,000 miles, is 17 years old, & has been lived in for 78 months based on the book ratings & the only problem I have had was a defective slide out motor.
D R V & New Horizons also make a top quality unit.