Is a DRV the best 36-38 Fifth Wheel to buy?
Hi All We'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 g...
Forum Discussion
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 Forums
Regards
Gemstone
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 Forums
Regards
Gemstone
