Custom makers - reviews?

[ependydad]

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?

[RustyJC]

Have you looked at the FLOOR PLANS on the DRV website? They have a 1-1/2 bath model - the 39DBRS3. That might be a reasonable starting point for customization.

Rusty

[grassyguru]

There's also an MDT forum = more "serious" 5ths.

Their MDT forum has been dead for a very long time...

[ependydad]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Any change whether it's a deduct or add is called a "Special".

We added a lot of extra lights, outlets different kitchen/entertainment slide from another design. Lots of Elite items on a MS, flooring, cabinet doors, countertops, wall sconces, full paint scheme, wood window valances, custom walking closet cabinets, all wood walls in toilet, 3 exhaust fans, 3 ac units, 240V dryer and 240V 6500 gen the list goes on.

Deleted window behind TV and pop up tv and went with 55", window between cooktop and frig.

Ok, cool. So basic changes but nothing that really impacted the floorplan. My issue is that I'm looking for a 1/2 bath and an outdoor kitchen. I think that's going to exceed most manufacturer's limit for customizations w/o going full custom.

[Cummins12V98]

ependydad wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
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.

Do you have a list somewhere of what your 68 "specials" we're? I'm curious of "special" they let you get.

Any change whether it's a deduct or add is called a "Special".

We added a lot of extra lights, outlets different kitchen/entertainment slide from another design. Lots of Elite items on a MS, flooring, cabinet doors, countertops, wall sconces, full paint scheme, wood window valances, custom walking closet cabinets, all wood walls in toilet, 3 exhaust fans, 3 ac units, 240V dryer and 240V 6500 gen the list goes on.

Deleted window behind TV and pop up tv and went with 55", window between cooktop and frig.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:


Good plan!
The Escapees HDT forum = lots of long, heavy, and some custom 5ths.
Very knowledgeable folks there - many who have been "the route" -
LDT to MDT to HDT for tow vehicles.

Escapees HDT forum

Jack Mayer (on that forum) is a wealth of information on custom 5ths.
He's a New Horizons Ambassador - and (IIRC) on his second *very* custom New Horizons.
His (2nd) HDT came from Gregg Shields (previously posted link).

He also has a site that covers lots of topics (including NH) at - this link

~

Should have added - be sure to check the "Heavy Haulers Resource Guide" on the Escapees HDT forum...:W

There's also an MDT forum = more "serious" 5ths.

~

[bigdon68]

ependydad

You definitely want to check out Continental 5th wheel at ForksRV

They are a top of the line just as with New Horizons. They will make anything that you want,

bigodn68

[ol_Bombero-JC]

ependydad wrote:

Pipeman wrote:
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.

I'm assuming that I'll be within the 42'-45' range with what I want. I'm a little more concerned with the weight with the truck that I have. With my current setup, I'll be at the truck's GVWR at 3,000 pounds pin weight. Right now I'm under, but I was reading that these have in excess of 4,000 lbs. pin weight.

I'm actually an escapees member. I didn't think of posting over there. I think I'll give that a shot.

Good plan!
The Escapees HDT forum = lots of long, heavy, and some custom 5ths.
Very knowledgeable folks there - many who have been "the route" -
LDT to MDT to HDT for tow vehicles.

Escapees HDT forum

Jack Mayer (on that forum) is a wealth of information on custom 5ths.
He's a New Horizons Ambassador - and (IIRC) on his second *very* custom New Horizons.
His (2nd) HDT came from Gregg Shields (previously posted link).

He also has a site that covers lots of topics (including NH) at - this link

~

[ependydad]

Pipeman wrote:
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.

I'm assuming that I'll be within the 42'-45' range with what I want. I'm a little more concerned with the weight with the truck that I have. With my current setup, I'll be at the truck's GVWR at 3,000 pounds pin weight. Right now I'm under, but I was reading that these have in excess of 4,000 lbs. pin weight.

I'm actually an escapees member. I didn't think of posting over there. I think I'll give that a shot.

[ependydad]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
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.

Do you have a list somewhere of what your 68 "specials" we're? I'm curious of "special" they let you get.

[ependydad]

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.

[ependydad]

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".

[Pipeman]

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.

[Cummins12V98]

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.

[ZOSO]

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.

[darsben]

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.