DRV Mobile Suite Opinions Solicited

[irishtom29]

We’re considering buying a new 5W and considering a DRV Mobile Suite. I’m soliciting opinions of the Mobile and Elite Suites based on experience.

[allen8106]

I've never stepped foot in a DRV but I've read some posts in different areas that have claims about poor construction and less than stellar help from the manufacturer. For the price I would seriously consider New Horizons. My retirement rig will likely be from there.

[stickdog]

We've had our 2017 36rssb3 just a year last week.
Overall we are pleased with the unit.
Problems, kantleak did leak replaced under warranty, kitchen faucet improperly assembled so it leaked also not a good traveling faucet as we had to bungee the handle when we traveled. I replaced the faucet with a Moen and DW is happy.
Then there are the plastic door closers, they do seem to give a solid lock but the hook part breaks where the mounting screws are. Why they fail, could be they were overtighten or the material is not thick enough at the stress point. On the DRV owners group facebook there is a recomended to remove the screws and add a washer to widen the area of stress.
Okay the good points MorRyde IS and disk brakes. We've got about 10,000 miles on the trailer and some rough roads but things stay in their place.
Wide body, DW was interested in the slide in slide models for more room at the foot of the bed but with the wide body and vanity slide more than ample space for 100# dog to lay and still get by.
One of the reasons to buy a DRV is the cabinetry and mill work and it is flawless.

[missourijan]

There's a Facebook page for Suites owners, you might post your question there. Drv owners post about issues they may have and solutions. No matter what you buy your best resource is going to be actual owners

[memtb]

irishtom29 wrote:
We’re considering buying a new 5W and considering a DRV Mobile Suite. I’m soliciting opinions of the Mobile and Elite Suites based on experience.

I realize you stated “new”, but, for similar or possibly less money....look at a used New Horizons Majestic. It would be difficult to find a superior unit!

We were shopping and compared the DRV’s to our old Teton....we “scratched” DRV, off of our short list!

[irishtom29]

Thanks to all for the replies.

PCM’s take on DRV is interesting and one that crossed my mind—excellent bones but iffy build.

[Aridon]

We would avoid them. We had an Atlanta mobile suites.

[irishtom29]

newman fulltimer wrote:
ever since Thor took them over building quality has went way down

Please elaborate.

[pcm1959]

I realize you are requesting info from experienced DRV owners but since others are chiming in, I will, too.
I looked hard at the DRV in 2014 when I was getting ready to purchase. My take away from DRV (and decision not to by one) robust frame and design but very poor execution.
May I suggest you look closely at FR Riverstone. Beautiful rigs with a lot of nice features such as running gear and thicker sidewalls. From what I hear from Cedar Creek owners, FR will really stand behind their rigs even after the warranty period. Good luck.

[irishtom29]

MNRon wrote:
No direct experience of DRV, but have you considered a VanLeigh 5er? Either Vilano or Beacon.

Yes, the Beacon is under consideration. Nice cabinetry, paint and plans. Inner walls are quite solid when you pound on them. My wife thinks the cabinet hardware and faucets look very cheesy and would replace them. That Bob Tiffin is involved is a plus; we’re very satisfied with our Tiffin motorhome.

[Cummins12V98]

newman fulltimer wrote:
ever since Thor took them over building quality has went way down

It was already on the way down!!!

[dblr]

I would agree in buying at Rolling Retreats, have always heard great reviews about them. We were dead set on a DRV but was not liking the stories about poor quality since the Thor takeover, we ended up with the new River Stone Legacy from Forest River and have been very pleased with it, very little issues to speak of, it has never had a need to return to the dealer and any little issues that did come up I could handle myself. Check them out to compare I think you might be surprised. Good luck on your search and decision

[newman_fulltime]

ever since Thor took them over building quality has went way down

[Cummins12V98]

Bought a used 2007.5 36’ MS. Really liked it and lived full time in it over 4 years. Figured what we liked and wanted different. Drove from NW WA to Rolling Retreats 1/1/2015 and went over what we wanted over three days with Alicia. Came to an agreement on trade and final price.

I can’t emphasize enough how great her and her Husband are!!!

Our new rig is a 2016 MS 39TKSB3 that has MANY modifications with many Elite Suites items. To be honest some of the elite items are too gaudy for our taste.

Ours was delivered to WA from RR because I could not get away. So at one year we went to DRV to have our punch list taken care of.

I HIGHLY advise buying from RR and staying at their facility for a few days to have THEM TAKE CARE OF ANY ISSUES!!!!!!!!

By doing so you will be a much happier camper and they will NOT give you the run around.

[blofgren]

jpjulian wrote:
Purchased a new 2018 MS 04/18. Nice pretty unit. Our is a 39DBRS3. Before you buy look closely at the build quality. On the initial shakedown overnight we had poor heat in the upper bath area. Also, the shower wasn't properly caulked and leaked during use. On the way home the TV fell off its mounting as well as the fireplace from the drawer it was mounted to. That same drawer needed repair and the glide hardware has broken and will need to be replaced in the future. One issue you won't be able to see but will need to investigate is the ceiling fan. Ours was attached to the ceiling with 6 staples rather than screws and glue. The Kantleak water manifold in our unit is leaking badly and I'm in the process of trying to obtain replacement parts. Under sink plumbing in the kitchen island came undone causing a messy leak. Visit thorforums.com as well as suitesowners.com for additional information. Look beyond the pretty and at how it is built. I believe build quality may have suffered since Thor purchased DRV.

Joe

Yikes, I've looked at several DRV units over the years and considered them to be top quality. I think you may be right in that things have changed since Thor took over.