Drv Tradition full timing questions

Question

I have been researching for quite awhile and keep coming back to the DRV line. I can't afford a newer model New Horizons but a second tier level quality coach clearly appears to be the DRV line. I can't find any other lines that offer a total package as close to the NH. I'm talking about the construction, frame, axles, tires, brakes, attention to detail when it comes to cold weather protection for water lines, valves and tanks. this is what's most important to me. I plan on making my 5ver my home.
I do understand the Tradition has the lesser package of the above mentioned concerns (thus, lower cost) but it still seems to be the best of it's peers in it's price class to me.
So, can a Tradition full timer clue me in as to what to expect in ride and towing performance? Cold weather problems? Are the slide outs hydraulic like the MS and do they work properly? And do the slides have adequate insulation in the floor? All seals seal well?

mwool · Answer

You will find a lot more Tradition owners at the DRV forums - http://www.suitesowners.com/forums/forum.php They will be glad to answer your questions and more.

missourijan · Answer

Good suggestion by mwool, no better info available than from an actual owner. Traditions are still heavy so you need a big truck. My 2 cents, buy a used Drv, or any other quality brand. Do you have an rv now, have your rv'd before? You won't know what model if liveable to you until you spend time living in it. I hate to see new rv'rs spend a bunch of $$ and figure out they bought a model they don't like. Buy a used model, live in it for a year, then if you want, buy a new one. There are other owners forums like Excel, Jayco, Montana. You can learn a lot just by reading owner forums.

hitchup · Answer

The Tradition line replaced the Select Suites a few years ago. Not quite the same insulation pkg as Mobile or Elite Suites and the construction is different as well to keep them lighter.

IMHO a Mobile Suite is better suited for the cold (or heat) than the Tradition line. Walls are R11 vs R13 for 2004-2008 and R16 for 2009-2015. R11 is still higher than the average RV.

We've had an 2006 ES, a 2009 MS and now the 2014 Estates. This one seems to be the best of the 3. Over the years they make changes on slide mechanisms, so you'll have to pick a specific year and then you can find better answers to your questions.

Also depending on how it was optioned out, each unit will have differences.

cummins12v98 · Answer

I would highly recumbent finding a uses MS in good condition you like and save a lot of $ and have a nicer RV.

We bought outs 4 years old and saved 1/2 of new and 2.6 years later we can get near what we paid.

boxer_lovers · Answer

We bought a new Tradition last fall and really like the construction quality and energy efficiency.

DRV built it on a 96" wide body instead of 102", and the walls are 2.5" thick including the slide outs, compared to 3.5" on the Mobile or Elite Suites. The Tradition has a dry weight of less than 12,000 pounds which is 3 to 5k less.

It's easy to pull for a 39' RV. I added Center Point air ride and a Trail Air king pin and nothing moves around inside during transit.

We're pleased. so far having had few warranty issues.

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Drv Tradition full timing questions

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