Help needed, info and pricing on a 2005 Mobile Suites 36TK3

DRV came about in 2009......prior to that it was Doubletree RV (2003-2008)

I've seen the 2005 36TK3 for sale between $40K and $30K depending on condition, options and area where being sold.

NADA is showing Low of $25K with average of $30K for base model....no options.......LINK

Quality wise they are among the best. Look for them online and see what similar years are selling for. Doesn't sound like a bad price for a quality rig.

B.O.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
DRV came about in 2009......prior to that it was Doubletree RV (2003-2008)

I've seen the 2005 36TK3 for sale between $40K and $30K depending on condition, options and area where being sold.

NADA is showing Low of $25K with average of $30K for base model....no options.......LINK

Thank you for the link!

Any pros or cons to whether or not I buy from the dealer or private party? Or should I just buy the one that looks to be in better shape?

Also, if the exterior looks stained and dull, can it be cleaned up to look better, or is it a hopeless case? There are no pics of the one at the dealer, but the one by the private party looks dull and streaky-stained.

B.O. Plenty wrote:
Quality wise they are among the best. Look for them online and see what similar years are selling for. Doesn't sound like a bad price for a quality rug.

B.O.

Is the quality suitable for full-timing?

They are intended for full-timing but that doesn't mean it would suit you. Need to go walk thru a few and visualize living in it. Would the floor plan work for you? Prices can vary greatly based on condition. I would not buy from a private party unless you really know what you're doing and very familiar with what to look for inside & out. From a dealer I'd expect you'd get some type of short term warranty along with a PDI & walk-thru.

Look over carefully. There are a ton of options that could have been added to increase value. Get underneath and see if it has disc brakes or drum. Does it have the Centerpoint (Air bag) suspension? What about the Trailair (air bag) pin box. Check the dual pane windows for clouding which would be caused by a bad seal on the dual pane. Look over the caulk at the seams on the exterior for cracking as that might be the fastest way to make sure that the chances of discovering water damage are minimal. I'm very happy with mine that was purchased used in 2011 from a dealer. I was limited to dealer as I had a unit that needed to be traded. I would have no issues with private purchase if the price and unit checks out. Randu

MookieKat wrote:

B.O. Plenty wrote:
Quality wise they are among the best. Look for them online and see what similar years are selling for. Doesn't sound like a bad price for a quality rug.

B.O.

Is the quality suitable for full-timing?

Yes. But as others have said, at the seemingly low price ( at least to me it seemed low ??? ) listed for this one, give it a good look first.

Thank you!

Back in 2005 there was Newmar, Teton, Carriage and Travel Supreme. "Mobile Suites" was a new company and their units were not up to "quality" of the established companys.

Sadly things have changed big time with the loss those old top end products.

DRV has continued to improve and is now the leading top end producer.

But the older "Mobile Suites" products don't compare to top end units of 10 years ago.

Luke Porter wrote:
Back in 2005 there was Newmar, Teton, Carriage and Travel Supreme. "Mobile Suites" was a new company and their units were not up to "quality" of the established companys.

Sadly things have changed big time with the loss those old top end products.

DRV has continued to improve and is now the leading top end producer.

But the older "Mobile Suites" products don't compare to top end units of 10 years ago.

Totally disagree...specifically why do you think in 2005 they did not compare?