Lifestyle Fifth Wheel/ Steel Frame
Any comments or knowledge would be appreciated! We are buying our first fifth wheel. We are full timing 5 to 8 years. Putting on approx. 7 thousand travel miles each year touring the country and the r...
Forum Discussion
TXiceman, wish you hadn’t posted that link to the new model DRV’s. Now I want a newer model! About the frame issues, the DRV models I referred to, MS & ES, are built on a 15” triple stacked frame as described in the brochure at your link and as I have stated. The part of the overall unit that goes up vertically from the front of the frame and ends up with the pin box is not triple stacked. If you check the links I’ve provided, it shows similar construction of various other manufacturers. You have the “frame” then you have the other extension of that frame that has the kick up for the basement area and pinbox. In other words, it appears that the standard method of construction is an overall undercarriage that is formed in 2 segments: the horizontal frame that the suspension is mounted to (15” triple stacked DRV frame) and the box that attaches to it which forms the frame for the basement and pinbox. Didn’t really notice the 3” stub frame you mentioned.
DRV
I found it very interesting that some of the frames that are held in high regards, such as Youngs Welding, look less robust than the Lippert built DRV frame. This isn’t to say they aren’t strong frames or good RV’s and from what I have found they all basically follow the same construction pattern.
To Norsky, never said DRV’s haven’t had any frame issues. In fact I did say they probably have but I can’t recall any posts on the Suite Owners website and we are pretty vocal about issues. Yes, many rv’ers aren’t on forums and even if they are wish not to post about their issues.
One of the bits of information I find interesting is the listed GVWR of various 5ers. My MS is listed at 18.5K but as I said in a previous post, DRV said I can go to the GVWR of the same model ES, 20K. My rig empty is around 16K which is the GVWR I see on other brands of the same approximate length. The weight has to be due to other than the frig, A/C, water heater, etc.
I think the consensus of opinions indicate that if the manufacturer of the 5er specs the frame appropriately and the owner/user operates it in the manner for which is was designed/spec’d it should provide a long mostly trouble free life. As we all know, stuff happens and some will have problems even with a properly spec’d, constructed and used rv.
Hope I haven’t highjacked this post; to the OP, I do like some of the floor plans of the Lifesyle. Most of us tend to like the rig we have and I am sure with research and the ability to look at actual rigs you will find one that suits you and with a bit of TLC will last many years and miles. Enjoy.
Carriage
Youngs Welding
New Horizons
New Horizons
On edit, my apology to TXiceman; I enlarged the picture of the frame in the link and I guess the 3" part you mentioned is the bottom section that seems to be running the length of the "frame". Will go look at mine to see. Still stand by the rest of my posts but perhaps understand where the 3" comes from...
DRV
I found it very interesting that some of the frames that are held in high regards, such as Youngs Welding, look less robust than the Lippert built DRV frame. This isn’t to say they aren’t strong frames or good RV’s and from what I have found they all basically follow the same construction pattern.
To Norsky, never said DRV’s haven’t had any frame issues. In fact I did say they probably have but I can’t recall any posts on the Suite Owners website and we are pretty vocal about issues. Yes, many rv’ers aren’t on forums and even if they are wish not to post about their issues.
One of the bits of information I find interesting is the listed GVWR of various 5ers. My MS is listed at 18.5K but as I said in a previous post, DRV said I can go to the GVWR of the same model ES, 20K. My rig empty is around 16K which is the GVWR I see on other brands of the same approximate length. The weight has to be due to other than the frig, A/C, water heater, etc.
I think the consensus of opinions indicate that if the manufacturer of the 5er specs the frame appropriately and the owner/user operates it in the manner for which is was designed/spec’d it should provide a long mostly trouble free life. As we all know, stuff happens and some will have problems even with a properly spec’d, constructed and used rv.
Hope I haven’t highjacked this post; to the OP, I do like some of the floor plans of the Lifesyle. Most of us tend to like the rig we have and I am sure with research and the ability to look at actual rigs you will find one that suits you and with a bit of TLC will last many years and miles. Enjoy.
Carriage
Youngs Welding
New Horizons
New Horizons
On edit, my apology to TXiceman; I enlarged the picture of the frame in the link and I guess the 3" part you mentioned is the bottom section that seems to be running the length of the "frame". Will go look at mine to see. Still stand by the rest of my posts but perhaps understand where the 3" comes from...
