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Post Info TOPIC: Augusta RV


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Augusta RV


So my husband and I have put our exit plan together and have our timeline to hit the road. Unfortunately it is 2 years out; I'm one of those instantaneous folks - hubby is the planner, researcher, planner, researcher, etc.  Fortunately he keeps me grounded!  We've determined the fifth wheel is our RV of choice and have figured out that while there is a gazillion fifth wheels, there are only a handful of ones that can do full timing.  We are looking at quality and construction first then floor plans.  We found Montana to be leading the pack but then hubby did more research and found some not so good reviews from current owners 2016 - we've looked at Augusta RV and while the Luxe is way out of our price range, the Ambition seems more pocket friendly.  Cant find much on this model/company - either good or bad.  We are talking about making a run to the plant - we are in Houston Texas area so not too bed a drive - but would like to get some input from folks as to their thoughts.  Seems like manufacture and standing behind the unit is a huge problem so we are trying to make as informed a decision as we can.  Any thoughts oh wise ones?



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It appears that Augusta makes a very nice unit and my guess is because you deal directly with the factory they would be very responsive.

Not trying to muddy the waters (lord knows it's easy with all the choices) but you might want to check out Grand Design models. (we have purchased the Solitude model to Ho full timing) there is an owners forum that I believe you will learn how responsive the company is.

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Augusta is making quality units with nice standard equipment for full-timers.  My biggest concern, and I've expressed this to them, is the low cargo carrying capacity.

The Ambition is easier on the wallet and while I like the tires, wheels, and brakes I wish they would go ahead and make the MorRyde IS (independent suspension) standard as well.

The company is new and they are still tweaking their designs.  Even if you find feedback on older models, chances are they've already made changes and they are still gathering customer feedback to try to improve.

They are a bit more open to customization than some other manufacturers.  I would definitely consider an Ambition if we could work out removal or downgrade of some of the fancy interior stuff to get better cargo carrying capacity. 



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I was waiting on Howard before I commented, now I will.  The cargo carrying capacity on the higher end unit is limited. Looking at the show model. which had many of the desirable upgrades for full-time, or longer part-time living, it had less than 2,000lbs of carry capacity.  Cargo capacity is what the trailer can carry of "your stuff" and that includes water as part of "your stuff."  Weight it weight. I want to quickly add this cargo capacity issue is not unique to Augusta RV.  This is very important.

Linda and I really liked some of the layout invocations we saw on the demo unit at the Tampa Show.   Very, nice and useful.  Lot of storage, but can't be fully utilized due to limited capacities.  As Howard commented, CCC can be limited and can't be increased.  I specifically asked about that possibility.  Perhaps something has changed since the January, 2016 show. 

I will also echo Howard's comments about the MORryde Independent suspension.  Assuming you will travel, not just reside in the RV, the IS suspension is, IMO, a necessity to protect the coach as well as you when towing.  G114 "H" tires and disc brakes are also a necessity.

My opinions. 



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I didn't realize ccc was so limited; hard to tell from web site. I really like the whole Mor ride suspension system - hubby still weighing options on that one. Even though we are two years out (or less if I have my way) do you think getting the consumer reports for RVs that you pay for worth it now or is this something we should do later; is there a better publication out there to compare RVS and such that we should get now? Just feels like we are going back and forth w no real clue other than what a sales guy is telling you. We feel we definitely want new for sure - any thoughts on brands besides Grand Design

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http://rv.org/ will supply you with the basics.  There are people who don't think highly of them, but they are the only independent reviewer of RV specs and models I know of.



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I just got off the phone with Chris Eppers, President at Augusta, and he tells me they have made great strides on the cargo carrying capacity in the Ambition.  It is much better now that it was back when we visited the factory last year.  They still have to improve the ccc on the Luxe, but based on what he's telling me, the Ambition is now really in the game on that issue.

As for RV Consumer Group, rv.org, I think they are great helping confirm once you've done your homework and research of what works best for you.  Though they are comparing specs on RVs, much of the information comes from the manufacturers.  So while they are unbiased, their conclusions are only as good as the information sent to them.  They are not a Consumer Reports that actually tests and compares products, but their info may be helpful in determining a starting point or in confirming your thought process as you get closer to a final decision.



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Great - thank you so much Howard. Mark said we will wait to make any firm decision until we attend your rally next spring. We will hit the fall RV shows but think your rally and a trip to the Augusta RV will be on our calendar for next year. I so appreciate everyone's input

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Howard wrote:

I just got off the phone with Chris Eppers, President at Augusta, and he tells me they have made great strides on the cargo carrying capacity in the Ambition.  It is much better now that it was back when we visited the factory last year.  They still have to improve the ccc on the Luxe, but based on what he's telling me, the Ambition is now really in the game on that issue.


That confirms the same response from Chris to us at the Florida Show, 2016 concerning the Luxe.  The Luxe will require more than an axle and tire upgrade in so many words as it, like other RV's in its class, have used up much of the frame capacity with options, etc.



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So I'm thinking I'm back to square one; as much as I really like the Augusta, the floor plans don't work. I really have to have a second living space as hubby will still be working remotely when we get to do this. I sew and need someplace away from him. I'm back to looking at the Grand Design Solitude 366Den; thoughtS? Does anyone have an opinion either way on Montanna? They have a floor plan that works as well just worried about quality



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I took a hard look at the Ambition 38RLS last week. Have not toured one yet but intend to. Here are my notes. YouTube has two walk-through videos by Chris Eppers who states the dry weight in the Ambition line runs between 14 and 16,000 pounds. GVWR on all models is 19,500. Cargo capacity up to about 4,000 pounds. Watch the videos.

My chief concerns were if you can change out the residential fridge for a gas/electric. I wondered if getting service work done will be complicated because they have no dealerships and sell factory direct?

They just started up an owners forum. I tried to register in their forums but as of yet have not received an email conformation to setup my password.

I was going to ask Bill if he thought a properly equipped F350 class truck would stop the trailer or is an F450 class truck required?

I know it's built on a 12" I beam frame as well.  And I'm not sure yet about hung walls, like the Ambition uses, vs laminated.  I know Ceder Creek and DRV use hung walls and they are successful trailers.

Personally, I'm excited about the Ambition.  Wish they had a floor plan in the 37-38' range.



-- Edited by mds1 on Monday 9th of May 2016 10:30:39 PM

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mds1 wrote:

I took a hard look at the Ambition 38RLS last week. Have not toured one yet but intend to. Here are my notes. YouTube has two walk-through videos by Chris Eppers who states the dry weight in the Ambition line runs between 14 and 16,000 pounds. GVWR on all models is 19,500. Cargo capacity up to about 4,000 pounds. Watch the videos.

My chief concerns were if you can change out the residential fridge for a gas/electric. I wondered if getting service work done will be complicated because they have no dealerships and sell factory direct?

They just started up an owners forum. I tried to register in their forums but as of yet have not received an email conformation to setup my password.

I was going to ask Bill if he thought a properly equipped F350 class truck would stop the trailer or is an F450 class truck required?


-- Edited by mds1 on Monday 9th of May 2016 10:30:39 PM


Using the 19,500lb number you quoted above as a maximum number either truck would probably be fine. Any F-350 / 3500HD class 3 truck should be appropriate for the 19,500lb trailer - but no higher weight IMO. The F-450 has bigger brakes, but the truck doesn't stop the trailer as such.  Properly setup the truck stops itself and the carried bed load. (An over simplification.) I'd probably pick the F-350 because it has a much higher rear axle weight rating than the F-450 as do the other brands of class 3 (3500HD) trucks. (I'm speaking of the F-450 "pickup truck" not the commercial F-450 like Howard and Linda have which is totally different from the pickup.)  If I am not mistaken you can get an F-350 "wide front" which will give about the same turning radius.  Regardless, its just math and its important to check out all the ratings for the truck selected against the selected trailer at its maximum rated weights.  Remember the published pin weight of the trailer is without cargo.  i.e. "you stuff" or water.  So be careful about using dry weight (empty) numbers.

Hope that helps a little.

Bill



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19500? I see 20k happening. 4500-5k pin. No fun tow with a 3500. Now add air ride suspension to 3500 that a different animal.

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Glenn West wrote:

19500? I see 20k happening. 4500-5k pin. No fun tow with a 3500. Now add air ride suspension to 3500 that a different animal.


Glenn, I agree with your statement but then they are over the 19,500 limit of the trailer.  But yes, I agree.  And yes, air-ride helps a lot - both on the truck and the hitch. 



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nkee Sticher;

If I’m reading the specs correctly on the Grand Design 366Den the gross weight capacity is 16,000 pounds and the dry weight is 14,250. If I’m figuring this correctly does that not mean the cargo capacity is only 1,750? On their website I noticed it available as dealer stock only which I understand to mean they are not going to be building it any longer.

Everyone has their own list of pluses and minuses for trailers which includes what they can live with and without. Currently, for our needs I rated the Montana slightly higher than the Grand Design Solitude, and prefer the legacy addition of the Montana. Of course, the Montana and Grand Design are in a different class than the Augusta Ambition.

Thanks for the truck info Bill. Did not want to stray from the original poster's questions but thought we should consider the truck needed for a 19,500 pound rig like the Ambition.



-- Edited by mds1 on Tuesday 10th of May 2016 10:52:51 PM



-- Edited by mds1 on Tuesday 10th of May 2016 10:57:54 PM

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mds1 wrote:

nkee Sticher;

If I’m reading the specs correctly on the Grand Design 366Den the gross weight capacity is 16,000 pounds and the dry weight is 14,250. If I’m figuring this correctly does that not mean the cargo capacity is only 1,750? On their website I noticed it available as dealer stock only which I understand to mean they are not going to be building it any longer.

Thanks for the truck info Bill. Did not want to stray from the original poster's questions but thought we should consider the truck needed for a 19,500 pound rig like the Ambition.


 

Yes sir, based on those numbers provided.  Your right, just math.  Keep in mind many website numbers given are without options.  So it is quite possible the cargo capacity of a trailer is actually much less than what is seen on a website.  Do not be fooled, one will put over 2,250lbs of cargo on as a full-timer or even a part-timer.  People are amazed when they have their rigs weighed properly and find out just how much the stuff they need weighs.  Food is heavy.  Kitchen equipment is heavy.  Clothes are heavy.  Tools are heavy. Water is heavy . . . .

If the trailer's purposed service is weekend vacationing that's one consideration.  I.e. short trips, little cargo.  Or if it will be used static without moving. People do purchase RV's and just reside in them.  But for traveling / RVing all these weights and truck capacities / capabilities / clearances are just like building a house.  Foundation, strength and clearances are important and really can't be rationalized.

My opinions



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unless something drastic changing in the RV market between now and next year at this time, I think we are leaning heavily to the Ambition.  we really like the hung walls over the laminated and the 16 inches on center construction. Very few of the fifth wheels have this and just think this is the way to go for full time use.  Could be wrong but so far that's where my research is taking me.  Just wish it were now; I'm so ready to hit the road.



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On the walls, Our DRV had 3.5" walls with fiberglass insulation. Our Teton has 2.5" walls with blue dow dense foam laminated. The Teton is far easier to heat and cool. Fiberglass/batten tends to compact and drop down in the Rvs. This leaves open areas and lets in cold/heat. I never intend to own another with hung batten walls.

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Glenn West wrote:

On the walls, Our DRV had 3.5" walls with fiberglass insulation. Our Teton has 2.5" walls with blue dow dense foam laminated. The Teton is far easier to heat and cool. Fiberglass/batten tends to compact and drop down in the Rvs. This leaves open areas and lets in cold/heat. I never intend to own another with hung batten walls.


Glenn, we've had the same experience.  Our trailer with laminated walls is quieter as well then the previous one with fiberglass and both have double pane windows. So its an "apples to apples" comparison in our view. 



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We contacted Augusta-RV and spoke in length with them on the Ambition. They emailed us all info and sent pics of a 35ft model that had been special ordered. They had shorten it to 34' 7" I believe. We are making a run up in July and set down and talk specifics. There really nice folks and are willing to try things different. They seem willing to alter the floor plans if possible and change things. One reason we are looking to them. Wish they were closer, but on well we'll see them then.



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After much research we decided to go with an Augusta Ambition.  It is factory direct and they are absolutely the best for the money.   They will answer any questions you have and the person you talk to really knows their product.  



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Nise choice Shugabean. We are hoping to take a trip to Indiana to take a look ourselves. 

Did you have a chance to do any financial background on Augusta? I've been wondering how deep their pockets are to make sure they have the backing to stay in business for the long-term, not that I've read about any concerns.

A couple posters earlier commented that their laminated walls were quieter and easier to heat and cool compared to hung walls like the Ambition has. But, unless I'm missing something, they were comparing trailers with Blue Dow foam which is not in the average trailer.  What is your opinion of the hung walls of the Ambition, and for that matter the Cedar Creek and DRVs that use hung walls?

H rated tires, good suspension system, disc brakes and other heavy construction makes the Ambition high on our list as well.



-- Edited by mds1 on Tuesday 16th of August 2016 08:37:37 PM

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One of the problems not normally discussed is the compacting of hung house insulation. I know of no rv that has 3.5 inch walls. yes 3" so it is compressed 1/2". This reduces the r factor. One of the first rules in insulation is never compress. I had voids in my DRV of insulation. Either it was left out or it dropped down. It was a 2006 Mobile Suites.

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A couple points about hung vs laminated and compression of insulation. 

I'd like to know if Augusta, and others, who use hung walls are installing thinner insulation to start with to avoid compression?  We also have to consider if a reflective barrier is added or not.

I had read a very recent report from a couple who toured DRV and Augusta RV. They had a few very good comments.  DRV has workers paid by the piece and Augusta pays by the hour. Apparently the couple on the tour noticed the hourly workers were more careful about getting the job done right.  This included the hourly employees doing a better job at Augusta than DRV did in applying glue on surfaces where the hung insulation is installed. Presumably better applied glue helps prevent the insulation sagging down.

I may call Augusta and ask why they went with hung walls compared to something top of the line such as Blue Dow Foam inside laminated walls like New Horizons.  I'd often wondered if it has something to do with the equipment requirements and having factory space needed for laminated walls.  I went back and looked at the Augusta RV factory building before they moved in on Google maps. Got me to wondering if they are restricted on space or if they have another building some place else.  Augusta advertises they build hung walls purposefully because they believe it is a better system. 

It would be interesting to know the sound isolation properties of each wall construction type for a more apples to apples comparison. Not all laminated walls are the same, especially when you step up to Blue Dow Foam.

In the price point it would be hard to beat the Augusta Ambition. 



-- Edited by mds1 on Tuesday 16th of August 2016 08:35:33 PM

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Mark from Missouri

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We have a 2010 DRV Suites 38TKSB3 Mobile Suites.  It has the 3 1/4" walls and we have not had any problems with the hung insulation.  In fact, we've been in temperatures ranging between 115 degrees down to -6 degrees with no problems with being comfortable inside.  The only thing that I can see that might be an issue is that we don't travel with our RV all that much.

As for sound, when we lived in Oklahoma City until we retired, we lived within 100 yards of Interstate 44 on the NE side of OKC.  The noise wasn't all that bad, even being that close to the highway, and if we turned on an oscillating fan, we heard nothing from outside unless it was really loud.

Terry



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Yours and mine were not the same. Mine never gave the results of yours. Now it looked nice. But it was drafty, cold.

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mds1 wrote:

A couple points about hung vs laminated and compression of insulation. 

I'd like to know if Augusta, and others, who use hung walls are installing thinner insulation to start with to avoid compression?  We also have to consider if a reflective barrier is added or not.

I had read a very recent report from a couple who toured DRV and Augusta RV. They had a few very good comments.  DRV has workers paid by the piece and Augusta pays by the hour. Apparently the couple on the tour noticed the hourly workers were more careful about getting the job done right.  This included the hourly employees doing a better job at Augusta than DRV did in applying glue on surfaces where the hung insulation is installed. Presumably better applied glue helps prevent the insulation sagging down.

I may call Augusta and ask why they went with hung walls compared to something top of the line such as Blue Dow Foam inside laminated walls like New Horizons.  I'd often wondered if it has something to do with the equipment requirements and having factory space needed for laminated walls.  I went back and looked at the Augusta RV factory building before they moved in on Google maps. Got me to wondering if they are restricted on space or if they have another building some place else.  Augusta advertises they build hung walls purposefully because they believe it is a better system. 

It would be interesting to know the sound isolation properties of each wall construction type for a more apples to apples comparison. Not all laminated walls are the same, especially when you step up to Blue Dow Foam.

In the price point it would be hard to beat the Augusta Ambition. 



-- Edited by mds1 on Tuesday 16th of August 2016 08:35:33 PM


The cost of producing laminated walls with foam as opposed to hung walls with traditional fiberglass insulation between the "studs" is pretty significant.  It does require a major additional process and time; especially with long walls.  Simply put, it would raise the cost of the RV.

As I have commented, we had a top of the line RV with traditional insulation and dual pane windows.  Our current unit has laminated walls with solid foam and dual pane windows.  Staying at the same campgrounds (and next to the same trains in Elkhart) the laminated walls are much quieter.  The trailer is also easier to cool and heat.  That's as close to a valid comparison as I think one can have based on personal experience.  Laminated foam walls, with the least amount of voids, are better and have significantly less "drafts."  We can clearly tell the difference between the two.

There is no question  the hung walls with fiberglass insulation can have voids from (or if) the insulation moving.

Laminated walls with foam are "better."  Just are in this regard and others as mentioned.

That said, one has to decide if the cost difference is worth it to them just as those evaluations are made in the brand and "grade" of car one might purchase.

From my inspection at the Tampa RV show I feel August builds a reasonably good rig - albeit with a very limited cargo capacity in their high end Luxe model - at the price point they are trying to meet. They do not yet have a track record but that doesn't mean they will not be long lived. But that is to be demonstrated and one has to decide if that choice is a good one for them. Same thing can be said of longer term manufactures that have issues.  I think that pretty much says it all from our perspective.



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Well folks, this is Yankee Stichers husband. Our plans for full timing have been delayed however I did get her a nice birthday gift yesterday. She has her 5th wheel, 2016 Keystone Sprinter 298FWRLS. Needless to say she is a happy camper. We pick it up Friday and I get to learn how to drive this thing. Wish us luck!

Mark
2016 Chevy 2500HD Duramax
2016 Keystone Sprinter 298FWRLS

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