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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> What you purchased and why....
Post Info TOPIC: What you purchased and why....
lonewolf_one


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What you purchased and why....
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Hi Folks,

I'm new to this forum, although I've long had the dream of living a full time rv lifestyle. It looks like it's going to be realized, but is still a few years away. In the interim, I'm starting to investigate options and the details of the possibilities. Nothing is cast in stone, but at this point it's looking like we're going to take the route of a fifth wheel with a mdt. So I'm weeding out the list of potential manufacturers (I'm looking at the fws for now, will investigate tow vehicles at a later date.) While I still have others to check out, I have 3 finalists in the running at this point, Carriage, DRV and Nu Wa. I had initially tossed out Nu Wa, as from what I read they had closed their doors for 6 months and then, were going out altogether. However, I took a look at their website and it appears they are back and coming on strong. I feel their website is the most informative and complete source of information I have seen to date. I really liked a lot of what I was reading. Then I looked at their warranty. One year btb and 2 years structural. Carriage is 2/5. I thought DRV was also, but now can't find the info on their site or in the brochure. Not that warranty is everything, but I was really disappointed in Nu Wa's.
Anyway, I was wondering if those who had the time would mind sharing their thoughts in regards to what brand fw they have, as well as on what, their decision was based. I'm more concerned with the technicalities (construction methods, axle weights, etc.) than floor plans or aesthetics. Additionally, would you make the same purchase again, or would you select differently if you could turn back the clock? I welcome all input, but am particularly interested in input from those who are full timers. There are so many variables to consider, it can be a bit overwhelming. I believe that information from those on the "front lines" is invaluable when gathering information to make a difficult decision. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

-- Edited by lonewolf_one on Wednesday 23rd of June 2010 12:52:40 PM

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NorCal Dan


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Have you seen this terrific deal?

http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=91511&p=3&topicID=36022960

A fellow member here is selling their FW and truck combo...

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lonewolf_one


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That does look like a great deal! If only I had the cash on hand. Unless I hit the lottery, I'm going to have to hold off until the s&b sells. Unless they get really desperate and want to owner finance with looowwww monthly payments! I'm sure it will sell soon at that price.

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travelinbob


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Thanks Norcal Dan for refering our Elite Suites.
I would suggest anyone interested in fulltiming should buy a used rig so they don't take the depreciation hit that I will when it sells. I will loose $20,000 for the two years that we fulltimed in the Elite Suite.
We love our new townhome and no regrets fulltiming even though it cost us over $10K a year in depreciation. Actually we haven't lost anything yet because we still have the 5er and plan to camphost during September at Chaco Canyon NP. If it sells, it sells, it not we will use it.

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travelinbob & southwest judy
and our 2blackdogs
2006 Elite Suites 36TK3 (FOR SALE)
2001 F550 Starhauler (FOR SALE)
www.mytripjournal.com/elitesuitestravels
The Bear II


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We chose the largest 5th wheel with slides that was being manufactured at the time. There were larger units but they only had one slide or were custom built.

The manufacturer is out of business and was considered mid price & build quality. The unit came with a lot of features that were found in the higher priced 5th wheels but at a price we were comfortable with since we would only be using it for weekend trips and the occaisional 2 week vacation.

5 years after we purchased it we looked around to replace it and couldn't find anything we liked better.

It's been 15 years now and we still like our unit and recently made some upgrades to update and make it even more useful/comfortable.

Here's the tips we used:

Buy the largest unit you can afford and fully load it with all of the bells and whistles.
Don't impulse buy, shop around until you find something you are very comfortable with.
Since we live in earthquake country, we wanted to have a unit that we could live in fulltime if needed.
Buy the fifth wheel first, then by the tow vehicle to be sure you have a safe setup.
Let her pick the decor and him pick the outside setup (lots of storage, easy to get at connections, suspension & brakes...etc.)

-- Edited by The Bear II on Wednesday 23rd of June 2010 04:13:42 PM

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Terry and Jo


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Hi, Joe, and welcome to the forums.

We are just beginning the process, but we were researching and looking for 2 years before actually making the purchase of our Dream RV.  By looking at our signature, you will see that we purchased a Mobile Suites (DRV) and a Ford F450.

Our home is up for sale and when it sells, Jo and I will live in it until we actually retire (a few years down the road yet), and then we'll hit the road.

Because of us living full time in ours and that once we retire, we plan on seeing a LOT of this country, we wanted a home that was as nice as we could afford, but still be built solidly.  The Mobile Suites in on a 15" frame, where a lot of other brands aren't.  If you've looked at the DRV's, you know that Mobile Suites and Elite Suites are on 15" frames and the Select Suites is on a 12" I-beam frame.

In researching and dealing, we got very good service and assistance from everyone involved with DRV, including one vice-president and one factory rep.  I can't say that we were treated badly by any dealer of the different manufacturers that we looked at, but the DRV folks and the RV dealer here in Oklahoma City have all been great and helpful.

If you are considering a used DRV, a good source of some used Mobile Suites is in Elk City, Oklahoma.  Check the link below.  We made a trip to Elk City and found that the units look as good as the online photos make them appear to be.  Also, they are good folks there, even though it is a pretty small operation.

http://www.rollingretreats.com/

Feel free to ask more questions, and make any comments that you want.  Most of us are still learning, and new questions and comments are always welcome.

Terry

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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

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igotjam


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Terry I wouldn't make too much of the 15" frames. DRV cuts big holes in them for the slide tubes and rams. Other manufacturers use smaller frames but put the slide mechanisms on top leaving the frame integrity intact. On my Elite Suite they had to torch the frame holes bigger as the tubes settled down to keep them from rubbing on the frame openings,

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Ken & Sarah


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The best way to decide what is right for you is research. I took a long time and looked at many different models and brands. It really comes down to a personal choice. We chose the Excel Limited based on a factory visit, which I recommend if possible for any brand, and what I read on the forums. Most makes have forums of one kind or another, the folks on them are very accomodating to questions. Maybe not as nice as this forum at times but you will still find a lot of information on them. Good luck in your search.

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janieD


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We are with Ken and Sarah, after over a year of research and looking at independent reviews we decided on Excel. It is a company that is small enough to have a very hands on approach to warranty issues and quality control. At the end of the factory visit you get to sit down with president of the company and ask questions. We are living in ours now and couldn't be happier.


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2007 Dodge 3500 DRW 5.9L
2010 Excel Limited 30RSO
Full Timing starting June 2010
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Mallo


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We're very happy with our Nu Wa the factory has been good even past the warranty period.

Mallo


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