Welcome Candy,

Glad you found this site. There's tons of information here and by doing some research, I'm sure you'll find the answers to many of your questions.

Also, as Terry said, the folks here are very friendly and will be more than willing to answer any other questions you may have.

Good luck with your plans.

Jim

 Welcome!!!! It is always good to have new members in the RV-Dreams family.

Candy, there is a topic heading "Buying An RV" on this forum. If you go to it and scroll down a ways you will come to a post topic I started in March under the heading, "Back in the market and looking for advise." I just went there and read most of the comments from members that answered my questions then.

Since that post, we have spent a lot of time in a Carriage Carri-Lite & a Cameo with their factory rep and several DRV Mobile Suites and one Elite Suites. I have talked with the DRV factory rep several times in the last few weeks. Like Terry, after doing my research, I bought a 2010 Mobile Suites. Our choice was the rear entertainment model with a side enclosed bath know as a 38RESB4.  The "4" meaning four slides and "38" meaning length in feet. Actual length was 38'10".

As noted on my earlier post, after some initial problems, we were very happy and lived in our 5th wheel for over 3 months. Prior to buying our Mobile Suites, Evin and I toured six different manufacturers' plants in February 2010. Carriage, Keystone, KZ, Heartland, Open Range and DRV were the factories we toured. During this time, we learned that all makes and models are not suited for full-time use. Some makes and models are not suited for extreme hot or cold climates. Some manufactuers throw their units together as fast as they can with little attention to detail while others take their time and have pride in their finished products. Often, price determines materials used, production speed and attention to detail. Often, not always.

Also, as many have reported before, you can and will most likely have some problems with whatever you buy at all price points. Some units by some manufactures have more problems than others. Some manufacturers improve from year to year and some decline and look for shortcuts. Some "new ideas and improvements" don't always work out.  Automobile makers make major changes every six to eight years. The first year of a major change is not always best in autos or RVs. I bought a 2010 heavy duty truck as the government mandated DEF exhaust system equipped 2011 models were about to come out. I got the 2010 and didn't wait for the 2011 because I wanted Ford to work out any bugs before I bought. I will buy a 2012 hoping that has happened.

One risks getting a "lemon" with any brand. How and in what time frame each individual company and dealer stands behind their product after the sale is what's important. Often, the manufacturer is more important than the dealer. Sometimes it is the other way around. Several years ago, Heartland couldn't keep a dealer in our area because of disagreements on warranty labor rate issues.

As I have written before, the experience was "eye opening". Before going to Elkhart, we had spent hours in one or more units of all six brands. After we were sure of our floor plan choice, rear entertain & side bath, we spent more time in a similar unit for each brand. To be honest, we did not want to pay the price of a Mobile Suites. After seeing the differences used from the naked frame to each companies step by step process in arriving at a finished product, we bought the DRV. We actually went on the  DRV tour before the Carriage tour and later, we went on the DRV tour again. There is a lot to take in. We really wanted to buy the Carriage Carri-Lite with the full length slide. Also, we really liked the salesman we worked with at Tiara RV Sales in Elkhart.

We did not buy the Carriage because of issues with factory resolution of warranty problems with owners that I had read about on several forums. We was neither pleased nor impressed with how the Carriage factory rep answered my questions and concerns after our tour. This time out I learned that the two individuals I had problems with at Carriage are no longer there. We met a great salesman at my nearest Carriage dealer and I again gave Carriage a shot at my business. We are not buying a Carriage this time because of ceiling height in the bedroom and their recliners will not support my legs. We also found, IMHO, that most used Carriages we went into did not appear to have held up as well as similar year DRV models. They looked more dated as well. Differences in fit and finish also.

We just sold our house.As soon as it closes, we will be buying a new RV and go full-time. We are considering a 2011 Monaco Diplomat 43DFT motorhome and a "to be built" 2012 DRV Elite Suites 38RESB3 with custom features in the kitchen. We did not see the value in the 4th slide of our last Mobile Suites. We are stepping up in price to the Elite because DRV has invested in new machinery and equipment to finish the cabinetry and drawers in the Elite Suites, more like that in an upscale home. There has been some improvement in how they attach trim and molding. The ceiling height is also higher at the rear of the Elite Suites. The bedroom ceiling height in either DRV model is higher than that of the Carriages we were in. Elite Suites have a one piece fiberglass roof. DRVs have 3.25" walls and the industry's highest insulation rating.

Both Carriage and DRV are rated for full-time use. I like both. As I previously stated, I really like the Carriage rep for my region and I really like the Carriage salesman at my closest dealer. He had many years of experience selling DRVs and now he sales Carriages. Unlike many sales people, he only said good things about both companies. He said good things about Tiffin, the other motorhome brand we considered. Although we heard and read a lot of great owner comments, we did find the decor to fit our own individual taste.  Because we are going to full-time and no longer own a house, I will shop very, very hard on price this time. Last time buying from the closest dealer was important ( I thought). Not this time. I may be on the other side of the country when I need service or repairs. I will spend the money for features I want that I may have done without last time.

We had all service and warranty work done while on the road or at the DRV factory. We were very pleased with our treatment and service. We bought at Southern RV in Jonesboro, GA from a pleasant, very knowledgable owner/sales manager. When we found it necessary to sell our DRV, he sold it for us. We found him to be more than fair. He has invested in new equipment and has a larger service work force than our closest DRV dealer, RVs for Less in Knoxville. However, we will most likely not get service done at either location. So price will matter more to us because of our particular situation this time. Most everyone's situation is different as often is their taste. That's why there is so many different makes, models and price points.

Candy, if Dave and you can, go tour Keystone, KZ and Heartland. There are at one price point and I don't think they make a full-time rated unit. Look at each respective companies top of the line. Then go to Carriage. Then go to DRV. Compare everything you can. For example compare brakes, tire rating and size, axle ratings, insulation, frames, holding tank capacity and ease of use, quality and comfort of furniture over the long term, heating and air systems and so on. Many full-timers delete furniture and buy residential furniture. There is a company in the Elkhart area that makes a better quality product. Think about where and how you are going to use you 5th wheel. How often and how far are you going to travel?

Go when the line is in operation. It took us a week to do six tours. To me it was worth it. We may do it again. There is a lot of fun stuff to see and do in the area. Some good food as well. Several campgrounds if you want to take your Airstream. Go to Tiara Sales and tell Pat I sent you. Have him arrange your tour. Better yet, call him before you go.

There is or was a DRV dealer in Elkhart as well. International, I think. Couldn't do much with them then. Maybe things are different now. Schedule your tours ahead of time, before you travel all the way to Indiana. If you are told that tours are conducted only after the line is closed down, call and ask to speak to the factory rep of the region where the dealer you are most likely to buy is located. In a nice, but firm way, tell him you are ruling them out if you can't see it being built, start to finish. As opposed to seeing where it is built. During the process; not, after the process. It is your time, money and effort. For if you are going to RV  full-time, it will be your home.

Shop hard. There is a much greater mark up than dealers would like for you to think. Each area of the country has a selling season. Off season, you should be able to get a better price. Compare apples to apples with several different dealers. Get build sheets and list all options that your want. We were lucky to find what we wanted on the lot last time. We want some custom work this time. Last time, we were not patient. This time we will be. We have a cabin to live in till we take delivery of whatever RV we buy.

Montana was, and maybe still is, the #1 selling 5th in the country. However, it is intended for the broad RV market and appeals to those who camp and use it part-time, on weekends and on vacations. It is not built for or intended to be used for those in the full-time market. That is, unless some things have changed. There are people who full-time in a Montana, a Big Horn, an Open Range, or a KZ and they are happy and have few problems. There are people unhappy in an Elite Suites. Some people will be happy in anything. Some people will not be happy in any RV,  new or used,  low price or the most expensive thing on the market. If you like your Airstream, you will probably like a Carriage or DRV more because each has more room and creature comforts.

The more I was "OUTSIDE" with my camera, in my kayak, sitting around a campfire with other RVers or walking with Evin and the dogs --- the happier I was. Did I enjoy my sleep number bed, my fireplace, my recliner, my 42" HD tv, the level up system, ice maker, etc.? Yes! Did I have a good time staying in a nearby motel this year at the RV-Dreams Rally instead of in my Mobile Suites last year? Yes! Because, for me, it was and is about the people, learning new things, the local food and culture experiences, and the sights to be seen. It is in the doing.

Enjoy the shopping and information gathering process. Don't take what others may say or do personally. If you meet people or situations you don't like, move on to a dealer or manufacturer where you are more comfortable. Ask the factory rep for a dealer that does business the way you want to do business. When you find one that won't or does not followup with your request in a timely manner, move on.

Don't make assumptions. Be skeptical, inspect what you expect to the best of your ability. I listened and took notes. Things work best when I talk less and listen more. I used my video camera. Carriage has an excellent DVD they will send you. In person is better. If you can, see the DVD before you go. You will know more of what to expect. DRV has an online PDF of their product information brochure. Correspond by email with the factory reps on key issues. When in doubt, have it in writing. I read about a salesman tell a customer that Open Range models were rated full-time. The factory rep said no. I think there website as such in FAQ section. Deal with people and companies that others have found to reputable and that care about and take pride in what they do.  

Again, welcome. Enjoy the ride.

Steve