Question about 2012 DRV Front Cap - RV-Dreams Community Forum

IWantaCampMore · RV-Dreams Family Member

Question about 2012 DRV Front Cap

adeline and ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

Short answer is yes not shortbox friendly. you might get away with it with a slider, but would have to watch closly whe parking

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

IWantaCampMore wrote:
We are about to make a decision on a DRV Moblie Suite 36RSSB3. We found that we really like the new bedroom walk-in closet with two doors and the dresser in left side. Cedar lined shoe boxes on front wall. We went to suiteowners.com forum and found that some of the owners toured the factory and was told that the new front cap design poses a new problem. The problem is that you can no longer tow a Moblie Suite with a shortbed, with slider hitch due to the new design. It is 18" longer and goes beyond the pinbox, therefore when you turn while towing it will hit the cab of the truck. I pose the question to you owners or soon to be owners of the new 2012's to confirm the problem. Is this a fact or fiction?
Thank You

I notice you have a 2002 Chevy. Are you considering a new truck with the Suites? I would assume so because most of the new Suites are a bit heavy for all the 3500 / 350 series trucks, Ford or Chevy, build prior to 2011. Having said that, I would recommend not towing with a short bed regardless. Slider hitches and the like can be an issue with a large rig like a Mobile Suites. Lots to talk about here, but felt I should make a general comment for your considerations.

Safe travels

(BTW, we happen to be at the DRV plant yesterday and will be there again today with some friends who have a great looking Elite they just took delivery on. They will tow with a Chevy 2012 3500HD crew, DRW.)

Bill

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I haven't seen the new front closets yet, but we will be looking at the 38 RSP 3. If we decide to go back to full timing. We think the front closet will be a plus but it does add several inches added to the front cap. From what I understand its not designed to be pulled by a short bed. But because of the weight a 1 ton should be considered. We pull with a 2012 Chevy 3500HD and are well within our weight rating.

We will be at the Tampa RV show in Jan. And are hoping they have the 38 RSP 3 with the vanity slide, the vanity slide is a huge item for our use. As for space we have more than what we need as for space and storage in our 38 RSSB 3 with the vanity slide. And we will go with a floor plan we we can get to the Bathroom without opening a slide. But the floor plan must have a room that can handle a stackable W/D, that is a must and we for sure want a vanity slide it makes for so much more room in the bedroom area and we wouldn't want a King bed, the Queens is for us. Happy Trails....

IWantaCampMore · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well the plan was to get the drv for now and soon get an '11 or '12 Chevy. But if I can't pull the DRV with what I have for now and not for the long term, I will get what we ordered instead. Thank you both for the responces.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Steve and Nonna,

I think I can confirm that a long bed would be needed. We were at a DRV dealer's lot yesterday and looked at a new 2012 with the walk-in closet. The nose of the coach definitely goes out over the pin box. On our 2010, I can easily put air into the air ride pin box valve stem. With a 2012 and walk-in closet, I would have to get some kind of air chuck that would let me fill that pin box bladder from the side.

What I don't know yet is what the weights will be on the new 2012's. They haven't put out their 2012 brochure with weights yet.

While Jo and I weren't sure about the walk-in closet idea, the one we looked at yesterday was impressive in its size and arrangement for clothes and storage. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera (wasn't planning on shopping for RV's), so I don't have any photos to share.

According to Jo, there is some room for improvement with the closet storage, particularily with preventing things from coming out of the storage spaces above the clothes. We also initially didn't like the vanity slide (fourth slide) because of the loss of storage space. With the new closet and vanity slide, space is a lot better. It also allows easier access to the plumbing at the shower faucet in the side bathroom units.

I hate to say it, but Jo may be leaning ever so slightly toward the option of selling our 2010 and buying a new 2012. I would normally disagree with that idea, but this is our home and a happy wife is a good thing.

Also, keep tabs on Cameo. With Carriage possibly going belly-up, if your unit gets built, watch carefully for defects.

As for the truck, DRV's are heavy. Our 2010 38TKSB3 has a GVWR of 18,500 lbs. One of the DRV owners also weighs rigs at rallies. He posted the results of some of his weighing back in 2010. In his post, he stated that 100% of trucks with single rear wheels were overweight and 60% of trucks with dual rear wheels were as well. Remember, pulling is one thing, handling and stopping are another.

Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Sunday 30th of October 2011 02:44:04 PM

IWantaCampMore · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thank you Terry & Jo

The word that I have on Carriage, is that they will be open for business today and I will find out when I will get it. What stage it is in at the moment is also a concern. As far as Quailty is concerned, I have always thought of that before any purchase that I have made, that's why I went with Carriage in the first place. They build most everything on their units including the frames that have not had the problems of Lippert bending and or breaking. They have had their problems of customer support in the past. That was when the now CEO of Redwood was in charge of Carriage. IMO, Glen Cushman has been trying to turn that around for about a year and now the PNC Bank is looking to close him down. If given the chance to succeed, I believe he can make Carriage what it use to be.

DRV is a fine 5th wheel and I am still interested in them, but from what I have learned over the last few months is that most any pick-up trucks (until 2011 & 2012) can't pull it safely. So for now I will go with Carriage for what I have.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

It is none of my business, but I would be very, very careful buying a Carriage. I would not be parting with any of my money before delivery. Many people lost deposits when previous manufacturers went out of business. If you do place a deposit make SURE it stays with the dealer...which you can not be sure of....The fact they may "restart" does not mean they will not "re-fail" very quickly. Just my opinion.

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would second what Jack say's.

IWantaCampMore · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack and racerguy I appreciate what you are saying and that was one of my concerns also. As to where is my down payment? So when Carriage went down I ask my dealer, which she said that they have my deposit at the dealership. She has always taken great care of my needs and has made several offers for other 5th wheels that my money could go toward in case Carriage was to fail re-fail. I have made my decision and I believe what I have said to be right. Carriage and Glenn will come back.

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Steve I sure hope your correct about Carriage coming back and I don't or have ever owned a Carriage. But I do know what happens we you own a orphan 5th wheel we owned one. However it was a great 5th wheel and it sold but we took a loss but we loved the 5th wheel. I do think it will be hard fro Carriage to come back as they were. I hope that someone does restart Carriage its bad for the RV industry when this happens... As for someone holding my deposit, I think I would rather hold my money, but then again I don't put down deposits on RV's nor Trucks nor cars..... Happy Trails.....