Lifestyle RV - RV-Dreams Community Forum

travlingman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lifestyle RV

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've not seen any in person yet. I'm not even sure whether any of the RV dealers here in the Oklahoma City area are even carrying them. I highly suggest that you look at the frames of each one of interest. Much of that information can be found online. Redwoods concern me because their website and brochures state that they have a 12-in "main" frame and a 10-inch "drop" frame. If the "drop" frame is that part that the most of the coach is attached, including the heavy kitchen items, then I have my doubts that a 10-inch frame is enough. I haven't looked at Landmark yet, but the Lifestyle showed a "double-box" 12-inch frame while the Mobile Suites and Elite Suites models from DRV Suites have "triple-box" 15-inch frames.

Also, look at suspension, axles and wheels as those items and the frames make up the very foundation of the RV.

Terry

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

In my opinion Terry is giving you good advice. The FIRST thing to look at in candidate RVs is the infrastructure. Anyone can add "flash", but you need good infrastructure or you will have lots of issues down the road. Start there and then look at the amenities. And remember, a bargain priced RV is probably just that....a cheap RV. There is no magic here, you can't get high quality at cheap prices - it is all about tradeoffs. And trading off infrastructure is not a good plan, IMO.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

congradulations!!!!!!...................sounds like you have selected a nice upgrade....hope to see you out there and please keep us all informed on your new unit ,I looked one up on line and am impressed with it!!!!!

http://www.guaranty.com/content/2013-lifestyle-luxury-rv-lifestyle-ls36fw

nice luxury line

Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Thursday 20th of September 2012 06:10:31 PM

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Thursday 20th of September 2012 08:21:44 PM

vairman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well let me put it this way, we have a 2011 Cameo and when my wife walked into the Lifestyle, she totally fell in love with the improvements. She loved the new interior design elements and I was extremely impressed with the engineering improvements. Slideouts have been the achilles heel of the Cameo's in the later years. They have changed the mechanism and this engineer thinks that they did it right. It is much more of a fulltime unit now. They offer 8K axles and 17.5" wheels. (I went with the 8k Mor/Ryde IS system and disk brakes)

So we ended up ordering one with the same floorplan that we have now but with all of the options that I wish we had ordered in 2011. So we are new Lifestyle owners. We should pick it up in late November!

travlingman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Had a rep from Lifestyle contact me today. He had been working the show this week and had tried earlier to call me but couldn't reach me. After talking for a few minutes, I am interested in finding out more. Told me there were alot of inprovements in this rig from a Cameo. Looks like they have brought things that were only available in the Carri-Lite to it. Have more info on the way, build sheet, etc. One thing hurting me is lack of a dealer near me. Nearest dealer 400 miles away, but that could be changing to. Was told they have new dealers coming on line, hopefully one will be within a couple hour drive. Do like the price point from what I have seen, looks good price for what is offered if the build quality is there.

vairman, congrats on the new rig, let us know how it goes when it arrives.

vairman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, we have had our Lifestyle for about 3 months including camping in weather in the 30's and 40's. The fit and finish on the unit is wonderful. The only issue that we have found is some (2) of the soft close drawers are opening while in travel mode. We are still in the workforce (2 years,22 days but who is counting) so we have been limited to a trip to FL and some local weekends without hookups but so far we are very pleased with the 5er. I will keep you all updated as we use it more.

BTW, the frame is made in house and they have strengthened it more over the pin than the Carriage Cameos. They are all double boxed steel.

James and Cindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mark, We will be at the Houston rv show looking hard at this brand. Lifestyle Rv has most of what we are looking for in a rig. We really like their floorplans. I think they may be the only fiver with a 30' slide. I like the access doors on the bottom to get to the different systems. Also like the rear basement storage. I like that they make the frames in house. Will be meeting a factory rep with a list of questions we have. I do wish it came with bigger holding tanks for boondocking.

James

vairman · RV-Dreams Family Member

James, good luck in your research. We have been extremely happy with the Lifestyle. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Mark

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jo,

This is just a quick reply, basically to your comments as I've not actually looked at one of the Lifestyle units. I have mostly heard good things, but your reference to the axles being 7000 lb axles concerns me. Based on your description of what you've seen of the construction, you will want to verify what the GVWR weight is on the unit. Usually, the 7000 lb axles are on lighter units and lighter units tend to have lighter construction. The MorRyde suspension is a good thing though.

I'll try to do some more looking and see if I can't find out more for you. In all honesty, you have to be the one to verify that a unit is good for you. In spite of what a salesman says, do more research. If you remember, when I went to check out the Dynamax Trilogy, that salesman didn't know squat about the Trilogy. Unfortunately in my case, I think the same dealer carries the Lifestyle here in Oklahoma City. If that is true, I'll have to look closely at everything.

While it might sound good to hear that Evergreen has started building the Lifestyle and that some of the Carriage employees went to work there, none of us know anything about who those employees were nor their level of expreince and the jobs they do. Evergreen does seem to have a good reputation, so that may be a good thing.

There are some interesting things going on in the industry. Evergreen bought the rights to the Carriage line at auction, but at the same time, Carriage is getting started back up at Redwood, which is owned by Thor. In the past, I've had a concern about Redwood's drop frame only being a 10" frame while the rest is 12 inches. Hopefully, the Carriage line will still prove to be a good unit for full-timers. I think most all of us would prefer that the manufacturers all build quality products in order to encourage more innovations by all manufacturers.

EDIT: While I couldn't find what I wanted on Lifestyle's website, a dealer listed the model you were interested in at about 16600 lbs GVWR. (That was obtained by adding the listed dry weight with the listed cargo carrying capacity.) That weight might be alright with the 7000 lb axles, but I'm a bit leary of it right now, at least until I can research more. By comparison, our Mobile Suites, which is the same length as the Lifestyle model of your interest, is only about 2000 lbs heavier, at 18,500 lbs, but it is on 8000 lb axles.

Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 9th of February 2013 10:33:29 PM

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

We, too, went to the Houston RV show yesterday. We actually went to take a closer look at the DRVs and, guess what?!? There was not one DRV to be found. So, we walked around and, guess what?!? We came across a Lifestyle LS37IK. OH MY GOSH! We absolutely FELL IN LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! The Lifestyle rep, Todd Hahn, took us all around this gorgeous 5er and spent a LOT of time (did I say 3 hours?) with us. He showed us the workings, the makings, all the bells and whistles, etc. It was a fantastic learning experience and I do believe we are sold. For those of you who don't 'know' me/us, we are not yet full timers as we are caregivers for my husbands elderly aunt. Until our time comes to hit the road, I am doing my homework so we are well prepared. I believe in planning!!! I can't say enough good things about the Lifestyle product. Furthering my research, I was looking in the brochure and saw the LS36FW that Mark purchased. (The FW stands for "full wall".) That floor plan is even BETTER than the one we saw! The washer/dryer is in the hallway, freeing up space in the closet. The LS36FW also has two entries into the bathroom... one from the hallway and one from the bedroom. I like this because it opens up the space more. And, this unit has built-ins all the way across the bedroom wall, with the TV above the large window with cabinets on either side. What I also like is the kitchen layout!!! The LS37IK has the sink in the island, but the sink in the LS36FW is in the back counter, leaving the island as a solid surface. There is also a window in kitchen (which I absolute LOVE) on both of these units, and the storage is quite ample, especially in the corner space. It's very deep. Additionally, there is a pantry with pull-out shelves, doors and drawers in the island, and an additional wardrobe in the hall next to the W/D closet. The drawers are self-closing.

Aside from how beautiful and beautifully appointed these units are, the construction is superb! Terry, I think you will be very happy with it. It is NOT a Lippert frame. Lifestyle engineers and builds their own frames in-house. The drop-down area of the frame appears to be built super strong. Further, for those of you who are not aware, Lifestyle warranties their units for 24 months on the bells and whistles, and 60 months (5 years) on the structure. (Something like this.) AND, it is sold and warrantied for FULL-TIMING!

In addition to the 'pretty', the Lifestyle offers pass-through storage in the BACK which can be accessed from the back as well as the side. I've already decided my husband can have the big basement, I will claim the basement in the back.

We plan to boondock so the size of the fresh water tank is extremely important. I was looking for around 100 +/- gallons; however, the Lifestyle has an 84 gallon fresh water tank, so I'm good with that. The black/grey tanks are excellent sizes, as well.

The units are full-body paint. The letters "Lifestyle" are raised letters, but should not pose any problems. The huge decals on the front of many other 5ers are problems, though, IMHO... from what I've seen!!

Different than the way a lot of 5ers are built nowadays, the Lifestyle walls are built in layers with several layers consisting of wood, fiberglass insulation (glued to the wood), and other materials, with 16" (I believe) aluminum centers. (See their online brochure for detailed information.) What is so nice is the "R" ratings... R37 for the roof, R16 for the walls, R37 for the floors, and R16 for the slide-out floors. I failed to ask if the roof was fiberglass or rubber. AND, the wheel well is not part of the slide out.

The Lifestyle also comes with the Mor-Ryde hitch (sp?), Big Foot automatic leveling system, 2-7,000 axles (can be upgraded to 8,000 lbs.), and "G" rated tires. Oh, and even though the awning(s) are rolled up in a protective cover, Lifestyle has an "H" shaped rubber squeegy-type material across the top of each slideout that automatically removes debris as it is brought in. I questioned how well it worked and was told it worked very well (of course). So, this eliminates the need for slide awnings.

I am really stoked about Lifestyle. Even though they are only a year old, Evergreen has put their money behind them and Lifestyle has made great strides in just one year. This company was started up by some of the crew who worked for Carriage prior to going out of business. So, my thoughts are... if this was not a strong, serious, and up and coming company, Evergreen (who has been around a while) would not be backing them financially... I wouldn't think!

Fiinally, Lifestyle offers FRAMELESS Hahr (?) windows... even on the side of the slideouts! I believe the double pane frameless windows are extra.

Over all, just a fantastic unit with everything we liked... and more, not to mention extremely well-built. I encourage anyone who is interested to take a look at Lifestyle RVs. If Lucky Mike was impressed, well, I'm impressed!!! Can anyone add anything?

All thoughts and comments are welcomed... even yours, Terry!!!

vairman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our Lifestyle has a 19,340 lb GVW. It has 8K axles with the Mor/Ryde IS system. This leaves me with over a 3,500 lb CCC. The 8K axles and/or the IS system is an option not the stock.

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

The Lifestyle LS36FW is the same unit that Carriage had but was under the CarriLite 36MAX1. One reason for only 7k axles is the pinweight is 3500lb from the factory. The Carrilite version has a 17500gvwr with the same setup.
Its a great floor plan. We love the big slide and the fact that all the floor space hogging stuff is in it- washer/dryer, most of the kitchen, closets, and entertainment system is all in the same slide.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

We were really impressed when we saw the Lifestyle units at Guaranty RV at the Fall Rally. The 2013's look even better from the brochure. Love reading comments of those who have seen them and from those who have them, as well as the comments of caution from others.

Sherry

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I knew why I guess I just don't see the importance.Like you said there are likely facilities to be used or as we did to access our dining table if we stopped for lunch we just put the slide out a foot or so and ate without taking up too much room at where ever we stopped.

-- Edited by Racerguy on Sunday 10th of February 2013 09:59:10 PM

James and Cindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just got back home from the Houston show. Got to spend time with fellow rv dreamers, Greg and Jean Munoz. The show was a disappointment not many higher end fivers. We also spent time with Todd learning more about the Lifestyle. Terry , there are options for 8000 lb axles with 17.5 Goodyear H rated tires. They have a lift option for pulling with 4 wheel drive trucks. Led package and residential refrigerator with magnum pure-sine inverter. Dishwasher is also available. We also like the MCD day night shades. Todd said if I send the wire for the solar panels they will pull them to roof. That way I get the wire size I want. If I want a larger inverter they will also install for difference in price. They will also pull the wire for a roof mount Sat. dish. He said they use no Lippert products in the construction. Frames are built in house using USA steel. I think we like the 37IK better. It has more storage in the front basement. The bathroom is a little larger. The only negative for us is not accessing the bedroom with the slide in. They have a new body paint that really looks good. It seems they are adding new things and not every option is listed. If there is something you want you can ask. You can get a built in safe and Mor/ryde IS with disc brakes. These are not listed yet.

James

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree, James. The Houston show truly was a disappointment! When we finished visiting with Todd and going all over the Lifestyle, we just left. Did not feel like killing any more time when there was really nothing else that piqued our interest. As far as not being able to get into the bathroom with the slides in, I probably could, but my DH probably could not. Being able to access the bathroom with the slides in is important to us, as well. But, even if you/me/I pull over to use the RR, can't the slide be slid out just enough to get through? Is that a problem? I seriously don't know is why I'm asking. On the other hand, a walk-through bathroom would eliminate a separate closet for the W/D in the hallway which would then mean we would have to lose closet space. Todd did mention they are working on "something else" (floor plan), but what that "something else" is and when it might be out is still up in the air. We'll see. And, it's really good to know Lifestyle is willing to pull wiring/cabling, etc. James, did you happen to take note of the wiring? If so, what did you think?

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've never understood why accessing the Bathroom with the slides in was so important that for that reason you would eliminate an RV.You will spend way more time with the slides out than with them in.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

George,

Many think that they really need to have their bathroom accessible should they need to stop while driving and use the facilities. I've mentioned a couple of times that we are all more likely to spend time in the RV with slides out than traveling with them in. And, should we have to stop for a bathroom, there are lots of convenience stores and truck stops with enough room to park an RV for a time.

I can't speak to all floorplans, but most of the DRV side bathoom units like ours have the washer and dryer in the bedroom slide, thus putting those appliances in their own compartment, not in a closet. Plus, the bathroom space is a lot larger, at least in ours.

One other thing, which may not be a big thing at all, but the Carri-lite had a single huge slide on the off door side in one of their floorplans, much like the floor plan of one of the Lifestyle RV's. I occasionally wonder if there are any problems with the operation of that large slide. So far, I've not found anyone that had that floorplan to ask about it.

Terry

TheHarveys · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have a Carri-Lite 36MAX1 with the full wall slide. In answer to Terry's question, (One other thing, which may not be a big thing at all, but the Carri-lite had a single huge slide on the off door side in one of their floorplans, much like the floor plan of one of the Lifestyle RV's. I occasionally wonder if there are any problems with the operation of that large slide. So far, I've not found anyone that had that floorplan to ask about it.), we have not had any issue with the full wall slide. It is engineered very strong. I have heard of some folks having issues with them, but there seem to be more issues with the other slide-outs than with the full wall one.
The one difference between the Carri-Lite full wall slide and the Lifestyle and/or the Cameo 36FWS is the extra slide-out in the bedroom on the Carri-lite. The bed slides out opposite the full wall slide, making the bedroom larger and allowing a desk and office area in the bedroom. My wife and I really liked that option, as a desk right under/beside the TV did not seem to make sense to us as I sometimes find myself having to work from the road. If we had the desk in the living room, right under the TV, then everyone else in the trailer would have to do something else while I was working, assuming I wanted to use the desk as a "desk" and not the dining table as a desk.
The other thing that we really like about this floorplan is the bed is not visible from the hallway. In many floorplans, looking up the hallway into the bedroom, the bed is clearly visible.
Of course, these things are all subjective, but this floorplan works for us and we love it.

-- Edited by TheHarveys on Monday 11th of February 2013 07:57:16 AM

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would just prefer to use my own "facilities" rather than some of the nasty places I've seen/been to!

vairman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our Lifestyle 36FW (full wall has been flawless). We had a 2011 Cameo with the Full Wall Slide and while we had some problems with the Door side smaller slide, we had no issues with the Full Wall Slide. I think part of the reason is the the FWS only extends 18-20 inches as compared to the smaller slides that go out much further.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Cindy and Jeff - Mark and Catherine,

Thanks for those answers. Back when we were researching for ours, the full wall interested us, but we never got any answers as to whether there were problems. We ultimately went with DRV's Mobile Suites, mostly because Carriage wouldn't do any kind of custom mod for us, even on a special order unit.

Terry

drillking · RV-Dreams Community Member

Got our new Lifestyle LS37cksl on June 17th. We like it so far! To soon to tell, no problems so far. Pulled it from Alb,NM to Moab, UT on its first outing, had to buy a DRW after I got it here!

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Enjoy the cool weather in Moab.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill - cool weather in MOAB??? You've got to be kidding with this heat wave we're suffering under.

To address some of the other comments, we looked at the Lifestyle 5th wheels, we liked what we saw, but in the end chose a pre-owned DRV (2010 model) and felt like we got more for the amount we spent.

Regarding the comments on the bathroom accessibility with the slides in, we agree, we'll spend far more time in our rig with the slides out vs. in. Our biggest concern is specific situations, one of which is coming up this weekend. We do an art show which requires a ferry ride to Whidbey Island WA. There's absolutely no way to put a slide out while waiting in line for the ferry. We're planning to go over earlier than we have historically and hoping it won't be an issue. In past years, it's been nice to use our own facilities while waiting in a 2+ hour line to board the ferry. Won't be an option this year with the new rig, so we'll see if it's really an issue. Might have to limit the coffee intake on ferry travel days!!

drillking · RV-Dreams Community Member

Weather in Moab the last two weeks have been 101 to 109! Our lifestyle layout, ls37cksl, allows access to the fridge and bathroom.

boywonder · RV-Dreams Community Member

Any new Lifestyle owners or old Carriage owners, invite you to join the Carriage-Lifestyle-Owners.com Owners Forum & Club. Lots of good info and friendly members.

jcordar2 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lifestyle is on our short list as well, hoping to see one at Hershey. We liked the 37cksl, the 371k and the 36fw. Also considering DRV 38RSSB3, Excel 36GKM, Forest River Cardinal 3850RL, Grand Design 369RL and Heartland Grand Canyon, Big Country 3450 TS and Big Horn 3685RL. I've spent a couple hundred hours researching manufacturers, floor plans and comments from various forums. New Horizons is most likely out of our budget, and a DRV would definitely be a pre owned coach. I'm struggling right now with narrowing down the list. Hopefully going to Hershey will help! I love the new Landmark 365 but DH wants to stay under 40'. We are purchasing the 5er first and then will choose the appropriate tow vehicle. 2016 is our target date. I would be interested in anyones thoughts or comments on the various manuf

/floor plans. I've had a great time searching for our next home! Our S&B has already sold and we are currently renting a house and getting rid of all of our accumulated "stuff" while I take care of my elderly mother. Ive really appreciated the forum and all of the information I have received from you experienced full timers!

Jane

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Why is it you wish to stay under 40'? I'd pick the coach that works for you, then the tow vehicle that works for the coach (and any future coach). I would not really consider length UNLESS you have specific needs for a short coach.

Ask your DH this...."What is the difference between driving a 38' 5er and a 42' 5er"? The answer is "nothing of significance". My advice would be not not create artificial and arbitrary barriers to selection.

jcordar2 · RV-Dreams Family Member

OK! I'll take your advice and try that with him!!

DreamerBob · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree completely with Jack. While rig lengths over 28 feet or 35 feet sometimes poses limitations at state and national parks, I can't think of anything that would restrict or limit a 42 footer that wouldn't limit a 37 footer as well. We've had a 37 foot 2009 Carriage Cameo 37RE3 for 5 years and absolutely love it still. Its big enough for us, but if I were to buy another rig, I'd look long and hard at a bigger rig just so we could have a king size bed. I'd have no misgivings whatsoever about going larger. Buy something that you'd love living in - the rest will work itself out. Just make sure that your truck is suitable for the rig that you buy.

Our Cameo has been incredibly reliable. Couldn't be happier. Did have one problem - the front lift mechanism was underpowered from day one and ended up failing. Probably because we have a generator that adds more weight to the front. I replaced the system with a dual motor mechanism, and it now works fine. In later years they equipped them with Bigfoot lifters which people seem to love.

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

What Jack said x2! Go big or go home!! biggrin 38 ft vs 42 ft isn't much. So if the floorplan that would really suit you is in a 42' rig, I'd absolutely go for that.

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Go big..my 43 footer is way too small for me.. but after 43'.. prices get crazy..

And even when the tow rig is suitable... they still blow up.. lol.. There was a thread about extended warrantees being a waste of money.. Well, I will get back most of the cost in just this tranny issue travel insurance portion of the warranty..( tranny would have been covered under the new car warranty )

have a 1 ton blew it's tranny pulling 10k.. running cross country..

jcordar2 · RV-Dreams Family Member

DH says "OK" so I'm back to searching for my perfect home on wheels and won't be limited by length! (just price!!)

Jane

HighwayRanger · RV-Dreams Family Member

The main reason for us to restrict the length of a fulltime fifth wheel is that we don't want to trigger the need for a truck larger than a DRW 1-ton. If we go with a fiver, I would like to keep the weight under about 19K. Much more than that and I will not be comfortable with only having a dually. That's a personal preference for me, and I know there are lots of 20K+ trailers being towed with duallys out there. The only other way to restrict weight is to go cheap, and that's not an option for a fulltime rig, IMHO. So we are confining our research to 38-39' lengths, of which Lifestyle is currently #1 on our short list (largely due to their avoidance of Lippert components.)

YMMV,

Roy

-- Edited by HighwayRanger on Tuesday 26th of August 2014 09:26:09 PM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

HighwayRanger wrote:
The main reason for us to restrict the length of a fulltime fifth wheel is that we don't want to trigger the need for a truck larger than a DRW 1-ton. If we go with a fiver, I would like to keep the weight under about 19K. Much more than that and I will not be comfortable with only having a dually. That's a personal preference for me, and I know there are lots of 20K+ trailers being towed with duallys out there. The only other way to restrict weight is to go cheap, and that's not an option for a fulltime rig, IMHO. So we are confining our research to 38-39' lengths, of which Lifestyle is currently #1 on our short list (largely due to their avoidance of Lippert components.)

YMMV,

Roy

-- Edited by HighwayRanger on Tuesday 26th of August 2014 09:26:09 PM

I would like to touch on Roy's comment about Lippert. From what I've been told, Lippert has what I would refer to as "stock" frames that a manufacturer can choose from, and they also build frames to the specifications of manufacturers. I would suspect that stock frames might have more of a problem than what "manufacturer-specified" frames are.

For instance, DRV Suites has Lippert build their frames to DRV's specs and since I've been on the various forums (including two DRV specific forum sites), I've only heard of one instance where DRV's 15", triple-box frame failed in any way. A factory rep told me about that instance and said it was likely due to the owner of that rig overloading it. As most here know, the DRV's definitely are heavier units, so it seems that those frames aren't as susceptible as stock frames would be.

Terry

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Having the right truck to pull any trailer is the appropriate position to take.

In the past, one ton trucks and what I call "super pickups" like the F450/550 or the C5500 could pull fairly large trailers but were pretty challenged inthe 23K range. The newer pickups (read 2015) and super pickups can easily handle (by specification) these 23K trailers. Now, one may not be "comfortable" doing so, but that is the buyers choice.

A 23K trailer can be pulled with a super pickup just fine, if you believe manufacturers specifications. Anyone that wants to have a discussion on alternatives and benefits to superpickups can start a new thread or ask me individually.

HighwayRanger · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, I don't want to hijack this thread, but since it involves Lifestyle RV's frame choice, I guess it is appropriate. I've heard that same explanation about Lippert supplying stock and custom frames. I've just heard WAY too many horror stories about Lippert components (mostly frame issues) that if there is an alternative supplier, I would prefer to avoid Lippert. That is why I appreciate having Lifestyle to look at. DRV is also on our short list, but the chosen frame manufacturer knocks them down a peg in my opinion. And yes, I've heard of many problems even with manufacturer-specified designs made by Lippert. One respected brand used Lippert alongside another frame maker, and the difference in problems encountered was off the charts with the Lippert-equipped fivers. That was a side-by-side comparison, and it was revealing. I have also heard negative comments about several of their other components. Perhaps they are too big for their quality-control britches?

Anyway, that's just my .02 after many years of studying manufacturers and owners opinions of these rigs.

Regards,

Roy

-- Edited by HighwayRanger on Wednesday 27th of August 2014 08:55:20 PM

-- Edited by HighwayRanger on Wednesday 27th of August 2014 08:56:24 PM

Glenn West · RV-Dreams Family Member

lippert builds all their chassis to the manufactures specs. If it is too light and not braced well enough, not Lippert fault. DRV chassis are practically unheard of ever having a problem. Chassis is built to DRV's specs.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

HighwayRanger wrote:
...One respected brand used Lippert alongside another frame maker, and the difference in problems encountered was off the charts with the Lippert-equipped fivers. That was a side-by-side comparison, and it was revealing...

Can you tell us the name of the respected manufacturer and can you cite the side by side compare you are referring to (or at least give a link to additional researchable data) so the rest of us newbies and more experienced RV buyers can make a better, more informed decision?

Brian

HighwayRanger · RV-Dreams Family Member

Brian, it was the NuWa HitchHiker brand, and they used both the Lippert and the Youngs Welding frames side by side for several years. You can search the NuWa Owners Forum for more dialog about stress cracks, poor-quality welding and flex, etc, none of which were specified by NuWa, Glenn. The easiest way to learn more from multiple forums, is to Google: "lippert frame flex." There is a wealth of info there.

Roy

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

I did a Google search. WOW!

Regarding the Lifestyle frame, check this out:

http://www.rvbusiness.com/2014/06/video-1-lifestyle-rvs-titan-structure-frame/

Glenn West · RV-Dreams Family Member

HighwayRanger wrote:
Brian, it was the NuWa HitchHiker brand, and they used both the Lippert and the Youngs Welding frames side by side for several years. You can search the NuWa Owners Forum for more dialog about stress cracks, poor-quality welding and flex, etc, none of which were specified by NuWa, Glenn. The easiest way to learn more from multiple forums, is to Google: "lippert frame flex." There is a wealth of info there.

Roy

Still frame flex is not a quality issue. It is an engineering issue. Not enough bracing, too light material, etc. Manufacturers spec this out. Lippert builds more chassis for rvs than anyone else. Most are good units. My DRV had a Lippert chassis. Never an issue and we loaded it heavy. We're full time.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Since we've gotten onto the issue of Lippert (vs Lifestyle's) frames, with regards to the internet responses to frame failures, I wonder if any of those issues are related to the owners of the RV's overloading their trailers?

More than once, humans have had the tendency to blame others for their own mistakes.

I only mention this so that readers can be aware that not all internet information is correct.

Terry

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry and Jo wrote:
Since we've gotten onto the issue of Lippert (vs Lifestyle's) frames, with regards to the internet responses to frame failures, I wonder if any of those issues are related to the owners of the RV's overloading their trailers?
More than once, humans have had the tendency to blame others for their own mistakes.
I only mention this so that readers can be aware that not all internet information is correct.
Terry

I'd add that it isn't always complete either.

Brian

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Could be the roads too.. Pretty rough out there..

HighwayRanger · RV-Dreams Family Member

And lets not forget that Lifestyle is a newer brand, and the jury is still out on how durable the Lifestyle chassis will be. But, there is an overwhelming sentiment across many boards and relative to many Lippert products, that they are inferior components. That's all. And it is persuasive enough for me to prefer to avoid Lippert components. Your own experience may dictate otherwise. In the mean time, I'll use my best judgment when making a fulltime RV purchase. In this sense, I'd rather take a chance on a Lifestyle or another brand rather than roll the dice on a coach that I have concerns about. Heck, maybe I'll just get a motorhome! smile

Roy

-- Edited by HighwayRanger on Friday 29th of August 2014 08:20:14 PM

Regnum4st · RV-Dreams Community Member

Just ordered an LS36FW based mainly upon the integrity of the frame. 2 days later, sales rep calls to say that the new president of Evergreen has decided that Lifestyle will cease building their tube frames in house and go to Lippert frames used in AlfaGold, Bay Hill and other Evergreen products. All becuase of money and commonality of parts needed for all products.

Needless to say I was quite upset as was my sales rep as Lifestyle has been marketed to everyone as a product with a better foundation (2 full pages in their brochure proclaiming all the advantages of their in-house built and independently certified frame). We are fortunate in that there is one under construction now which fits almost all our desired options and, most importantly, the current but soon to be changed box tube frame.

We are excited about getting our Lifestyle which will be paired with a 2016 F350 Dually.

PD CFK · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sad, very sad

I'm wondering what's the RV work history of this new president of Lifestyle. Pat K