Lifestyle RV - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lifestyle RV

HighwayRanger · RV-Dreams Family Member

HighwayRanger wrote:
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!

Roy

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

Despite my Lippert allergy, we went ahead and purchased a DRV Mobile Suite. Fingers are crossed! I'm bummed to hear that Lifestyle is moving away from building their own frame. I probably should have grabbed one of their pre-Lippert trailers.

But I'm now all-in with this DRV, and I'm going to assume that both DRV and Lippert built this thing well. Time will tell!

Roy

Regnum4st · RV-Dreams Community Member

Best of luck with the DRV. Keep us posted, and I will do the same re: Lifestyle. Thank you Terry for your cogent reply.

Regnum4st · RV-Dreams Community Member

We picked up our 2016 LS36FW last Wednesday in Junction City, OR and took it to a nearby RV park for a few days to "break in" (I think us more than the RV as we are newbies).

So far so good. We are very pleased with it. Just a couple of issues: screen door does not latch shut properly and grey tank flush valve does not close smoothly (have to push through an obstruction of some kind, but it closes). Dealer will check it out when we return to swap out dishwasher for pegged storage drawer.

We were lucky to get the last (or one of the last) Titan frames - a unit was in process of being built when we ordered in late August, so we got some extra freebies not on our order list such as the dish washer, 8000 lb. axles, and tankless water heater (runs fine so far).

We have several "get acquainted" trips planned to iron things out before extended travels all over. We'll add the dog next trip, then introduce the cat.

One question: We park the fifth wheel at a secure place next to a local RV park since our hill is too steep and curvy to negotiate. They have 15 amp service per every two spots. I used a 50 to30 dogleg and a 30-15 plug to access the post just to keep batteries charged. Is this enough to keep 2 Interstate 12 Volt batteries from losing charge over two to four week intervals between trips? Would it be better to simply unhook the batteries and bring them home and store in our garage? Battery tender?

Appreciate any and all answers.

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

That SHOULD be enough, but you will probably want to monitor it. If I read you correctly, your arrangement is something like this:

Coach #1 15A outlet Coach #2 Coach #3 15A outlet Coach #4 etc.

If coach #1 is drawing 14A, that only leaves 1A for coach#2. As soon as coach#2 starts drawing more than 1A, off goes the breaker. If everyone limits their electrical draw to just a small battery charger/maintainer, all will be fine. The problems start when someone wants to keep the refrigerator on as well, or an electric heater, etc.

Are you sure that it is 15A service? If there is a breaker by the outlet you can easily tell. If not, look at the outlet itself. You may be able to read whether it is 15 or 20A. Of course, the outlet can say 20A, but if 14ga wire is behind it it is really only 15A.

Taking the batteries home is more work, but then you know that they are charged. Also, they will be available when you want to take your next trip, rather that having gone for a ride with a stranger.

Regnum4st · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks. I'll check it out. You did read me correctly regarding the chain, and we are far down the chain.

PD CFK · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sad that Lifestyle changed their frame to Lippert. Wonder if that new frame will be built to previous specs or just another Lippert frame. That would change a lot about the Lifestyle; less storage room, for sure! Don't know what to expect of the new Lifestyles. We drug our feet on buying a Lifestyle and probably will not do that now. Still content with our Carriage. So, not to worry. Pat K

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

I put in a request for info from Gary Stanley at Lifestyle, seeing as their brochures do not have any info on the changes that Forrest has indicated have occurred. We would be sad to see the loss of specs that have put the LifestyleLuxury line on our radar. Hopefully they are having Lippert build to their Titan spec though evidence so far suggests that may not be so.

I see that LifestyleLuxury has picked up the SideHauler floorplan from the AlfaGold line, we like that spare room but would prefer the longer 3905 version vs the 3705.

Brian

Regnum4st · RV-Dreams Community Member

You can be pretty certain that the new Lifestyles will not have a boxtube frame like DRV or the recent Lifestyles. They are going to use the same frame as the AlfaGolds and BayHills that they have been producing. No more Full Wall slide as the Lippert frames cannot support them. In other words the entire line has been cheapened in order to streamline production and sell more units because price will decrease somewhat making it more affordable to more people.

I guess they determined that there were not enough buyers in the 100K to 130K range to make ends meet.

Yes, it is a shame. I am thankful we got in just before the door slammed shut!

RodandVal · RV-Dreams Community Member

biggaRView wrote:
I put in a request for info from Gary Stanley at Lifestyle, seeing as their brochures do not have any info on the changes that Forrest has indicated have occurred. We would be sad to see the loss of specs that have put the LifestyleLuxury line on our radar. Hopefully they are having Lippert build to their Titan spec though evidence so far suggests that may not be so.
I see that LifestyleLuxury has picked up the SideHauler floorplan from the AlfaGold line, we like that spare room but would prefer the longer 3905 version vs the 3705.
Brian

I believe Jim Kaylor is the new eastern regional sales manager for LifeStyle and BayHill. He Has replaced Steve Holland who was in that position. I worked with him on doing my upgrades to the BayHill 375RE we ordered. I got LifeStyle 8K axles with disc brakes, Goodyear H rated tires on all rims with the spare also being aluminum alloy,heat pumps on both A/C's. I ordered 1 week ago with end of December delivery. Really was hoping for earlier but could not order any earlier due to finances. I agree that the frame must not be as strong since all full length slide units are now "Dealer only stock"

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lifestyle has just updated their luxury line of RVs, here's link

http://www.lifestylelrv.com/files/2016/Final_Lifestyle_111715.pdf

They have added the 395 side hauler which is the same floor plan as the AlfaGold 3905SH which we were interested in. Now we have to find out about the chassis frame (need more details on the "Titan 2.0") and suspension options. The brochure doesn't talk much about it, so that is a concern. May have to do a aftermarket upgrade.

Brian

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

I believe it has the 12" I-beam Lippert. At one time there was a MorRyde IS option for suspension. That may have changed when Lifestyle changed the frames.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yeah, I'm not holding my breath that the Mor/ryde IS made it through to the new iteration. cry

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

MorRyde is in the $2500 an axle with the disc brake upgrade. $5000 or so total.
We've been debating trading homes around and have done a fair amount of pricing. If the Lifestyle has the Lippert rubber suspension system, there is an easy upgrade to the Center Point suspension. It's about an $1800 upgrade and can be easily done.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Whatever rig we eventually decide on, the suspension upgrade ( if not on the future rig at the time of purchase) is on our list things we are setting money aside for... so even though $5000 sounds like a lot, spread out over the time frame are are looking at, it is a manageable and worthwhile thing, IMHO.

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

When purchasing a new rig, I recommend getting everything you want and/or need on it before signing on the dotted line. This way, you get the percentage off MSRP and don't have to pay retail after the fact. Something to think about. Also, Lifestyle is no longer building their Titan frame in-house. They are using Lippert frames on everything.

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

"When purchasing a new rig, I recommend getting everything you want and/or need on it before signing on the dotted line." And before you do, listen to the suggestions of the dealer. They may know of packages that will get you what you want for less.

Our neighbor here is in a 2016 Bighorn. As I was admiring it, he told me that it has several things on it that he didn't think he wanted/needed. The dealer asked if he could run a comparison, and the neighbor agreed. End result is that he has about $5000 worth of extras for about $500 more than what he originally figured he would pay. He and his wife are very happy they listened to the dealer.

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes, David. I agree. And there is oftentimes a "special build" list that most dealers don't even know about. That's why I think it's important to take a factory tour and have the rep there sit down and put together a MSRP. Take that MSRP and email it to several dealers to get the best price, comparing apples-to-apples. If you buy from a dealer close to the manufacturer and you travel to that dealer to pick up your RV, you can not only save on transport fees, but you can save a lot of time, as well. There is always a shortage of transport drivers which means delays in long distance delivery. Not to mention that delivery charges are expensive because the manufacturers are having to pay higher rates to attract transport drivers. Just another tid-bit of valuable information, especially to those of you who have never been down this road before... pardon the pun!

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

For us, the RV building capital of the world is only a couple of hours away by car. We'll definitely be taking some tours and talking to reps as you suggest. Good thing we have time on our side as 3 times we have scheduled a visit on one factory or another, including the Lifestyle facilities only to have them thwarted by weather or other circumstances. Eventually we'll get there. Looking forward t it as it feels like we'll have an entire advisory team working offence and defence for us... how can we lose. biggrin smile wink Great tips everybody.

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

Brian, keep in mind that this is the time of year when manufacturers are closing out the 2016 models in preparation for the 2016.5 models. What does that mean? SOME manufacturers are simply finishing up the final 2016 models and, consequently, not a lot goes on until they "retool" for the new floor plans. Just be aware of that. Might be good to ask where production stands when you call to schedule your tour.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

biggaRView wrote:
Yeah, I'm not holding my breath that the Mor/ryde IS made it through to the new iteration.

Brian:

Things can change, but keep in mind that Lifestyle and MOR/ryde are about a 15 – 20 minute haul between each other. So having the MOR/ryde IS installed is not a big issue for Lifestyle in that respect. It’s a relatively easy installation and when we were discussing a Lifestyle having MOR/ryde put on the IS was not a big deal to them - then. But things do change. Regardless, assuming you’re going to travel a bit getting the IS is well worth the money, in our opinion. On the same trailer we went from a “center point” type suspension to the IS. The difference was daylight and dark as to the quality of the trailer’s ride and impact on the tow vehicle’s ride as well.

There is nothing “special” about a Lippert or any other frame that would preclude putting an IS on. However, Lippert could have “required” Lifestyle to use the Lippert suspension system as part of a package cost deal if you follow me. This is not unusual and I’ve seen it in the past. Naturally you could get the least expensive Lippert suspension Lifestyle offers and drive the 15 minutes to MOR/ryde and have the IS installed – reusing the disc brakes and hubs, etc. You don’t have to replace everything when the suspension is upgraded. This is not as big a deal, albeit at a cost, as it might seem. I’ve seen people with brand new trailers - one day old – having this done at MOR/ryde.

Food for thought as you research.

Bill

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Bill. That was indeed the course of action we would be following should the Lifestyle become the choice for our "Big House" TM biggrin . We really like the floorplan of the LS395SH but the proof will be in the actual walkthrough of a unit. If it's not available as an option or not so equipped if we select an older rig no matter what we end up with we'll be making the trip to Mor/Ryde. As it turns out we are already piling up money for that upgrade among others. So we aren't too worried about the cost... seems well worth it as you and others say. I'm firm believer in the axiom "Do it right the first time."

Brian

JonRV · RV-Dreams Family Member

Saw complaints about the drawers opening during driving on a few other sites. If that's the only issue it looks like a great rig!