What would you like to know about New Horizons? Take a look at my website for more insight to the construction. And take a look at THIS VIDEO for a quick tour.  I'm happy to answer any questions.

 

You might also find the build album for my 2015 interesting. There is a lot of "construction detail" in it.  LINK  There are comments on the pictures....these comments are best viewed on a PC, not a phone or tablet.

-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Wednesday 10th of September 2014 09:47:15 AM

We took a tour in May of the factory that builds Lifestyle. Full time unit. Frame built in-house. No Lippert components. 

Just saw the new Horizon at the Hershey show.
WOW!!! What a difference from everything else.
Sticker shock!!! Yes but you can real see the difference.

Very disappointed in what I saw from DRV. They have really cheapened up there trailer.
The hartland landmark ( Ashland) looked just as good for much less than the DRV.
I was very surprised.
Getting some rest and then back to the show.
Our 3 am start to get here is catching up to me.

Bob, Remember that you can get an automatic 15% off the New Horizons MSRP for factory direct. Plus whatever else you can negotiate. Also, you may not put on the options that the show model has. But there is no doubt that it is expensive. Look at it in the context of a high end motorcoach. Include the price of the hauler, and you will still be hundreds of thousands below that, for a better product.

I would not dismiss a semi until you are fully informed about them in use as an RV hauler. While there are pros and cons of using them, there are MANY pros. One should not assume that any "historic" information you may have acquired is accurate. For example, I know many former truck drivers who say they would never have one for RV use. Closer questioning reveals that they are forming their opinion on experience with older trucks with manual transmissions. Newer trucks with automated transmissions are totally different and have all the creature comforts - and far more - than an F450, etc. Plus they are not larger on the road, really, just taller. Sometimes a little longer, depending on if you are carrying a car or not.

My suggestion is that anyone that is considering a large 5er come to the HDT Rally and become educated on the trucks. THEN make an educated decision on a tow vehicle. It may save you a lot of grief. ALL are welcome, even if you do not have an RV. An HDT is not for everyone. But how would you know if you do not have the FACTS.

I agree that DRV has cheapened up some over the years. That is one reason we prefer to keep our older unit. They could also learn from the competition when it comes to some of the amenities and floor plans. DRV has also lost some of their edge when it comes to innovative ideas, especially in technology.

However, after looking at all the different F/T rigs at the Hershey show, my personal feeling is that the DRV Mobile Suites lines (Mobile, Elite and Estate) are still built better than the other high end "mass produced" F/T units (Lifetyle, Excel, Redwood, Landmark...).  IMHO, I still think the structure and mechanics of a DRV Mobile Suites is still almost as strong as the super high end custom built units like New Horizons or Forks RV.

Looks like the trailer we will be choosing will be coming in right around 24,000 lbs loaded and pin weight of I little over 6500.
I am thinking our first pick will be a Dodge 5500. With a hauler bed and air ride ( Sounds expensive)
But I am being told to really look hard at the Dodge 3500. As this truck may also do the job with more available HP.
Unfortunately I am way over budget, so I have to go back and make changes to our first budget and make sure I can do what I want instead of settling. Surprisingly the wife is in agreement with the new plan. So much for leaving anything for the kids. As they say I am spending there inheritence.

Bobc wrote:

---

Looks like the trailer we will be choosing will be coming in right around 24,000 lbs loaded and pin weight of I little over 6500.
I am thinking our first pick will be a Dodge 5500. With a hauler bed and air ride ( Sounds expensive)
But I am being told to really look hard at the Dodge 3500. As this truck may also do the job with more available HP.
Unfortunately I am way over budget, so I have to go back and make changes to our first budget and make sure I can do what I want instead of settling. Surprisingly the wife is in agreement with the new plan. So much for leaving anything for the kids. As they say I am spending there inheritence.

---

Bob:

As was mentioned by Gene – I just did the math on my truck hauler spread sheet which I have done for a number of trucks based on published specifications – not the marketing stuff, the published specs.

With NO hauler bed and NO aux fuel tank, but with a Trailer Saver hitch some tools and 2 people in the truck, with a 6,500 lb pin you will be ~850 lbs over weight on the rear axle on a RAM3500HD. With the 2015 F-450, you will be ~1,600 lbs over the rear axle rating.  (Those numbers are for the non-commercial versions of both trucks which both have reduced HP and torque as you know.)

As with a lot of new trucks, it will “pull it” but it can’t “carry it.”  Ever notice many of the marketing publications and videos use a gooseneck trailer so the pin weights are relatively low to the trailer weight.  Well, that’s how they get those high “I can pull” and combined numbers weight numbers that are not possible in “our” world.

The "numbers," including available HP and torque, indicated the RAM5500HD is the towing leader when all numbers are considered, IMO.

Just math, not pushing a brand

Bill

Looks like. Dodge 5500 is what it will be.
Afraid of dealing with a HDT as we get older.
Getting in and out! Wife would never drive it! Up keep $$$. Moving around in small towns and state parks! They just scare me.
I guess a used MDT would be a compromise??

BobC there is an individual on the Escapees forum that has a HDT and added steps on his passenger side, very neat looking, for his wife. Makes it easy to get up into it. Not really trying to talk you into it but I am not comfortable towing 21,000 with a light duty truck. I personally don't believe towing the weight these trucks are rated for is good for them. Yes they tow it, yes they are rated for it but for the amount we use them? It's one thing to tow large heavy loads seldom, short trips. We might go across country. Too much can happen towing this much and how well is that LDT going to handle that situation? Not trying to scare anyone but something to consider. God bless.

My advise to you is go to the Escapees Rv forum and there is a dedicated section to HDT and one for MDT. Jack Mayers also has an excellent write up on his website on this. I have seen, almost bought it, a 2005 Volvo for $25000 already converted for rv use.They usually run around $40000 for 2006-07 with 500,000 miles. These are million mile trucks. They will out turn a 3500 and don't loose speed on hills. MDTs are mostly underpowered. An individual in Canada that converts trucks for rv use and delivers to you. It's not cheap but you get a top notch truck and less than you would pay for a 5500 and usually 3500 new.

-- Edited by Glenn West on Sunday 14th of September 2014 06:29:35 PM

mdt cost lots more and ride is not desirable, way too stiff. If you would find one with air ride, it would be around $100,000 and still not ride as good as hdt. Many have bought an mdt and regretted not getting a hdt. Just no comparison in comfort level or power level. jfyi God bless