We toured the Augusta factory in June and got to look 2 of their Luxe units. Nicely equipped rigs with excellent fit and finish. Construction is not as heavy as I prefer for FT use, but then again, I am a DRV Mobile Suites owner and really prefer their frame and superstructure. The Luxe cost is slightly less than a DRV but when taking the tour, we could see why, lighter frame and thinner sidewalls. Take a tour of the 3 factories of the brands you are looking at and compare the frame and superstructure construction and the suspension and tires they offer (standard and optional). All 3 have very nice amenities, fit and finish.

We saw 3 of the Augusta Lux units a few weeks ago in New Braunfels, TX. Very nice units. Lots of "sexy" lighting, nice storage etc. One of the units had a full size gas range, vent hood and pot filler! Excellant kitchen if you like to cook.

One of the things that set us back though was the weight. Very heavy units, and if what Rick and Janice say is true about the frames I might be concerned.

We're actually look at a MH rather than a 5th wheel, but we just couldn't resist a peek

I'd also have to remind everyone that the very foundation of one's RV is the frame, suspension, axles, wheels and tires.  One of the main reasons we liked the DRV, and thus bought a Mobile Suites, was that DRV puts a triple-box 15" frame in both the Mobile Suites and Elite Suites.

Terry

Pretty sure a CDL is not needed for a F450 or similar truck. Where the CDL requirements come into play is the COMBINED weight of truck and trailer with 26,000lbs being the weight in most states that puts you into special licensing requirements. A CDL license is nothing to fear, just to put that to rest. Just some additional questions and more thorough driving test (more or less) If you study and practice the driving portion you'll have no problem. IF you opt for the Luxe, combined with the truck you are likely going to be over the 26,000lbs weight with all your gear loaded onboard.

Brian

Thanks for clarifying that Jim. I was on the same track but used the wrong description.. Many people call a Class A license, a CDL including me (apparently) which was incorrect. 

Brian

Since you are looking at full-timing, you will also need to consider your domicile. If you are keeping your home, then that will remain your domicile. If you are getting rid of everything I'd suggest you check one of the "big three" (Florida, South Dakota, and Texas) as they have no income tax and are very friendly towards full-timers. SD will let you license your vehicle remotely (no inspection).

Thanks for the hint about the F450, Terry. We're thinking about switching from our Foretravel/Jeep to pickup/Airstream. We were thinking F250, but I wonder if I could get an F450 for similar money. Have to check.

My husband has been communicating with Augusta RV to try to get some more information on their newest model ambition which seems to be a mid range model. This model interest us because of the weight and cost factor. It is not as heavy as the DRV and Augusta's LUXE model. The Ambition has just been released so there is not a lot of information about it. We had asked about dealers that were close to Sevierville, TN. because were were planning on attending the Rally. We were told that that they are changing their business model and moving to factory direct. He did say that he was willing to bring a unit to the rally for us to look at which I thought was great since there are very hard to track down. I kind of like the idea of cutting the middle man out. I would think pricing would be much better since the dealer no longer needs his cut. He also said that they will be at the Hersey show next year. Anybody else going to rally interested in seeing this?

My husband is nine years older then me so he will be on Medicare (A&B). He is also a veteran so he has that option open to him. I will have to see what will be left of any individual coverage's by then for me with OBAMACARE in such flux. Of course by then income will be greatly reduced once he is retired.  Florida is still a serious options also because our son lives there. We are going to the rally in May so perhaps some of our questions will be answered there and the pros and cons of those 3 states laid out.

LAM, I am also planning on a 2018 departure date, so we're in the same boat so to speak. By that time, there's no telling what will happen with the ACA or if it will even be around, as we have an presidential election coming up that may change the current health insurance rules dramatically (hopefully) by the time we're ready, as both DW and I will be 62 then. We're looking at a TT rather than a fiver, like you guys want, basically for the one level floorplan, as it's rather difficult for DW to negotiate stairs.

I really like the floorplans of the LF37RS and the LF38RL. Have you seen any of their Ambition line of FT fivers yet? I also like their 36ft ARV Flex model fiver which is towable (barely) with something as small as my 3/4 ton. I also like the Flex models because their sidewalls are hung and not laminated like their Luxe and Ambition lines, so no worries of expensive delamination once their warranty is up. Which model did you have in mind?

Chip

I don't know about their older models, but their current website gives a 5 yr warranty against delamination for both Luxe and Ambition (but not the Flex, and they clearly state in their literature that the Flex has hung walls). Why would they give a warranty against delamination if they were not laminated to begin with? The Luxe brochure states that they have fiberglass insulation, which would necessitate hung walls, unless they are just referencing their ceiling and floor insulation. The Luxe brochure does not mention wall construction at all - sort of an important feature to leave out.

Here's the links: http://augusta-rv.com/luxe-warranty/   http://augusta-rv.com/ambition-shield-protection/

 

Chip

 

I stand corrected, thanks BiggaRView. Hung walls are way better. It's good to see they use them in all their units. That delamination warranty threw me off.

Chip

The Luxe is built to compete with DRV Mobile Suites, Lifestyle and New Horizons in it's construction and framing. The Ambition is built to compete with DRV Tradition, Montana, Redwood and others in the the medium priced market with only 2" side walls and lighter frames. Just keep in mind that the weight and price differences are made up in these areas so depends on how long you plan on using a rig as to which one you buy. When we toured Augsuta, we saw both the Luxe and the Ambition. The Luxe is built with full timing in mind where the Ambition is more for the extended traveler. Both are nice units with great fit and finish, but just not built as heavy as a DRV and the Agusta frame and side wall frame construction is just not to my liking.

Augusta was at Hershey this year. We had never heard of them and were very curious.
We spoke to Chris Eppers, the company President, as well as Ryan Miller who left Drv in April when Thor started to initiate a lot of changes.
As far as Luxe, The side walls are 3.25 and hung. All interior walls are also padded which made a big difference in the sound insulation and acoustics. They did not have a cut away of the frame but explained it as 12 inch I Beam sitting on a stacked 2 inch box frame. A tour would be beneficial to get an idea how this looks. And I'm not an engineer but if anyone is they can advise on the difference it makes.
The inside had a much more residential appearance than Drv, that I would compare more to New Horizon. Note that is an interior appearance comparison only and implies nothing else. I was very impressed with the residential range with full size oven as well as the hood and pot filling faucet in one particular model. The bathrooms also seem to have larger counter areas and all units had a lot more storage in all areas than we've seen in other units mentioned. Another thing that was very attractive to me was the lack of Vegas style lighting! It looks like a home and not a casino suite.

We won't decide if we're sold on Luxe until we see the production factory. But if we end up buying, Augusta has a policy of reimbursing us for our travel for the visit!

We expected to buy DRV, but after seeing it and talking to the two guys, Luxe is much closer to being our choice than anything else has been.

We just returned from touring many RV manufacturers in Elkhart, IN.  By far the wife and I favorite was the Luxe 39-FB.  We also toured DRV, which isn't a bad 5th either.  Honestly, it comes down to taste.  I would absolutely chose a Luxe over a DRV.  Mainly because of the color schemes offered and the placement of the vents.  Another thing that really bothered me was the complete chaos at DRV manufacturing.  It left room for error for sure.  They were producing 11 a day compared to the 2 a week at Augusta.  Yes Augusta is new and not well known but they are also hourly employeed and not set to a production number.  I am a commercial aircraft technician by trade and for me its about the little details.  An example would be the insulation being laid in the belly.  Augusta's was flawless no gaps and went up the side of the frame as well.  DRV not so much, gaps in a lot of places and none on the side of frame.  DRV used screws to hold their side wall structure together.  Augusta welded.  Wall insulation is glued on by both.  Augusta went over the top with the glue using ample, DRV not so much.  They both are custom and say they can make alterations sometimes for the customer.  DRV offers only dark wood.  I asked if a lighter wood could be used as a custom wood.  Nope????  THe icing on the cake for my was usb ports.  Usb ports are becoming a norm in all hotels and you can now get them for your home.  They are standard on a Luxe.  I asked DRV if they could install and the guy laughed and said that was just bling and who really uses them? I wouldn't worry yourself too much with warranties and all that stuff because anyone whos been doing it for a minute will honestly tell you they are all the same.  About 1 year and after that its like pulling teeth.

The internet is a great resource use it.  I will say once again both of these 5ths are beautiful and absolutely at the top of their game.  It comes down to taste.  BUT please before you by a 100K RV go take a free factory tour.  Once you see it with your own eyes I promise you will know a difference.

Erikkford - Thank you for the post about your factory tour.  I had recently checked out the August Ambition in detail - online. Looking forward to a factory tour someday.  I noticed your report on Augusta paying employees by the hour. In another post, perhaps on another site, someone stated Augusta and two other high-end custom builders employee workers by the hour. I recall one of the others reportedly being New Horizons but have no way to confirm that.

Good post, thanks again.

-- Edited by mds1 on Tuesday 24th of May 2016 08:48:02 PM