The best one is what fits your criteria. There are price point differences besides pros and cons with each. We have a DRV. To me, for the price, they have the best chassis and insulation package. Those were key, plus we found the perfect floor plan for us. You are taking the right steps to find the one for you.

Neil and Connie wrote:

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NH and Spacecraft are true custom builders and will pretty much do what you want. DRV will do (at least when we checked back in 2012) very little as it interferes with the production line. Don't know either way about Redwood. To my mind DRV and maybe Redwood are in a different class/market segment/don't really know what to call it than the other two. Of course, custom builds cost more…but that's part of what you're paying more for. 

Whatever best meets your requirements and budget is what you should get. 

-- Edited by Neil and Connie on Monday 8th of May 2017 07:05:28 AM

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 What Neil said. But be careful about weight capabilities on the lighter trailers.

As Bill and Neil have shared, factory visits are a good idea—make sure you are seeing the factory when it is in action (e.g., not after hours). Ask about their quality control processes and warranty service; approaches that likely vary between the different RV makers. Also, I cannot stress enough the value of attending an owner’s group rally as a “Wannabie” –you will see older models and how they have held-up over time, see what individuals have chosen to add/change in their RVs (particularly relevant if you choose a custom RV) and gain some insights from existing owners.

If you decide you would like to learn more about New Horizons, the owner’s group rally is scheduled for Sep 21-25, 2017 in Spearfish SD. The rally masters are Gary and June Wall, they can be contacted at NHOG2017 at gmail dot com. And as an added bonus (ideally), you will also have the opportunity to meet Neil & Connie, Bill & Linda, myself (as well as Ed ).

-- Edited by Lynn and Ed on Tuesday 9th of May 2017 01:26:08 AM

Yea, guess I will jump on the NHOG Rally bandwagon and encourage you to attend.  You don't need a NH rig to come.  We like everyone.  LOL  

The point is, based on a lot of your posts, to really find out about things from current owners.  This isn't a factory sponsored gathering (although NH will kick in a few bucks and all appreciate that) so its up to the participants to run the show.  We'll have presentations from experts like Gary from MORryde who can tell you a great deal about suspensions and tires applicable to all RV's not just NH.  Facts is facts.  There will be other so called "expert" presentations that can help newbie's and wannabees with things NH and RV's in general.  And naturally the "social" aspects are there. 

The thing to remember about NH (and Space Craft) is they are not build in a day.  That is, especially with the Majestic line, don't expect to design it and have it in a month.  These are not, like DRV's, etc. large "production line" trailers.  That is they take time to design and get built.  The NH Summit line is going to come out of production faster but I'm not sure how much faster.  But Cole has probably told you all that.

Be careful about the cargo capacity as has been mentioned about the Augusta.  Unless some changes have been made the upper end coach has little "your stuff" capacity left once you put on the usual options.  I've discussed that with them at length.  It's a nice trailer but I have reservations about it for your stated purpose.  Redwood builds a nice rig but again check closely the capacity for all the "stuff" you plan to carry.

As you may know Forks / Continental Coach has ceased operations and actually sold off there equipment / tools.  We were by the Forks plant a couple of weeks go.  Nothing there any longer but a sign and an empty building.

Feel free to PM me, or anyone else I'm sure, about the Rally or NH in general.  None of us will try to sell you a NH.  Just give you info.  Lynn & Ed and Neil & Connie as well as Linda and myself do some serious traveling in their rig.  So whatever that experience is worth I'm sure all will be glad to share.  All of us know the rig "numbers" very well and are always sharing info with each other.   We have our rig preferences but that doesn't make them or any rig for that matter the best rig.  But the specs and numbers are what they are and you can't fudge them or you will break something.  Seen that too many times.

BTW, you don't even need a rig to come to the rally.  There are cabin accommodations there as well.

Bill

 

IrishRover wrote:

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It is important for my wife (Pat) to be able to see, feel and touch the design before deciding. YouTube videos only get you so much! On the style aspect, it is all very personal. I will probably not get much of a vote here!! We have gone through the tradition oak look and will get a push back there. Now living in the modern white look. New Horizons is also starting to incorporate modern looks - . Will just have to go see Cole.

On CCC I was going on Howard's guidance of a minimum of 3,000 (maybe 4,000) after all the heavy options - Washer/Dryer, Generator, Batteries, etc. Just the 3,000 CCC before options takes an awful lot of RVs off the full-time residential category.

Gerry

AB0GF

73s

  

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 Gerry:  The only thing scarier than Cole on Youtube is Cole in person.  Nah, he's a very good rep and loves the design process.  He knows the tech but is a creative type and I'm sure you will enjoy meeting him and Pat working on the interior elements which he's very good at. 

Pat will most definitely need to actually see some of these Majestic trailers in person.  If she's never seen one she will probably do the "Oh my gosh thing."  Many do the first time based on what I've seen in person.  The better her reaction the quicker you need to grab you wallet.  Just be forewarned. 

As to the CCC - that's one of the things NH does best.  They guarantee 3,000 CCC on delivery.  That is after your options are installed.  But always important to review all that during the design and the signing of the drawings process.  You do actually approve the custom drawings for your trailer if its a Majestic custom.

As to the Rallies mentioned, Howard & Linda do a very good full-timers rally with loads of information.  But they have to cover a lot of material so a lot of the very technical material like we have been discussing has to be simplified.  All three of us, Ed/Lynn/Neil/Connie, Linda and I have been to their Rallies.  Linda and I have been to like 5 or so and enjoyed meeting the people.  I do recommend the RV-Dreams Rally but you will be drinking out of a fire hose with information.  A lot of "life style" information.  IMO you will get more from the rally after seeing more rigs in person and talking with RVers with experience in the type of rig and travel you envision.  Linda and I feel you get more from the presentations after you have some frame of reference.  Or go more than once.  That's our view and after doing some presentations at rallies I agree with her point.  FWIW and hope that helps.

Bill

Thanks Terry,

 

I've had a couple of other people tell me the same thing, including a fairly recent purchase there. We were initially working through Mike Mitchell the owner of The Kansas RV Center. The area DRV rep steered us there, as that was the place with the DRV model we were interested in.They had two. Unfortunately I had a delay due to surgery and now both units at the Kansas RV Center are sold. Last I checked, Rolling Retreats did not have that model either. So, now our only option is to do a DRV factory visit at the right time (when that model on the production line). In the meantime we are visiting two other RV manufacturers. With the right timing and luck we might get to see that DRV model this year. I will reach out to Rolling Retreats in the meantime to see what other options they might recommend. Thanks for your help.

Gerry

Is it worth considering a used DRV for the "good bones" of strong frame and high quality systems and components, and redesigning the interior to your particular tastes? Are there end-of-life issues for axles, brakes, roof, tanks, or other to be concerned about? Is that something the DRV factory would take on, or better going through a RV remodeling firm? For example, keep all the appliances and lights, but replace all wood trim, all cabinet front trim and doors, countertops and all furniture.

Bill, if you throw enough money at it you can make almost anything fly. Is it worth it? Only you can answer that question. When the first DRV was manufactured, my Foretravel was already 10 years old. In the four years we've had this coach we've done some upgrades (new MCD shades, new residential refrigerator, new inverter, new converter/charger, etc.). Would we get the cost of those items back if we would sell? No. Will they help the coach sell? Yes. They also make our lives easier.

Quite a few Airstreams are running around with the original frame and shell, but completely new interiors and running gear. Others are as original as possible. Your money, your choice.

Replacing visual items can improve the appearance, or it can detract from it. Earlier this year we looked at an Airstream that had been "updated." The original woodwork had been (poorly) painted white. The seller raved about the updated look. All I saw was the work to remove all that paint and refinish the wood. In his view he had improved the trailer. In my view he had damaged it.

Before we bought our Foretravel, I called one of the custom 5th wheel companies to see what it would cost to have a new 5'er with no slides made. While they didn't outright refuse to make such a coach, all they had to say was negative. The price was no less, even though it would obviously be cheaper to make a coach without slides. Why? in their minds I would be "ruining" their product. We bought our Foretravel (no slides) and spent the additional money making it the way we want it.

Hdrider wrote:

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I would be curious to hear back from you after doing the factory tours. We have been fulltime for almost 5 years in a motorhome and have not regretted it one bit but have always said when we slow down and don't move almost every week we would move over to a 5th wheel.
We to plan to tour the DRV and New Horizons factories when we pass through those areas in a few months soo that if the time comes that we change within the next couple years we will at least have a better idea of what's what.
Another idea is to join forums for the particular brands, you can learn a lot that way. I tried to join the DRV Owners site on Facebook but have been on hold for 2 weeks LOL, maybe they don't want outsiders looking in but listening to owners is huge. W may just stay at the same campground that a rally is planned in Michigan this fall in hope of meeting and talking to owners.
Anyway good luck and check back in with your thoughts after the tours.

-- Edited by Hdrider on Sunday 25th of June 2017 09:20:19 AM

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Factory tours are a great idea. Ask lots of questions. Try to take pictures, video!!!  We are also looking at New Horizon and DRV for full-timing next year. We are doing a New Horizon factory tour next week and then see when we can fit in a DRV visit.  When you contact New Horizons, ask for Cole Brokenicky. 

A second great option is to attend the NHOG (New Horizons Owners Group) and  Suite Owners groups annual or periodic rallies. The next NHOG rally is Sept 21-25 in Spearfish SD. The DRV International Rally is in Elkhart, ID on Aug 21-25th (factory tour at the same time??). There you will see lots of different real lived-in examples and be actually able to talk with the real owners about their experiences. They do encourage wantabees or even people with no RV/MHs to attend.

The DRV and New Horizons forums are there, but I have found that they are not very active. At one stage I checked on the DRV forum and there had been no postings for months. Checked now, are there are a few from today. I think you are better off asking on this forum or Escapees and asking specific DRV and New Horizon questions. There are a number of great regular users on this forum that have lots of New Horizon and DRV knowledge that they are willing to share.  Just ask!!

 

Sharon,

It is a beautiful setup. Saw it a couple of years ago when Richard did the video with Gregg.  We have not finalized our decision yet. It will be later this year before we do so and then start full-time in the Spring. We are really looking for a toy hauler. We did look at a DRV JX450, but will probably go with New Horizon or SpaceCraft.

Wish you and Richard all the best and welcome to beautiful Colorado. Don't tell anyone else about it, as we have gotten a lot of new people in the last few years. We just live north of Denver.

Gerry

riverdreamer wrote:

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IrishRover wrote:

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Sharon,

It is a beautiful setup. Saw it a couple of years ago when Richard did the video with Gregg.  We have not finalized our decision yet. It will be later this year before we do so and then start full-time in the Spring. We are really looking for a toy hauler. We did look at a DRV JX450, but will probably go with New Horizon or SpaceCraft.

Wish you and Richard all the best and welcome to beautiful Colorado. Don't tell anyone else about it, as we have gotten a lot of new people in the last few years. We just live north of Denver.

Gerry

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Gerry - I wish you the best of luck in finding that perfect match for you.  I assume you were at the National Rally when we did the video?  You coming this year?  Sadly, it will be our last one.  Hubby's eyesight forces the retirement of the lifestyle.  Back to sticks and bricks again (and a garden - yay)!  Happy "house hunting"!

Sharon

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Sharon,

Just saw the video on Greg's site, but will be at the HDT Rally this year. I'm sure you will have no issue with finding a buyer there, if not sold before then. On another forum (HDT), there are lots of new people interested and planning on going to Hutch. Hope to see you and Richard there.

Where is Colorado are you looking at?  The market is still very hot ($$$) here.

Gerry

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2 4 d hwy - good choice on the Ambition! We went to the factory last year when they were merging Augusta and the RV Factory. Really like the Ambition and especially the 35 RS which as I recall is 37'. I'm in the process of looking at fifth wheels in the next lower price point as Augusta's pricing has been creeping up the last couple years - rightfully I would add. So spending a lot of time looking at the Redwood (340RL - 3401RL) and Landmark (Oshkosh) as both are floor plans we are interested in. We considered the Vilano and have been watching that trailer from day one but it remains a lower scoring selection for us.

Still planning to make a run at Augusta on the price thing once we get closer to buying. Although I suspect they have no reason to come done much on the MSRP below what they publish. Another consideration for us is weight and do we want to stay closer to 16,500 with maybe a deck out Montana, Bighorn-Big Country or Cedar Creek Hathaway.

What other trailers did you seriously consider before the Ambition? We will most likely make our decision once the 2019 models come out. And then even decide on used vs. new.  Ain't no used Ambitions out there!

-- Edited by mds1 on Friday 8th of September 2017 05:20:41 PM

We purchased our 2016 Arctic Fox 32-5m from Kelly RV in West Milton, PA. Great mom and pop dealership. They will take good care of you. We would be more than glad to let you see our 5th wheel. We are currently mid state New Hampshire and will be moving outside of Albany, NY until October 22 when we put it in storage and head back to Florida.

I have a friend living in nearby Milton. I am familiar with the area. I checked out the Kelly RV website. Thank you.