Dynamax Trilogy vs DRV Tradition

[Alozier]

Hi all:

My wife and I are on a 2 to 3 year full time trip before going back to the real world. We are currently in a 30ft airstream and are going to move up to a 5th wheel. We have narrowed it down to 2 that our dealer carries so we can trade in easier, the Dynamax Trilogy and the DRV Tradition. They both are 12 inch frames etc, the Tradition with all the same options as the Trilogy would be about $10,000 more for us...

Does anyone have opinions on one over the other?

[jimcumminsw]

Hi,
No I do not have an opinion. My only advice is to check out this site for information on the two 5ers and then you can make an intelligent decision.
http://www.jrconsumer.com/
Jim W.

[RustyJC]

I'm not familiar with the DRV Tradition model line, but if it's built on a 12" stacked rectangular tube chassis, that's the same as the previous entry level Select Suites model lineup. Both the Mobile and Elite Suites are built on a 15" stacked rectangular tube chassis (2"x3" on a 2"x6" on a 2"x6").

We've been quite satisfied with our Mobile Suites over 7+ years of ownership, but how well that translates to the Tradition model is anyone's guess.

I've never heard of, let alone seen, the Dynamax Trilogy, so I can't comment on that model.

Have you considered gently used and well maintained DRV Suites units? You could probably find a good one for significantly less than a new lower-line model and have a reliable, well built unit with the first owner taking the depreciation hit.

Full-time rigs such as these are HEAVY, so be sure you have enough tow vehicle before you purchase one.

Rusty

[K-Star]

I can't comment on construction. I visited the DRV factory spring 2011. Rusty already commented on construction. I was impressed with DRV's willingness to make changes to floorplans to fit my exact needs. To me (as a full timer) I want the largest coach I feel comfortable in and is within my TV tow limits. DRV coaches (as far as the Mobile Suite) is a bit longer than the DynaAire 5ers. And, again specifically for me, DRV has floorplans closer to what I want.

[Palpatine]

The Tradition is the new entry level DRV since they got rid of the Select line. Most people were upgrading to Mobile or Elite Suites options anyhow. But since the Select (and now the Tradition) were built on a 12" I (yes, I not box - only MS & ES are on box frames) they very worried about over load, I believe. So now the Tradition is built lighter than any of the others. The quality of construction is still there but just not all the foo foo that those of us have with our Mobile or Elite Suites.

Oh they also now have the Full House line which is a toy hauler built on the 15" frame. So if you want to toy haul, you can now do it with a DRV!

[RustyJC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palpatine But since the Select (and now the Tradition) were built on a 12" I (yes, I not box - only MS & ES are on box frames).....

Oops, sorry. Guess it's apparent I never paid much attention to the Select Suites. My bad.

Rusty

[K-Star]

The DRV web site doesn't have anything on the Tradition thus my lack of knowledge about it.

[Alozier]

Thanks all. Trying to stay new so we can trade in... Our dealer gave us a great offer on the trade and trilogy today, so we ordered it. A little scary never have seen one in person!!!

Now to find a used 3500 dually....

[wingnut60]

Are you saying you ordered a new trailer without seeing one on the lot? Are just not the one you are ordering?
Joe

[Alozier]

I know not to bright... Plan on seeing one in the next few weeks as they hit lots, well before mine starts it's build ( I hope!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60 Are you saying you ordered a new trailer without seeing one on the lot? Are just not the one you are ordering? Joe

[wingnut60]

Interesting looking trailer and floorplan. Hope it lives up to your expectations.
22 cu ft fridge?
Joe

[Alozier]

Thanks me too.
Yeah 22 cu ft but no propane on that fridge, so we switched it for a 13.5 electric / propane fridge...

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60 Interesting looking trailer and floorplan. Hope it lives up to your expectations. 22 cu ft fridge? Joe

[Arctic Owl]

Well, I saw one today at the Florida Super RV Show. Quite Impressive. Hope you have a good size truck to pull it. From what I saw it would be on my list of units for consideration if I was looking for a new unit. Good luck with your purchase & certainly hope you have minimal problems & a good dealer to support you.

Reg

[Alozier]

Thanks for the feedback!
Helps with my apprehension..

We decided to go with electric fridge after all and move our solar over to help with it..

By chance did it give dry weight and capacity?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arctic Owl Well, I saw one today at the Florida Super RV Show. Quite Impressive. Hope you have a good size truck to pull it. From what I saw it would be on my list of units for consideration if I was looking for a new unit. Good luck with your purchase & certainly hope you have minimal problems & a good dealer to support you. Reg