Community Forums

cekkk · 02-15-2014, 12:42 PM

We found a Lifestyle LS38RS in Quartzsite last month and really liked the floor plan. But both there and at a Phoenix dealer we've been unable to obtain detailed specs or even a brochure on that unit. Being unfamiliar with the mfr. and hearing the old Carriage company is involved, we're reluctant to consider a purchase. What can owners tell us about the company, the product quality, warranty and warranty service, the good and the bad?

If there's a better place for this post, I'd appreciate it being moved. Thanks.

tuffr2 · 02-15-2014, 02:31 PM

What do you want to know? I have a brochure.

The LifeStyle is quality built unit with full-time capability. It has a boxed frame which is better than an I-Beam frame. It has good tires and axels. It is insulated very well and is in my opinion a near top tier 5th wheel.

The Life-Style frame comes from the old well built Carriage frame. Many of the old Carriage team is now Life-Style.

The best full-time units being built today are Life-Style, DRV Mobile Suites, and Peterson Excel units.

TXiceman · 02-15-2014, 04:49 PM

We have a Carriage Cameo orphan and it is a well built RV. It was sad to see them go out of business. Evergreen is the parent for the new Lifestyle RVs which has much of the old Carriage team working there. In the price range you can look at DRV (Mobile Suites), Lifestyle and Excel.

Ken

FiverBob · 02-16-2014, 04:06 AM

I have met and talked with many of Lifestyle team, most of whom seem to have come from the Carriage group when they closed. They seem determined to build a unit even better than Carriage correcting the little things that were being overlooked at Carriage just prior to their demise. My opinion is they are an excellent unit. I have a 14yo Carriage that is still in excellent condition and has covered a bunch of miles with very few problems. Highly recommend strong consideration of product.
Bob

jdpm · 02-16-2014, 06:22 AM

I own a 2011 Carriage and it is being traded in on a new ordered 2014 Lifestyle LS36FW just as soon as the ordered unit arrives at the dealer - hopefully next week!
Our Carriage is a solid built rig and fit and finish is good. It has been problem free.
As the previous poster indicated, Lifestyle was started by Evergreen and is pretty much a carry-over from the former Carriage line with improvements.
The box frame is still built in-house and was beefed-up in the pin box area. Slide-out mechanisms were improved and larger motors are being used as well as limit switches. The motors have been moved to the middle of the slide room to provide a smoother, even slide travel.
The vinyl roof is still being used which is a thicker membrane than rubber and does not require the maintenance like that of rubber.
I do not think you have any worries in purchasing a Lifestyle. All brands have issues here and there. The key is a good dealer and good factory support. BE sure to do a thorough PDI with your dealer.
I encourage you to join and look at the Carriage/Lifestyle owners forum. Its a wealth of info from those that own both brands and Lifestyle employees participate, too. Good luck, Phillip
Carriage Lifestyle Owners Forum • Index page
A brochure can be downloaded here:
Downloads

cekkk · 02-16-2014, 09:11 AM

Tx and Jdpm, your owner experience, while anecdotal, sure is better than company publications and salesspeak and I appreciate your information. Tuffr had asked what I wanted to know. Frame construction, slide mechanisms and attention to detail when installing the many parts and applicances shared by most manufacturers are covered here and are just what I'm looking for. If we buy a heavy 5er my beloved 7.3 will end up on Craigslist, so the price of the camper will have to include a new truck.