Community Forums

docnprincess · 04-12-2013, 12:10 PM

Greetings folks! We have had a Jayco Designer for 4 years and have really enjoyed it. As we begin to think about retirement and being able to travel more (eventually hope to be full time),we are beginning to look for a new 5th wheel, one that we could live in if we decide to do that. We are looking at the Redwood 36RL and Mobile Suites (DRV). Redwood is really new, but they surely seem to have alot of experience in the company and we love the look and design. Anyone want to jump in and advise us on either of these possibilities? Towing is not a problem either way. Thanks much.

RustyJC · 04-12-2013, 12:21 PM

First of all,

We made the same move back in 2004. After owning 2 Jayco Designers, the last a 2000 Designer XL 3610RLTS, we bought the 2004 DRV (Doubletree, at that time) Mobile Suites 36RE3 in our signature. It has been an excellent RV, to the point that, even approaching 9 years old, we have no inclination or interest to move to any other 5th wheel. Count us among the satisfied Mobile Suites owners.

In your comparison, look carefully beyond the "foo-foo" cosmetics. Check out the differences in the frame size and structure, axle ratings, tires, brakes, suspension, insulation packages (R values), power converter, plumbing systems and all those other underlying elements that get overlooked in the excitement of the hunt. Especially if you're looking at full-timing, you want a structurally sound RV with top quality support systems.

Rusty

TXiceman · 04-12-2013, 12:28 PM

Welcome to iRV2. First off, redwood is a class below the DRV Mobile Suites trailer. Redwood wood is built on a thin I beam frame and Mobile Suites is on a 2" x 6" double section staked with a 2" x 3" box beam on top of that. A much stronger frame that the I Beam on the Redwood.

Ken

RustyJC · 04-12-2013, 12:43 PM

Just to amplify a bit on Ken's post, the Mobile and Elite Suites use a 15" triple box section frame. That is, a 2"x6" box beam with another 2"x6" box beam stacked on top and welded and then a 2"x3" box beam stacked and welded on top of the others for a total 15" high frame with 6 horizontal sections (the top and bottom of each box beam).

Rusty

docnprincess · 04-12-2013, 01:15 PM

Rusty, thanks so much for your insights. It's also good to hear from someone who owned Jayco. We have had such good luck with ours that my husband is a bit nervous at trying our luck with something else. I'll also try to avoid "foo foo" puppy love. I know what's underneath is far more important.

docnprincess · 04-12-2013, 01:17 PM

Gotcha. Thanks. Refocusing.

RustyJC · 04-12-2013, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docnprincess

Rusty, thanks so much for your insights. It's also good to hear from someone who owned Jayco. We have had such good luck with ours that my husband is a bit nervous at trying our luck with something else.

Yep, we had a total of 3 Jaycos, a 1976 Cardinal tandem axle pop-up that slept 8 (aka "the tank"), a 1996 Designer 3030RKSS and the 2000 Designer XL 3610RLTS mentioned above. We loved all of them and have great memories of our trips in each one, and Jayco was always an absolute top-notch company to deal with. They were offering their outstanding 2+3 warranty all the way back when we owned ours. I know how your husband feels. It would have been nice if Jayco offered a true full-timer's 5th wheel (nothing against the Pinnacle) with the structure and materials of the DRV and comparable full-time 5th wheels. All they had was the Legacy when we bought our MS, and it just couldn't compare.

Rusty

Bear6201 · 04-12-2013, 02:35 PM

After two years full timing my humble advice is to find a rig that you Both will be comfortable in. Example my DW calls it a night well before I do. The solid door closing off the bedroom allows me to watch TV without disturbing her. DW has claimed the dinning room table for her craft area. Keeping her HAPPY!
Enhanced ride and pin such as Mor-Ryde take out the wear and tear on your home.
I would insist on "G" rated tires. After two blowouts and resulting damge making the move from "E" rated to "G" just handles to weight better.

RustyJC · 04-12-2013, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear6201

I would insist on "G" rated tires. After two blowouts and resulting damge making the move from "E" rated to "G" just handles to weight better.

I believe the newer DRV Mobile Suites use the 17.5" Michelin XTA (load range J) or Goodyear G114 (load range H), both rated 4805 lbs @ 120 PSIG. I would highly recommend these over the 16" Goodyear G614 RST (load range G) tires that are rated 3750 lbs @ 110 PSIG. The G614 RSTs have a history of tread separation failures - I lost 2 on our MS before I upgraded to the 17.5" Michelins that have been absolutely trouble-free.

Rusty

Kro1957 · 04-12-2013, 07:45 PM

Also, welcome to irv2! We looked at the Jayco line a lot, and Designers were high on our list. Just as the others said, tires, frame, construction is so very important.
We have friends with a DRV Elite Suites and you could never get them to buy any thing else. We also were very impressed with Excel , Trilogy, and in the used lines Cameo and King of the Road. NU WA, and then a step down the Pinnacles if we were going new. We just purchased a 06 King of the Road and it is like new condition. I think in part because these higher end units are built so well that the ware is not as noticeable as it would be in lesser quality units. Good luck & happy camping!!

jdpm · 04-12-2013, 09:03 PM

I would encourge you to look at the the Lifestyle Luxury RV fifth wheels, too. Well built and beautiful. The Redwood is very attractive but I don't consider it in the same league as DRV, Excel, or Lifestyle. Good luck, Phillip

docnprincess · 04-16-2013, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdpm

I would encourge you to look at the the Lifestyle Luxury RV fifth wheels, too. Well built and beautiful. The Redwood is very attractive but I don't consider it in the same league as DRV, Excel, or Lifestyle. Good luck, Phillip

Phillip thx for this. I checked them out and they are gorgeous.

tuffr2 · 04-17-2013, 06:39 AM

New Horizons, SpaceCraft, DRV, Excel, Lifestyle, NuWa are the best But the question would be is Redwood good enough? If you want s typical floorplan I would buy a DRV or Excel.

If you want high quality expensive custom then SpaceCraft or New Horizons.

But what if you want a floorplan that Redwood offers w/o a custom build. My DW likes the 38BR. (Bonus Room). To me it is a floorplan that would help being full-time. I think there is room for a side by side washer/dryer plus room for a small office desk and file cabinet. The area is probably 3.25' X 8'.

Although not perfect a Redwood 38BR would be on our list.

docnprincess · 04-17-2013, 09:03 PM

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful insights. We have made the decision to search for a Mobile Suites. We decided to go for a 38TSB4 floor plan. Now we just have to find it!