Mobile or Elite

[clev]

Except for custom paint, can someone explain the difference between a Mobile Suites and an Elite Suites?

[wingnut60]

Money? Lots of interior upgrades--granite instead of composite countertops, some options on Mobiles are 'standard' on Elites.
Also, MUCH heavier than Mobiles in an already-heavy fifth wheel.
Might look at the website and look at the lists of standards and options on both, that ought to clear things up.

[Mtntrek]

I'd agree with wingnut60's assessment.
At the time of our purchase ES also included fiberglass roof, 9K axles, 10Kdiscs, (lol, to handle the extra weight, I assume). The quartz counter(s) are approx. 600 lbs. There was the windows "silks" also to match er paint motif that we passed on also.

[WRWGN]

Heavier trailer, same GVRW as the MS = lower cargo capacity.


I'm full time so I needed the extra cargo capacity. That made up my mind.

[clev]

I knew very little about the DRV when I ordered mine, and it was my first fifth wheel. And although I'm a Kentucky born, redneck, hillbilly, transplanted Texan, this is my first truck. What sold me on the DRV was the 3.25 inch walls, 15 inch frame, and basically the solid build of the coach. When I buy something, I get what I want, modify it to my liking, and keep it. I have a 1985 Ford E-150 that I ordered in '84, a '99 E350 7.3 diesel that I ordered in '98 and they both look new. So, I ordered this coach the way that I wanted it. My dealer was good in that he gave me a good deal and discussed things with me, but he was not knowledgeable about the finer points and available options. I found out about the WiFi Ranger too late to add it to my build. I found out about the Inverter system a week after I ordered and luckily got it added. So, there were a number of things of which I was ignorant. I added almost every option to my coach, but nothing was ever mentioned about an Elite Suites having those options as 'standard'. So, I was curious, just for my own information, if I would have been better off, ordering an Elite Suites. Except for paint, counter tops, and window skins, I think that I ordered everything else.

[Cummins12V98]

I call ours a "HIGHLY ELITED" Mobile suites. Because we have most every option on an Elite except the wheel skirts, fiberglass roof, fan wood slat covers, GAUDY Big "D" on the face of the Island and the GAUDY "Space Ship" over the island.

Ours was 18K out the door and scales 23k loaded.

[clev]

Thank you, cummins.

[Mtntrek]

As cummins notes it's fairly easy to add or delete most of the options available. No two buyers are going to have the same requirements or wants.

[Cummins12V98]

At the time our dealer said the Fiberglass roofs were a problem. Never had a rubber roof issue and the rubber has a much longer warranty so it was a no brainer.

Electric steps were a problem, really like our solid manual steps. did not want the macerator toilet either and have been more than happy with the comfort height elongated porcelain Sealand unit.

[wingnut60]

Current weights on my 38RSSA floorplan:

Suites---Dry 16300 Gross 21000
Elite Dry 17000 Gross 22000

At 22000 gross, they are pushing the limits on 4 tires at 4805lbs each. Anyone know if they have gone to 235x75x17.5 instead of the 215s?
I assume they have the 9k axles, but tires...?

[Mtntrek]

After assisting a close friends recent purchase of a previously owned DRV - Denver model. I'm reminded of the old adage. It's not always about what you pay for something, but what you can re-sell it for.
For example, In late model pick-up trucks, regardless of the merit(s) of installed equipment, and most things being similar a Tradesman trim will seldom command the re-sale price(s) of a Laramie trim level. Even if I don't care for the glass roof or heated supple Corinthian leather seats.

[clev]

Wing, it’s surprising. Your 38 is the same dry weight as my 36, 16,300; but, your gross is 2k heavier. 19 vs 21 k.

[clev]

After assisting a close friends recent purchase of a previously owned DRV - Denver model. I'm reminded of the old adage. It's not always about what you pay for something, but what you can re-sell it for.
For example, In late model pick-up trucks, regardless of the merit(s) of installed equipment, and most things being similar a Tradesman trim will seldom command the re-sale price(s) of a Laramie trim level. Even if I don't care for the glass roof or heated supple Corinthian leather seats.

Good grief, Mtn; you lost me on this one.

[Mtntrek]

No worries, just remember to buy low, sell high. You'll be OK.

[wingnut60]

clev,
numbers are from DRV website for current RSSA floorplans; my '15s GVWR is 19k also and I am way over that. Bought used, it weighed 18300 empty with that 19k gross.
Not sure if it is only a decal difference on mine, but believe new ones have 9k axles to go with the higher gross.

[Cummins12V98]

Current weights on my 38RSSA floorplan:

Suites---Dry 16300 Gross 21000
Elite Dry 17000 Gross 22000

At 22000 gross, they are pushing the limits on 4 tires at 4805lbs each. Anyone know if they have gone to 235x75x17.5 instead of the 215s?
I assume they have the 9k axles, but tires...?


I am at 23K and the tire weight is fine and within the upper limits.

MORryde checked and said my "springs" are just right and within their specs even being over 16k on the axles.

https://i.imgur.com/QAfpiqFl.jpg

[clev]

clev,
numbers are from DRV website for current RSSA floorplans; my '15s GVWR is 19k also and I am way over that. Bought used, it weighed 18300 empty with that 19k gross.
Not sure if it is only a decal difference on mine, but believe new ones have 9k axles to go with the higher gross.

Thanks, wing, and believe me, when I learned how over gross I was, I research weights all over the place. My total weight for traveling is~27k. ~18.3 on the five and ~8.5k on the truck.

[Cummins12V98]

Thanks, wing, and believe me, when I learned how over gross I was, I research weights all over the place. My total weight for traveling is~27k. ~18.3 on the five and ~8.5k on the truck.

So 8,500# truck and 25% of 18 is 4,500# Truck weighs loaded 13,000?

[clev]

Your Trucks scale weight loaded is only 8,500# ?

Yes. Total truck with trailer and 1/2 tank of fuel(19 gallons), is 12,380. Subtract the pin, 3800, and I get 8520. Please don’t dispute my word and force me to take a picture of my CAT Scale ticket. LOL.

[clev]

So 8,500# truck and 25% of 18 is 4,500# Truck weighs loaded 13,000?

Cummins, I gave you my figures based on a CAT Scale, but you always insist on questioning people based upon your beliefs. There are others out here with the same intelligence, or more, and many years of experience; I’m one of them. Pin weight should be 15~25%; not “BY GEORGE, THAT PIN BETTER BE 25%, AND NOT 1% LESS!”. My pin is about 20%, and I couldn’t ask for a better towing experience. Honestly, cummins, do you want to see the scale results? Do you not believe me?

[clev]

OK, here it is:

[wingnut60]

Not sure how all this always comes down to the weight ticket from Cummins--

From what I see, the truck axles have 15520 on them when towing; 14000 GVWR?
the trailer axles have 17440 on them; 16000 GAWR total?
Edit: this is on Cummins' weight ticket, not Clevs'

[wingnut60]

My weights:

Front Axle----5460, 540 under
Rear Alxe-----9120, 780 under
Gross----14580, 580 over before adding 55 gal tank--+420 more/less
Trailer----16000, dead on rating, wish I had more axle...

Gross all---30580

Everything seems to be working fine, the discs really stop this combo in quick fashion.
Will be at Morryde soon to check IS out.
Trailer seems to be clearing the bed sides ok since I cut the flanges off the pin box side plates.

[porkchop]

I understand exactly what Mtntrek is saying. Have been saying it all along. It does not matter how many extras you add to a Mobile, it is still a mobile. You will NOT recover your money in the end. You may hold out for a long time and recover some of it, but not much. No one cares. People will only pay the minimum they can. Easy to prove, just follow the for sale ads.

Bill

[anijet]

Since I just visited the CAT scales I'll offer one more for reference.


Steer Axle - 5060
Drive Axle - 7760
Trailer Axles - 12960
Total Axles - 25780


We have removed many items not used in years. I use to carry spare leaf springs, 2 complete hubs and shackles and hardware. Since MorRyde IS not needed. Makes a difference.

[porthole]

I found out about the WiFi Ranger too late to add it to my build.



I don't think you really missed anything there unless the older ranger stuff works better then the new stuff.


At the time our dealer said the Fiberglass roofs were a problem. Never had a rubber roof issue and the rubber has a much longer warranty so it was a no brainer.

Electric steps were a problem, really like our solid manual steps. did not want the macerator toilet either and have been more than happy with the comfort height elongated porcelain Sealand unit.



Rubber, EPDM - 10-20 year warranty through through manufacturer (if you can get it warranted)
Fiberglass - warranty through the manufacturer, DRV, so limited to the 1 year.

Durability - I went with the fiberglass, I'm sure it will out perform rubber/EPDM during my ownership.


Trailer seems to be clearing the bed sides ok since I cut the flanges off the pin box side plates.



I was ready to cut the 'wings' off my side plates too. But when I lowered my pin box for truck clearance, I found those side plates are just big flat washers, and the holes didn't line up with the new pin box position. So for now the plates are sitting in my garage. BTW, when I lowered the pinbox most of the lock washers failed. So I ordered quality, all Grade 8 bolts, nuts flat and lock washers to replace the factory hardware.

[wingnut60]

Good idea on the G8 parts. Early on in my thoughts to cut th flanges, a welder told me the outer plates aren’t really needed. Hope that continues to work for you.

[oldbird]

??? Three years ago I was advised NOT to cut off the wings. I see zero purpose for them but was told it voided the whole frame warranty if you cut them off. After reading this I'm going to cut those dam* things off. Thanks

[Cummins12V98]

I am just asking because most people have no idea what their rig weighs and are shocked to find they are near or at 25% pin if they are full time.

My 36SB3 weighed 18k+ with 4,500# pin.

[porthole]

There are twice as many holes in the trailer pin box mount then there are on these side plates.

I moved my pin box up one hole but there is not enough room at the top for these plates to go back on.

[wingnut60]

Glenn,
Way back with my '05 Suites, got the same "no" from Morryde about the flanges on the plates--years later, and now on the '15, disaster has not yet struck because I cut them off.
Still don't know if the plates are MR product or a Lippert product.

[porthole]

There are twice as many holes in the trailer pin box mount then there are on these side plates.

I moved my pin box up one hole but there is not enough room at the top for these plates to go back on.

Wish you could edit on this forum........

To be clear, I 'lowered' my MOR/ryde pinbox one hole to 'raise' my trailer off the truck. I was not able to reinstall the plates because I could not move the plates 'up' one hole due to the way the holes are punched.

There are twice as many mounting holes on the trailer frame then there are on these side plates.

I would have had to lower the pin box at least two holes in order to use the side plates, maybe, I didn't try it.

[porthole]

Still don't know if the plates are MR product or a Lippert product.



Good question.

ALL of the important details regarding our MS are on these removable plates, including the VIN - go figure.

The last 6 of the VIN is punched into the actual frame mounted side plates, and not very well at that.

[clev]

I also added a grade 8 to the remaining hole on each side but had to drill it just a little. I also noticed your New York inspection sticker. Texas has always had a law requiring an inspection on anything on the road, but I knew of no one that ever had anything inspected, except for their actual vehicle. Registration was a two part process; get the inspection and have a sticker placed on the vehicle, and then get the registration/renewal and place that sticker on the window. I've been in Texas since ~1972, and have always had RV's and flatbeds, but never had them inspected, was never stopped, questioned, nor ticketed. Then, a few years ago, the law changed. Now, to renew the registration, you must get the vehicle inspected, take the inspection papers to the DMV, and then they will issue you one sticker; a combination of the inspection and the tag renewal. That was financially brilliant. Can you imagine the millions, maybe billions, of revenue that the state started collecting from $7.50 on each inspected vehicle with that plan? But, now, I have two of vehicles and the DRV registered to my LLC in Montana and don't have to worry with it anymore.

[porthole]

I bought the trailer in New York. New York law (so I am told) requires a New York State inspection and registration take place and the decal affixed. So I paid for that inspection when I finalized the papers. Was not much.

I live in New Jersey. We do not have any type of inspection nor require any type of decals for registration. We used to years ago require a decal for the plate that shows the registration was paid for. But that just led to other problems. Was a problem keeping plates from being stolen on boat trailers because of that decal.

I just pay an annual registration fee, no decal, no inspection. $28

[clev]

$28 bucks; that’s cheap. Texas inspection is $7.50 to the inspection station, and another $7.50 to the state along with the renewal fee of $87, I think. Anyway about $100 per year for a full sized truck.

[porthole]

Yearly:

$28.00 most trailers, no inspection
$75.00 F-350, no inspection
$65.00 Harley, no inspection
$71.50 Lincoln MKC, inspection every 5 years

[Mtntrek]

Good question.
ALL of the important details regarding our MS are on these removable plates, including the VIN - go figure.
The last 6 of the VIN is punched into the actual frame mounted side plates, and not very well at that.
I find this curious too, as a dubious person "could falsify" the identity of a trailer masking it's history.
Wondering if at some time mfr. noticed deformation on the pin head, etc. or in order to increase capacities or some other notion?
Wonder if one might modify or fabricate less (to the bed rail) intrusive plates? Does seem as if they are added for a stiffener.
Interesting, and requires some more research.
Similarly, I added the sixth GR-8 hardware to the existing GR-8. Although I only had to loosen the initial bolts, and slightly align the pin box, for the proper bolt clearance. Then replaced the lock washers on all, and re-torqued.

[porthole]

One of the problems with these removable side plates is that if you lower the pinbox one hole the side plate has to be lowered as well, since there are fewer holes. IF try and use the side plate it will be one hole lower then the pin pin box was moved and you will have a 1" between the top of the plate and the bottom of the overhang.

On my list of things to do is contact DRV and/or Lippert to see if plates are available with the holes punched in alternate location.

An alternative would be to get side plates prior to punching and have them done locally.

[wingnut60]

TX trailer inspection is basically a joke, and as mentioned, a money generator. Biggest hassle is getting the trailer to the shop to inspect it. Has been very easy to make friends with an oil change shop and just take the VIN to him and generate the inspection--happens all over the state.

[Terry Weier]

I own a 2013 DRV Elite Suite when purchased it had an MSRP of $160,000 with trade of a 2006 Koutry Air (that I wish I still owned) I financed $110,000 in other words I got my trade stole from me. I was informed last week that high trade value was $40,000. I would like to know how I've lost $120,000 in 5 years. Invest your money wisely and $120,000 loss in 5 years is not wisely. If I could do everything all over again I would have saved my money and I would have bought a used diesel pusher 5+ years old (((look around at the high end low mile flagship pushers on the net great deals for about the same price of a new 5th wheel))) so most of its depreciation has happened they are built 10000 times better than any fifth wheel on the road and I'm talking low quality beginner entry level diesel pushers. If I took the time and got into the level of detail of issues I've had with my Elite Suite you would get sick and tired of reading. It would read like a very boring novel all I can tell you is I've had issues from day one (I have the receipts to back it up). I will never own another DRV product as long as I live. If you must stay with fifth wheels I would sure check out probably New Horizons, Spacecraft, or possibly a Lux I've heard good things. New Horizon and Spacecraft are one-off in other words they're not built on some assembly line where they're being paid piece work.

[WRWGN]

If you must stay with fifth wheels I would sure check out probably New Horizons, Spacecraft, or possibly a Lux I've heard good things. New Horizon and Spacecraft are one-off in other words they're not built on some assembly line where they're being paid piece work.


FWIW. I visited the Augusta RV factory (for Luxe) and it is NOT an assembly line either.

[porkchop]

Luxe is trying to get by on their (grandfathers) rep. Their rigs are total junk with pressed board and contact paper for cabinets. No where near a DRV. NH and Spacecraft are quality units. With a price to match.

Bill