2018 DRV Question

[Campingnut]

Hello
We might be new to the DRV owners group as we are looking at a used 2018 38RSSA and we are wondering if there is anything in particular we should be looking for.

Thanks Tim and Bev

[Notanlines]

Nut, we are starting our third year with our 2017 38RSSA and have been very happy with it. The RV has NEVER been back to the dealer for anything warrantee related.

[Srosa]

I purchased a left over 2018 38 RSSA and love it so far. It’s the perfect floor plan for us. I’ve had some minor issues with internal and external finish work but they’ve all been easy fixes that I performed myself.

These are heavy trailers and they also need to be height matched to the truck. Many DRV’s these days are lifted 2-5” as a factory option or they are raised later. I had to raise mine 3” to be compatible with a 2017 f450.

[Cummins12V98]

5" lift?

Most I have heard of is 3" on a DRV.

[Srosa]

5" lift?

Most I have heard of is 3" on a DRV.
That’s the range that I came up with when doing research on lifting my trailer. Pretty sure the context was all DRV but it’s been a while. I for sure recall at least one 4” lift on a newer DRV because I was going to contact them with questions about using their jacks post-lift.

[wingnut60]

Welcome to the forum.

'15RSSA, bought used in '17, no problems that weren't self-inflicted. Check all caulked lines really good, especially the bottom face plates on the bedroom slides. Also thump the bedroom slide floors for hollow sounds due to wood rot from lack of caulking on the face plates.

[MnP]

5" lift?

Most I have heard of is 3" on a DRV.

Just had mine at Morryde in May for a height adjustment after trading trucks. (Also converted to IS and dumped the Trailair Centerpoints) With B&W hitch at lowest setting and truck at Alt height setting, the trailer was still 5 inches high in the front with a height of 13’ 6” at forward AC unit. I had them lift the rig by 4 inches and still maintained the 13’ 6” height at forward AC unit. Morryde told me that they had added 4 inches to many DRV rigs.

[wingnut60]

Mnp,
Would you mind sharing the cost of that riser install?
Thanks,
Joe

[MnP]

Mnp,
Would you mind sharing the cost of that riser install?
Thanks,
Joe

Joe
The quote to install a riser on a double axel rig was $2300 to $2500. The price for a riser and the IS conversion was $4250. The contact at MORryde is Brian Hoskins, 574-293-1581. Brian.Hoskins@Morryde.com. He wasn’t very good at answering his phone but was good about responding via email.

[porthole]

Joe
The quote to install a riser on a double axel rig was $2300 to $2500. The price for a riser and the IS conversion was $4250. The contact at MORryde is Brian Hoskins, 574-293-1581. Brian.Hoskins@Morryde.com. He wasn’t very good at answering his phone but was good about responding via email.

When MOR/ryde installs IS on a non IS trailer, it is built too match the truck you bring it in with. There should not be an extra "riser" cost on a complete install.

[MnP]

When MOR/ryde installs IS on a non IS trailer, it is built too match the truck you bring it in with. There should not be an extra "riser" cost on a complete install.

Perhaps I could have been plainer. Riser install only was $2300 to $2500. An IS conversion was $4250 which would include a riser if required.

[wingnut60]

MnP,
Thanks for clearing that up. I had heard $1600 for risers maybe 3 years ago. Makes sense it has gone up, not an easy job to cut off old welds, grind smooth, and add the riser correctly, the reinstall the IS.

[jgardner80]

We have a 2017 and having problems with the leveling system. Seems to have been leaking fluid and couldn't find anyone capable of fixing it for a long time. Still have some issues with it and we usually do the leveling manually but other than than, we love it! AC in main cabin sometimes takes a little longer than we think it should to cool off but we live and camp in a pretty hot environment.

[dmorse68]

I have a 2018 and the left, front landing gear leaks hydraulic fluid. Not too much, but it should be replaced. Just not willing to give up my home for 2 months to do it. I monitor the main reservoir level, and have recommended oil on hand if needed. My AC in main cabin takes a longer to cool just like yours Jgardner80. The bedroom AC blows really cold however, and cools down the room in a heartbeat. It’s the place to be when it’s hot outside. If I were to buy one again, I’d have one spec’ed out with 2 units in the main and 1 in the bedroom.

David

[Campingnut]

Thanks for all the replies we are picking it up today

[wingnut60]

Where is it and the dealer?

[Campingnut]

Odd question as it is at a non DRV dealer in Calgary Alberta (it is used and was traded in for a motorhome)

[wingnut60]

Just wondering about the dealer reputation...did not notice you were in Canada.

[Campingnut]

Just wondering about the dealer reputation...did not notice you were in Canada.

I sent you a PM

[Srosa]

Thanks for all the replies we are picking it up today
Congratulations!

[Campingnut]

Thanks I am a little nervous as this is our first used unit in my last 30 years of owning many new ones lol...

[dmorse68]

@Campingnut - that’s fantastic! Congratulations! Let us know how it is. May it serve you well for many many years.

Cheers,
David

[Campingnut]

Well got the trailer out to our site and after setting up noticed that the main slide outside wall has separated from the slide floor. Screw heads have broken off. I still can not feel a soft spot in the floor though.

[Campingnut]

Outside wall

[Cummins12V98]

The land of loose and broken screws!!!

[porthole]

Take it back and stop payment on the check.

[wingnut60]

Many posts on the DRV Owners Group (FB) about slide floor repairs--if no obvious water intrusion, seal the open board edges and cover with Eternabond. Then replace trim with larger stainless screws.

[porthole]

Outside wall



The pictures make it hard to figure out what you are showing.

[Campingnut]

Yeh poor pictures but floor is not rotten and I think wignut is on the right track for my repair

[Campingnut]

Is this any better sorry now it is side ways

[Srosa]

Yeh poor pictures but floor is not rotten and I think wignut is on the right track for my repair
That is discouraging to see for sure. If it were me and I was committed to the trailer and a repair, I’d take wingnut’s suggestion and supersize it a little. I would remove and replace all of the screws on the short side of that repair. You will get a better visual of the problem area and possibly relieve some of the bowing.

[RangerSal]

I have a 2017 DRV. Has anyone had any problems with there rear cap coming a separating?

[porthole]

I have a 2017 DRV. Has anyone had any problems with there rear cap coming a separating?

Becoming a common problem on 2018 and up.

[RangerSal]

Has anyone had any problems with the rear cap separating?

[Srosa]

Has anyone had any problems with the rear cap separating?
I just checked and my rear cap is still back there and firmly affixed. Some details on what you’re seeing would help.

[wingnut60]

RangerSal,
Here is the normal drill--if your Suites happens to show the rear cap separations ( and quite a few of them have that problem) first suggestion is usually to replace the screw with a larger one and use epoxy on it when screwing it back in. But, this usually is a temporary fix--there is not enough material in the backing metal to hold the cap on with vibrations. Need a backing place installed which will require removal of the belly cover to access the area where the screws penetrate.
Lots of reports of this problem and the many repair methods used--remember, if you don't put something for the screws to bite into, they eventually will work loose again.
Check on some of the DRV Facebooks groups to see what some have done to fix it.
No matter what, it is a bothersome problem when it occurs.

[Cummins12V98]

Truly pathetic the lack of backing behind the trim pc that holds the cap in place!

https://i.imgur.com/6AOqe1Rl.jpg

[RangerSal]

Thank you for the heads up. You would think that what the charge for our rigs and that they consider them a luxury suite that they would have a recall. Our rig is only 3 years 10 months old.I will never buy another DRV nor will I ever recommend them. We have been full timers for 13 years. Our first rig was a Carrage and we loved it.Of corse there were some problems but nothing like what we've had with DRV. This is not the first problem we've had.I wonder if it's because of the company that has taken over DRV?

[Cummins12V98]

PIZZ POOR design plain and simple!!!

[OCB]

Has anyone had any problems with the rear cap separating?
Have you contacted DRV Customer Service, They could do some Warranty work for you?
Clay 2016 MS 38PS3

[wingnut60]

Not really a Thor problem, but an overall design deficiency. Many units travel without any cap separation, but lots have the problem...1/32" sheet metal just does not have enough thickness to keep the screw threads engaged, thus many of them back out. If you have the problem, you can actually see the cap move in the rear-view mirror as you travel. Needs backing of some sort for the screws to tighten to.
I had Rolling Retreats work on mine--looked/worked well for maybe a 1000 miles of movement, then one screw on each side began backing out again. Used JB Weld on the screw threads, seemed to hold. But traded it off for a MH before enough traveling to see if it was permanent.

[Joezilla948]

But traded it off for a MH before enough traveling to see if it was permanent.

So, Joe, how goes the motorhome life? Did you trade that F450 in also?

Where are you guys quarantined at? We are at Coffey Creek RV Resort in Santo, TX. It is not really what I would call a resort, but it is a place we can hibernate for a month or two.

Joe

[RangerSal]

I did contact them. We were there and they replaced the roof because it was coming up and ripping. That's when they fixed the end cap. They said it needed to be reinforced but I am not sure what they did. They were in a hurry because they were closing because of the virus. I am going to pull back the under belly and try to see if it was reinforced. there was a big gap and they filled it with silicone. The silicone is gone from traveling and I can see the screws. It looks to me like they just put longer screws. What bugs me is they are supposed to be top end rigs and they are not. Nor do they really stand by them. Our rig is only 10 months out of warranty.

[wingnut60]

Joe,
MH life is pretty much at a standstill--have traveled from Tyler to Huntsville and then to Avarado where we are TX Ranch Resort for a month. Worked 6-week job in Huntsville, no time to do anything with the coach. Now, I am in Refugio to try to straighten out a pipeline project that has problems, so still no time to work on the coach or get cozy with the various systems. Am still at the nervous stage--these things don't track like a pickup, nor have the go juice the 450 has. It'll get to 65 or more, just takes about a mile or more.
Still have the 450--can't do anything with it until I get some definite time ahead to put it up for sale.
Wife told me someone in a 44' Suites/OK plates moved in next to us today--hope to get back before they leave to see who they are.
Plenty of spaces now where we are--new concrete slabs wide enough for the rig and a vehicle, also to park 2 vehicles. $700 month.
Joe

[Cummins12V98]

Really curious why you went from a 5er to a MH?

[Dapperdan]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Dilly dilly Ron!

Joe, we're "dying" to know! :mrgreen:

I saw one of your posts with the "new" rig in your profile, am wondering like Ron. What "pushed" ya to the Tiffin??

Dan

[Cummins12V98]

Tiffin's are NICE and I know from a friends experience they stand by their product. UNLIKE another RV Manufacturer we all know.

[wingnut60]

Some camping buds have Tiffin/Winnie/Dynamax for their use--leaned toward Tiffin based on their rep for service vendors all around the factory in AL. It is hard so far for me to change from the 450/Suites combo, but wife is happily making it our home, and the 1/2 bath is surely nice to have.
It remains to be seen whether I survive the learning curve----many, many warning lights/ding-dongs/other noises to get your attention when doing something it doesn't like.
Got a Winegard Traveler put on in place of the in-motion sat, other ideas are lying in the woods.
Not near the storage space inside/outside for a similar length vehicle, and compartments are mostly under a slide (bang head...ouch!)
Check back with me in a year to see if I'm still sane.
Joe

[Dapperdan]

Thanks for the update Joe, I can imagine there's going to be a learning curve for ya. I would think it going to take some getting used driving that "bus" instead of the 450! Good luck, happy trails. :mrgreen:

Dan

[Cummins12V98]

So I have to ask what CUMMINS Engine is pushing you down the road? Allison trans?

[wingnut60]

Believe it to be the 380 ISL 9.

[Cummins12V98]

Believe it to be the 380 ISL 9.


That should push it along just fine!

[wingnut60]

Seems pretty sluggish on takeoff--but I have nothing to compare it to besides the 450/Suites.

[Joezilla948]

Seems pretty sluggish on takeoff--but I have nothing to compare it to besides the 450/Suites.

I've been shocked at how much oomph the 450 has on takeoff, both single and towing. It has been a pleasure thus far.

Joe

[Joezilla948]

Joe,

Wife told me someone in a 44' Suites/OK plates moved in next to us today--hope to get back before they leave to see who they are.
Plenty of spaces now where we are--new concrete slabs wide enough for the rig and a vehicle, also to park 2 vehicles. $700 month.
Joe

The wife would love concrete sites! That seems to be the deciding factor in whether or not she likes a campground. Coffee Creek has zero concrete sites, however it is a place to sit out this quarantine/stay at home madness. $450 a month plus electricity. I'm thinking that when we have to start running the three a/c's 24/7 we'll be paying about $600 total for site and electric. 12 cents a kilowatt.

Joe

[wingnut60]

Joe,
I am with her on the concrete pads...unless the place is well-sodded and level to prevent serious puddling. Just hate to be walking in water/mud.
Stayed at Oak Creek couple years ago--elec in winter was about $70-$90.
If you catch this quickly, you up to meeting Sat sometime to get the water stuff? Also have a door window Debbie might like.
Joe

[Joezilla948]

Joe,
I am with her on the concrete pads...unless the place is well-sodded and level to prevent serious puddling. Just hate to be walking in water/mud.
Stayed at Oak Creek couple years ago--elec in winter was about $70-$90.
If you catch this quickly, you up to meeting Sat sometime to get the water stuff? Also have a door window Debbie might like.
Joe

Saturday will be fine. When & where?

Joe

[OCB]

Seems pretty sluggish on takeoff--but I have nothing to compare it to besides the 450/Suites.


My Sport Chassis has the same engine programed for 350 HP coupled to the Allison 3400 Transmission. The transmission is slow shifting with low RPM CUMMINS nothing much happens until you reach 4th Gear. First and second gear is really easy on the drive shaft. I really liked my Ford Transmission but like the Torque of the Cummins Engine, No substitute for cubes.
Clay