It's due to wide body, heavier chasis and framing, thick real wood, soft touch vinyl ceilings, taller and deeper slides, tall - straight line ceiling, thick walls, thick ceiling, thick floor, and 100% wool insulation, not a 2 inch layer of foam. There are many seemingly little differences which all add weight. DRVs are designed and built for full-time use. Rather than 2 inch thin laminated walls, DRV features thicker 3.25 inch walls with more layers and insulation, like a home, to keep you comfortable year round. All of the other features that make DRV the best built mass produced RV add weight. In order to accommodate the added weight and allow for additional cargo and towing capacity (where legal in some states), the frame, chassis, and IS (independent axle-less suspension) system for each wheel independently must be robust. There is no direct competitor for DRV. One or two other mass produced manufacturers and two custom builders have similar features, but there is no direct competitor for DRV. For example Luxe precuts the gel coat side walls in the front of their unit to avoid the sidewalls splitting during travel. This is because their upper decks are not adequate enough to prevent wall damage. Due to the absence of a thicker chassis with additional bracing there is too much flex to prevent the exterior walls from splitting. This added flex is transferred to the roof. Over time seal weaken, joints open, and the potential for glue and screws to break their bond increases. One cannot marry ridgid laminate walls on a chassis which is too flexibility due to thinner beams. DRV uses hung walls with a ridgid chassis. This highly ridgid chassis is placed on four or six independent axle-less suspension system. DRV is the only mass produced RV in the industry which uses such a robust chassis and the IS system. I believe IS is optional on custom RV builders like Luxe. Depending on the options you choose you will have more or less cargo weight capacity. My unit is rated for 24k. I have less cargo weight capacity than other Houston models because I have quartz countertops, a washer and dryer, slide toppers, dual awning, and other options which add weight while reducing the cargo weight capacity. Hope this helps answer your question. Cheers.
I have to be honest..... As others have pointed out, I too am worried this ultra modern look is not going to go over well with existing owners looking to move into a new model. Granted you're trying to appeal to a younger pool of buyers. And yes, many of the mid-range and even entry level units have a modern anesthetic. However those are seasonal use RVs. DRV buyers are, for the most part, full-timers. We like our home on wheels to feel warm and inviting with a harmonious blend of relaxing colors. This is a bit to bright white on bright white on bright white. The balance between crisp modern and inviting warmth is gone. I like the bright wall board and countertops....but the bright white cabinets, light colored floors, and light color furniture is, in my opinion, way too much. As for the open shelf above the bed.... well.... my cabinets over the bed are stuffed full.....despite being the only occupant in my Houston. The same is true for the amazing storage above the couch. That said I do agree with removing the glass from the cabinet doors. I must always emply my pantry of everything but rice, pasta,, and lightweight items in bags before travel fearing the glass breaking. The cabinet with glass doors above the sofa and the desk are also emptied of items that are heavy, metal, glass, or porcelain items for the same reason. The lip added to shelves throughout the unit is totally insufficient due to the few staples holding it on. Few remain as installed two years on. I've had to use finishing nails and glue them back on. The smaller cabinet doors are welcome. Five of my large cabinet doors fell apart. It's nothing a little glue and reinforcement brackets didn't fix... the point is they were not robust enough to begin with due to the absence of any glue or to hold the large cabinets together. The large cabinet doors with staples ended up splitting. Was is due to the fact no glue was used to spread the weight of the solid raised panel. All that weight was put on the thin corners with two staples giving the wood a guide to split. I did easily added brackets to the other large doors as a preventive measure. Since these are solid wood with solid raised panel, they should have been glued to ensure weight distribution and structural integrity. To be clear, DRV has the most beautiful and inviting interiors. I'm not disputing that. Nor am I claiming my beautiful cabinets are an issue. They're not. They're gorgeous. My previous RVs had terrible cabinets and woodwork. In fact most of the cabinets and wood work were not hardwood or even solid wood. Most were MDF, foam, or vinyl wrapped with a wood look paper or vinyl. While we're on the topic of cabinets. The shelves in the cabinets on either side of the microwave collapsed. This is a hollow shelf to allow for the under cabinet puck lights. The weight of my china in the left cabinet and glasses in the right cabinet was too much for the hollow shelf. There should have been either 1/4" ply or a two 2x2 braces inside the shelf to, once again, spread the weight. The 1/8" thin veneer ply with a few staples was/is not enough to hold any weight. That said, no RV is perfect. No home is perfect. Everything made by hand is going to have a flaw or several. One man's idea of level or plumb differs from the next. Sadly we don't see the use of levels as much as we should in RV construction. Yes, some manufacturers are better than other's. But no one manufacturer is perfect. Additionally there is a right and wrong time to order an RV. If you hear rumors of a manufacturer having financial difficulties avoid that manufacturer. Not only will the unit be rushed out the door without the usual checks, but they'll finish the unit with whatever parts and appliances they can find in the facility or at one of the many resellers of RV industry goods that are either discontinued or rejected by RV manufacturers. I am however disappointed to see my headboard is plastic. Which makes no sense at all. Everything else, except the MDF crown, is solid wood. Why do I have a wood look plastic headboard? This is something I expect on lite or entry to mid-level units. You took the time to put raised wood panels in the cheap veneer hollow half bath door, but choose to use plastic for the headboard? Why? Cheers!
Finally. Glad to see you've moved away from the ugly drab 1970s cheap tan and brown color scheme. Now to make a DRV with an enclosed office with air conditioning and enough power outletsto handle a beefy desktop PC with multiple monitors and printer for us remote workers. I've been holding out for DRV to make this but sadly I don't expect anything anytime soon so I'll probably end up buying a Luxe midbunk that has an enclosed office space.
Custom ordering the DRV of your dreams is simple. DRV has custom built units with dedicated offices, laundry room, craft rooms, bunks, rear patios, and others. Give them a call and they'll show you what they've done in the past. If those floorplans don't meet your needs, they'll design one for you. The lead time for LUXE is likely longer since each unit is bespoke. With DRV most, if not all, of your needs can be met with little to no additional lead time. They simply alter existing floorplans and slide boxes to meet your requirements utilizing existing components. They already have designs used for prior customized unit. Don't forget the price difference between a Luxe and DRV is sizable. I choose DRV knowing I have value for money with DRV. As far as resale value between the two.... that depends on how customized the unit is. I've saw some pretty crazy customized Luxe units over two years ago. Many of those are still on the market today. A heavily customized Luxe unit with loud or crazy colors can depreciate faster than a comparable DRV with little customization and colors with mass appeal. We always seem to think and say "this is our last unit", but data shows most owners only typically retain that new unit for less than two years. There is always something new and exciting to make us part with the "old" for the new. It's usually the new decor options, new paint or graphics, and/or a new piece of tech. Like others, I'm waiting for a tub/shower combo. I think it was Jayco who introduced a model with the front soaker tub with a separate shower. I don't think that model lasted a second year. Too much space was wasted. In fact the one I saw at a resort had the bathtub used for storage and dirty laundry. Grand Design has a sunked tub/shower combo. However, I am not in the market for a laminated or seasonal use RV. I am a true convert to DRV. I've owned many RVs. DRV is the only mass produced RV to look, feel, and function like a home. The others, excluding custom RV builders, all look and feel like RVs. Yes, even the Riverstone and Pinnacle feel like RVs. Give them a call...... you'll be surprised at what they'll build just for you. Cheers!
I think this guy williamiller supposely settledown and never go back to drv, and ask her forgiveness for throwing something at their broadcast (harrashment). he was not a designer , she is
Don't like the floor plan but decor is the best ive seen in a 5th wheel, absolutely stunning,
Yes indeed, Andrea did an awesome job! And she deserves a raise for that modernizing touch!
Love this
I love this. It’s bright and I want it
Beautiful but you forgot the bathroom
Why does the drv 36rksb gross vehicle weight is 20,000 pounds?
It's due to wide body, heavier chasis and framing, thick real wood, soft touch vinyl ceilings, taller and deeper slides, tall - straight line ceiling, thick walls, thick ceiling, thick floor, and 100% wool insulation, not a 2 inch layer of foam. There are many seemingly little differences which all add weight. DRVs are designed and built for full-time use. Rather than 2 inch thin laminated walls, DRV features thicker 3.25 inch walls with more layers and insulation, like a home, to keep you comfortable year round. All of the other features that make DRV the best built mass produced RV add weight. In order to accommodate the added weight and allow for additional cargo and towing capacity (where legal in some states), the frame, chassis, and IS (independent axle-less suspension) system for each wheel independently must be robust. There is no direct competitor for DRV. One or two other mass produced manufacturers and two custom builders have similar features, but there is no direct competitor for DRV. For example Luxe precuts the gel coat side walls in the front of their unit to avoid the sidewalls splitting during travel. This is because their upper decks are not adequate enough to prevent wall damage. Due to the absence of a thicker chassis with additional bracing there is too much flex to prevent the exterior walls from splitting. This added flex is transferred to the roof. Over time seal weaken, joints open, and the potential for glue and screws to break their bond increases. One cannot marry ridgid laminate walls on a chassis which is too flexibility due to thinner beams. DRV uses hung walls with a ridgid chassis. This highly ridgid chassis is placed on four or six independent axle-less suspension system. DRV is the only mass produced RV in the industry which uses such a robust chassis and the IS system. I believe IS is optional on custom RV builders like Luxe.
Depending on the options you choose you will have more or less cargo weight capacity. My unit is rated for 24k. I have less cargo weight capacity than other Houston models because I have quartz countertops, a washer and dryer, slide toppers, dual awning, and other options which add weight while reducing the cargo weight capacity.
Hope this helps answer your question.
Cheers.
Being that the designer is a lady , please keep in mind that some of us really want a small bathtub.
You may order a unit with a tub/shower combo. Some floorplans may not accommodate a tub/shower.
I have to be honest..... As others have pointed out, I too am worried this ultra modern look is not going to go over well with existing owners looking to move into a new model. Granted you're trying to appeal to a younger pool of buyers. And yes, many of the mid-range and even entry level units have a modern anesthetic. However those are seasonal use RVs. DRV buyers are, for the most part, full-timers. We like our home on wheels to feel warm and inviting with a harmonious blend of relaxing colors. This is a bit to bright white on bright white on bright white. The balance between crisp modern and inviting warmth is gone. I like the bright wall board and countertops....but the bright white cabinets, light colored floors, and light color furniture is, in my opinion, way too much.
As for the open shelf above the bed.... well.... my cabinets over the bed are stuffed full.....despite being the only occupant in my Houston. The same is true for the amazing storage above the couch. That said I do agree with removing the glass from the cabinet doors. I must always emply my pantry of everything but rice, pasta,, and lightweight items in bags before travel fearing the glass breaking. The cabinet with glass doors above the sofa and the desk are also emptied of items that are heavy, metal, glass, or porcelain items for the same reason. The lip added to shelves throughout the unit is totally insufficient due to the few staples holding it on. Few remain as installed two years on. I've had to use finishing nails and glue them back on. The smaller cabinet doors are welcome. Five of my large cabinet doors fell apart. It's nothing a little glue and reinforcement brackets didn't fix... the point is they were not robust enough to begin with due to the absence of any glue or to hold the large cabinets together. The large cabinet doors with staples ended up splitting. Was is due to the fact no glue was used to spread the weight of the solid raised panel. All that weight was put on the thin corners with two staples giving the wood a guide to split. I did easily added brackets to the other large doors as a preventive measure. Since these are solid wood with solid raised panel, they should have been glued to ensure weight distribution and structural integrity. To be clear, DRV has the most beautiful and inviting interiors. I'm not disputing that. Nor am I claiming my beautiful cabinets are an issue. They're not. They're gorgeous. My previous RVs had terrible cabinets and woodwork. In fact most of the cabinets and wood work were not hardwood or even solid wood. Most were MDF, foam, or vinyl wrapped with a wood look paper or vinyl. While we're on the topic of cabinets. The shelves in the cabinets on either side of the microwave collapsed. This is a hollow shelf to allow for the under cabinet puck lights. The weight of my china in the left cabinet and glasses in the right cabinet was too much for the hollow shelf. There should have been either 1/4" ply or a two 2x2 braces inside the shelf to, once again, spread the weight. The 1/8" thin veneer ply with a few staples was/is not enough to hold any weight.
That said, no RV is perfect. No home is perfect. Everything made by hand is going to have a flaw or several. One man's idea of level or plumb differs from the next. Sadly we don't see the use of levels as much as we should in RV construction. Yes, some manufacturers are better than other's. But no one manufacturer is perfect. Additionally there is a right and wrong time to order an RV. If you hear rumors of a manufacturer having financial difficulties avoid that manufacturer. Not only will the unit be rushed out the door without the usual checks, but they'll finish the unit with whatever parts and appliances they can find in the facility or at one of the many resellers of RV industry goods that are either discontinued or rejected by RV manufacturers.
I am however disappointed to see my headboard is plastic. Which makes no sense at all. Everything else, except the MDF crown, is solid wood. Why do I have a wood look plastic headboard? This is something I expect on lite or entry to mid-level units. You took the time to put raised wood panels in the cheap veneer hollow half bath door, but choose to use plastic for the headboard? Why?
Cheers!
I’ll be honest, it’s pretty but it’s just to much white and sterile looking for me I prefer the warmth of your previous colors.
Finally. Glad to see you've moved away from the ugly drab 1970s cheap tan and brown color scheme. Now to make a DRV with an enclosed office with air conditioning and enough power outletsto handle a beefy desktop PC with multiple monitors and printer for us remote workers. I've been holding out for DRV to make this but sadly I don't expect anything anytime soon so I'll probably end up buying a Luxe midbunk that has an enclosed office space.
Custom ordering the DRV of your dreams is simple. DRV has custom built units with dedicated offices, laundry room, craft rooms, bunks, rear patios, and others. Give them a call and they'll show you what they've done in the past. If those floorplans don't meet your needs, they'll design one for you. The lead time for LUXE is likely longer since each unit is bespoke. With DRV most, if not all, of your needs can be met with little to no additional lead time. They simply alter existing floorplans and slide boxes to meet your requirements utilizing existing components. They already have designs used for prior customized unit. Don't forget the price difference between a Luxe and DRV is sizable. I choose DRV knowing I have value for money with DRV. As far as resale value between the two.... that depends on how customized the unit is. I've saw some pretty crazy customized Luxe units over two years ago. Many of those are still on the market today. A heavily customized Luxe unit with loud or crazy colors can depreciate faster than a comparable DRV with little customization and colors with mass appeal. We always seem to think and say "this is our last unit", but data shows most owners only typically retain that new unit for less than two years. There is always something new and exciting to make us part with the "old" for the new. It's usually the new decor options, new paint or graphics, and/or a new piece of tech.
Like others, I'm waiting for a tub/shower combo. I think it was Jayco who introduced a model with the front soaker tub with a separate shower. I don't think that model lasted a second year. Too much space was wasted. In fact the one I saw at a resort had the bathtub used for storage and dirty laundry. Grand Design has a sunked tub/shower combo. However, I am not in the market for a laminated or seasonal use RV.
I am a true convert to DRV. I've owned many RVs. DRV is the only mass produced RV to look, feel, and function like a home. The others, excluding custom RV builders, all look and feel like RVs. Yes, even the Riverstone and Pinnacle feel like RVs.
Give them a call...... you'll be surprised at what they'll build just for you.
Cheers!
I think this guy williamiller supposely settledown and never go back to drv, and ask her forgiveness for throwing something at their broadcast (harrashment). he was not a designer , she is