Hey JD,I hope that you're having a great day! I love the DRV brand fifth wheels! I like that when they make a fifth wheel,that they make them to last for years if you take care of them! I like that they give you 15 inches of tube steel for the frame and where the axles are you get 17 inches of tube steel. Didn't you say JD that DRV is one of the only RV manufacturers that make all of their frames out of steel construction? I'm glad that they go above and beyond what other RV manufacturers go when building their fifth wheels. I like that they use a water manifold system so you can still use your fifth wheel! But as the saying goes if you want quality you have to pay for it! DRV is a brand you know will last you along time an your kids will be able to use it for a long time as long as it is took care of and serviced on a regular basis! Thank you JD for showing us this fifth wheel and giving us all the information on it!! Your number one fan and friend Leonard from North Carolina!!!!!!!!
The real wood is beautiful - I am confident that you could order any tone of stain or glaze if you purchased one. The floor registers make me crazy - I get the efficiency of the heating system, but there has to be other ways to out them in without being in the exact middle of the walking areas! For example, the island is in that area…. why not out the register in the kick of the island? I have a cane that I use regularly, and don’t usually stare at my feet while walking. I wonder how many times I would catch my cane on the register or how many times I would fall because I tripped on it? I realize those are more “me” problems with my lack of mobility, but these issues are pretty common as we age. While the addition of the desk is great, a wee private space would be a lot more functional. Just because I may be working in the road, my hubby shouldn’t have to tip toe around when I’m on the phone or a video meeting. It feels like the idea wasn’t fully developed and they just plopped one in. The bedroom bureau drawers are awesome! They used every bit of space.
Wow this is a beautiful rv! Love the cabinets they look beautiful. Love the kitchen. Love the full body paint. Love the huge bathroom. Over all love this thank you JD!
I could be very happy living in one of those. It does surprise me a bit though that they would use carpet in the main living space slide out. They use such lovely solid wood for their cabinetry and then they cheapen the overall look with the carpet. But I would still live in one if given the chance.
DRV will make the changes you want, to some degree. Structural changes not available. This particular one he is showing is a base model Houston. At this level of DRV almost anything you want changed is possible. The option list is multiple pages long, some are at no additional cost.
I agree! It is an appealing fifth wheel. I am more impressed by the use of real wood for furniture and the overall quality of the fixtures and fittings. Are the drawers built with dovetailed connections?
That 1/2 bath- laundry room is awesome, great idea. By the time you buy a 550 or 5500 series truck to tow it, you’ll be around 62” or longer !!!! It is a beautiful beast though. Great job as always…
@@kevincassidy8131 Dimmable LED are a option. I don't know about color settings. I'm sure the factory would do that for you during the build process. This particular one he is showing is a base model Houston. At this level of DRV almost anything you want changed is possible. The option list is multiple pages long, some are at no additional cost.
@@bradpaddock1175 I mean use a dimmable, multi color light strip in place of the batten strips. After all, batten strips are just to fill a gap between ceiling panels.
Big thumbs up for mentioning Space Craft. They're early units were a bit different, in a good way. Now, they are truly over the top. (This where Josh the rv nerd would mention a scene in a movie we all know).
Small cabinets on the fridge right side nicer on the other side by the stove for spices. Agree long drawers underneath the bed to pull out. Bedroom drawers were soft closing nice to see.
Hey JD. Could you feature some family oriented "Camper" trailers. But I have a Half Ton pick up. I'm interested in what a first timer could look forward to.
Single sink in the mast bath is an option. This particular one he is showing is a base model Houston. At this level of DRV almost anything you want changed is possible. The option list is multiple pages long, some are at no additional cost.
We're the drawers dovetail? The floor vents could be a little fancier at this price point. Also, copper manifold but it still has plastic fittings. The frame and running gear are amazing, but dare I say Brinkley is a better total package for way less money.....🤷
Wow, those numbers are off the chart, I guess that I want be towing this behind a 3/4 ton, bummmer. I do love the floor plan and even the color of it, this is very nice 5th wheel. So with a gvwr of 24,000lbs and 20% of that is going to be about 4800lbs will you put this behind a regular dually with the dually I have my payload is 5242lbs?
I wish they’d stop using wood valances in the windows. They’re totally ridiculous. Under the bed storage is necessary for big stuff. Don’t need two sinks in the small bathroom, I’d rather have the counter space.
During the build process you can have the valances color matched cloth covering to any number of choices. They have design teams to help you with that selection. As is the case with the master bath sinks style or a single single sink choice. Totally customizable when you sit down with the design team. This particular one he is showing is a base model Houston. At this level of DRV almost anything you want changed is possible. The option list is multiple pages long, some are at no additional cost.
This is a gorgeous unit, however, I’m a little disappointed they installed carpet in the living room. As far as the cable slides, I suspect that because of the problems with Schwintek that’s why they went with cable. I would’ve preferred the SlimRack slide system. We have the Exact cable slides with our Alliance Paradigm and they have worked great.
Love the living area. Not a gan of walking through the bath to get to the bath. Mold/mildew with showering could be an issue. Hope the auto level system can not be turned on from the side of the coach...might be temptation for kids/others to mess with.
Amazing looking, but it sure is huge! I wonder what something that huge is like behind a dually truck? Almost seems like you would be better off with a larger medium duty or something.
I don't think I'd tow this with even an F450. I'd want at least a Class 5 truck, and would feel most comfortable with a Class 8. Not saying an F450 can't tow it, I know it can. I'm just saying what I would tow it with. I wish they still painted the sides of the slides on full body paint rigs. My 2007 Beaver has the slides painted. It looks so much nicer than black or white slides.
This particular one he is showing is a base model Houston. At this level of DRV almost anything you want changed is possible. The option list is multiple pages long, some are at no additional cost. The matching stripe painted slides is a option.
I have an identical DRV. It tows well behind my F-350 DRW. Fully loaded, it comes right to the trucks 14k weight limit. Have had mine over Tioga Pass at Yosemite, with the 8% grades, no problem. It handles well, just gotta look out for low hanging tree branches, like all the other tall units. I've had a lot of complements on the paint (identical to this unit shown) and often catch people just staring at the trailer. 🙂
I’m really not sure that even a f450 or ram 4500 is even big enough to tow this thing full time and what I mean by that I think it’s really pushing those trucks to the max.
Like JD mentioned, a newer 1 ton dooly is the minimum required. These newer trucks are derated anyway to stay within the DOT regulations, so IMO I would be more than comfortable towing this rig with any brand of a newer 1 ton dooly.
With that profile and weight, you are towing a semi trailer. I understand the ratings on new trucks are high enough for this but I'd prefer a medium duty truck at minimum if I were going to tow this around much
@@Itsa_Mea I've been towing trailers for 50 yrs our first was a Spartan mansion it was my dad's we used it to travel with the carnival my first was a serro Scotty I was 15 I have owned many since then I know exactly what I am talking about Sonny
Hey JD,I hope that you're having a great day! I love the DRV brand fifth wheels! I like that when they make a fifth wheel,that they make them to last for years if you take care of them! I like that they give you 15 inches of tube steel for the frame and where the axles are you get 17 inches of tube steel. Didn't you say JD that DRV is one of the only RV manufacturers that make all of their frames out of steel construction? I'm glad that they go above and beyond what other RV manufacturers go when building their fifth wheels. I like that they use a water manifold system so you can still use your fifth wheel! But as the saying goes if you want quality you have to pay for it! DRV is a brand you know will last you along time an your kids will be able to use it for a long time as long as it is took care of and serviced on a regular basis! Thank you JD for showing us this fifth wheel and giving us all the information on it!! Your number one fan and friend Leonard from North Carolina!!!!!!!!
The real wood is beautiful - I am confident that you could order any tone of stain or glaze if you purchased one. The floor registers make me crazy - I get the efficiency of the heating system, but there has to be other ways to out them in without being in the exact middle of the walking areas! For example, the island is in that area…. why not out the register in the kick of the island? I have a cane that I use regularly, and don’t usually stare at my feet while walking. I wonder how many times I would catch my cane on the register or how many times I would fall because I tripped on it? I realize those are more “me” problems with my lack of mobility, but these issues are pretty common as we age. While the addition of the desk is great, a wee private space would be a lot more functional. Just because I may be working in the road, my hubby shouldn’t have to tip toe around when I’m on the phone or a video meeting. It feels like the idea wasn’t fully developed and they just plopped one in. The bedroom bureau drawers are awesome! They used every bit of space.
Wow this is a beautiful rv! Love the cabinets they look beautiful. Love the kitchen. Love the full body paint. Love the huge bathroom. Over all love this thank you JD!
I could be very happy living in one of those. It does surprise me a bit though that they would use carpet in the main living space slide out. They use such lovely solid wood for their cabinetry and then they cheapen the overall look with the carpet. But I would still live in one if given the chance.
DRV will make the changes you want, to some degree. Structural changes not available. This particular one he is showing is a base model Houston. At this level of DRV almost anything you want changed is possible. The option list is multiple pages long, some are at no additional cost.
I agree! It is an appealing fifth wheel. I am more impressed by the use of real wood for furniture and the overall quality of the fixtures and fittings. Are the drawers built with dovetailed connections?
NO they are not.
Thought at first there’d be a bunk house being that big and costing that much, but I actually think the half bath/laundry room is pretty cool.
That 1/2 bath- laundry room is awesome, great idea. By the time you buy a 550 or 5500 series truck to tow it, you’ll be around 62” or longer !!!!
It is a beautiful beast though. Great job as always…
The led accent lighting strips that could be dimmable and different color settings where batten is would’ve looked better. IMHO !!!
@@kevincassidy8131 Dimmable LED are a option. I don't know about color settings. I'm sure the factory would do that for you during the build process. This particular one he is showing is a base model Houston. At this level of DRV almost anything you want changed is possible. The option list is multiple pages long, some are at no additional cost.
@@bradpaddock1175 I mean use a dimmable, multi color light strip in place of the batten strips. After all, batten strips are just to fill a gap between ceiling panels.
Big thumbs up for mentioning Space Craft. They're early units were a bit different, in a good way. Now, they are truly over the top. (This where Josh the rv nerd would mention a scene in a movie we all know).
Small cabinets on the fridge right side nicer on the other side by the stove for spices. Agree long drawers underneath the bed to pull out. Bedroom drawers were soft closing nice to see.
Hey JD. Could you feature some family oriented "Camper" trailers. But I have a Half Ton pick up. I'm interested in what a first timer could look forward to.
Impressive craftsmanship. The price might seem high until you find out what a Sprinter camper van costs!
Massive and beautiful but I agree with you. For the price point you can’t be using cable slides.
Like the DRV’s, but the lack of exterior storage could be a deal breaker.
Love the desk!! And the half bath with washer/dryer. The big bathroom is great, but I would much prefer more counter space over a second sink!
Single sink in the mast bath is an option. This particular one he is showing is a base model Houston. At this level of DRV almost anything you want changed is possible. The option list is multiple pages long, some are at no additional cost.
😍😍 I could definitely live in this. Love the colors, too.
The accent lighting is really great. If you have the truck to pull it, this looks to be a good full time unit
I wish DRV made travel trailers! ❤
I wished they would get rid of the carpet in the slides. Those traveling with pets would really appreciate that. Maybe it is an option, hopefully.
We're the drawers dovetail? The floor vents could be a little fancier at this price point. Also, copper manifold but it still has plastic fittings. The frame and running gear are amazing, but dare I say Brinkley is a better total package for way less money.....🤷
Definitely half ton towable.
Absolutely love this unit
Wow, those numbers are off the chart, I guess that I want be towing this behind a 3/4 ton, bummmer. I do love the floor plan and even the color of it, this is very nice 5th wheel. So with a gvwr of 24,000lbs and 20% of that is going to be about 4800lbs will you put this behind a regular dually with the dually I have my payload is 5242lbs?
Riverstone Legacy has a water header system also.
Love your content JD, maybe take a vacation from your usual uploads. You haven't seemed to be excited doing the last few.
I wish they’d stop using wood valances in the windows. They’re totally ridiculous. Under the bed storage is necessary for big stuff. Don’t need two sinks in the small bathroom, I’d rather have the counter space.
During the build process you can have the valances color matched cloth covering to any number of choices. They have design teams to help you with that selection. As is the case with the master bath sinks style or a single single sink choice. Totally customizable when you sit down with the design team. This particular one he is showing is a base model Houston. At this level of DRV almost anything you want changed is possible. The option list is multiple pages long, some are at no additional cost.
I liked it until I saw the cable driven slide out.
Even luxe uses cable slides.
This is a gorgeous unit, however, I’m a little disappointed they installed carpet in the living room. As far as the cable slides, I suspect that because of the problems with Schwintek that’s why they went with cable. I would’ve preferred the SlimRack slide system. We have the Exact cable slides with our Alliance Paradigm and they have worked great.
Great review! Thank you!
Love the living area. Not a gan of walking through the bath to get to the bath. Mold/mildew with showering could be an issue. Hope the auto level system can not be turned on from the side of the coach...might be temptation for kids/others to mess with.
I love it. I just dont understand why they point the floor vents right into your face while seating
It’s sad that they couldn’t do something about those ugly big vents all over the kitchen floor.
Exactly. Or as we call them, The Dirt Traps.
How much would it cost it have the same laminate flooring on the slide floors?
Awesome!
Nice RV
Am I seeing plywood drawer boxes? They do not look like dovetailed drawer boxes which I’d expect for 200k.
No dovetail. And it's not 200k.
How would you compare this with a Riverstone. I’ve watched some of your videos of them and you’ve commented on them as being high quality.
M2 freightliner sport chassis would tow this nicely over the Rockies.
Amazing looking, but it sure is huge! I wonder what something that huge is like behind a dually truck? Almost seems like you would be better off with a larger medium duty or something.
No different than a 45' toyhauler.
Quite comparable to Riverstone in many ways.
I forgot to ask JD does this DRV Houston come with a generator an if so does it run on propane or diesel fuel?
Nicer than my house, but about 9 times as expensive since I built using a pre-fab "storage shed"
I don't think I'd tow this with even an F450. I'd want at least a Class 5 truck, and would feel most comfortable with a Class 8. Not saying an F450 can't tow it, I know it can. I'm just saying what I would tow it with. I wish they still painted the sides of the slides on full body paint rigs. My 2007 Beaver has the slides painted. It looks so much nicer than black or white slides.
This particular one he is showing is a base model Houston. At this level of DRV almost anything you want changed is possible. The option list is multiple pages long, some are at no additional cost. The matching stripe painted slides is a option.
I have an identical DRV. It tows well behind my F-350 DRW. Fully loaded, it comes right to the trucks 14k weight limit. Have had mine over Tioga Pass at Yosemite, with the 8% grades, no problem. It handles well, just gotta look out for low hanging tree branches, like all the other tall units. I've had a lot of complements on the paint (identical to this unit shown) and often catch people just staring at the trailer. 🙂
I’m really not sure that even a f450 or ram 4500 is even big enough to tow this thing full time and what I mean by that I think it’s really pushing those trucks to the max.
My Ram 3500 DRW is rated beyond its capacities. I regularly tow a gooseneck over the weights of this unit.
@@Itsa_Mea I bet the CG is much lower on that gooseneck.
@@aaronbritt2025 it's a deck over tandem dually trailer. I haul heavy equipment like backhoe so I wouldn't be so sure about that.
@@Itsa_Mea I do too. I 'm sure. I pull behind a tandem axle dump. The cg on 5th wheels is pretty high.
Has DRV always built this way? I’m interested in one only as far back as 2021
Yes
My 2011 is built the same as 2024 and is still holding together quite well
I would like to know your honest opinion on what it takes to safely tow a rig like this.
F450 minimum
Like JD mentioned, a newer 1 ton dooly is the minimum required. These newer trucks are derated anyway to stay within the DOT regulations, so IMO I would be more than comfortable towing this rig with any brand of a newer 1 ton dooly.
With that profile and weight, you are towing a semi trailer. I understand the ratings on new trucks are high enough for this but I'd prefer a medium duty truck at minimum if I were going to tow this around much
I’d say majority engineered wood / laminate cabinets…hmmm
You might say that, but you'd be wrong.
My thought is, that is not a very practical thing to haul down the road(s) THAT long and THAT heavy?
Auto leveling just sitting there out in the open without the screen to look at for manual leveling. Wow.
There is a screen in the basement, drivers side.
550 dully at least
3500 drw handles this no problem and is below capacities. If you ever towed with a dually and a triaxle you'd understand.
@@Itsa_Mea I've been towing trailers for 50 yrs our first was a Spartan mansion it was my dad's we used it to travel with the carnival my first was a serro Scotty I was 15 I have owned many since then I know exactly what I am talking about Sonny
Riverstone is better and slightly less expensive in my opinion.
Not much room to stand in front of the small bathroom sink. For that kind of money it should have a patio deck.
2000# capacity. What do they expect, weekend warriors. To low for live in.
Still only 1 bedroom
That's all you need.
@@Itsa_Mea He might have a harem.
@@johngreydanus2033 🤣