DRV changes for 2021

[porkchop]

DRV has announced a host of changes for new rigs going forward. These include new paint schemes, fabric choices, wood colors and front & rear cap changes. Also new standards and option choices.

By and large the changes are good. However they are more limited. Good/bad? You will have to decide for yourself. I personally do not like the exterior color choices, but my wife does.

Anyway, we just sent the down payment check for our 7th DRV. It should be ready to pick up early May.

I made a spec sheet of our wants and sent it to 7 different dealers for pricing. The usual Big ones and some very small dealers. The response was mystifying and informative, but that's a different post for a different time. I can now say that I know ,for a fact, what the dealers pay the factory for the units. You would be amazed. I also understand business and that a profit is essential to keeping the doors open and have no problem with it at all.

The pricing between the 2 main dealers was astounding, as was the response. I was really surprised at what was attempted to pass off as MSRP. A full swing of over $37,500. That's just one of the ways they can lie to you. Retail pricing had an even bigger range.

Anyway, half way thru it all was when the factory made their announcement and everything to that point was mostly for nothing. Started over except this time with only 3 dealers. One of them chose not to even respond. I was not surprised as it was already apparent they would not be competitive. Suited me just fine.

So we ended up placing the order with Karen @ Rvs for less in Tennessee. WOW. Talk about someone who is all about customer service!! Her very first response was on a Saturday after normal hours when she was ill. She then led us thru the process of what was and wasn't now possible. Several times Butch chimed in with tech or mechanical explanations. These people really understand their products and the RV lifestyle. They do have a good rep for their PDI and I'm confident that will happen to our satisfaction.

Spent some time on the phone with the factory reps, Kevin and Oscar. Were both very helpful as was the new factory manager. Believe it if you want but I'm convinced they all want to produce a product that they all can be proud of and have nothing but happy customers. Sometimes the weakest link in the chain fails though. One guy on the production line having a bad day is all it takes. I have always employed many people and know that the most expensive thing you have on a job is an unhappy, or just defective, employee. But it happens. The guy running the caulking gun doing a crappy job for 3 or 4 days can drastically affect your company image. What happens next in the process is what matters. Fix the problems or ignore them. DRV has always shown us their willingness to fix them. That's why this is #7.

Bill

[Cummins12V98]

Good post!

[wingnut60]

Yes, good post. Surprised that you were not already aware of the markup on the product, with the number of DRVs you have owned.

[porkchop]

I was completely aware of the markup before. Now I have the actual dealer cost sheet. Have no problem with them making a living and keeping the doors open.
It is dealers making up MSRP's and claiming a false discount off that piss me off. Totally dishonest. I will gladly pay a higher price (did not) to an honest dealer before I would give a fraud a nickel.

Bill

[Stripit]

Just a question, how were you able to obtain the cost price listing? I thought those were TOP SECRET?

[porkchop]

They are top secret!! But sometimes when you are really busy you may delegate things out to the little people. And they may pick up the wrong sheet to send out. Then the boss has to call and try to explain how much they would like to add. That was all OK and understandable up to the point where it was somehow my fault, Chose to just go with the honest dealer.

Bill

[Stripit]

That makes sense and really nice to know when your out shopping like you were. Thanks for the reply.

[Carny Bill]

Do you happen to know if that worthless Greg is still service manager.
I had 4 DRV’s and won’t have another one thanks to him

[porkchop]

Do not know.

Bill

[Campingnut]

If it is Gregg Welden you are referring to then the answer is yes

[OneReallyOldGuy]

I generally don’t recommend dealers but the people at RV’s For Less are top notch. Customer support after the sale is second to none. On more than one occasion I’ve called for help on a Sunday and Ken has answered and helped me solve my problem.

[Waldo Camper]

Great post. Keep us updated on your order.

[Carny Bill]

Yes
That’s the Greg. Lies like a tramp

[Sundancekid]

What dealer does Greg work at?
We are waiting for our 2021 DRV.

[Sundancekid]

Thanks for the information.
We are new to 5th wheeling and i always pick something up from these posts.

[porkchop]

Greg Welden works at the factory, not for a dealer. I found him to be a good guy and a true customer advocate. But I didn't approach him with a chip on my shoulder and an unrealistic wish list. YEMV, but that was mine.

Bill

[Cummins12V98]

Greg was very helpful when we had our first DRV, nice guy.

[Carny Bill]

I did not have a chip on my shoulder.
He was good to work with til the last time I needed some reasonable help and he flat out lied about doing a service on our unit.
Problem I had was the back cap loose on the bottom half. Took it to him to check it out. Left it with him and he did nothing,, but told us he did. He wanted to blame the loose cap on a rear hitch with a 2 5/16 ball.
Since then I have seen posts of folks adding bracing on the bottom of their units.
He could have done that same thing I I would still be purchasing DRVs, but never again until he is gone.
I’m sure he has learned since that DRV had a design flaw, but never bothered to let me know, I finally traded the unit with that problem for a Luxe.

[Sundancekid]

What is the design flaw with the black cap.
What kind of bracing should be added?

[porthole]

Originally Posted by Sundancekid

What is the design flaw with the black cap.
What kind of bracing should be added?

Below the floor, the frame does not extend into the rear cap to support it. The cap is 'hanging' on the roof and screwed to the sides walls.

The bottom of the cap shifts around from side to side, you can see it your mirror driving over the right surface. If all the rear panels moved in tandem it would be ok, but they don't, So screws pop out, panels separate from the cap, sometimes the panels stay partially attached and rip. There is also some structure just above the trim line that will push outward from the inside of the cap.

The cap shifts side to side. Sometimes you can see a slight bulge from whatever is pushing from the inside. A side benefit to this is the object is pushing just enough to cause the clear coat and/or paint to craze.