Mobile or Elite

clev · 08-07-2018, 11:27 AM

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

**wingnut60** · 08-07-2018, 12:03 PM

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 · 08-07-2018, 05:21 PM

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 · 08-07-2018, 09:07 PM

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 · 08-07-2018, 09:45 PM

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 · 08-07-2018, 10:32 PM

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 · 08-07-2018, 10:46 PM

Thank you, cummins.

Mtntrek · 08-08-2018, 02:05 AM

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 · 08-08-2018, 10:07 AM

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** · 08-08-2018, 12:59 PM

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 · 08-08-2018, 05:51 PM

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 · 08-08-2018, 08:37 PM

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 · 08-08-2018, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Mtntrek · 08-09-2018, 02:40 AM

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

**wingnut60** · 08-09-2018, 10:35 AM

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 · 08-09-2018, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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...?

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.

clev · 08-09-2018, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · 08-09-2018, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clev

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 · 08-09-2018, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

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 · 08-09-2018, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

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?