DRV Mobile Suites (originally known as DRV Double Tree Suites), began in 2002 with David Fought’s vision and leadership. David, an industry veteran who started in 1970 as a Draftsman for Starcraft. He rose to executive status in Starcraft by 1991 when Jayco acquired Starcraft. Shortly after he left to start his own RV company, Sunnybrook, which he then sold in 1996. Just a few years later, he started the luxury 5th wheel brand, DRV, shortly after, David purchased Cruiser RV (a mid-level towable RV manufacturer.) Both of David’s towable companies grew and prospered for over a decade. (Source: RV Hall of Fame)
When it comes to buying an RV Camper… Why Towables and Specifically Fifth (5th) Wheels?
When preparing for full-time RV life in 2011, I evaluated motorhome (primarily Class A) vs. towables (travel trailers and 5th wheel trailers. I landed on a 5th wheel trailer for several reasons…
- towables are FAR more affordable in general than Class A motorhomes
- the storage bay in most 5th wheel trailers is MASSIVE – I currently travel with a recumbent trike that folds AND FITS into my storage bay under the bedroom
- fifth wheel trailers are preferred over travel trailers (bumper pull trailers) as they provide a FAR more stable (AND SAFE) towing experience (ask me to elaborate upon this if you’re “in the market”!!)
- if your tow vehicle (truck) needs to go in for service, fine; if you’re in a class A and you need engine/transmission service, your HOME is going in for service!
- As a downside for some travelers, fifth wheel trailers have 3 internal steps between the front and rear of the trailer whereas Class A motorhomes are all one level
- Another factor to consider is a motorhome enables you to cook and use the facilities while traveling and when you park, you do not have to exit the truck in order to enter your home.
For me, the last two factors were non-issues. Thus, it does not surprise me that David Fought opted to remain in the towable world.
When I purchased my first 5th wheel in 2011, I was aware of DRV and had great respect for the product. I knew it to be well constructed, incredibly well insulated, and had plumbing that exceeded industry standards by a “country mile.”
Back to DRV Mobile Suites 5th Wheels specifically
The only three downsides as I saw it was the price tag (many were over $100,000. (new) even back then!) And… the weight. A 1 ton truck MIGHT pull it properly, but a “450” or “550” would be better. Finally, the length. I have found about 35 ft. overall length enables you to get around on roads with switchbacks. Further, many State Parks and National Parks have limited sites for larger campers.
So, to get a DRV, you needed some serious skish in the bank (or sign for a massive loan) AND an expensive truck that would not serve well as a “daily driver.” You also need to understand where you can (and can not) take your (in many cases) 40 ft. plus camper!
Not surprisingly, DRV appealed more to full-time travelers than “weekend warriors.”
Since starting up in 2002, DRV Grew in Stature and sales volume, AND Survived the 2009 – 2010 “shake-out”
There was a major downturn in RV sales around 2008-2010 that shook up the industry – especially manufacturers of high end towables. When quality 5th wheel manufacturers like Carriage, Excel, and Teton Homes were in the process of imploding, DRV carried on and grew in prominence. UNTIL…
Jan. 2015: Thor purchases DRV
Yep, Thor, that giant corporate “bean counting” entity who dominates the RV Camper market (along with Forest River) bought DRV and Cruiser RV from David Fought in 2015. From personal experience and reports I’ve read with their campers, this change in ownership resulted in changes in the DRV product. Let’s just say, I no longer recommend DRV to those looking for a high quality 5th wheel to travel and/or live in.
Recent developments (troubles)
DRV (to the best of my knowledge) was its own division in Thor’s corporate structure UNTIL it was slotted in under Heartland which was then slotted in under Jayco earlier this year. Corporate restructuring (most often) occurs to cut costs. THEN, very recently, THIS NEWS broke…
DRV Suspends Production
DRV…errr… Heartland… errr…Jayco…err… Thor SUSPENDS PRODUCTION of DRV (and likely other brands) as major layoffs are announced. Is this the “end of the line” for DRV? Well, in my view, that occurred in January 2015! However, in this current economic quagmire (right word for it?) – DRV may indeed be shuttered for good.
Further evidence to suggest this may indeed be the case is the lack of promotion of any 2026 DRV models. For example, if you look at other manufacturers, as of writing this article in early June 2025, many manufacturers have either updated their websites to reflect the coming of 2026 models or dealers are beginning to advertise specific units that are “on their way.” As per an earlier article I wrote, it appears that the 2026 models will be arriving early this year for many manufacturers.
More “Suspensions of Production” are likely coming
It would not surprise me in the least if more production halts are announced during the remainder of 2025 and perhaps in 2026. As I’ve noted in recent posts, the RV sales market is EXTREMELY “soft.” In another post (coming soon), I will share just how soft!
What remains of high-end 5th wheel manufacturers today
Right now, for my Concierge RV Clients who want to purchase a fifth wheel, my “go to” recommendations include Arctic Fox and for part timers Outdoors RV. You may ask “what about Alliance or Brinkley”? For Alliance I say, talk to owners – you’ll likely be looking elsewhere. As to Brinkley, I’ve looked them over. If my camper had to be replaced today, I’d go with an Arctic Fox.
Why?
Brinkley is still too new, so the jury is still out. Simply put, it has not stood the test of time. Further, when working with my clients, I often recommend two to five year old (or even older) campers IF they’re in great shape. These campers will cost the buyer significantly less than they were when new, and will not depreciate as steeply from the purchase date as a new or newer camper. I also toured a Brinkley 3100 and my review, thoughts and comments are HERE. Even though the review is about two years old, I have not seen a fundamental design change that would permit the Brinkley to carry what I do on a daily basis in my Glacier Peak. Even though my fifth wheel is no longer being made, the nearest equivalent available is an Arctic Fox camper.
Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Posts/Events
- I will share a deal I just closed for a client that illustrates just how weak the RV industry is at this time (June 2025)
- I still owe you several posts of Isaac’s and my adventures in Southern and Central Utah – coming soon!
- I had a great paddle (kayak) in Boulder Lake and shot some good photos/panoramas – coming soon!
- I’m working my way to Vernal for a “hernia fix” – scheduled for Jun 19 at this time
- Observations and comments on my latest travels since I left Parowan Utah – and what I’m seeing in RV park business
It’s RV’ing season… NEED ACCESSORIES?
Click the image to see what I personally use and recommend
In unrelated news…
Florida just acknowledged gold and silver as LEGAL TENDER – this goes along with several other states who have done the same. And you wonder why I keep buying Goldbacks (in addition to other specific forms of gold and silver.) Want to know what a goldback is? Check the video below…
To learn more about Goldbacks and perhaps purchase some, go HERE to my preferred vendor. I keep a stash on hand… just incase!
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