2018 DRV Luxury Suites MSA 40 Review
As its name suggests, DRV Luxury Suites prides itself on creating luxury fifth wheels for dedicated RVers. The Mobile Suites Aire (MSA) line brings all of the luxury and amenities of the original Mobile Suites line of trailers to a lighter weight trailer that can be towed by a single rear wheel truck.
The MSA 40 is one of fourfloor plans to pick from. It has an estimated dry weight of 15,000 lbs and a gross vehicle weight rating of 17,500 lbs. The MSA 40 measures 40’10” long from pin box to rear cap, a little over 13’ high, and 101” wide. Water tanks are meant for extended stays: its fresh water tank can hold 100 gallons, the dual gray water tank with power flush holds 90 gallons, and the black water tank with power flush can hold 45 gallons. A 12-gallon gas/electric water heater means no one has to go without a hot shower and dual 30 lb. propane tanks will mean you won’t have to refill often.
The Mobile Suites Aire 40 is a double axle fifth wheel trailer with EZ-flex suspension. It has a hydraulic six-point automatic leveling system, hydraulic system for jacks and the lower level slides, and pinless hydraulic front landing jacks.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Forest River Sabre 36BHQ
A custom painted exterior with triple clear coat and frameless tinted safety glass windows give it a polished look, and a rear ladder takes you up to the seamless one-piece rubber roof. There’s plenty of roomy pass-through and basement storage, a power main awning with LED lights and weather shield, and the trailer is solar, and satellite.
Stepping inside, the MSA 40’s two super slide-outs with 8’ interior height on the lower level make for a very spacious and comfortable living area. The luxurious residential aesthetic touches include hand laid vinyl plank floor tile, solid hardwood cabinetry with hidden hinges and soft-close drawers, hardwood valances with fabric inserts, hardwood stairs, crown molding, and custom wood ceiling accents with pendant lights over the island.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Keystone Springdale 253FWRE
Air conditioning, four-season perimeter heat ducting in floor, and walls with a residential rating for insulation mean that you’ll be comfortable year round in your fifth wheel.
The well-appointed kitchen feels just like home with lots highly polished solid surface countertop space, an island with lighted edge, a custom backsplash, 20-cubic-foot stainless steel French door refrigerator, recessed three-burner cooktop with hinged cover, convection microwave, residential kitchen faucet with separate sprayer and large stainless steel sink. The custom ‘appliance garage’ with pull-out tray allows you to tuck away things like a toaster or blender. There’s also a pullout 13-gallon trash can, lighted pantry and lighted toe kick.
A freestanding hardwood dinette table has a hidden leaf extension and four freestanding chairs. In the same super slide, the table is right beside two comfy theater-style seats with center console. A residential sofa bed sits at the back of the trailer, under a wide window and with a window on each side for a pleasant cross breeze. Across from the theater seating sits the 55”LED television with sound bar and Blu-Ray player, and electric fireplace with remote control
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Grand Design Solitude 344GK
In the stunning master bathroom, there is a wide, modern vanity with dual sinks and mirrors plus a bank of cabinets in the middle. There’s a recessed 48” one-piece fiberglass shower with a molded seat and skylights, a porcelain toilet with water saver spray, and both heat and a/c ducting.
The master bedroom is at the front of the trailer. There is storage space under the queen bed, overhead storage and reading lights with separate on/off switches for each side, a double wardrobe with mirrored doors and a full set of drawers, as well as 40” television with DVD player. There is also washer/dryer prep.
The 2018 DRV MSA 40 starts at about $80, 000. For more information, visit drvsuites.com.
