Community Forums

oldfatguy · 01-02-2019, 02:59 AM

Has anyone had any experience with this RV? Also, what about Grand Design in General?

cfowler55 · 01-02-2019, 05:24 AM

We're on our second GD product. Used a Reflection about eleven months with no issues. The deal for us was the step ups by the bed. It doesn't seem like a big deal but it does make it a chore to make up , and sometimes old folks stub their toe and stumble , or forget it steps down the other direction. Bed slide also gives more room on the sides of bed.

Cumminsfan · 01-02-2019, 08:23 AM

One of the worst booth dinette cushions made. I'm a buck 55 and sink to the cushion support in 30 secs. No access to the fridge, bathroom or bedroom while on the road unless moving the slide out. TV is too high in our opinion. Thin baggage doors. Small spring hangers.
Plusses, nice open floor plan for a smaller 5th wheel. decent size closet in bedroom. Easily towable with 3/4 ton trucks. Fantastic owners forum.

Schuess60 · 01-02-2019, 07:01 PM

I have a Reflection 150 Series 295RL which I believe is a similar floor plan. I absolutely love this RV. The layout and quality for the price are exactly what we wanted. We purchased it new in May 2018 and have been on a dozen trips with it since.
The only comment I have for a shortcoming would be the outside storage is somewhat limited. But if you really need that, the Solitude has plenty.

traveldawg · 01-03-2019, 07:50 PM

We have found GD - in general - to be a very good company that builds a good product. They are attentive to customer service and have a good support community at www.granddesignowners.com

I can't speak to the floor plan you mentioned.

Wundertaker · 01-03-2019, 08:04 PM

After two years of research on GD they're the ones we're going with. If you're able, step up to the Solitude....lots of upgrades over the Reflection, starting at the ground.

We're going with the Solitude 310gk, custom order though.

Best o luck!!!

Cumminsfan · 01-03-2019, 11:20 PM

The 230 is from the 150 line. Next up is the standard Reflection. After that is the Solitude.
To jump from a Reflection 150 model 230 to the lightest Solitude which would be the 2930RL. About $40,000 more and 4500 lbs heavier with a pin weight thats 1,000 lbs heavier as well.
On top of that the OP would need a DRW instead of a properly equipped 1/2 ton at the minimum.

chunker · 01-04-2019, 06:28 AM

Every manufacturer has their price point and target audience. There is entry level and their top one, GD is no exception. When you see the tag half ton towable, lite, X-lite, etc., think under built. The way they get the lighter weight is by lighter (flimsier) frames, plastic instead of stainless sinks, thin cushions, etc. For the occasional "camper" that might be fine BUT if a person plans to spend any length of time in it beyond a weekend or such, that light weight will become a reliability and durability issue quickly. People continuously state floor plan as the primary selection criteria and I say BS big time. To paraphrase Realestate, it's structure, structure, structure. That prettiest most lovable floor plan on a tinfoil frame will become hated quickly. Flimsy frames bend, flex, cause binding is slides and doors, cause seals to fail and leaking to start.

In my opinion a buyer should look for the best built structure within their price range and seek the plan which will work for them. Try to ignore the bling.

For Grand Design the Solitude is their top trim line and also their most expensive. That trim is probably heavier duty than most people need or want but like in the topic of trucks, you can't have too much truck, or solid build. The weekender or 2 weeker will appreciate the more solid feel when towing and using the trailer.

Wundertaker · 01-04-2019, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwwicks

Every manufacturer has their price point and target audience. There is entry level and their top one, GD is no exception. When you see the tag half ton towable, lite, X-lite, etc., think under built. The way they get the lighter weight is by lighter (flimsier) frames, plastic instead of stainless sinks, thin cushions, etc. For the occasional "camper" that might be fine BUT if a person plans to spend any length of time in it beyond a weekend or such, that light weight will become a reliability and durability issue quickly. People continuously state floor plan as the primary selection criteria and I say BS big time. To paraphrase Realestate, it's structure, structure, structure. That prettiest most lovable floor plan on a tinfoil frame will become hated quickly. Flimsy frames bend, flex, cause binding is slides and doors, cause seals to fail and leaking to start.

In my opinion a buyer should look for the best built structure within their price range and seek the plan which will work for them. Try to ignore the bling.

For Grand Design the Solitude is their top trim line and also their most expensive. That trim is probably heavier duty than most people need or want but like in the topic of trucks, you can't have too much truck, or solid build. The weekender or 2 weeker will appreciate the more solid feel when towing and using the trailer.

Absolutely, positively, without a doubt.....RIGHT ON!!!!!!

Way way too many folks buy an RV based on Floorplan/Layout first and foremost and don't give two hoots (showing my age here) about what's holding it off the ground or otherwise!

Look at QUALITY BUILD FIRST then, and only then, look at the best floorplan that fits your needs!!!

Cumminsfan · 01-04-2019, 04:59 PM

Trouble is newbies really don't know what to look for. Some do, some don't. The lucky/smart ones visit forums and gain some knowledge.

Wundertaker · 01-04-2019, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

Trouble is newbies really don't know what to look for. Some do, some don't. The lucky/smart ones visit forums and gain some knowledge.

Correct!

Wundertaker · 01-04-2019, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

The 230 is from the 150 line. Next up is the standard Reflection. After that is the Solitude.
To jump from a Reflection 150 model 230 to the lightest Solitude which would be the 2930RL. About $40,000 more and 4500 lbs heavier with a pin weight thats 1,000 lbs heavier as well.
On top of that the OP would need a DRW instead of a properly equipped 1/2 ton at the minimum.

Right for the most part, except you don't need a DRW for the S-Class and/or the Solitude 310gk....both of those GVWR out at 15K and Pins are within specs as long as you are using a One Ton Diesel.....so, yes....an SRW will work fine with any of those.

chunker · 01-04-2019, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wundertaker

Right for the most part, except you don't need a DRW for the S-Class and/or the Solitude 310gk....both of those GVWR out at 15K and Pins are within specs as long as you are using a One Ton Diesel.....so, yes....an SRW will work fine with any of those.

And don't fall for the 3/4T trap as a well equipped F-250 SD won't tow much more than a 1/2T. Don't believe me, look at the door jamb "Tire Loading Information" sticker of a few.

Wundertaker · 01-04-2019, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwwicks

And don't fall for the 3/4T trap as a well equipped F-250 SD won't tow much more than a 1/2T. Don't believe me, look at the door jamb "Tire Loading Information" sticker of a few.

Agreed.....One Ton Diesel all the way for this application!

You hear all the time from 3/4 Ton Diesel owners....."I don't need a One Ton Diesel, my 3/4 Ton is basically the same thing"!!! Cannot believe some of the rigs I've seen 250's/2500's towing!!!