Should we be considering other brands/models?
My wife and I are on a path that will find us full-timing by the end of 2015. We own a 2013 Sierra 2500HD Durmax/Allison and, after scaling the truck, have 16,980 GCWR left - but only 2,480 GVWR and 3,120 GAWR RR left. Consequently, we need to keep the pin weight within limits.
In a fiver, we want rear living/front bedroom. We DO NOT want rear entertainment - at least some seating must be across from the TV. We are minimalists and don't plan to load the RV down with everything we think we might want - just what we'll need and use on a daily basis.
With these limitations and desires, we have zeroed in on the Grand Design Reflection 337RLS (have spent hours in one "what-iffing," talking and thinking). Things we particularly like about this unit are 1) entertainment center across from seating, 2) a closet-size pantry (very important to my wife), 3) options for a second AC and double-pane glass, etc., 4, adequate tankage for boon-docking, and 5) the quality of the build and components (especially for this price range).
My question is this: are there other brands/series/models you know of that we should be considering. With the trend toward lighter construction, I suspect there are other units out there that would compete with the Reflection series on features, weight and build quality. What gets me to pulling my hair out is how some of the other major manufacturers (e.g. Forest River) organize their web sites... they may list a dozen brands or more on a main page with all the marketing glitter and hype, but one has to drill down into each brand and series to ferret out features and specs (such as tankage, whether or not the underbelly is enclosed and heated, etc.)
I just want to make sure we investigate every reasonable option before we make a significant investment and commit to living in a particular unit.
Thanks in advance!
Rob
In a fiver, we want rear living/front bedroom. We DO NOT want rear entertainment - at least some seating must be across from the TV. We are minimalists and don't plan to load the RV down with everything we think we might want - just what we'll need and use on a daily basis.
With these limitations and desires, we have zeroed in on the Grand Design Reflection 337RLS (have spent hours in one "what-iffing," talking and thinking). Things we particularly like about this unit are 1) entertainment center across from seating, 2) a closet-size pantry (very important to my wife), 3) options for a second AC and double-pane glass, etc., 4, adequate tankage for boon-docking, and 5) the quality of the build and components (especially for this price range).
My question is this: are there other brands/series/models you know of that we should be considering. With the trend toward lighter construction, I suspect there are other units out there that would compete with the Reflection series on features, weight and build quality. What gets me to pulling my hair out is how some of the other major manufacturers (e.g. Forest River) organize their web sites... they may list a dozen brands or more on a main page with all the marketing glitter and hype, but one has to drill down into each brand and series to ferret out features and specs (such as tankage, whether or not the underbelly is enclosed and heated, etc.)
I just want to make sure we investigate every reasonable option before we make a significant investment and commit to living in a particular unit.
Thanks in advance!
Rob
