Grand Design

I bought a 2017 303RLS in September. Now since I live FT in mine and haven't had a chance to tow it a great deal I'm not worried about the libbit frame. For one thing if something is to go wrong it will fail within the first year or so. I think some people complain about things only to complain. Thousands of frames are made by this company and not all are bad. The overall quality of my trailer is excellent and have had no issues that weren't caused by newbie ownership. This is my 5th RV so not too worried about things. If it breaks it breaks, if it doesn't it doesn't. The one downside is the bedroom. It's smaller than I am used to, but made a few adjustments, after heading to Walmart for storage containers, and taking many items that I don't wear to the Goodwill. The 2 times I have towed it with my old truck it was smooth and gentle and at times didn't know it was there. Tows much better than my 01 Jayco. Much easier set-up also. I would buy another GD if the opportunity came about.

The one recurring issue with GD RV's (and maybe other manufacturers that use Lippert axles) is leaking grease seals on the axles. There have been a significant number of current GD owners reporting that grease has leaked past the seals and contaminated the brakes. You should make the dealer as part of the deal, remove each hub and check for this. Lippert and GD have been taking care of owners with this issue, even those out of warranty.

minnow wrote:
The one recurring issue with GD RV's (and maybe other manufacturers that use Lippert axles) is leaking grease seals on the axles. There have been a significant number of current GD owners reporting that grease has leaked past the seals and contaminated the brakes. You should make the dealer as part of the deal, remove each hub and check for this. Lippert and GD have been taking care of owners with this issue, even those out of warranty.

While this is true, it's an easy fix - and not limited to Grand Design RVs. Any RV manufacturer using Lippert suspension systems has had this problem. I would not let this issue deter me from considering the 303. You might join the Grand Design Owners Forum:

GD Owners Forum

It's a very active forum with a lot of good folks and information. Just keep in mind that the squeaky wheel gets the grease (reverse pun?). Those who have had the grease seal problem have posted about it and those who haven't, haven't. The Grand Designs are good units and the company's customer service is some of the best in the industry.

Rob

Grand Design seems to be like every other RV MFG. The make some trouble free units and they make some that owners wonder why all the issues. If the floor plan fits, buy it. You can certainly do worse.

Quality wise, GD is right up there with any builder in its price range! What sets GD apart from other manufacturers is their Customer Service! The grease seal issue is a good example, I have read where GD and Lippert have sent out the seals and new brake assemblies to people who were out of warrenty, and then paid for a technician to replace them! I own a GD solitude and I am very Happy with the rig, as well as their Customer Service!

Busdriver wrote:
I am looking at a grand design 303 rls. What are your thoughts good or bad. The thing that worrys me is the lippit frame.

Is this a new Grand Design? If so, no worries Lippert will stand behind any issues and get them repaired.

Yes just closed the deal this afternoon. Thanks for all the answers.

We have had our 303RLS for 2 1/2 years. Perfect 5th wheel for the 2 of us. GD Customer Service is top notch! If you have a issue they will be there for you! There is also a Facebook page.Grand Design RV Owners. Not run by the company even though they are on there trying to solve any issues. A rep from Lippert has been on lately taking care of any owners with leaky seals.

Just brought my 2017 GD 303 home 3 weeks ago this past Saturday. Haven't taken our maiden voyage yet (crappy weather big time) but it seems very good overall. I have a full barn with power and water and it stayed plugged in and water on for the first week. No problems yet. I did find a few very minor issues that I've dealt with myself.
The coroplast wasn't sealed well at all. Matter of fact, one rear stabilizer on the ground control 3.0 was sealed around the frame, opposite side was not. Also quite a few places that needed sealing around it that I just did with a tube of black DAP caulking.
Lousy low point drains. Added quarter turn ball valves them instead of the cheesy plugs.
There is no aluminum or sheet metal in the wheel wells to help protect the underside from a blow out. Even my old cheap Crossroads Cruiser before this one had that. I'm looking to hopefully add something to that. Luckily I'm extremely OCD regarding tires and pressure. But blow outs still occur.
Then I have a pretty good wrinkle on the roof in the rubber roofing right at the front cap. I have already contacted GD and was advised that it would be taken care of no questions asked.
Overall we are very happy and looked for well over 2 years. And we always came back to GD and the customer service was a big reason why.

Coach-man wrote:
Quality wise, GD is right up there with any builder in its price range! What sets GD apart from other manufacturers is their Customer Service! The grease seal issue is a good example, I have read where GD and Lippert have sent out the seals and new brake assemblies to people who were out of warrenty, and then paid for a technician to replace them! I own a GD solitude and I am very Happy with the rig, as well as their Customer Service!

Mine was four months out of warranty. Lippert sent me parts but didn't pay for labour. Why there hasn't been a recall on this is beyond me. Grease covered brakes is a very serious matter. How do RV manufacturers get away with this stuff and manufacturers of other vehicles don't?

Other than that, aside from a couple of problems with the Atwood fridge and furnace, both fixed on warranty, our 303 has been very good. GD's customer service has also been very good.