Opinions on Grand Design Fifth Wheels

[Ron3rd]

We've been shopping recently for a used 5er maybe 2-3 years old. We like certain Montana models, Forest River Cardinal, and others.

We've seen some Grand Design models pop up and wonder how they compare to the others and if owners are generally happy.

We're looking for a full time model in the class of Montana, Big Horn, Big Country, Cardinal, Cedar Creek, etc.

[Ron3rd]

kscaddo wrote:
We own a 2020 Reflection 337. Bought Sept. 2019 and no real problems. YMMV.

Thanks for the info. We're looking at the Solitude 310GK.

[kscaddo]

We own a 2020 Reflection 337. Bought Sept. 2019 and no real problems. YMMV.

[Ron3rd]

GDS-3950BH wrote:

minnow wrote:
As a 6 year owner of one and a frequent RV show attendee, my opinion is that GD charges a premium price for a rig not built or outfitted with any better appliances/components then Keystone, Jayco, or any of the rest in the $40-$60 thousand price range. Two things happened to GD that to me that diminished the quality; they got too big too fast and they got bought out by Winnebago. The GD faithful will vehemently dispute that but around 2017 when sales really took off and the original 3 owners of GD sold out(one stayed on) the complaints about quality really started to increase.
If I were looking again, I'd base my criteria first on floor plan/livability and then on price comparison. If a Jayco or Cougar has a similar floor plan and was cheaper, that's where I'd go.

Exactly, and thats coming from a two time owner. The first made early in the first year of production which was not bad at all, the second made early in 2019 which was a total piece of garbage. Grand Design started using more Lippert garbage than anyone else which is a hard thing to accomplish. They were very successful at pulling the wool over a lot of folks eyes, mine included. You have to give them credit for the marketing though. PT Barnum said it best.

Thanks for the input. I wonder what the Lippert garbage was you had a problem with. I've owned 2 trailers since 2004 that had Lippert components and never had a problem. Everything by Lippert has been flawless. I know Lippert cranked out a bunch of bad frames about 10 years ago or so, got crucified on the internet, and got a bad rep for that.

I have no affinity for Lippert, but Lippert is a huge company that makes many, many thigs; all are junk?

[goducks10]

TxGearhead wrote:
I read somewhere that Heartland Landmark is now using Azdel instead of luan. That would push me their way as most other things are about the same. This is my first full body paint and any others will be as well.

Right from their Landmark page,
"Lightweight, non-wood Azdel laminated sidewalls with laminated slide-out and rear end walls"

[2012Coleman]

I've got a 2018 303RLS - my third camper, and I'm really enjoying it. in 2018, they upgraded the stove and microwave. We cooked a turkey in the upgraded convection oven last year. The comment about customer service is spot on. They have been giving me great customer service even after the warranty ran out. Recently, they issued a recall for an electrical issue. Since it's hard for me to get it into the dealer, asked them if a mobile mechanic I use could fix it where it is stored - no problem, they ok'ed the repair, the guy came out, found it was a non issue and I'm done. They sent me a Christmas card too!

Last year while out of warranty, the awning started coming off the front. Contacted them via email. They called me back. Showed them multiple pictures, asked them lots of questions and got answers - then got the OK to be repaired at their cost.

Sure anything you buy is going to have issues, but try to get any other manufacturer to step up like they do. Mine has had minimum issues - went into it the other day and it still smells brand new inside. Take a tour of a few units and see for yourself. Good luck.

[TxGearhead]

I read somewhere that Heartland Landmark is now using Azdel instead of luan. That would push me their way as most other things are about the same. This is my first full body paint and any others will be as well.

[goducks10]

When GD started business they knew they couldn't build a rounder wheel so went the CS route. They basically said we'll take care of you better than other RV brands will. That worked great early on until like 'minnow' said they got too big.
I joined their forum back when they started and yeah they had great CS. They had actual reps on the site that would help you through the warranty process.

I don't see any reps anymore and the issues I read about are the same issues that other brands have.
There's only so much technology in the RV process.
GD makes good ones and bad ones just like the rest of em do.

[GDS-3950BH]

minnow wrote:
As a 6 year owner of one and a frequent RV show attendee, my opinion is that GD charges a premium price for a rig not built or outfitted with any better appliances/components then Keystone, Jayco, or any of the rest in the $40-$60 thousand price range. Two things happened to GD that to me that diminished the quality; they got too big too fast and they got bought out by Winnebago. The GD faithful will vehemently dispute that but around 2017 when sales really took off and the original 3 owners of GD sold out(one stayed on) the complaints about quality really started to increase.
If I were looking again, I'd base my criteria first on floor plan/livability and then on price comparison. If a Jayco or Cougar has a similar floor plan and was cheaper, that's where I'd go.

Exactly, and thats coming from a two time owner. The first made early in the first year of production which was not bad at all, the second made early in 2019 which was a total piece of garbage. Grand Design started using more Lippert garbage than anyone else which is a hard thing to accomplish. They were very successful at pulling the wool over a lot of folks eyes, mine included. You have to give them credit for the marketing though. PT Barnum said it best.

[minnow]

As a 6 year owner of one and a frequent RV show attendee, my opinion is that GD charges a premium price for a rig not built or outfitted with any better appliances/components then Keystone, Jayco, or any of the rest in the $40-$60 thousand price range. Two things happened to GD that to me that diminished the quality; they got too big too fast and they got bought out by Winnebago. The GD faithful will vehemently dispute that but around 2017 when sales really took off and the original 3 owners of GD sold out(one stayed on) the complaints about quality really started to increase.
If I were looking again, I'd base my criteria first on floor plan/livability and then on price comparison. If a Jayco or Cougar has a similar floor plan and was cheaper, that's where I'd go.

[Hammerboy]

I think another option to consider is Alliance Rv. They are a new company that builds comparable to the Solitudes and Montana's. I think they have great customer service as well. That would be one of my top things to look for is service after the sale.

Dan

[Ron3rd]

Thanks for info folks

[JAC1982]

When we were shopping I had it narrowed down to Keystone and Grand Design. Keystone because our last two rigs were Keystone Toyhaulers and we had a good experience with those. Grand Design because they had a decent reputation. Then narrowed it down more to Montana High Country and Reflection. The floor plans were virtually the same. What sealed the deal for the MHC was it had an option for generator prep. The Reflection did not even offer it as an option, only the Solitude did. So that decided it for us, not sure if that is helpful information for you.

[B_O__Plenty]

Run of the mill fifth wheel. Same major components as most of the rest. Same type of construction as most others use. How much better can they be??

B.O.

[ReneeG]

For what it's worth, we have a 2011 Heartland Bighorn, considered full time even by the company. I've always kept my eye out on other models in case we ever have to replace ours. We take our FW to a local tech for maintenance work that is beyond us and I noticed a Grand Design there. I said to the tech that they're nice sturdy units. His reply? Not as much as you think, yours is much better and higher quality.