Reflection vs Solitude

[flyfishing48]

We are looking at the Grand Design Reflection and Soltude fifth wheels. The Reflection is the 337rls and the Solitude is the 320X.
There is some $15k difference in the MSRP for the two. The Solitude being the greater of course. The Solitude is 1'4" shorter in length and 7" higher ( 2nd a/c ) but 1,000 lbs heaver. Looking at all of the information I can dig up on line and just an hour looking at the units on a lot, I can't see much difference between the two. Certainly not $15,000 worth.
The literature on line is not a lot of help. They seem to say the same thing about the construction, but with different terms.
I would love to hear from someone who has been to the factory and saw how they are built. For 1,000 lbs and $15,000 there must be something different in the components.
The Solitude definitely looks like the higher end unit, but I would like to know how come.
Thanks in advance for any help.

[Veebyes]

Don't let a used or an orphan put you off. As long as you are not one of those who has to go running off to the dealer to fix every little thing an orphan like the Alpenlite or another quality builder unit that has been preowned can be had for the price of a new mid market unit that you still have to deal with once the various warrantees expire.

These things are a collection of third party parts assembled by the builder. Not much more than the house frame & what covers it is actually made by the builder. Windows & all the components inside come from somewhere else.

Chances are that when something goes wrong you ae going to be miles from your dealer anyway.

[Justaguy]

Veebyes wrote:
A quick comparisson of the Solitude 320X & my Alpenlite 34RLR revealed 2 things that stopped me in my tracks. Both the Solitude & my Alpenlite have virtually the same dry weights.

The Solitude rides on 2 6000# axels. My Alpenlite has 7000# axels & 8000# brakes.

The Solitude has only a 54gal fresh water tank. WHERE are you going with that? The Alpenlite has a 100gal fresh water tank.

The Solitude may be good enough for short weekend jaunts to the local CG but it sure is not built & set up for the rigours of long distance traveling & anything more than a couple days without water access.

Looks pretty but falls down on those 2 important but unseen items putting it solidly in the midmarket group.

JMHO.

True, but Western RV (Great Manufacturer of Alpinlite) went out of business. I am trying to find a current build that competes with this GD product both in quality and product support.

[Veebyes]

A quick comparisson of the Solitude 320X & my Alpenlite 34RLR revealed 2 things that stopped me in my tracks. Both the Solitude & my Alpenlite have virtually the same dry weights.

The Solitude rides on 2 6000# axels. My Alpenlite has 7000# axels & 8000# brakes.

The Solitude has only a 54gal fresh water tank. WHERE are you going with that? The Alpenlite has a 100gal fresh water tank.

The Solitude may be good enough for short weekend jaunts to the local CG but it sure is not built & set up for the rigours of long distance traveling & anything more than a couple days without water access.

Looks pretty but falls down on those 2 important but unseen items putting it solidly in the midmarket group.

JMHO.

[dpam]

Today I was at a dealer that sells both of these trailers. I had to check what type of tires they came with and noticed they were Westlake Super St tires. These tires are manufactured in China. Because of this companies past tire issues my recommendation would be to negotiate replacing the tires with better quality tire.
Just my 2 cents worth.

[glazier]

dezolen wrote:
Mentioned Grand Design units to 2 friends after we saw them at an RV dealer when they first came out. Both were diehard Rockwood owners. First friend bought a Reflection as soon as he went to see one. The second person bought a truely 1/2 ton towable Reflection while he was vacationing in California which was just delivered as new model. I should be in sales or at least get some commission for the sales but the coaches speak for themselves.

We done something like that, saw the first Reflection units when they hit the dealers floor. I was, and still am impressed with the Reflection line. We ordered the first 337 our dealer sold, took about 3 weeks for it to be delivered.

[dezolen]

Mentioned Grand Design units to 2 friends after we saw them at an RV dealer when they first came out. Both were diehard Rockwood owners. First friend bought a Reflection as soon as he went to see one. The second person bought a truely 1/2 ton towable Reflection while he was vacationing in California which was just delivered as new model. I should be in sales or at least get some commission for the sales but the coaches speak for themselves.

[goducks10]

greende wrote:

tsetsaf wrote:
A little off topic but I got a real chuckle the other day walking through the campground. Two identical Reflections setup across the aisle from one another. Similar background foliage, lawn chairs and everything. I just found it interesting and funny...

Maybe it was just a "Reflection"...:W. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

That's good.:)

[greende]

tsetsaf wrote:
A little off topic but I got a real chuckle the other day walking through the campground. Two identical Reflections setup across the aisle from one another. Similar background foliage, lawn chairs and everything. I just found it interesting and funny...

Maybe it was just a "Reflection"...:W. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[tsetsaf]

A little off topic but I got a real chuckle the other day walking through the campground. Two identical Reflections setup across the aisle from one another. Similar background foliage, lawn chairs and everything. I just found it interesting and funny...

[Bamaman11]

You're in Michigan, and the Grand Design factory's just over the Michigan/Indiana state line. Call Customer Service for an appointment for a factory tour.

You can see the difference in the trailers visually.

We're just fine with our Reflection 323BHS. It's just perfect for our use--at a fair price for what we have. They're not selling 150+ units per month for no reason.

[flyfishing48]

MC9
Tried another private message. Hope you get this one.

[MC9]

Sorry Tom, for some reason it didn't come through.

[flyfishing48]

MC9
Just sent you a PM

[MC9]

Hi Tom, I am sorry this post is a little late. We traded in our 2900MK for a Cedar Creek 34RLSA. Couldn't have made a better choice. We are in Cordwood. We are now in Green Valley, AZ (got here 10-31-14).