Should we be considering other brands/models?

[Second_Chance]

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

[texanrvr]

I would like to suggest the Heartland http://www.heartlandrvs.com/Big Horn and Big Country models. They offer a wide variety of floor plans, lengths and are rated and warranted for full time use.

[azjeffh]

goducks10 wrote:

mayo30 wrote:
I don't see any mention of checking about full timing in regards to warranty,some manufactures restrict the use.Be fully prepared.

They offer a 1-2-3 warranty and are approved for Extended Stay/Full Timing.

http://www.granddesignrv.com/full-time-living.php

We are also looking for a rig to full time in. However the link provided states "Grand Design RV owners are enjoying our products as a part-time “second home”". Wish they would be more clear on it's fulltiming capability as we also like the GD units.

Glad you posted the link as we will probably throw them back into the equation and discuss with a dealer.

[the_bear_II]

We bought the one my DW liked. If she's happy , I'm happy.

[goducks10]

mayo30 wrote:
I don't see any mention of checking about full timing in regards to warranty,some manufactures restrict the use.Be fully prepared.

They offer a 1-2-3 warranty and are approved for Extended Stay/Full Timing.

http://www.granddesignrv.com/full-time-living.php

[Cummins12V98]

Honest answer 250/2500 usually don't fit in with full timing very well. You will exceed your pin easily. Take 25% of the GVWR of the RV that easily can be your pin weight.

Smart azz answer bag it and 19.5's you will be good to go.

[mayo30]

I don't see any mention of checking about full timing in regards to warranty,some manufactures restrict the use.Be fully prepared.

[Michelle_S]

I agree with some others, that the Weight Factor will be the biggest problem. You say you'll pack light, but if your Full Timing you will need pots and pans, dishes, silverware, and storage areas for food, unless of course you plan to eat out all the time. Plus if you do much traveling, you will need clothes for all seasons, and you'd be surprised how much all this stuff can up to in additional weight.
As has been mentioned, you might want to consider a larger TT, just a thought.

[alboy]

If your comfortable with loading to your rear axel wt rating you should be good for a 14/14500 GVWR rated fiver,that should get you into a 36 /38footer with 3/4 slides lots of room.I really like the Solitude line,some of the best fit and finish ive seen.

[Bamaman11]

I have a 2015 Reflection 323BHS model. I too was impressed with Grand Design's floorplans and reasonable weight of this 37' mid size trailer.

My unit weights 11K lbs. and the kingpin weight is 2K--about the max for a 3/4 ton diesel powered truck. I didn't want to invest in a new 1 ton truck or deal with dual rear wheels.

My trailer was special ordered with the SuperSofa option to take the place of the dinette. It's a love seat with left hand and right hand recliners--all wallhugger units. It's 12' of the most comfortable seating I've ever been in, and available only on Grand Design's bunkhouse units.

Grand Design has been in business 2 years, and they built over 2000 fifth wheel trailers in their first 18 months. They're going to be a serious force in the RV market. They're a company that listens to their customers and they follow virtually every RV forum closely. Grand Design customer service is absolutely top notch, and every product manager, department manager and even their three owners will talk directly to you. You couldn't go wrong with the 337 model.

[2hams]

You might want to visit a couple of RV shows. That helped us eliminate many brands. Also check out the Grand Design owners forum. We don't full time. Several of the 337 owners do extended trips. We are happy with our choice.

[goducks10]

You might take a look at the Silverback 33IK. Very similar floorplan. IMO both are equal as afar as layout goes. I would give the edge to the SB with the hung exterior walls. No chance for delamination.
http://www.forestriverinc.com/FifthWheels/Silverback/default.aspx?model=silverback&page=floorplandet...

https://www.couchsrvnation.com/forest-river/fifth-wheel/cedar-creek-silverback/33ik5

[schlep1967]

Looks like a nice unit. Also looks like it has 2 very important features. Access to the refrigerator and the bathroom when all slides are in. We have a 2009 Open Range 385 RLS that is set up very close to your floor plan. And also very close to the same weight in a larger trailer. Problem is when looking at their sight now I don't see any floor plans that match what you have.

[C-Bears]

You will no doubt get tons of answers based on what others own. Some recommendations will be based on fact, some on fiction.

It sounds like you have a pretty good understanding of the weight limits of your TV, so you are way ahead of the game.

I agree that it is very hard to determine the actual weight breakdown of different makes/models by just looking at the internet. We had to physically view some different models, see the manufacturers stickers, and do our own calculations to decide which ones we would be able to tow safely.

Of course very few dealers are helpful about this, or even educated enough about the weights. They only want to make the deal.

The last unit we purchased (Lazy Days, Tampa) the salesman was required to look at our truck's door post, the specified weights on the fiver, and punch all the numbers into a formula which calculated everything. We both had to sign the weight sheet which indicated, correctly so, that our truck was capable of towing the model we were purchasing. The paperwork even indicated how much extra cargo we could load and still be under the maximum. This was the first dealer that we had ever visited which had a policy in effect preventing someone from purchasing too heavy of a unit for their TV.

[Second_Chance]

donn0128 wrote:
Take a look at Forest River Cedar Creek and Northwoods Arctic Fox line. Both are great quality and in the same price range. No matter what your trucks ability to carry 2500+ pounds of pin weight is going to weigh heavily on your final decision. It is not all about GVWR, but more about available RAWR, or rear axles available load carryinc capacity. Your trucks RAWR minus current ready to camp weight is what?

Don - the 3,120 I quoted for the rear axle is loaded with fuel, hitch and occupants.

Rob

[donn0128]

Take a look at Forest River Cedar Creek and Northwoods Arctic Fox line. Both are great quality and in the same price range. No matter what your trucks ability to carry 2500+ pounds of pin weight is going to weigh heavily on your final decision. It is not all about GVWR, but more about available RAWR, or rear axles available load carryinc capacity. Your trucks RAWR minus current ready to camp weight is what?