Solitude vs Bighorn in Quality

[trance728]

I have started full-timing and will be upgrading to a 5th wheel from my TT soon. My current choice is between a Grand Design Solitude or a Heartland Bighorn. Both have features I like but overall I want something that is going to last. I haven't found much online in comparing the 2 so I'd like to see what you all think. What would be my better choice for quality and long life?

[diftw]

They seem to be really good rigs-probably can't go wrong with either. We purchased our GD Reflection a year ago and have been very happy. We chose this 5th wheel after researching the company and just as important, the dealer we like to deal with, Colrain RV Indianapolis, carries this line. We believe the dealer is as least as important as the manufacturer.

Good luck with your decision.

[justme]

My take on quality is to determine what corners have been cut. That takes a fair amount of research. However, there are some simple things to consider like: axles components, tires, wiring, plumbing, electronics, furniture, flooring, roofing, insulation and etc. Also is the manufacture a leader or follower. A leader innovates a follower copies.
Some claim to be full time, but remember the Army considers tents as full time. In other words it is a marketing ploy mostly.

Also, owners web sites are mostly brand loyalist and folks that will say nothing bad for fear of losing value.

[trance728]

texanrvr wrote:
If you are thinking of full timing in your new trailer, keep in mind that the Grand Design is not warranted for full timing, only extended stay, while the Big Horn is rated and warranted - in writing - for full timing.

From Grand Design:

Grand Design products are engineered and built to accommodate extended stay living. Full-time living does not void the warranty; however, wear items (furniture, upholstery, flooring, etc.) that have deteriorated or failed due to extremely heavy use (i.e., full-time living) are not covered under the provisions of our limited warranty.

[goducks10]

So if it's not rated for full time use then I wonder what the MFG figures is the maximum amount of nights you can use it for during a year before the unit starts to deteriorate?
If it's not rated for FT use then will it hold up for 40, 60, 150 nights a year? And for how long. 2, 5, 7 years? I bet they will tell you it will last many, many years if you take proper care of it. But you just can't stay in it every night. Only X number of nights.

[B_O__Plenty]

texanrvr wrote:
If you are thinking of full timing in your new trailer, keep in mind that the Grand Design is not warranted for full timing, only extended stay, while the Big Horn is rated and warranted - in writing - for full timing.

Heartland warranty is only one year. What does "Rated for full time" mean? They all use the same components. How would they know if you live in it full time vs: Extended stay??

B.O.

[texanrvr]

If you are thinking of full timing in your new trailer, keep in mind that the Grand Design is not warranted for full timing, only extended stay, while the Big Horn is rated and warranted - in writing - for full timing.

[Ford_Man]

Can not speak about the Solitude but I owned a 2013 Landmark top of the line for Heartland and it was a POS. Had more trouble out of it than the 2 Jaycos or the other 4 Montana's all combined. Went back with a Montana and am Happy.

[trance728]

B.O. Plenty wrote:
How would anyone know unless they owned and lived in both???

B.O.

Those people do exist.

[B_O__Plenty]

How would anyone know unless they owned and lived in both???

B.O.

[kydale]

I owned a 2009 Big Horn. It was junk. Bought it new, did a factory tour, PDI. All the right things. The problems I had you couldn't catch on a walk thru. When I got rid of it I had worked thru all the issues but I felt like what is next. I'm sure I will get some feedback from current owners. I now own a MS, who by the way is now owned by Heartland. So my advice, buy what you want, put good tires on it and hope for the best. Have a nice Easter.

[Me_Again]

Don't forget the rear cap difference. Chris

[rbp111]

we had the same dilemma, pitting the two against one another. We settled on the Bighorn but would have been pleased with the Solitude. One thing that made up out minds, and there were several, but there were six legs on the leveler jacks of the Bighorn vs 4 legs. Other things were the larger frig, there was more water storage (both fresh and gray/black).

[Bob_Olallawa]

So far we are very happy with our Grand Design Reflection. Have only used it at the home front but am impressed with the build quality and the customer support.

[Coach-man]

We own a Solitude, going on 2 years, no major problems, and love it! After researching on line for almost a year we settled on the Grand Design, primarily for the real Customer Service they provide! We have not been disappointed. They have stepped up to the plate on more than one occasion. These manufacturing issues are meaningless if you get forgotten after the purchase! Hopefully, you won't have any major problems after the purchase, your Warrenty should cover those, but the "minor" problems, we'll be thankful you purchased a Grand Design product!