Announcement

**howson** · 12-18-2022, 02:10 PM

Originally posted by YZG View Post

Hi,

We are long term (and very happy) AF 29-5T owners and it is time to replace our rig. Mobility issues on my part with the bed and a tiny fridge is driving this decision. I can McGiver the bed (I have reworked most of the storage space in this rig but there is no positive way we can plunk a residential fridge into this unit. The AF 27-5T would suit our needs but Northwood refuses to go larger than an 8 cu ft fridge and the overall design hasn't moved beyond our model year which would be a lot of work for me and i would also have to do something with the omnipresent dark brown....So.

We have been looking around and the Solitute seems to fit all our needs. We even did a tour of one..

A couple of questions have popped up:
. when was the first Solitude 280rk built and has the design changed much ? We will be avoiding the build years of 20/21 and possible 22.
. The sales rep said the suspension had both shocks / springs.. in the brochure says it only has springs. It was raining the say we did our viewing so I didn't crawl under.. Does it have both ?
. I know this is fuzzy but are Solitudes as reliable as an AF 5th ?

The other rig we are considering is the Alliance Paradigm ..

Thanks.
Ian.

The first time the 280RK shows up on the GD Parts List website (link on the menu bar above) is '22, so a relatively new model. That's not definitive, but it should be close.

On the GD website for the model https://www.granddesignrv.com/showro.../280rk-280rk-r it shows there are two options for the suspension. Personally I'd go with the 8K axles and H-rated tires unless the trailer will sit in a permanent spot and not move.

As far as the quality comparison...all RVs made in Elkhart have their "issues". If you're not up to it yourself (either due to physical limitations or a knowledge gap) having the actual unit you're contemplating bringing home inspected by a trusted third party (even if you have to pay for it) before plunking down a lot of cash is well worth the money. Especially the installation of the Schwintek slide (which I suspect is what GD used in the bedroom closet). If any dealer refuses to allow the third party inspection...I'd walk away.

Howard

**YZG** · 12-18-2022, 04:11 PM

Originally posted by howson View Post

The first time the 280RK shows up on the GD Parts List website (link on the menu bar above) is '22, so a relatively new model. That's not definitive, but it should be close.

On the GD website for the model https://www.granddesignrv.com/showro.../280rk-280rk-r it shows there are two options for the suspension. Personally I'd go with the 8K axles and H-rated tires unless the trailer will sit in a permanent spot and not move.

As far as the quality comparison...all RVs made in Elkhart have their "issues". If you're not up to it yourself (either due to physical limitations or a knowledge gap) having the actual unit you're contemplating bringing home inspected by a trusted third party (even if you have to pay for it) before plunking down a lot of cash is well worth the money. Especially the installation of the Schwintek slide (which I suspect is what GD used in the bedroom closet). If any dealer refuses to allow the third party inspection...I'd walk away.

Howard

Many thanks.. better if new ? Or same issues ?

**Cate&Rob** · 12-18-2022, 04:35 PM

Many of the issues blamed on the RV manufacturers really belong with the suppliers of the appliances and systems that they install. And, all RV manufacturers in Indiana are buying from the same supply base. It is reasonable to expect that everything was working when the RV left the assembly plant. A few months down the road and some of these things are likely to have stopped working. You can't choose an RV manufacturer that will avoid this industry wide situation.

Rob

**Jlawles2** · 12-18-2022, 05:01 PM

I found this source a while back for past and present floor plans to compare: https://www.granddesignsource.com/specifications As mentioned the first time the 280 shows up is 2022. The 310GK has been out for a while and even though it's a little longer the length to me is in the right places with no sinks in the slides.

**YZG** · 12-18-2022, 05:41 PM

Joseph,

We are in Mission at the moment.

Thanks for the link too..

We need under 34 foot so we can get into state parks and smaller rv parks at home.. pretty slim pickings in this size category.

We tend tp stay away from dealers hence we like used.. having subsystems go is pretty normal I guess but the number of issues we have had with our fox I can count on one hand and have fingers left over.

The slide seems to be a concern with GD ? We did go through a Reflections and it screamed entry level .. use 3 or 4 times a year. Our average trip is 11k miles and 40 stops,,

Thanks..

Originally posted by Jlawles2 View Post

I found this source a while back for past and present floor plans to compare: https://www.granddesignsource.com/specifications As mentioned the first time the 280 shows up is 2022. The 310GK has been out for a while and even though it's a little longer the length to me is in the right places with no sinks in the slides.

**Gronk1** · 12-20-2022, 09:00 PM

We had a '13 27-5L AF.( I think that was the #). We picked it up in La Grand Oregon where they are built. Same as you, for the five years we had it we had a blown tire...that's it. In the four years we have had our 310, I've replaced a water pump, grey water drain cable & two hydraulic cylinders, and repaired/reinstalled pieces of trim.

We really like our GD, their floor plans seem much better than Northwood & I don't know about the build quality of AF since Nash (owner) died a few years ago. Northwood makes their own frames, & are heavy.
.

Announcement

When did Grand Design bring out the Solitude ?

When did Grand Design bring out the Solitude ?

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment