What would I do? Well, we started with a Reflection 318RST which was very similar to the 337RLS. Great unit but we wanted an extra 1/2 bath and a bigger main bath so we replaced the 318 with a Solitude 373FB-R. Sold that RV as part of a move to AZ that didn't happen (long story) and just ordered a Solitude 310GK-R today. We will miss the extra room of the 373FB but we wanted something shorter and lighter for road trips (hence the 310GK).

My dream RV would be a unit that could expand and contract like an accordion! 310GK length for road trips. 373FB length for our winter stays in Palm Springs. The expanding/contracting mechanism would operate with a slide switch :-)

Hey, you asked!!

Hi Howard,

You have designed a slightly longer 303RLS TT with a 4th slide for the washer & dryer. The 4th slide is on the "light" side. This could be a very appealing design . . .
Could work as a 5th wheel too.
GDRV-Megan ​​​Micah . . . are you tracking this ??

Rob

Spot on! The 303 is still our favorite floor plan, except now that Fran is accustomed to having a washer and dryer there's no going back. The extra fold-down extension on the kitchen island is for Fran, too.

Of course I'd lose the dog kennels I have in the front closet of my 315RLTS so I might have to share the bed with my pups.

The thing that I would like to add to this layout is a way for the main awning to extend further aft of the entry door. As it is today, all similar layouts with a slide right beside the door leave the doorway exposed to rain from that side.

Rob

Hmmm...I overlooked that. Corrected below. (Photoshop is awesome, isn't it?)

I can't quite figure out where to incorporate an outside kitchen--that would really make it over-the-top. (All I want is a place to put my Blackstone and mount a small TV.)

Hi Howard,

Your latest picture/sketch shows the normal awning location for layouts such as this, but the awning arm has to go in the narrow space between the door and the slide . . . meaning that the awning fabric barely covers the doorway. If the rain is coming down at any angle at all, the awning is of little use in protecting the doorway. What is needed is a mechanism/configuration that allows the awning (or the slide topper) to overlap this gap. Something more permanent than the umbrella in the picture (which does work BTW )

Rob

The 297RSTS has an awning that runs almost the entire length of the side of the camper, but my friend gripes about it all the time as he feels that over 1/2 is "wasted" as a slide topper. I wonder if they could design an awning that extends past the arm? I don't see why not. The "extension" could cover just enough of the slide that water would run off the awning onto the top of the slide and then off the camper.



Here I go OT...

Honestly, Fran and I are so paranoid about damage to the awnings that unless it is a gentle, straight down rain (no wind) we don't open them. Yes, I angle them to have the water run off when there's rain, but if there's a pesky gust of wind it may wrap up the awnings like they're made out tissue paper. Even light breezes make the awnings "jump" and it unnerves us, given how many we've seen damaged. (There was even one taken out at the rally!) I think what we all want and expect is a sturdy roof extension--kind of like a covered front porch to shelter guests at our front door. Our awnings in concept are that cover but in reality aren't up to the task IMHO.

Howard

Mate the back half of the 297 with the front half of your first "drawing". Remove the kitchen slide , so the kitchen stays where it is at inside. The island may have to be removed or maybe a peninsula that would stick out. Now the awing will cover the door and be completely useful. On the outside of the kitchen towards the back end of the awning add the full outside kitchen , sink , fridge is optional, and a cook stove or place to store one. We had this setup on our previous TT and also an outside microwave. We thought it silly when we bought it but we used this kitchen more than the inside one.

I am patiently waiting for GD to produce a "couples" RV with a full outside kitchen. The opposing slides are nice but I would give one up for an outside kitchen.

Brian

Oh and I would like it to be 5er , as much as I like my bed for storage and hauling when camping I will give that up for length and travel comfort.

Brian

Your wish list sounds very close to the new 300RBTS (except it's a TT not a 5vr). At least the kitchen / awning meets your criteria. Not sure about the bathroom/bedroom config!

Hi Howard,

These are exactly the concepts that I have been thinking about. Awnings on houses and even motor homes are much more "robust" than what they put on towable RVs. Part of this is because they have a much stronger wall to hang from. Part of the design for towables should be a return to legs that go to the ground when the awning is extended.

Rob

Great ideas guys. I really consider my Solitude 375 to be the perfect trailer for me. My one wish would be for it too have triple axles, disc brakes, and a more robust suspension so I could really take advantage of all the storage room built into it. I would have gladly paid a little more for it to have these items from the factory.

Another addition to my "Dream Camper"--a sealant-free exterior. No lap sealant, no silicone sealant, no checking the roof every six months--nada!

And how about dedicated storage locations for all the necessities, like the RV electrical cord (a reel would be great) along with all the water hoses. Heck, a reel for the water hose, too!