Looking at Grand Design Solitude 386FL

[BruceL]

We love the front living room 379FL (length does concern me though we already have 39'). We have a keystone alpine that has a 12" center support. I thought that was a big deal but The solitude has 10" support. I have read the cross support under basement is also important and is sometimes only 8". I am hoping the company can respond to this as the 386 is 42 foot+ and it would seem bigger support would be better?? Why are you using 10"??

[Steve and Cill]

Welcome to the forum Bruce! I think you are referring to the Solitude 379FL if I'm not mistaken. You are correct, the Solitudes do have a 10" I Beam frame, but it is plenty strong enough for the 16,000 lbs GVWR.

Steve

[huntr70]

And it is a double stacked 10" I beam frame, which means it is 10" up under the storage as well.

The Alpine has a 12" frame, but only 8" up front where it really needs more....

[BruceL]

Thanks! It makes sense. We are looking at 379FL Tuesday. Worried about weight with my 2008 f350.

[jaw3336]

My F350 Dually handles the weight no problem,,I was a little worried about it. I did have to add air bags to get the front jacks of the trailer higher off the ground.

[loudounrv]

My F350 Dually handles the weight no problem,,I was a little worried about it. I did have to add air bags to get the front jacks of the trailer higher off the ground.

I hope to be a 379fls owner some day, and I have a question about the need to add air bags. My local Ram dealer has a 3500 DRW that should arrive any day. Beginning with the 2015 models, there is an option to add an auto-leveling air suspension on the rear. I'm trying to decide whether to buy the 2014 truck without air, or wait to place a special order, in which case the truck would arrive in October or November.

I've read on other forums where most big 5ers like this will cause the truck to sag. I only have a small TT now, so I truly don't know. If you were in my situation, would the auto-leveling air option be a slam dunk in your mind? It costs $1,800. I know you can find less expensive aftermarket options, but I've read where others have paid around $1,000 just for the installation and $300 to $500 for the parts. So the stock option sounds like a bargain since it also comes with the truck's warranty.

Cost aside, I just want to confirm--should I expect air bags of some kind to be necessity if I hope to some day own a 379FLS, or similarly-sized 5er?

[Steve and Cill]

Welcome to the forum loudounrv! With the tongue weight of the 379, IMHO, a dually is a must, and getting a factory installed air bag kit is a no brainer.

Good luck with your search for a truck and the 379.

Steve

[G&Jcamping]

IMHO you simply do not truly realize the benefits of the air bags until you tow with them the first time!!! To me it is also a no brainer---lots of peace of mind when towing

[tgalley]

I have a 2014 RAM 3500/379 FL and the truck is perfect for the RV. Not much sag at all. Great truck too.

[tgalley]

With the RAM 3500 the air bags are a waste of money.