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  1. #1
    Left The Driveway
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    Looking at Grand Design Solitude 386FL

    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"??
    Last edited by BruceL; 06-22-2014 at 10:56 AM.

  2. #2
    Site Sponsor Steve and Cill's Avatar
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    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

  3. #3
    Commercial Member huntr70's Avatar
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    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....
    Steve- Inventory Manager at Tom Schaeffer's RV, Shoemakersville, PA www.tomschaeffers.com
    [email protected]
    2011 RAM 3500 SRW Outdoorsman Edition 4X4, 6.7 Cummins--TWEAKED!
    2021 Reflection 310RLS

  4. #4
    Left The Driveway
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    Thanks! It makes sense. We are looking at 379FL Tuesday. Worried about weight with my 2008 f350.

  5. #5
    jaw3336
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    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.

  6. #6
    loudounrv
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    Quote Originally Posted by jaw3336 View Post
    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?

  7. #7
    Site Sponsor Steve and Cill's Avatar
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    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

  8. #8
    Fireside Member G&Jcamping's Avatar
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    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
    Gary and Jo
    Corona Ca
    2014 Solitude 305RE (Odyssey)
    2014 Ford F350 Lariat DRW 4x4 - 6.7 Diesel (Apollo)

  9. #9
    tgalley
    Guest
    I have a 2014 RAM 3500/379 FL and the truck is perfect for the RV. Not much sag at all. Great truck too.

  10. #10
    tgalley
    Guest
    With the RAM 3500 the air bags are a waste of money.

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