Grand Design Solitude 379FLS -

[RollingDownTheHighway]

Hello,
The wife and I are looking to upgrade from our TT to a fiver. We've looked at several so far and then we came across the Grand Design Solitude 379FLS. Does anyone own one? If so, how is it? Can anyone provide me some feedback on the Solitude overall, the good, the bad and the ugly. We're looking at the Montana, Pinnacle and Cedar Creek. We don't see many Solitudes in the CG's we go to and only seen a few Reflections fifth wheels.

If anyone could provide any feedback, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Tim340]

We upgraded from a TT to a 5th wheel a few years ago. For us, the 5th wheel is the better choice primarily for ease in towing. We purchased a Solitude 310GK in the Spring of 2017 after researching the Keystone Montana and the Jayco Pinnacle, among others. Frankly, we didn't purchase the Montana because I had become concerned about Keystone quality based on my experiences owning a Cougar and fixing numerous items (over a 2 year period) ... fixes that were unnecessary in the Forest River Salem TT that I owned for 15 years prior to buying the Cougar. I saw similar construction practices in the Montana as I saw in the Cougar, even though the Montana is supposed to be the better quality line. We thought the Pinnacle had the "wow" factor, and we thought the fit and finish looked great. The lack of storage space in the Pinnacle was one reason we didn't purchase it. But for us, wanting a fiver that would withstand extended living use, the limiting factor was the weight of the trailer, and primarily the kingpin (hitch) weight. We own a Chevy 3500 single rear wheel (SRW) diesel truck and it was not in our budget to upgrade to a dually. We had friends that owned a Reflection and they loved it. We reasearched the Solitude and spent time in one. The Solitude has the "wow factor" for us. It is solid with great finishes and intelligent design touches that make sense. It seems to me it was designed by someone that actually spent time living in an rv. We bought a 310GK model because it is the smallest in the Solitude line and the only Solitude we could pull with our truck and stay within tow vehicle specs (the primary limiting factor for us in truck payload). I believe you will have issues of one kind or another with ANY rv that you purchase - perfection does not exist. Also, with the internet, there will always be someone that can counter anyone's positive review with their own legitimate tale of difficulty and disappointment. Good luck with your decision!
Tim

[LCBoyer]

We've had our 379 since November 2014. Pulled it over 23,000 miles. Stay in it all the time. Fewer problems than any RV owned and the best Customerservice anywhere. Good luck on your decision

[JCR GD]

If you are in Calif (or close) I know of a used 2015 Solitude 379 in pristine condition for sale. PM me if more info wanted. They are selling for a smaller unit to travel the country.

[RollingDownTheHighway]

If you are in Calif (or close) I know of a used 2015 Solitude 379 in pristine condition for sale. PM me if more info wanted. They are selling for a smaller unit to travel the country.

I live in CT

[Capt Jim]

We love our 379fl and after two years and 12,000 miles we have had very few problems. I would strongly recommend a DRW truck and upgraded tires (we went with Sailun S637).

Safe Travels.

[RollingDownTheHighway]

We love our 379fl and after two years and 12,000 miles we have had very few problems. I would strongly recommend a DRW truck and upgraded tires (we went with Sailun S637).

Safe Travels.

Yeah, the tires on all brands appear to be an issue these days. As for the truck, I have a 3500 DRW CC Duramax

[JCR GD]

I live in CT

Copy that. Good luck w/ purchase!

[Keebler]

I am in my first season of owning a 2017 379FLS. For me it was an upgrade from a 24' TT. I love the way the fifth wheel pulls and for me, hitching and unhitching is easier with the fifth wheel.

Regarding Grand Design as a manufacturer, I have had 3 issues with my unit: 1) leaking seals (plenty of reading here on that topic; 2) frozen waste water release valves. This model has a cable style pull handle to open/close the waste tanks. Mine were corroded and stuck in place; 3) Baggage door latch would not lock. Locking mechanism was stuck open. I will say that GD paid for my dealer to inspect the seals, and subsequently replace them. Overall quality has been very good. Small detail, but I do like the way GD has no heating vents in the flooring; nice touch.

Regarding the layout of the 379FLS. I love the big living room area. This was the selling point for us. I also like the fact that the bathroom shower has such a high ceiling; really feels residential. On the negative side, the pass through storage area is smaller. Not a huge issue for me personally, but something to consider. My other complaint is that the bathroom feels small. As i mentioned, love that the ceiling is high, but really would like a few more square feet.

Overall, love the unit; I would buy the same one again.

[Deejmom3]

We own a 2015 379FL...love much about it : living space, decor, roominess. Unfortunately, our "leather" recliners have begun shredding...looks like Freddy Krueger was here. Starts with tiny tears...then you sit on it and tears become larger and larger. Our dealer said that they have had no complaints as such, but one responder on this blog said that he has heard of many. We will contact the Grand Design people...hope to get a response, but do not anticipate any help. So...BEWARE when looking at the furniture. Says it's leather, but it's paper thin ! We looked at many, many RVs and decided on this one. Love everything so far..except the CHEAP furniture.