How much of an issue is height difference?

[GeorgiaJeff]

We are mapping out our next trailer for the upcoming empty nester years. We have a travel trailer now but the wife wants a fifth wheel. I told her only if I can get an F450. She said go for it so now I'm down the rabbit hole. I was leaning toward the Reflection 320MKS but she is pushing for the Solitude 310GK. Ignoring the price difference, my question is about height. The 320MKS is 12'6" and the Solitude is 13'5". How often does height become an issue? Does the Solitude become that much of a concern with the difference?

[MoonShadow_1911]

We are mapping out our next trailer for the upcoming empty nester years. We have a travel trailer now but the wife wants a fifth wheel. I told her only if I can get an F450. She said go for it so now I'm down the rabbit hole. I was leaning toward the Reflection 320MKS but she is pushing for the Solitude 310GK. Ignoring the price difference, my question is about height. The 320MKS is 12'6" and the Solitude is 13'5". How often does height become an issue? Does the Solitude become that much of a concern with the difference?

Okay, to answer this question, I have to ask one of my own. Where will you be spending most of your time in the coach? East coast, Central, Southern, Mountain, or West Coast?

The reason for this query is, based on my experience alone, the East Coast send to have more low clearance bridges, due to older railroad bridges, than anywhere else in the country. As long as you are cognizant of the low clearances, you should be fine.

In the RV Trip Wizard, I have my 320MKS as 12'8", instead of the 12'6". It's just my peace of mind. I also spent the money on the Low Clearances POIs and loaded the the 12'8" and lower ones into Google Maps so I can verify any questions I might have about my route.

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[FT4NOW]

I dont find it an issue if you do your research on your route ahead of time. My Momentum was right about 13' 5" and our Reflection is at 12' 3". We traveled a lot on the East coast with our Momentum and never needed to turn around due to low clearance. Like i said, research ahead of time is what is needed. Better go for what the wife wants, you chose the F450...

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[GeorgiaJeff]

The plan is to just roam for a few years so could end up anywhere. Home base will be land in Georgia so a lot of southeast travel. Our family is all midwest and we want to explore the southwest so that will be the bulk of time I would imagine.

[GeorgiaJeff]

I dont find it an issue if you do your research on your route ahead of time. My Momentum was right about 13' 5" and our Reflection is at 12' 3". We traveled a lot on the East coast with our Momentum and never needed to turn around due to low clearance. Like i said, research ahead of time is what is needed. Better go for what the wife wants, you chose the F450...

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Yeah, I can't argue with that. I didn't expect her to go for the F450 so quickly. She outsmarted me yet again!

[Ynot4me2]

Yeah, I can't argue with that. I didn't expect her to go for the F450 so quickly. She outsmarted me yet again!

Can your DW talk to mine. I want to go shopping for an F450 too. Lol

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[jkwilson]

That height difference may be due to the Solitude having the front AC standard and it being an option on the Reflection. If you add the second AC to the Reflection, a worthwhile upgrade IMO, the heights are probably pretty close.

[bertschb]

Does the Solitude become that much of a concern with the difference?

I've had a Reflection and two Solitudes. I don't notice any difference between the two. I figure anything over ten feet is TALL and you really need to pay attention to overhanging tree branches, etc. I've never had to reroute due to height. I actually had MORryde add two inches of height to my current Solitude when they added their IS system so it would sit level with my truck.

[geotex1]

The Reflection is only significantly shorter without a front A/C. Honestly, it makes no difference travel-wise as there are truck routes everywhere that handle the height and map apps to help. Where there's consideration is the campground style you prefer. That's where the height can get you into some challenges.

[MoonShadow_1911]

The Reflection is only significantly shorter without a front A/C. Honestly, it makes no difference travel-wise as there are truck routes everywhere that handle the height and map apps to help. Where there's consideration is the campground style you prefer. That's where the height can get you into some challenges.

Your right, I forgot about having the dealer install or front AC. I just looked it up, it adds 8.25" in height. So my height is now 13'2".

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