320G first impressions

[WhittleBurner]

Ok guys, there is no need to go back and forth , agree to dis agree and move on before this gets ugly.

Have a Merry Christmas

 

[Zester]

We are picking up our 320G in a few weeks, and although I've asked the dealer to measure for me (and they haven't yet), what size is the living room TV, and also how tall is the TV space from the lower shelf to the upper one? Planning upgrades hehe.

Glad you enjoyed Effingham, that's my hometown. Haven't lived there in 20 years, but they have a big Vollswagen festival there each summer, so it's gonna be awesome with the new rig this year!

Thanks for the info, looking forward to comparing notes with you on the 320G!

-Jake

 

[Jaymee317]

I cut some boards for the bathroom cabinet. It worked great having 3 shelves for towels and bath supplies. Nothing is nailed down/glued, and it stays up fine.

I too have a 320G. Some of the storage or lack of it has me stymied. I plan on installing a shelf in the bathroom vanities. I am interested in how you installed the shelves in the bathroom cabinet. Would you be willing to share how you did it?

Thanks.
John

 

[MooManChu]

We use a couple wire closet racks from Target Also. There is tons of space in the generator hatch you can utilize.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[vdelgadillo]

RoyBell, I have to say it.

Because of this post two things happened

1.- I joined the forum mainly to say Thank you for your post, and
2.- I am changing my mind, I was thinking about getting a 31G or 20G, now I am looking to get the 320G.

Again, Thank you.

 

[RoyBell]

We are picking up our 320G in a few weeks, and although I've asked the dealer to measure for me (and they haven't yet), what size is the living room TV, and also how tall is the TV space from the lower shelf to the upper one? Planning upgrades hehe.

Glad you enjoyed Effingham, that's my hometown. Haven't lived there in 20 years, but they have a big Vollswagen festival there each summer, so it's gonna be awesome with the new rig this year!

Thanks for the info, looking forward to comparing notes with you on the 320G!

-Jake

Are you still looking for this information? I would guess it's about 32" tv with approx 30" clearance.

I too have a 320G. Some of the storage or lack of it has me stymied. I plan on installing a shelf in the bathroom vanities. I am interested in how you installed the shelves in the bathroom cabinet. Would you be willing to share how you did it?

Thanks.
John

That's actually a great idea. I did not think of that! Next project on the list is a shelf under the vanity.

For the cabinet I just cut some wood and laid them in there. The side pieces are just sitting there and the weight of the shelf keeps them from moving around. You can nail or glue them, but I did not feel it was necessary. Plus I can then change it up without damaging anything. After 3K miles they have not moved. Here is a picture to get an idea of what I did. I think I will cut a notch out the front though since they are a little deep.

We use a couple wire closet racks from Target Also. There is tons of space in the generator hatch you can utilize.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I put some strut around the edge of the generator cover. That allows me to keep some bins on top of it without them sliding off. I have been debating putting some sort of shelf in there as well. I have 2 batteries and the 2nd battery takes up a lot of the bottom storage space. I did put a motion light in there which helps a lot.

RoyBell, I have to say it.

Because of this post two things happened

1.- I joined the forum mainly to say Thank you for your post, and
2.- I am changing my mind, I was thinking about getting a 31G or 20G, now I am looking to get the 320G.

Again, Thank you.

You are welcome and welcome to the family. I was originally looking at the 29G. However, the master bed was way too cramped. Our old camper had slightly more room around the bed and it was still tight. That was a determining factory on moving to a 5th wheel.

 

[MooManChu]

After my last couple trips, I want to clarify my comment. The front garage area with the gen does have quite a bit of space, however the latches on the 320G are the old/cheap style, not meant for repeated use IMHO as they're flimsy. I'm rethinking the storage area there only for items I need for emergencies and on rare occasions. I carry a 12v battery charger (invaluable if you lose your converter) and emergency kit including a 40ft tarp, roof patch, and collapsible construction cones and extra LED flares. Aside from that, I decided to pull my camp chairs and small canopy from there. Those latches are like the ones on my 06 pop -up doors. I'd guess if you upgraded to a slap latch, it might be better suited.

 

[RoyBell]

1 year later

1 year update. While we didn't get out much this year because of covid, we managed 2 trips, with a 3rd planned in 2 weeks. Below are updated impressions.

Everything is working flawlessly so far. We had 1 warranty claim, the window valance came down. It took 3 months to get a new one.

I had the dealer put a power fan in the front bathroom while it was in. I am not sure why they come with the dinky little fan they come with, but it's not sufficient for shower steam or moving air though the camper on nice days.

I finally got around to weighing the camper a couple times this year. They were not all on the same day, but I did use the same scale. As a result, I would guess weights to be +/- 100 lbs. I did have the fuel tank on the camper full. I do have the upgraded stereo, generator, slide toppers, additional rear and side awnings, and 3 season glass door. Likely the heaviest optioned camper you can get short of having the thermal windows and solar.

Truck Weight: 8,580 lbs
Camper camp ready dry: 14,760 lbs (empty)
Camper with Bike & 3/4 tank of water: 16,260 (loaded)
GVWR of camper: 16,800 lbs
GCVW: 24,840 lbs less any passengers.

Pin garage empty: 2,620 lbs (17.75%)
Pin Bike+water: 2,140 lbs (13.16%)
Delta of 1500 lbs added: 480 lbs removed from rear axle of truck.

Steer axle remained the same no matter what: 5,120 lbs.
Drive axle truck only: 3,460 lbs
Drive axle empty trailer: 6,080 lbs
Drive axle loaded trailer: 5,600 lbs

Trailer axle empty: 12,120 lbs
Trailer axle loaded: 14,120 lbs

I am pretty sure the camper comes with 7K lb axles, so I am over (120bs) on the trailer axle with the water and bike. I am under GVWR though. There is not much weight in the back (2nd spare, grill, small cooler). I will need to see if I can move some of that stuff to the front.

I tried towing a couple times without the bike or water (and with the water but no bike) and the results were a little upsetting. The camper swayed a lot. I did not feel safe traveling with traffic at 70mph. Once I rolled the bike in (900 lbs) it tows fine. I am not exactly sure where the problem lies- Truck or camper. I have traveled with just water and it was still unstable. Adding the 900 lb bike either keeps the trailer more planted or removes enough extra weight off my truck (approx 250lbs) that it tows better. I have to assume the trailer is what needs the weight as I can't see 250lbs off my truck making the camper tow significantly better. No trailer sucking, no sway, very stable. I have to watch my speed as the truck wants to keep pulling.

With that said, I am looking to upgrade to a 3500 with factory air. You can finally get a 50 gallon tank with 8' bed. My 3.42s and 32 gallon tank aren't cutting it. The gearing is making me run 15-20 lbs of boost at 70 and killing my gas mileage. I get about 200 mile range towing this beast. The local shops here want 3-4K to re-gear and a larger tank is 2000+ to install. With those costs I think I am ready to upgrade to a 3500 with those options from the factory.

 

[RoyBell]

After my last couple trips, I want to clarify my comment. The front garage area with the gen does have quite a bit of space, however the latches on the 320G are the old/cheap style, not meant for repeated use IMHO as they're flimsy. I'm rethinking the storage area there only for items I need for emergencies and on rare occasions. I carry a 12v battery charger (invaluable if you lose your converter) and emergency kit including a 40ft tarp, roof patch, and collapsible construction cones and extra LED flares. Aside from that, I decided to pull my camp chairs and small canopy from there. Those latches are like the ones on my 06 pop -up doors. I'd guess if you upgraded to a slap latch, it might be better suited.

I keep some of my black water attachments, extra drain hose, hose support, extra chocks, extra leveling wood, etc stuff there. I go in there twice a trip. I would like to figure out a way to put my portable grill up there, as well as my bin for leveling. Putting a shelf for these items would help a lot.

 

[Rabidd]

Have you installed a T in the toy area if so what size?

 

[RoyBell]

Have you installed a T in the toy area if so what size?

Do you mean a Toy? If so, yes. As mentioned above I have been hauling a 2018 Harley Ultra Limited. Approx 900 lbs.

I do have 2 ATVs (700lbs ea) that I haven't loaded yet.


Also, as an update to my weight issue, I did managed to get my weights in check. I moved everything that I could as far forward as I could. Only thing left in the garage was the cycle. I still had 80 gallons of water in the tank. My numbers:



Pin is around 2400 lbs like this.

As much as I love this trailer, I can no longer recommend it to anyone that plans to travel with fresh water. The fresh water tank is BEHIND the axles. So adding water lightens the pin and takes away a lot of your CCC. I talked to GD about moving the water tank to in front of the axles and they said it's not possible. I asked them about upgrading the axles to 8K lb units and they said they don't recommend doing that. My next move would be to sell this one and go with a 351M with 8K lb axles, but I am going to take too much of a hit to justify that.

Not sure how the ATVs will scale out since they are quite a bit heavier combined than just the cycle. I am hoping I can put them side by side closer to the axle to minimize putting weight further back in the trailer. I may look into upgrading the springs for the load, going to a heavier tire and pray the axle doesn't explode if I constantly run a couple hundred pounds over. I am a little perplexed at the moment how a company like GD can make a trailer that will never reach it's Gross Vehicle Weight without completely overloading the axles first.

 

[Rabidd]

Sorry must of been doing ten things at once! I wanted to ask if had installed a TV in the toy area and if so what size? Thanks.

 

[Rabidd]

Sorry I guess I was doing to many things at once. What I meant to ask was have you installed a TV in the garage area and if so what size did you do?

 

[RoyBell]

Oh, I did not install a TV in the garage area. Just the one that came with the camper.

 

[rwilkins]

This is a great review - I really enjoy the photos and detailed experience. Very helpful for folks like me planning on purchasing a 320G.

P.S. Great looking setup with the RAM!

 

[LossPrev]

Thanks for this great write up OP!

The wife and I are listing our house and planning on living in an RV for about 6 months. Right now we were dead set on a 320g but recently discovered the 351m. I'm now leaning towards it since the living area is a little more opened up. I feel like a 320g will be great vacation/weekend unit after we move back into a house but I feel like it might be a bit tight to live in for 6 months.

 

[MooManChu]

Thanks for this great write up OP!

The wife and I are listing our house and planning on living in an RV for about 6 months. Right now we were dead set on a 320g but recently discovered the 351m. I'm now leaning towards it since the living area is a little more opened up. I feel like a 320g will be great vacation/weekend unit after we move back into a house but I feel like it might be a bit tight to live in for 6 months.

First, you probably already know this, but the "G" vs "M" has some subtle differences. The M is considered an upgrade and has some cool features the G doesn't.

So,
We've had our 320G over a year, camping for a few days to a few weeks and spent the "summer of Covid" at a seasonal site with our kids coming and going. We love the size of the trailer and how the space is utilized. Getting into a 5ver toy hauler that puts the same length of trailer behind my truck compared to my old travel trailer was what really sold me on this trailer since we were hopeful to be boon docking alot. Yes, the living area can get cramped, however the layout is less of an issue than the fact the I miss having a dining room table, even a small one. If I could change anything on the layout it is not necessarily more room, but having a small table to sit at to eat. The rear table is a pain to set up all the time, especially when traveling. It was a tradeoff from going bigger, which I was glad since this actually fits nice in my driveway (short-term), much to the chagrin of my neightbors

Also, check out the 328G. Slightly different living room area, however you lose the rear bath.

 

[LossPrev]

First, you probably already know this, but the "G" vs "M" has some subtle differences. The M is considered an upgrade and has some cool features the G doesn't.

So,
We've had our 320G over a year, camping for a few days to a few weeks and spent the "summer of Covid" at a seasonal site with our kids coming and going. We love the size of the trailer and how the space is utilized. Getting into a 5ver toy hauler that puts the same length of trailer behind my truck compared to my old travel trailer was what really sold me on this trailer since we were hopeful to be boon docking alot. Yes, the living area can get cramped, however the layout is less of an issue than the fact the I miss having a dining room table, even a small one. If I could change anything on the layout it is not necessarily more room, but having a small table to sit at to eat. The rear table is a pain to set up all the time, especially when traveling. It was a tradeoff from going bigger, which I was glad since this actually fits nice in my driveway (short-term), much to the chagrin of my neightbors

Also, check out the 328G. Slightly different living room area, however you lose the rear bath.

Thanks for the feedback!! Yeah, I like a few of the M features but it's mainly the floor plan that is pushing me towards the 351m. I feel like after a few months of full time living the 320g is going to get a bit tight. Like you mentioned with the table, that's a pro for the 351m with it's folding bar exension for two stools. Perfect for me and the wife.

Having a half-bath is also a must for the wife because we do plan on having family and friends on trips somewhat frequently so the 328g is out. I have been intrigued by the 353g with the optional half-bath but I'm not sure I want all my windows facing the neighbors camp site either. It also sucks losing so much garage space with the half-bath when it's only 11' to begin with.

 

[RoyBell]

Thanks for this great write up OP!

The wife and I are listing our house and planning on living in an RV for about 6 months. Right now we were dead set on a 320g but recently discovered the 351m. I'm now leaning towards it since the living area is a little more opened up. I feel like a 320g will be great vacation/weekend unit after we move back into a house but I feel like it might be a bit tight to live in for 6 months.

I would for sure go with the 351M. The 320G is a great layout, but I think if I had to spend 6 months with my wife in it we wouldn't last long. The open kitchen of the 351M will make a big difference. The 2nd bath is def needed as well. We put a little side table for the couches when we eat. The flip-up bar off the island would be a lot more practical for every day living. Make sure you get the upgraded axles as well!

 

[Wileykid]

Do you mean a Toy? If so, yes. As mentioned above I have been hauling a 2018 Harley Ultra Limited. Approx 900 lbs.

I do have 2 ATVs (700lbs ea) that I haven't loaded yet.


Also, as an update to my weight issue, I did managed to get my weights in check. I moved everything that I could as far forward as I could. Only thing left in the garage was the cycle. I still had 80 gallons of water in the tank. My numbers:

View attachment 31312

Pin is around 2400 lbs like this.

As much as I love this trailer, I can no longer recommend it to anyone that plans to travel with fresh water. The fresh water tank is BEHIND the axles. So adding water lightens the pin and takes away a lot of your CCC. I talked to GD about moving the water tank to in front of the axles and they said it's not possible. I asked them about upgrading the axles to 8K lb units and they said they don't recommend doing that. My next move would be to sell this one and go with a 351M with 8K lb axles, but I am going to take too much of a hit to justify that.

Not sure how the ATVs will scale out since they are quite a bit heavier combined than just the cycle. I am hoping I can put them side by side closer to the axle to minimize putting weight further back in the trailer. I may look into upgrading the springs for the load, going to a heavier tire and pray the axle doesn't explode if I constantly run a couple hundred pounds over. I am a little perplexed at the moment how a company like GD can make a trailer that will never reach it's Gross Vehicle Weight without completely overloading the axles first.

First, thank you for the info you have provided. I just ordered a 320G, and will be towing it with a '19 RAM 3500 HO SRW SB. Truck loaded up, I have a 3400 lb payload (cat scale number), and 3680 "payload" on the drive axle. It will be interesting on pin weight, as my current bike is only 450 lbs., which with what you have been saying, I may need to add a fair amount of water to have the trailer be more stable.

Just add, and your posts may have pushed them, but as of a month ago, they are offering an 8K lb axle upgrade with disc brakes, which I did get, thanks to your posts about your weight issues.