Considering A Solitude but have a few questions

[Rdianek]

Hello!! We are considering a 2014 Solitude 368RD. I have been checking RV forums and a couple of questions have come up. 1. Is the Solitude designed just to be stationary? We plan to travel a lot 2. Are the factory tires ok? Several people stated they are not and should be changed 3. Weight. this 5er seems really heavy compared to our Heartland Elkridge. We would really like to hear from some of you owners!! We love the look and amenities of the Solitude but are concerned about hauling it a lot!! Thanks so much!! Diane

 

[Steve and Cill]

Welcome to the forum Diane.

We have the Solitude 369RL and one reason we decided on the Solitude was that it is classified as an "Extended Stay" camper. Meaning to be lived in, but not just in one place. We are not full timing yet, but plan on it real soon and we are going to be traveling all over this beautiful country.

You asked about the weight of the Solitude, the GVWR is 16,000 and the dry weight is over 12,000. For that kind of weight you will need at least a 350/3500 deisel truck.

Tires, everyone has their own opinion about tires so I'm not going there.

If you decide on the Solitude, you will not be disapointed. It is a well built quality camper by a customer orenitated company. Maybe Bill Fenech, one of the owners of Grand Design, will be by later to answer some of your questions.

 

[Rdianek]

Thanks so much for your feedback. We do have a 2012 Ford F350 6.7 DRW so we are good there. We also plan to travel a lot so we can visit as many states as possible. My husband is a fanatic about safe tires so I'm sure he will do some more research on them. We just fell in love with the Solitude when we were at our RV dealer to check out the repairs being done to our Elkridge. But it is a much heavier rig than ours..

Appreciate the info we will be making a decision in his next day or so

Thanks again
Diane

 

[Bill Fenech]

Hello Diane

Thank you very much for considering a Solitude. First off, Solitude is absolutely meant to be towed. As Steve and Cill mentioned, it is an extended stay fifth wheel so long term stays or frequent travel are perfect.

Regarding tires, we spec in tires with weight ratings that exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the fifth wheel. We also use heavier rated axles and 8 lug wheels vs. 6 lug wheels like some of our competitors. We care deeply about building a quality fifth wheel and taking great care of our customers.

I hope this helps.

Happy travels,

Bill Fenech

 

[huntr70]

The Solitude should be a whole lot heavier than your Elkridge. You would have to go with the Reflection to get the weight of your Elkridge. The solitude is a WHOLE LOT more overall trailer than an Elkridge.

Think Chevy Chevette compared to a Cadillac....

 

[chris-TMO]

Hi,
I'll tell you that my wife and I looked at truly thousands of fifth wheels, travel trailers, and motorhomes in our quest for the "right" one. We bought the Solitude 369RL. The ONLY wish we had was a kitchen window. The weight of this coach isn't that bad when compared to other high end rigs. What I did notice was that the weight contributes to a much more steady/stable coach. The build quality is amazing in comparison to other rigs that we've looked at.
Thanks
Ct..

 

[Bill Fenech]

Hi Diane:

My comment above needs some clarification. The tires on the Solitude exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) not the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The combined weight rating of the tires exceed the combined weight rating of the axles.

If weight and towing are a concern then you may want to consider a Reflection fifth wheel. The Reflection is lighter than the Solitude but has many similarities and excellent quality like the Solitude.

If you would like to speak with me directly, please do not hesitate to call me at 574-825-8000.

Best regards,

Bill

 

[austint513]

Hello Diane,

My wife and I have had two previous 5th wheels and a class A motorhome. We decided to go back to a 5th wheel and looked at many of the higher end units but decided on the 369RL Solitude because of the features and quality of the unit. We pull it with a F350 single rear wheel diesel and feel very comfortable with the weight. We did upgrade to load range G tires just because I wanted a little extra capacity - but that was a personal decision.

At the time we decided on our unit the Reflection 337 floor plan had not been released or we might have considered it but we certainly do not regret our decision or the solid feel of our Solitude when on the road or parked.

Austin

 

[Rdianek]

Good morning all! I have to say that I am so impressed, Bill, that you actually monitor this forum!!!! It gives us a feeling of comfort knowing that you are only a phone call away!! We sincerely appreciate all of your input-it is so nice to hear from satisfied owners and it helped us confirm Our decision !!! We will be picking up our new Solitude 368RD next Wednesday. We are so excited!!! We look forward to joining the owners group and hopefully we will get to meet some of you in the future!! We will post a picture next week of our new Solitude!!

Happy travels!
Jerry and Diane
north Texas

 

[Long Island Happy Camper]

Congratulation Jerry and Diane. I have personally met General Manager of Grand Design Marc Hauser and spoken directly with Bill Fenech and Don Clark. You will not find a better group of owners and managers in the RV industry. They take extreme pride in customer service and craftsmanship. That's why I purchased my Grand Design Momentum.

 

[Bill Fenech]

Welcome to the GrandDesign RV family! We appreciate your decision to purchase a Solitude. Thank you very much. We will take great care of you.

Happy travels,

Bill

 

[Renee]

Diane, welcome to the forums and congratulations on your Solitude 368RD purchase!
When we were shopping this past summer and first discovered the Solitude, the 368RD was the first one we saw. The rear dining model is so usual. It is really a beautiful camper, as is all of the other Solitude floor plans.

 

[Rdianek]

Hi Renee and Bill!!

Thanks!! We are taking our first trip in it November 1st and we just can't wait!!!!

Diane

 

[dchrist1733]

I have a Solitude 369RL and I have traveled over 5000 miles with it since March and I have had no serious problems at all. Just a few minor things that were adjustments and some customizing that I wanted to do. I have had no trouble with the tires as of this time. I just make sure I check the air everytime I travel. I love my Solitude more than any other fifth wheel I have owned. I am camping in the mountains right now and it has been kind of cold and with the additional insulation it seems to heat pretty well. I plan on traveling many more places within the next year. I do not see any problem with living in this unit full time. I am pondering on that idea now. This unit is heavy but tows without any problem.

 

[ACDW-Ottawa]

Hi
I am towing the solitude 369 with a 2010 Dodge RAM Diesel Mega-Cab, 4x4 (SRW) and have no problem at all. I am still within the limits of my truck tires and GVWR. I did add air bag suspension on my truck but that was more for comfort and to soften the impact of the trailer during travel (and for hauling loads other than my trailer). I did not add it because of the trailer weight. I have a short bed so I I am using a manual slider hitch (Hijacker ULS 16).

We plan to spend 5 months in it during the winter traveling the southern USA and then traveling a bit within Canada in the summer. It rides very nice. You hardly notice it's behind you unless your climbing hills (assuming you have a strong truck with enough torque like our Dodge)

You should be fine if you have a truck with the proper weight ratings.

Happy travels