Design Changes

Steve and Cill

Senior Member
Site Sponsor
Joined
Apr 23, 2012
Messages
1,373
Location
Georgia
I've noticed in just the very few post on our new forum, that there has been some design changes in our Solitudes as the Company has grown.

Dandy RV in Alabama, where we bought our Solitude #96, had #1 and it had a window on the wall behind the range and oven. In the bedroom there were shelves on both sides of the bed. Ours has neither of these features.

In one post there's talk about the Kantleak System and in another some of you are talking about lights in the awning. #96 doesn't have either of these, but we also haven't had any of the light problems others are talking about. That makes me wonder if Grand Design went to a different lighting system or a different supplier after ours was built.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining because we are very happy with our Solitude and as of now wouldn't change a thing.

I am very excited to be able to watch Grand Design evolve and grow into a leader in the RV industry and we are looking forward to making a trip to the factory in the very near future. Maybe as this site grows we could make a trip to the factory an annual event for owners; maybe a GDO Roundup :)
 
From the time we ordered our Solitude til it was delivered, there were 5 different changes - we were surprised and sent an E-mail to Marc Hauser - GD Gen'l. Mgr. He took the time to explain the logic behind each change and even offered to have the 2nd bedroom window next to bed put back in for us. We didn't opt to do that but it was nice to hear why they made the changes. He also got us a door for the top two openings in the bathroom cabinet (didn't charge us!). Most of the changes were because of customer feedback or things that were creating lots of warranty issues ( like changing the glass curio shelves to wood).
 
I would love to know the reason they took the 2nd window out in the bedroom. That's one of the things I really miss. It's hard to get a cross ventilation when only one person gets to open their window and might not want to. :)
 
I think a trip to the factory being an annual event would be a great idea. I am looking forward to touring the factory and am hoping to do that in the Spring.
 
It would be great to have a rally at the factory for a couple of days where we could all meet. Take a factory tour and learn more about our rigs.
 
[quote author=Jeff K link=topic=14.msg58#msg58 date=1378940570]
I would love to know the reason they took the 2nd window out in the bedroom. That's one of the things I really miss. It's hard to get a cross ventilation when only one person gets to open their window and might not want to. :)
[/quote]

I wonder if that's something they put back in the 305RE. We have 2 windows in our bedroom slide.
 
[quote author=Renee link=topic=14.msg168#msg168 date=1379456742]
[quote author=Jeff K link=topic=14.msg58#msg58 date=1378940570]
I would love to know the reason they took the 2nd window out in the bedroom. That's one of the things I really miss. It's hard to get a cross ventilation when only one person gets to open their window and might not want to. :)
[/quote]

I wonder if that's something they put back in the 305RE. We have 2 windows in our bedroom slide.
[/quote]

Renee, does the 305RE have a window on each side of the bed and one above the headboard?
 
Yes, 3 windows. But if memory serves me...(and that's a big if!) the one over the bed does not open.
 
That's the same as our 369RL and you're correct, the one above the headboard does not open.

On the newer 369RLs they removed one of the side windows, the one that faces towards the rear of the camper.
 
I wonder what made the company decide to remove one of the windows. Like Jeff said, with both windows, you get great cross ventilation.
 
The missing window faces the other slide and therefore it might look funny on the dealership floor to new rver's. Seasoned campers understand the cross flow ventilation. With this in mind, GD may have decided to save the dollars.
 
Here is the response I received from Marc Hauser, General Manager at Grand Design regarding the removal of one bedroom window in the slide on the left side of the bed.

Eliminating bedroom window: As you know, we are always listening to our customers, and making changes we feel will enhance the unit… As we heard from several of our “extended stay” customers that it would be nice to have an area next to the bed for shelves, reading lights, CPAP Machine “hooks”, etc., ALONG WITH one of the spouses who do not like sleeping next to a window in colder temperatures, we felt like designing the bed slide with one window would be a feature exclusive to Solitude… Just so you know, we do still “frame” the wall so a window can be added at any time (per the customer’s request)… The Dealer could order the window/valance any time and install (a very simple installation process)…
 
It's good to know that you can still get the other window if wanted.

I'm loving this company more every day. Customer service seems to be a top priority.
 
It's great to know the 2nd window is an option. Of course, i Wonder what the cost to install it will be though. Also if dealerships have much experience cutting holes in the sides of new trailers. :) its definitely worth checking out. I think it might have been better to eliminate the window above the bed if shelves were a request.
 
The worst change was the one Cable hookup i think they have changed that on the new models. :mad:
 

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