Getting close to purchasing

[Bolo4u]

Hello all, it’s been a few years since my last posting here, and I'm looking for some first hand input. We are looking to get back into a 5th wheel, and since it’s just three of us (me, wife and 13yo son), we aren't wanting a bunkhouse style unit, so we’re looking at a middle room/den option. I have generally narrowed it down to a 1) GD Solitude 377/8 MBS, or 2) a Keystone Montana with similar middle bedroom/den layout. We had also considered an Alliance Paradigm, but after much research and looking at a couple units in person, I was kind of disappointed in them, especially considering the various claims as to who and why they evolved into a company a few years ago. We owned a Keystone Cougar several years ago, which we bought new, and eventually sold to a survivor of the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, CA. We had very few issues with the unit and the few issues we did have were easily resolved, and I don't recall having to have any warranty work performed; so our only experience is with a Keystone. I'm also curious if you feel you've had any issues with units manufactured between early 2020 and late 2021 or 2022, concidering the various issues with the Covid era of manufacturing woes. I'm hoping that the late 2022 and forward units would be kind of "back to normal" manufacturing standard and such.

While I know no manufacturer is immune from issues, I do my best to research before making a purchase, especially something at this level. I've read through several threads and posts here on different issues owners have encountered and their various outcomes. One of the factors in our decision is availability of dealers for service/repair. There are three dealers where we now live in NW Montana, Bretz RV, Blue Compass RV and Bish RV, and they sell and service both manufacturers mentioned.

Another factor is the ability to swap the pinbox to a Reese Goosebox hitch. I do know the both GD and Keystone are compatible as they are Lippert built frames. As far as weights, I've researched weights and compatibility many times and am very familiar with limits etc., as I am a retired sergeant from the CHP.

The tow rig is already owned, as my retirement gift to myself was a 2019 Ram 3500 HO Limited, DRW, 4x4, Aisin with 4:10, and a payload capacity of about 5140 pounds. This is part of the reason for the Goosebox setup, as I already have the Ram 5th wheel prep kit, and it will be nice having a clean bed when pulling the ball after parking.

I'm looking for some honest feedback from those who have come from another brand, and what led you to choose a GD over a Keystone. How much research did you do before finally deciding to go with a GD, and were there any single or multiple factors that made you finally choose them over the others. Did you leave Keystone and go to a GD and if so, do you have any regrets? Are you considering going back to Keystone and if so why might you be leaning that direction. I will say, I have seen a couple of threads where there has been direct contact with various representatives from GD to have on-the-road issues resolved which is a nice aspect of ownership, so that is encouraging.

If there is anything you feel you can offer that will help our decision one way or the other, your opinions and input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[MoonShadow_1911]

First, the manufacturers still have not recovered from COVID. Past of the reason is the shortage of skilled workers. The other issue is quality in the supply chain.

Now, to answer your query about why I chose Grand Design. We knew were going to full-time in the coach. I needed an office and my wife wanted to make sure we could get into most state parks. That left is with 35' or less in length.

I didn't the better part of a year doing research. Before COVID, we were able to tour several floor plans and had it narrowed down to models from Open Range, Grand Design, and Alliance.

Next I started looking at reviews on all models from each manufacturer. Open Range customer service was a sore point in many of the reviews. So, it was between Alliance and Grand Design.

Unfortunately, Alliance didn't have a floor plan in the length we wanted so we went with Grand Design. Or coach was manufactured beginning in October of 2020. Our dealer, Northgate RV out of Ringgold, GA, did a PDI of their own, before we even got to take a look, so I assume they caught any noticable issues before we looked at it.

We had a couple of minor issues on my PDI that they took care of right then.

Since then, we have had two major issues. The middle burner on the cooktop wouldn't stay lit. Got it taken care of under warranty and replaced it myself. The second issue is the membrane pulling away the roof substructure (ballooning) and finally tearing. It was just out of warranty and when I opened a claim with Grand Design, they eventually said they would cover the cost of materials to replace the TPO. The dealer in Oklahoma City that we were working with quoted us $10k in labor and said it might be higher, depending on what they found after removing the TPO and everything on the roof. I told them thanks, but no thanks. Fast forward to last month, the membrane had finally torn. Grand Design denied warranty coverage and didn't want to do anything to help (presumably because we didn't get it fixed a year ago). We got a quote from RV Roof Armor for around $7,500. With a lifetime, fully transferable, no leak guarantee. We filled a claim with our insurance and they approved it. We have an appointment to drop off the coach this coming Friday. Hopefully we'll get it back between Wednesday and Friday of next week.

All in all, the manufacturing quality, across the board, is similar for the middle to high end brand models. It's the customer service that will set them apart. Some have had good luck others, not so much, some, a little bit of both.

It comes down to two things, "owning an RV, you need to either be extremely rich (to pay someone to fix things) and patient (since most dealers are scheduling 4-6 months out or longer), or be extremely handy (to affect the repairs yourself)".

Only you can make the decision on which manufacturer to go with. If you are handy, it's your choice. If your not, I hope you have an outstanding dealer.

In our next coach, it will come down to our must haves list and which manufacturer can fulfill most, or all, of the list. Then, which manufacturer has the best customer service and reputation.

 

[Bolo4u]

We did pul the trigger yesterday on a new unit, although not what I posted aboue. The DW and I decided that for now, a TT would fit our purpose the best, so we pick ups a 2023 Imagine 2800BH next week. I've read mostly good things about them, and yes I know nothing is ever going to not have problems or issues. Hopefully in a few years, when we will revisit getting a 5th wheel, things will be more "back-to-normal" and maybe the workforce, supply chain and other hurdles still plaguing industry in vernal will be resolved, our at least more stable.

 

[Captcolour]

We moved from a Keystone Alpine to a Grand Design Solitude. Quality, workmanship and features of the Grand Design were superior compared to new Alpine or Montana. No regrets.

 

[COGrandDes]

We moved from a Keystone Montana to the Grand Design Reflection for quality and workmanship issues as well. We've had no regrets in the last year of new ownership.