Hello - Looking to buy our first 5th wheel

MrGriz

Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2024
Messages
21
Location
SE Wisconsin
Hello from SE Wisconsin. My wife and I are recent empty nesters and are looking to buy our first 5th wheel. We stated tent camping, what seems like a million years ago, moved to a pop-up and most recently owned a 2013 Sunnybrook Sunset Creek Sport 271BH. We really liked that trailer, but it was totaled in a hail storm last year. Timing wasn't all bad, as we were actually talking about getting a different layout, since we no longer needed the bunks.

A bunch of research, looking at different floorplans and manufacturers has led us to The Grand Design Reflection, and more specifically the 29RL has become the front runner. We like the layout and decor, the overall length and weight are right in our wheelhouse and it seems to have a lot of very nice features as standard equipment. I've also read a lot of positive comments about Grand Design's quality. We're not looking at new and have narrowed our search pretty much to between 2016 and 2020 model years. We'll be pulling it with a 2016 Ford F-350, crew cab, short box, 6.2L gas V-8.

I'm looking forward to any suggestions regarding this model, or others that are similar and would be worth looking at. One question is regarding the model years we've narrowed it down to. I know Winnebago bought Grand Design in 2016 and I'm wondering if the build quality of the units changed at all with the buyout. Should we be looking for something built in 2015 or prior? I do want to avoid a unit built during COVID, which is why we set 2020 as our upper limit (our budget rules out anything post COVID). I also know that with a used RV, the way previous owners treated and maintained the unit has as much or more to do with what our experience will be than initial build quality, but it does help to start with a solid foundation. I've already done a ton of reading on past threads, but feel like you can never do too much homework.

Thanks!
 
Hello from SE Wisconsin. My wife and I are recent empty nesters and are looking to buy our first 5th wheel. We stated tent camping, what seems like a million years ago, moved to a pop-up and most recently owned a 2013 Sunnybrook Sunset Creek Sport 271BH. We really liked that trailer, but it was totaled in a hail storm last year. Timing wasn't all bad, as we were actually talking about getting a different layout, since we no longer needed the bunks.

A bunch of research, looking at different floorplans and manufacturers has led us to The Grand Design Reflection, and more specifically the 29RL has become the front runner. We like the layout and decor, the overall length and weight are right in our wheelhouse and it seems to have a lot of very nice features as standard equipment. I've also read a lot of positive comments about Grand Design's quality. We're not looking at new and have narrowed our search pretty much to between 2016 and 2020 model years. We'll be pulling it with a 2016 Ford F-350, crew cab, short box, 6.2L gas V-8.

I'm looking forward to any suggestions regarding this model, or others that are similar and would be worth looking at. One question is regarding the model years we've narrowed it down to. I know Winnebago bought Grand Design in 2016 and I'm wondering if the build quality of the units changed at all with the buyout. Should we be looking for something built in 2015 or prior? I do want to avoid a unit built during COVID, which is why we set 2020 as our upper limit (our budget rules out anything post COVID). I also know that with a used RV, the way previous owners treated and maintained the unit has as much or more to do with what our experience will be than initial build quality, but it does help to start with a solid foundation. I've already done a ton of reading on past threads, but feel like you can never do too much homework.

Thanks!

We purchased a 2017 Reflection (26RL) in 2016. It is our first (and only) fifth wheel and it's been great. Generally, I think the GD product didn't suffer due to the Winnebago purchase. That said, the pandemic supply shortages caused a lot of adjustments to what brands of products were used for outfitting the models. But, still, GD did a decent job with building during the pandemic.

I'll also point out, since you seem to be looking for an "older" rig, there are RV campgrounds that don't allow rigs over 10 years old, so keep that in mind when selecting your new one.
 
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First off, welcome to the forum. One of the advantages of owning a Grand Design is being welcomed by this great community of GD owners who are happy to help with whatever comes up. Not sure if you meant the 29RS (which goes back to the vintage you mentioned) or the 295RL, a newer model with a similar floor plan. Either way I think you'd be happy.
 
Thanks! So far everyone has been very helpful and I've read a ton of information. Oops, it looks like I mistyped the model number, we are looking at the 29RS. I wanted to avoid the 150 series and we like the wardrobe slide in the bedroom. A close second choice would be the 303RLS.
 
I'm back and forth on the camp side windows. The windows on out TT were on the driver's side, so looking into the neighbor's site. That's what we're used to and it didn't bother us. I can see the appeal of looking into your own site but am weighing that against the outdoor "kitchen / entertainment center".
 
Did you consider the 303 RLS? The living area has opposing slides which make it very roomy. Only advice I can give when looking at older units is to inspect the furniture as the Lippert coverings on the years you’re looking at peel. It’s not a question of if they peel. It’s when they will peel. Good luck.
 
Hello from SE Wisconsin. My wife and I are recent empty nesters and are looking to buy our first 5th wheel. We stated tent camping, what seems like a million years ago

First, Welcome MrGriz, this group is a great resource.
We are slightly further along in the same exact situation. Our search sent us to the 2019 Solitude 310GK, but we spent a lot of time investigating the Reflections as well. The unit you are looking at is a nice couple's layout.

I would be happy to spend some time discussing your questions/concerns. I am also in SE WI (Caledonia) and travel Kenosha to Milwaukee almost daily. I have open access to our Solitude anytime for "hands on" discussions.

Rob
 
Thanks! So far everyone has been very helpful and I've read a ton of information. Oops, it looks like I mistyped the model number, we are looking at the 29RS. I wanted to avoid the 150 series and we like the wardrobe slide in the bedroom. A close second choice would be the 303RLS.

We have a 2019 29RS and have really enjoyed it. We have had only very minor issues (knock on wood). For just the wife and myself it is roomy and very user-friendly. The one thing that a lot of people have mentioned about some fifth wheel rv's is that when the slides are in you do not have access to the fridge. We have the outdoor fridge and so we just pack lunch and something to drink in there. As for the 303 it has a slightly larger fridge and a little bit longer length. With your truck weight is not an issue with either one. You also might want to check the amount of space on the passenger side of the bed for both rigs. The 29RS does not leave a lot of room there but we sure would not want to give up the wardrobe slide.
 
Hello MrGriz. We have a 2015 29RS which we are going to sell. I'd be happy to discuss what we've learned since buying it new if you'd like. PM me to discuss further. One of the main things I would caution you about is the Anderson KantLeak that was used that year. It breaks down, leaks, etc. I replaced ours a couple of years ago with the Anderson MANRV102-RF, which is an all-brass unit and not prone to leaking or breaking down. One of the key features that originally attracted me to this unit was its ability to siphon water from water jugs into the fresh water tank, so this was important to me.
 
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We have 2019 337RLS, that we bought used last year and are very happy with. The furniture was pealing, so we replaced it with Lazy-Boy furniture. This model has frig cooling issues when over 90 degrees, some say it’s because it’s in the slide. I put a fan inside and that helps. We love it so far.
 
Welcome Griz; We have the 29RS purchased in 2015. Our recliners pealed a few years back, we just put on covers and kept on rolling. May get lazy boys sometime. We put very few miles on each year, just 2 older people and have been less than 2000 mi since covid, two years, it wasn't moved from enclosed shed. We live in the southeast and only about 10 hrs from anywhere we want to go. It is great for two people, and we have really enjoyed it. Running goodyear endurance and new shackles, pins and equalizer. Added the 2nd AC right after purchase. Max air vents with pillows for insulation. May replace crank up tv antenna sometime. Big fault in design for me is only 13' awning. The 303 is is much better in that respect, but you loose the entertainment and cooking. Good hunting..
 
lorend, thanks for the input. I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying your 29RS! The TT we had previously didn't have much room on the side of the bed either, so I'm used to that. I agree, the wardrobe slide is a must.
 
Hi Rob+Kath, thanks for the feedback. It's nice to hear from someone so close! We're just west of you in Waterford, not too far at all. The Solitude pushes us out of both our budget and weight parameters, so I'm afraid that's out. Out of curiosity, was there something in particular that made you go that route over the Reflection?
Thanks!
 

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