intimidated

[boingram]

Hi all...down to final decision on a grand design fiver....reflection 337rls at 34 feet vs solitude 369rl at 39 feet....DW loves the solitude but i am intimidated at the size...truck a new gmc 3500 denali duramax so no problem here. Used to a 26foot tt behind a tundra. ...how to get past the size issue?. ...thx...bo

 

[dhaile]

practice practice practice. Hardest part is turning right, so practice that on some back roads.

 

[mandolin57]

Could always compromise and go with Solitude 305 at around 36ft

 

[ranchdog]

337 is 36 ft.

 

[Ron & Suzi]

You will not notice the difference, so go with the unit you want.

 

[Lingerlonger]

Random thoughts:
You've got plenty of truck for either.
Some folks say "Go big or go home!" If you think you will eventually want something as big as the 369, then go ahead and get it now.
You may find that the GMC with the 337 is only slightly longer than your Tundra with the 26' TT. It will certainly handle better.
Don't forget that the Solitudes are also a bit wider than the Reflections. (8" maybe, I'm not sure.)
Yes. Practice! Wide turns, but you already do that with the TT.
I think all Solitudes come prewired for a backup camera now. (There are other threads on that subject.)
I think you won't find much difference from what you're already accustomed to towing.

Good luck. Welcome to the forum.

K

 

[dloase]

All I can say is that we love our 369. We came out of a 40' Sandpiper and like the room and comfort. The pantry and layout were big selling points for us. Towing something that big doesn't bother me. Backing into a tight space is a challange, but with a practice even that can be mastered.

 

[TNFLineage]

Go big now, you'll appreciate the extra room. It beats trying to sell it in a couple years, or trading it in at a discount, to get the size your wife wants now. You will adjust to the towing, I went from a 26' TT to the 369RL and haven't dented anything on the camper.

 

[WhittleBurner]

Don't dwell on the length, the more thought you give it the more stress it will cause while towing. Just go at a speed that is in your comfort zone.
We're only pulling 33 ft behind our GMC long bed, but the change from a TT to towing the 5er is so much for the positive.
Pivot points change and not difficult to get used to.
The whole towing experience over all is so much easier with the 5th wheel ,so is the hooking up. I figure if I can learn to tow comfortably, anyone can.

A funny thing is, I remember the day when towing our Aliner with a full sized van felt intimidating as all get out to me at first. Now I can pull a 33ft 5er without blinking ( woman power!! )
Still working on getting the backing up perfected though.

The choice of a 337 or 369 is a tough one, both are great layouts.

 

[Scott and Jan]

As has been said many times already, towing a fifth wheel is so much easier and more comfortable on the road. The pivot point is different so backing up is a little different but you will get used to it. We went from a 30' TT to our 36' Reflection 337, lengthwise I'm a couple feet shorter overall with the same truck. You didn't mention short or long bed, the Solitudes are a little wider body, a little less clearance in tight maneuvers, but probably something you would get used to also.
Good luck with your decision, you won't go wrong either way!

 

[gerryh5]

We went from a Outback TT to the Solitude 325X, my wife was the driving force behind this unit, after all we love it. HAve you look at the 325X ?

Gerry & Lydia
Katy TX

 

[Brent M]

We went smaller. 36 to 33 and over 3000 lbs less. At 14K, the engine works in the mountains. I feel the best with less pushing weight of the fiver on my SRW on steep downward grades. This 5W is a foot less in height too. All of this matters in certain circumstances to me. Easier to park and maneuver as well. Momma wouldn't do the 29RL, but we compromised on the 303. Im afraid of heights and i didn't white knuckle too much even heavier so whatever way you go, you'll be happy I'll bet. Each to their own.

 

[scott42blue]

Is 3500 DRW if so I would advise you to go big, very small difference with your truck . I just bought 355 TH. I wanted to lose 12 inches from my KZ but ended up adding 9. I hooked to 355 TH in Ohio at -9 degrees and pulled it home to NC with no problems. I was very happy with exhaust brake on 3500 Chevy. By far better than than aftermarket unit I put on my 2001 ,3500. Through the mountains 5% grade downhill was easy.
Scott