Looking at buying a 369rl and heading to AK Spring 2016!

[Randy and Cathy]

Hello everyone, wife and I are planning on buying a Solitude 369rl in Spring 2016 and heading to Fairbanks to spend the summer near our Grand Kids, twin boys, and then winter in AZ somewhere. We will then head back each year until son in law is sent back to lower 48, Army. We have shopped around and will purchase outside local area since we are selling our house and putting everything in storage so will be a full timer for a while. Purchased a Ram SRW 3500 HD with 8 foot bed and OEM ready for hitch. Tried to get the wife to live on a boat for retirement but wouldn't go for it. When we saw the GD line and the boys showed up it was a quick decision. Glad we purchased the truck so I could get used to it before we got the solitude. We are going to the plant for a tour in September and found this forum which has been a great source of information. There have been a few items which have come up concerning axle seals, wrong axles, etc. which have me concerned about picking up a rig and just heading down the road. Any advice about how to make sure everything is good before we leave the dealer will be greatly appreciated!

 

[thompsons 369rl]

There is plenty of info here on this forum regarding proper PDI inspections and specific things to look for. The Solitude 369RL problems have been relatively few and far between. It was Grand Designs flagship model. With that said, there can still be issues that crop up, so all you can do is be as thorough as possible during the PDI and keep an eye on things during the first few trips and beyond. I have not heard of axel issue on the Solitude. There have been plenty of issues on the Reflection line and it's clear that there is/was a systemic issue for that product line but not necessarily all Grand Designs responsibility. Often it was supplier issues but ultimately, it's a Grand Design problem and hopefully there can be more supplier accountability put in place. Bottom line is, you will not find a better company to work with when it comes to customer support. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Steve and Cill]

Welcome to the forum Randy and Cathy! I agree with Andy, there seems to be less problems with the 369 and the Solitude line as a whole. We are full timing in our 369 and we love it. Please thank your son for his service and congrats on the twin grandsons.

Steve

 

[Scott and Jan]

Welcome to the forum! Keep us posted on your AK trip, should be a great time.