Narrowing It Down - 29RS vs 303RLS (2018 ish vintage)

[MrGriz]

We're still on the hunt for our Grand Design 5th wheel and we've pretty much narrowed it down to the 29RS and the 303RLS. Although very similar, they also have some substantial differences and I'm having a hard time weighing one against the other. Any input based on what you like or dislike about either model would be welcomed and of great help. I'll give you a little more of the story if you care to read on:

It's just my wife and I, so either has plenty of room for "living". We'll be pulling it with a 2016 Ford, F-350, short box, 6.2L gas, so the truck should handle either of them just fine. We generally don't travel long distances from home (a couple hundred miles average) and only camp occasionally on weekends. We're definitely not full timers. Both check the boxes for a few "must haves", which include; nightstands on both sides of the bed, auto leveling, two separate seating areas in the entertainment area (not including the dining table) and ample counter space for food prep and cooking.

What I like about the 29RS - it's a bit shorter (only 1'6") and weighs a little less (2,000lbs lower GVWR), which should make it a little easier to tow. I've also read that the difference in length can be a factor in getting into some campgrounds (especially state and national parks). It offers the outdoor entertainment area with TV and refrigerator. I also like the propane quick connect and cold water outlet near that area, since I like to cook outside and use a Blackstone and propane grill.

What I'm not sure about the 29RS - lack of an awning on the slide with the outdoor entertainment area (I've read that one cannot be added due to the structure of the slideout). A lack of pantry storage in the kitchen. Not having windows in the back that look out into your campsite. Access to the refrigerator with the slides in.

What I like about the 303RLS - the addition of a pantry in the kitchen. The second awning on the passenger side slideout. The windows in the slide that look into your campsite from the table and theater seating.

What I'm not sure about the 303RL - The lack of an outdoor entertainment area / kitchen. The slightly longer length keeping us from certain campgrounds.

In either case, we're looking at a used unit in the 2018ish vintage, give or take a year or two depending on the price and condition. In that regard, I'm much more focused on how a unit was taken care of than the model year. So far, I have found a few of each within a reasonable distance (up to a 5 hour drive from home). Based on what I've looked at online to narrow the search before driving to physically look at them, the 303RLS would likely be $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 more than the 29RS. I know that these are very personal choices based on how one uses their camper, but I would still like input from those who own one or the other.

 

[Fivecodys]

We were initally looking at the 303. We loved the fridge and that you could get to it (well half of it) with the slides in. Turns out it was just a bit too heavy for our GMC 2500 so we went back and started looking at the 29RS. You are correct, no access to fridge with the slides in. We do like the layout of the recliners to the TV. The outdoor kitchen area is ok. We use the little electric fridge when we are set up for a few days. It's nice to keep drinks and a container of salsa in. We also keep a few of our appliances in there for easy access since there is not a panty in this rig. My wife uses the buffet for her pantry so no big deal for us.
The 29RS is a 'Couples Coach' for sure and that's what we were after. Kids are grown and grandkids are teenagers so no need for extra sleeping space. The fold out couch is terrible to sleep on. Our son made it one night and then went back home. Mission accomplished!

While we really like the 303, the 29RS has been a good fit for us for the last 4 years. We did add the 2nd AC and that works really well when camping in 100+ weather.

Have fun with your search and let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best to be helpful.

 

[MrGriz]

Fivecodys, thank you for the feedback! I appreciate the real world experience, especially since you considered both as well. We actually settled in on the 29RS first, but then started having second thoughts, mainly over not having a pantry.

I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying the 29RS!

 

[Jomani]

I am probably a little biased since I have a 303RLS, but these are the reasons we went that direction. Are you sure about GVWR on the 29RS. I was thinking the weight difference was only about 500 pounds.

Storage was a big part of our decision. The pantry was important to us. I also look at things like access to the refrigerator with the slides closed. The 303RLS allows access to the refrigerator but not the freezer (at least with the side by side 12v model). I don’t believe the 29RS does.

The 303RLS does have a propane disconnect under the pass through compartment door which is where I prefer to set up my grill anyway. I wasn’t interested in outdoor entertainment.

 

[Mr. Goodwrench]

Fivecodys, thank you for the feedback! I appreciate the real world experience, especially since you considered both as well. We actually settled in on the 29RS first, but then started having second thoughts, mainly over not having a pantry.

I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying the 29RS!

Here is our real world experience. Our first venture into a 5th wheel after wetting our feet on 3 different conventional travel trailers all the way up in size to a 36ft Open Range, was to buy a new 29RS. We enjoyed almost everything about it except that there were no windows on the camp site side. After a couple of family camp outs with our kids in their own sites, we missed not being able to see our site.

One day I saw a layout of a 303 and told the wife that it was kind of the reverse floor plan but it looks roomier. Then while researching, I discovered the 295RL in the 150 series of Reflections. It is the same floorplan as the 303 except for no slide in the bedroom. It is also much lighter but build quality is on par with the way trailers are built these days, take that anyway you want!

After being in our 295 now for 4 years, we are glad we changed from the 29RL. We don't miss the outdoor fridge that much, partly because it was AC only. We never watched the outdoor TV and the outdoor kitchen area wasn't protected by an awning. Also in hind site, the Schwintech slide on the 29RS always bothered me because it was installed on the heaviest slide while the light side of the trailer had the thru the frame slide which in my opinion is a beefier slide mechanism. Both slides on the 295 are thru the frame style.

We have been very happy with our 295RL and it is a trailer you might want to investigate and see if it might suit your wants and needs. Good luck and happy camping.

 

[SSROSS]

We have had our 303RLS for the last 4 years and love it. We have always liked to camp in out of the way campgrounds on DNR land and National Forests. So far we haven't had any problems getting in to the ones we used back when we had a 24 ft bumper pull. This trailer is about the same length off the bumper of the truck as the bumper pull was, granted it is a bit taller and heavier but to date we haven't had any problems. We bought a 2 inch mattress topper for the fold out bed in the couch and so far the few overnight guests that have used it said it wasn't to bad, but for the most part it is just the two of us. We do like the layout when we have a guest because it is like there are two bedrooms with access to the bathroom. We do like the fact we can use half of the refer and the bathroom without opening the slides, it makes it nice to get drinks and snacks and be able to use the restroom on the road. Never have I felt the trailer was too much for my truck and we have put a lot of miles on this rig going over lots of mountain passes. Both models have some good features. Good luck.

 

[MrGriz]

Jomani, thank you for the input. The empty weight is only about 500lb different, but I have been comparing the GVWR of all the units we are considering and the payload capacity of the 303RLS is considerably higher than the 29RS. I'm not overly concerned about the capacity itself, but want to be sure that I'm covered at max weight in any case.

Thanks for the info on the propane connection. That's basically where I liked to set up the Blackstone and grill with our TT. While I like the idea of having the small outdoor refrigerator, it's something I've easily lived without. I'm really starting to lean toward the 303RLS for the extra storage, accessibility with the slides in and campside windows.

 

[MrGriz]

Mr. Goodwrench, thanks for the input. I'm not sure we're willing to give up the wardrobe slide in the bedroom. I'm also honestly not sure about the build quality of the 150 series as compared to the 29RS and the 303RLS.

You do bring up a good point about the Schwintech slide. I've never had one, so I don't have any first hand experience, but I've read some mixed reviews and not so good comments. I may have to research that a little more.

Thanks!

 

[MrGriz]

ssross, thank you for the feedback! Although it's a close race, I think we're leaning toward the 303RLS, mostly for a number of small differences rather than any one striking thing.

 

[goducks14]

Mr. Goodwrench, thanks for the input. I'm not sure we're willing to give up the wardrobe slide in the bedroom. I'm also honestly not sure about the build quality of the 150 series as compared to the 29RS and the 303RLS.

You do bring up a good point about the Schwintech slide. I've never had one, so I don't have any first hand experience, but I've read some mixed reviews and not so good comments. I may have to research that a little more.

Thanks!

FWIW the 150 series only has 1.5" walls vs 2" on the 303. Depending on you camping habits that may or may not matter. Personally I like thicker walls for strength.

 

[MrGriz]

goducks14, thank you for that info. I didn't know about the difference in the walls. It makes sense that they have to cut weight wherever they can in order to get the overall down. That's one reason I'm steering away from the 150 series. Especially since I have a truck that will pull the weight.

 

[WhittleBurner]

FWIW the 150 series only has 1.5" walls vs 2" on the 303. Depending on you camping habits that may or may not matter. Personally I like thicker walls for strength.

a It also helps with noise reduction. As well as the 303 layout helps with noise in the bedroom... Or it did before they took away a closet and added the dresser and window

 

[st2rv]

Our first choice was the 303 but went with the 337 only because of the washer/dryer setup. 303 is very nice! Both have the same dining area looking into your campsite which was important to us too. Good luck!

 

[Wandering5thwheelers]

We're still on the hunt for our Grand Design 5th wheel and we've pretty much narrowed it down to the 29RS and the 303RLS. Although very similar, they also have some substantial differences and I'm having a hard time weighing one against the other. Any input based on what you like or dislike about either model would be welcomed and of great help. I'll give you a little more of the story if you care to read on:

It's just my wife and I, so either has plenty of room for "living". We'll be pulling it with a 2016 Ford, F-350, short box, 6.2L gas, so the truck should handle either of them just fine. We generally don't travel long distances from home (a couple hundred miles average) and only camp occasionally on weekends. We're definitely not full timers. Both check the boxes for a few "must haves", which include; nightstands on both sides of the bed, auto leveling, two separate seating areas in the entertainment area (not including the dining table) and ample counter space for food prep and cooking.

What I like about the 29RS - it's a bit shorter (only 1'6") and weighs a little less (2,000lbs lower GVWR), which should make it a little easier to tow. I've also read that the difference in length can be a factor in getting into some campgrounds (especially state and national parks). It offers the outdoor entertainment area with TV and refrigerator. I also like the propane quick connect and cold water outlet near that area, since I like to cook outside and use a Blackstone and propane grill.

What I'm not sure about the 29RS - lack of an awning on the slide with the outdoor entertainment area (I've read that one cannot be added due to the structure of the slideout). A lack of pantry storage in the kitchen. Not having windows in the back that look out into your campsite. Access to the refrigerator with the slides in.

What I like about the 303RLS - the addition of a pantry in the kitchen. The second awning on the passenger side slideout. The windows in the slide that look into your campsite from the table and theater seating.

What I'm not sure about the 303RL - The lack of an outdoor entertainment area / kitchen. The slightly longer length keeping us from certain campgrounds.

In either case, we're looking at a used unit in the 2018ish vintage, give or take a year or two depending on the price and condition. In that regard, I'm much more focused on how a unit was taken care of than the model year. So far, I have found a few of each within a reasonable distance (up to a 5 hour drive from home). Based on what I've looked at online to narrow the search before driving to physically look at them, the 303RLS would likely be $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 more than the 29RS. I know that these are very personal choices based on how one uses their camper, but I would still like input from those who own one or the other.

I don’t have either one of these units, but thought I’d ask to see if you’ve looked at the 320MKS. My husband and I had this one, and except for the fridge issue (slide has to be out to access it), we loved it. I should have kept it after he passed, 20/20 hindsight

 

[T Alan B]

We just traded in our 29RS and upgraded to a Class A motorhome less than 2 weeks ago. We loved our 29RS and still aren't sure we made the right decision. The Class A will offer certain benefits and conveniences that the 29RS didn't have. (On board generator, easier setup & breakdown, greater outdoor storage options and other pluses) But we already miss the 29RS. Even though it doesn't have a pantry like the 303, we found it easy to use all the storage it has and never really missed the pantry. In fact, we had more overall storage inside in the 29RS cabinets than our new 36' Class A motorhome. We towed it with a Ford F-250 gasser and felt it was a perfect fit for the 29RS. Good luck with whatever decision you make but I don't think you'd be disappointed with the 29RS.

 

[MrGriz]

Wandering5thwheelers, Thanks for the suggestion. I took a look at the specs and floorplan of that one and think we want a couple of different things. We prefer the wardrobe in the bedroom slide as opposed to the bed. We are also thinking that having the windows in the back end look into our campsite would be preferred; although maybe not a deal breaker.

 

[MrGriz]

T Alan B, thanks for the input, it's truly appreciated! I hope you come to love your Class A as much as it sounds like you did the 29RS. We're still not 100% set on either one. We did go look at a 303RLS last weekend and came extremely close to making a deal. Then I climbed up on the roof and found a bunch of bubbles... I'm honestly thinking it will come down to which one we find first that's in great condition and for a fair price.

 

[curtist1]

Stupid as stupid goes GD did no put an awning over the outdoor opening built into the slide we put an awning with lights in it pu
t the control in the panel with all the other than put a slide topper on ,don't know what GD was thinking when they made this unit .

 

[Canadiansteelman]

We're still on the hunt for our Grand Design 5th wheel and we've pretty much narrowed it down to the 29RS and the 303RLS. Although very similar, they also have some substantial differences and I'm having a hard time weighing one against the other. Any input based on what you like or dislike about either model would be welcomed and of great help. I'll give you a little more of the story if you care to read on:

It's just my wife and I, so either has plenty of room for "living". We'll be pulling it with a 2016 Ford, F-350, short box, 6.2L gas, so the truck should handle either of them just fine. We generally don't travel long distances from home (a couple hundred miles average) and only camp occasionally on weekends. We're definitely not full timers. Both check the boxes for a few "must haves", which include; nightstands on both sides of the bed, auto leveling, two separate seating areas in the entertainment area (not including the dining table) and ample counter space for food prep and cooking.

What I like about the 29RS - it's a bit shorter (only 1'6") and weighs a little less (2,000lbs lower GVWR), which should make it a little easier to tow. I've also read that the difference in length can be a factor in getting into some campgrounds (especially state and national parks). It offers the outdoor entertainment area with TV and refrigerator. I also like the propane quick connect and cold water outlet near that area, since I like to cook outside and use a Blackstone and propane grill.

What I'm not sure about the 29RS - lack of an awning on the slide with the outdoor entertainment area (I've read that one cannot be added due to the structure of the slideout). A lack of pantry storage in the kitchen. Not having windows in the back that look out into your campsite. Access to the refrigerator with the slides in.

What I like about the 303RLS - the addition of a pantry in the kitchen. The second awning on the passenger side slideout. The windows in the slide that look into your campsite from the table and theater seating.

What I'm not sure about the 303RL - The lack of an outdoor entertainment area / kitchen. The slightly longer length keeping us from certain campgrounds.

In either case, we're looking at a used unit in the 2018ish vintage, give or take a year or two depending on the price and condition. In that regard, I'm much more focused on how a unit was taken care of than the model year. So far, I have found a few of each within a reasonable distance (up to a 5 hour drive from home). Based on what I've looked at online to narrow the search before driving to physically look at them, the 303RLS would likely be $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 more than the 29RS. I know that these are very personal choices based on how one uses their camper, but I would still like input from those who own one or the other.

We have had a 303 since 2018. Since then when we have the bug to get a new we look at everything out there and come back to the 303 being the best layout for us. So if we bought a new one today, it would be the 303. We have hauled it across the country and it works great. You can use the bathroom, sleep in it and get to the fridge without opening a slide if you have to make a quick overnight stop in a Walmart. GD quality in 2018 was excellent so very little issues with it. We stay in a lot of provincial and state parks, never have a problem with the length. Good luck on your search.

 

[Beachcamper]

I bought my 2018 303rls in Dec of 2017 but did not start traveling with it fulltime until we retired in the summer of 2018. We have a lot of experience with this model having been coast to coast and presently finishing up our tour the Canadian maritimes. We have no pets or kids. This is a very comfortable floor plan for a couple and maybe one small dog or cat. The build quality is good although we never take this off pavement or any unimproved roads other than an occasional harvest hosts. We have been in extreme heat although not extreme cold and it’s insulation and sound dampening has been great. Now that we are done with our game plan of visiting all the lower 48 we are thinking of replacing this with a more off road capable trailer that is even smaller 20-25’ for getting to some out of the way places we could not get one into. So to go shorter than the 303rls to get into places this won’t fit you really have to go 25 and under. I would say this length and layout wins. It is a heavy fifthwheel and pin weight loaded is 2300lbs we weigh yearly to keep below GVWR.

Cons: when GD designed this 2018 model they added larger appliances and the kitchen slide is about 500lbs heavier than the dining side (I have had it wheel weighed) they did not beef up the slide floor or add more rollers. So my slide bowed at center and ripped the linoleum. GD fessed up and agreed to fix it at the factory. The beefed up the floor, added 5 rollers total, additional aluminum floor supports and outriggers. It’s solid and probably better built or as it should have been built. So when you look at used make sure kitchen slide does not bow and it should have 5 rollers not 3. They may have changed in later production. My build date was from June 2017.

Suspension: the hangers are very long and are notorious for sheering off. This was before they started using V Clips. One of my hangers did indeed fail and it was not a pleasant experience. I went to the source of the problem, Lippert. At their service center I told them to strengthen the suspension so it would not happen again and it hasn’t. They did an axle retro spanning 2 x 2 tubes and v clips. Since then I have new axles, disc brakes upgraded to 3k springs and road armor suspension. No more issues so far but I get suspension maintenance yearly.

Pin box - uprgade the low quality one with better like the MorRyde which is blessed by Lippert. Less stress on your frame and truck.

Hope this helps with your search.