Reflection 337RLS or Solitude 310GK

[TNfiver]

Hi All,

Not new to RVing, but looking for some purchase help. My wife and I have been camping since we were kids, and have camped in everything except a class B. We currently own a small gas powered class A, but are going to move to a FW. I'm hoping to retire soon (months), and we need something we can spend a lot of time in without killing each other. We've got a GMC 3500 as a TV.

Our requirements include a king bed, and this is non-negotiable. Also, I have a self-imposed limit of around 35' as we want to move more towards county/state/national and CoE parks. We really like the rear living floor plans. An outdoor kitchen would be nice, but it's not a deal breaker. A nice living area with theater seating, a decent sleeper couch, entertainment center and a fireplace pretty much round out the requirements. Well, that and we're of course looking for that elusive "bang for the buck". Money isn't the biggest factor, but it is a factor.

We've seen a good dozen of different makes/models that fit these requirements, but we overall like GD, we have friends who recommend them and we have local friends who recommend both GD and the local dealership. We've been to said dealership and have a good impression of them. We've seen both of these models there.

So, which would you recommend and why?

If it matters, they have a suitable reflection (king bed and stand alone dinette), but we'd order the solitude. We'd customize it to include the king bed, FBP, the outdoor kitchen, slide-toppers, solar+ and 8k axles.

Is the solitude worth the extra $$ over the reflection?

Thanks,
(Guess I should have said, "Soon to be") TNfiver

 

[Second Chance]

Welcome to the forum!

We were full-time for 4-1/2 years in a Reflection 337. When we made the decision to stay on the road as long as we are able, we ordered a Solitude "our way." Here are some of the main differences from our point of view (everyone has opinions...): 1) The Solitudes are better insulated - especially in the underbelly. We had some issues with the water lines to the kitchen island freezing in the Reflection (despite running the furnace) that required addressing; 2) we wanted dual pane windows (our Reflection didn't have them - but you can order them); 3) for those longer stretches of bad weather, we (especially Laura) wanted more glass. Our Solitude 310GK-R has a lot more of that than the Reflection 337 did - and they're insulated windows so I don't have to put stuff like Reflectix in them when it gets really cold; and 4) the Solitudes sit on a wider chassis, have a wider body, and a drop-down frame for more vertical space in the basement. Whatever you choose, pay special attention to the payload capacity of your tow vehicle. Fully loaded for full-timing, our Reflection 337 put a little over 3,000 lbs. on the pin. Our Solitude 310GK-R puts a little under 3,400 lbs. on the pin. Don't go by published pin weights - they're empty/dry. Use 23% of the trailer's GVWR for an estimated loaded pin weight. The rule of thumb with the old-timers in the Escapees RV Club (their web site is a great resource for learning) is that you'll load about 1,000 lbs. of "stuff" per person not counting toys. You can get all the pertinent numbers for the truck and trailer and plug them in here: http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-fw.shtml

I would value dual pane windows much more than full body paint (unnecessary in my opinion). I also place a LOT of importance on the MORryde independent suspension and disc brakes. We had it installed on our Reflection after we took delivery and on the Solitude before delivery to our dealer.

We are queen bed people but the bed slide in the Solitude is larger (taller) and you would have a bit more walking around room on the sides of the bed with a king in the Solitude than you would in the Reflection. Finally, the washer/dryer setup in the Reflection is not suitable in my view and the dedicated W/D closet in the Solitude works much better for us.

If you have specific questions not answered above, let me know.

Rob

 

[robmcqueen]

Hi All,

Not new to RVing, but looking for some purchase help. My wife and I have been camping since we were kids, and have camped in everything except a class B. We currently own a small gas powered class A, but are going to move to a FW. I'm hoping to retire soon (months), and we need something we can spend a lot of time in without killing each other. We've got a GMC 3500 as a TV.

Our requirements include a king bed, and this is non-negotiable. Also, I have a self-imposed limit of around 35' as we want to move more towards county/state/national and CoE parks. We really like the rear living floor plans. An outdoor kitchen would be nice, but it's not a deal breaker. A nice living area with theater seating, a decent sleeper couch, entertainment center and a fireplace pretty much round out the requirements. Well, that and we're of course looking for that elusive "bang for the buck". Money isn't the biggest factor, but it is a factor.

We've seen a good dozen of different makes/models that fit these requirements, but we overall like GD, we have friends who recommend them and we have local friends who recommend both GD and the local dealership. We've been to said dealership and have a good impression of them. We've seen both of these models there.

So, which would you recommend and why?

If it matters, they have a suitable reflection (king bed and stand alone dinette), but we'd order the solitude. We'd customize it to include the king bed, FBP, the outdoor kitchen, slide-toppers, solar+ and 8k axles.

Is the solitude worth the extra $$ over the reflection?

Thanks,
(Guess I should have said, "Soon to be") TNfiver

Have you thought about the new Influence it is right in the middle of the two.
https://www.granddesignrv.com/fifth-wheels/influence/2903RL

 

[TNfiver]

Welcome to the forum!

We were full-time for 4-1/2 years in a Reflection 337. When we made the decision to stay on the road as long as we are able, we ordered a Solitude "our way." Here are some of the main differences from our point of view (everyone has opinions...): 1) The Solitudes are better insulated - especially in the underbelly. We had some issues with the water lines to the kitchen island freezing in the Reflection (despite running the furnace) that required addressing; 2) we wanted dual pane windows (our Reflection didn't have them - but you can order them); 3) for those longer stretches of bad weather, we (especially Laura) wanted more glass. Our Solitude 310GK-R has a lot more of that than the Reflection 337 did - and they're insulated windows so I don't have to put stuff like Reflectix in them when it gets really cold; and 4) the Solitudes sit on a wider chassis, have a wider body, and a drop-down frame for more vertical space in the basement. Whatever you choose, pay special attention to the payload capacity of your tow vehicle. Fully loaded for full-timing, our Reflection 337 put a little over 3,000 lbs. on the pin. Our Solitude 310GK-R puts a little under 3,400 lbs. on the pin. Don't go by published pin weights - they're empty/dry. Use 23% of the trailer's GVWR for an estimated loaded pin weight. The rule of thumb with the old-timers in the Escapees RV Club (their web site is a great resource for learning) is that you'll load about 1,000 lbs. of "stuff" per person not counting toys. You can get all the pertinent numbers for the truck and trailer and plug them in here: http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-fw.shtml

I would value dual pane windows much more than full body paint (unnecessary in my opinion). I also place a LOT of importance on the MORryde independent suspension and disc brakes. We had it installed on our Reflection after we took delivery and on the Solitude before delivery to our dealer.

We are queen bed people but the bed slide in the Solitude is larger (taller) and you would have a bit more walking around room on the sides of the bed with a king in the Solitude than you would in the Reflection. Finally, the washer/dryer setup in the Reflection is not suitable in my view and the dedicated W/D closet in the Solitude works much better for us.

If you have specific questions not answered above, let me know.

Rob

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the welcome and the thoughtful reply!

The truck is good for each of these units, though the solitude (and the influence) are at the top. We'd go with a Gen-Y and a ball, so hitch weight is low and with just my wife and I, we travel pretty light in the truck itself. I'm pretty disciplined about doing the research, knowing the limits and staying within them. Great tips though for folks following along at home.

The insulation is an interesting one. At first I didn't think it would matter much, since we aren't full time and we don't cold weather camp much. However, we will use the unit as a guest house (do the same with our current A), so it is more important than I first though. No W/D for us, so that diff isn't important, and it saves us a little weight too. Both the units that we saw had king beds, and the solitude's bedroom did feel a little bigger.

The fact that the solitude has more windows isn't something we picked up on in (brief) tours of each. Looking at the floor plans I can see it though, and after 7 straight days of rain I bet it makes a big difference. Another great tip!

The chassis diff is a good point, and one I think about a fair bit. Bigger is better, right? Can you tell a difference between the two driving? I worry the solitude might feel too big while towing, or that it might be just that much harder to get into smaller parks and sites. Speaking of size, the solitude is listed at 5" taller than the reflection, do you ever notice that?

I see that the 8K axles are now listed as $0 option on the solitude, so that's good. The independent suspension that the factory offers, is it the same as what you put on your 310? I thought about that when I saw it as an option, but I wasn't sure how big of a difference it would make. I could easily be persuaded to swap the FBP for that if it's that much better, and maybe even save a buck or two.

Thanks!
TN (soon to be) Fiver

 

[TNfiver]

Have you thought about the new Influence it is right in the middle of the two.
https://www.granddesignrv.com/fifth-wheels/influence/2903RL

No, we hadn't. In fact, I didn't even know the influence had a similar floor plan. Maybe that's a bad mark against the salesman we talked to, since he didn't mention it. Since all the pictures are listed as "coming soon", do you happen to know when this model will actually be available?

Thew floor plan is intriguing (no pun intended). I prefer the N/S bed for usability with the slides in - just in case. My wife is a big fan of the jack-n-jill type bathroom, and that bathroom is huge! You've made my lifr that much harder now.

Thanks!

 

[Second Chance]

... Can you tell a difference between the two driving? I worry the solitude might feel too big while towing, or that it might be just that much harder to get into smaller parks and sites. Speaking of size, the solitude is listed at 5" taller than the reflection, do you ever notice that?

I see that the 8K axles are now listed as $0 option on the solitude, so that's good. The independent suspension that the factory offers, is it the same as what you put on your 310? I thought about that when I saw it as an option, but I wasn't sure how big of a difference it would make. I could easily be persuaded to swap the FBP for that if it's that much better, and maybe even save a buck or two.

Thanks!
TN (soon to be) Fiver

Since our Solitude is loaded heavier than the Reflection was, I noticed a difference on grades (truck downshifted a bit more). Other than that and a little more trailer in the side mirrors, no real differences in towing.

If the GD factory is offering independent suspension (not just the 8K solid axles with disc brakes and LRH tires), that would be the MORryde system. I find there is a HUGE difference between the solid axles and the MORryde IS - and the mental arithmetic of swapping out FBP for the MORryde IS is exactly what we did. Besides the ride and tracking, another benefit to the IS is that it's fully alignable and we get more miles out of a set of tires. One also doesn't have to worry about broken spring hangers, worn bushings, etc.

Rob

Edit: No difference in getting the Solitude into spaces etc.

 

[huntr70]

No, we hadn't. In fact, I didn't even know the influence had a similar floor plan. Maybe that's a bad mark against the salesman we talked to, since he didn't mention it. Since all the pictures are listed as "coming soon", do you happen to know when this model will actually be available?

Thew floor plan is intriguing (no pun intended). I prefer the N/S bed for usability with the slides in - just in case. My wife is a big fan of the jack-n-jill type bathroom, and that bathroom is huge! You've made my lifr that much harder now.

Thanks!

It's new.

There isn't any official pricing on it, and dealers can't order it yet.

 

[ajg617]

If the GD factory is offering independent suspension (not just the 8K solid axles with disc brakes and LRH tires), that would be the MORryde system. I find there is a HUGE difference between the solid axles and the MORryde IS - and the mental arithmetic of swapping out FBP for the MORryde IS is exactly what we did. Besides the ride and tracking, another benefit to the IS is that it's fully alignable and we good more miles out of a set of tires. One also doesn't have to worry about broken spring hangers, worn bushings, etc.

^^^^^This. We ordered 8K axles before GD was offering IS with intent of having MORRyde install IS before delivery. Because of the pandemic, that didn't happen and we have had significant suspension issues with the Dexter 8K suspension 2K miles from home - enough that GD is having us bring the coach out to Elkhart this spring for a re-assessment of repairs and to determine if anything else is failing. If anything has, we'll drive over to MORRyde and set up an appointment. We put a good amount of miles on ours and I'm not sure the standard 8K axles on the 310 are a good move without opting for IS in retrospect - just my opinion though. Ours is light in the rear and heavy in the front due to other options.

We love the floor plan and wouldn't change it.

 

[robmcqueen]

No, we hadn't. In fact, I didn't even know the influence had a similar floor plan. Maybe that's a bad mark against the salesman we talked to, since he didn't mention it. Since all the pictures are listed as "coming soon", do you happen to know when this model will actually be available?

Thew floor plan is intriguing (no pun intended). I prefer the N/S bed for usability with the slides in - just in case. My wife is a big fan of the jack-n-jill type bathroom, and that bathroom is huge! You've made my lifr that much harder now.

Thanks!

No idea when that floor plan is coming out. I was at a RV show today and saw the Influence in a different floor plan and it is a really nice unit.

 

[robmcqueen]

No, we hadn't. In fact, I didn't even know the influence had a similar floor plan. Maybe that's a bad mark against the salesman we talked to, since he didn't mention it. Since all the pictures are listed as "coming soon", do you happen to know when this model will actually be available?

Thew floor plan is intriguing (no pun intended). I prefer the N/S bed for usability with the slides in - just in case. My wife is a big fan of the jack-n-jill type bathroom, and that bathroom is huge! You've made my lifr that much harder now.

Thanks!

The Influence 2903rl is the same floor plan as the old S-class 2930rl
https://www.granddesignrv.com/fifth-wheels/solitude/2930rl

 

[TNfiver]

The Influence 2903rl is the same floor plan as the old S-class 2930rl
https://www.granddesignrv.com/fifth-wheels/solitude/2930rl

I didn't know that. I guess it makes sense, though.

Thanks again!

 

[ajg617]

I wonder if Grand Design is still upping the GVWR with the 8K axle upgrade and what their MORRyde install is - 7K or 8K on the 310GK?

 

[TNfiver]

I wonder if Grand Design is still upping the GVWR with the 8K axle upgrade and what their MORRyde install is - 7K or 8K on the 310GK?

Just based on the choices given on their website when clicking "build", the IS upgrade includes 8K axles with disk brakes. I don't see any reference to GVWR therein. I also asked the salesman we discussed building a 310 with about weight, and he didn't think the suspension choices would affect the GVWR. For what that's worth.

 

[ajg617]

Just based on the choices given on their website when clicking "build", the IS upgrade includes 8K axles with disk brakes. I don't see any reference to GVWR therein. I also asked the salesman we discussed building a 310 with about weight, and he didn't think the suspension choices would affect the GVWR. For what that's worth.

Grand Design upped our GVWR to 18,000lbs with the 8K axle option order. It was coordinated through our dealership - something GD would do if specified on the order sheet though they have waffled on doing so in the past. MORRyde told me to order the 8K option as 8K IS is what they would install on our 310GK and they could re-use the disc brakes and cut the cost nearly in half.

 

[Second Chance]

Grand Design upped our GVWR to 18,000lbs with the 8K axle option order. It was coordinated through our dealership - something GD would do if specified on the order sheet though they have waffled on doing so in the past. MORRyde told me to order the 8K option as 8K IS is what they would install on our 310GK and they could re-use the disc brakes and cut the cost nearly in half.

Unless something has changed, this is still the case - 15K GVWR with the 7K solid axles (used to come with 16" wheels and LRG tires) and 18K GVWR with the 8K axles or 8K MORryde IS (with the larger wheels and LRH tires).

Rob

 

[Mechanic Bob]

Hi All,

Not new to RVing, but looking for some purchase help. My wife and I have been camping since we were kids, and have camped in everything except a class B. We currently own a small gas powered class A, but are going to move to a FW. I'm hoping to retire soon (months), and we need something we can spend a lot of time in without killing each other. We've got a GMC 3500 as a TV.

Our requirements include a king bed, and this is non-negotiable. Also, I have a self-imposed limit of around 35' as we want to move more towards county/state/national and CoE parks. We really like the rear living floor plans. An outdoor kitchen would be nice, but it's not a deal breaker. A nice living area with theater seating, a decent sleeper couch, entertainment center and a fireplace pretty much round out the requirements. Well, that and we're of course looking for that elusive "bang for the buck". Money isn't the biggest factor, but it is a factor.

We've seen a good dozen of different makes/models that fit these requirements, but we overall like GD, we have friends who recommend them and we have local friends who recommend both GD and the local dealership. We've been to said dealership and have a good impression of them. We've seen both of these models there.

So, which would you recommend and why?

If it matters, they have a suitable reflection (king bed and stand alone dinette), but we'd order the solitude. We'd customize it to include the king bed, FBP, the outdoor kitchen, slide-toppers, solar+ and 8k axles.

Is the solitude worth the extra $$ over the reflection?

Thanks,
(Guess I should have said, "Soon to be") TNfiver

We were flipping back and forth o the 337RLS and the 320MKS. As we wanted a 5th wheel that we could comfortably live in for two or three weeks as we are looking to move from Wilmington to ???
We finally decided on the 320MSK.
I took out the bedroom side shelves, very easy to do, and fitted a King Size mattress.
Large shower, elbow room around the toilet, lots of storage, very pleased with the refrigerator, and plenty of space in the kitchen.
I pull my rig with a 2017 F250 Super Duty with the 6.7 diesel. No issues at all, it pulls like a dream.
We have been extremely pleased with our choice. Perfect for the two of us.
Couple other mods I have done: Installed an additional sewer hose carrier and installed a TV mount in the bedroom. (Now I can move the TV from the outside to the bedroom. Additional mount on our outside of our house, so we can sit on our house patio and watch TV.)

 

[Captcolour]

No, we hadn't. In fact, I didn't even know the influence had a similar floor plan. Maybe that's a bad mark against the salesman we talked to, since he didn't mention it. Since all the pictures are listed as "coming soon", do you happen to know when this model will actually be available?

Thew floor plan is intriguing (no pun intended). I prefer the N/S bed for usability with the slides in - just in case. My wife is a big fan of the jack-n-jill type bathroom, and that bathroom is huge! You've made my lifr that much harder now.

Thanks!

And then there is the new Solitude 370DV which is a bit longer than the 310 with a nicer bathroom and a little more living space.

 

[TNfiver]

We were flipping back and forth o the 337RLS and the 320MKS. As we wanted a 5th wheel that we could comfortably live in for two or three weeks as we are looking to move from Wilmington to ???
We finally decided on the 320MSK.
I took out the bedroom side shelves, very easy to do, and fitted a King Size mattress.
Large shower, elbow room around the toilet, lots of storage, very pleased with the refrigerator, and plenty of space in the kitchen.
I pull my rig with a 2017 F250 Super Duty with the 6.7 diesel. No issues at all, it pulls like a dream.
We have been extremely pleased with our choice. Perfect for the two of us.
Couple other mods I have done: Installed an additional sewer hose carrier and installed a TV mount in the bedroom. (Now I can move the TV from the outside to the bedroom. Additional mount on our outside of our house, so we can sit on our house patio and watch TV.)

This one was a contender. I liked the floor plan on paper. The outside kitchen and entertainment area, really piqued my interest. When we saw one in person though, we just didn't like the living area and kitchen as much as the rear living plans. We especially thought the desk would, for us, be wasted space. There is a reason they make all these floor plans though, because everybody likes what they like. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[TNfiver]

And then there is the new Solitude 370DV which is a bit longer than the 310 with a nicer bathroom and a little more living space.

This one exceeds both my self-imposed 35' (ish) limit and what I'd be willing to pull with my truck. It is a nice layout, though. Can't let my wife see that double vanity.

 

[nikkivolker]

We have the Solitude 310GK with dual pane windows and slide covers. In the bedroom we choose just the queen but we really love the large bedroom.
We got rid of the chairs for our dinette and bought benches instead. We stained the benches to match the dinette. Lots more leg room and extra room at the table for kids. Easier to clean also. No more worry about getting the upholstery dirty.
The dual pane windows are well worth the money. It saves for heating and cooling but one other thing it makes the coach so much quieter. Ever had an early morning dog barking, these dual pane windows help. I also would suggest the slider covers and it keep the sliders cleaner and less noise there too. If you have any concerns I would be happy to help.