Solitude 310GK frame and capacity questions.

[RVwino]

Hi All,
We’re contemplating shifting from our current Class A to a ‘24 Solitude 310GK for full-timing. Doing my research (a.k.a. googling), I’ve seen a number of references to Lippert frame failures, which look painful to resolve. I was just curious if this is a widespread issue or is it just a few lemons? Is it specific to certain years?

Also, the weight capacity for “stuff” of this unit is under 2000 lbs. With two people, dogs, tanks, and all those storage areas (screaming to be filled with stuff), it doesn’t seem like much. In fact, it’s about 500 lbs less than an earlier year that I looked at. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance,
Cliff
‘21 Forest River FR3 34DS

 

[ajg617]

Hi All,
We’re contemplating shifting from our current Class A to a ‘24 Solitude 310GK for full-timing. Doing my research (a.k.a. googling), I’ve seen a number of references to Lippert frame failures, which look painful to resolve. I was just curious if this is a widespread issue or is it just a few lemons? Is it specific to certain years?

Also, the weight capacity for “stuff” of this unit is under 2000 lbs. With two people, dogs, tanks, and all those storage areas (screaming to be filled with stuff), it doesn’t seem like much. In fact, it’s about 500 lbs less than an earlier year that I looked at. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance,
Cliff
‘21 Forest River FR3 34DS

I think the Lippert frame failures are sporadic and affecting every brand that uses their frames. We ordered Aug 2021 not knowing if the pandemic was over, but knowing we were retiring and wanted to be self contained when traveling. Adding the options we did, reduced the CCC even further to about 1500lbs or less which I thought was just too low. That was one reason we ordered the 8K axle option (in addition to the disc brakes and anticipating upgrading to MORRyde IS and 8K was their recommendation) which bumped our GVWR up to 18,000lbs. We weigh every trip and the most we've put in (with nothing in truck bed and lightly loaded in the pass thru and nothing stored under the bed) was 15,600lbs. We love the floor plan but my one complaint is no rear storage compartment. FYI, we are headed to the factory in April and front frame flex is one of the big items they will be looking at.

 

[traveldawg]

We switched from a class A DP. We never looked back. To our surprise what we like the most is not having to enter the front door and navigate around seats & dashboard.

We bought in 2018. I think GD was a bit more attentive back then to quality (maybe), but it was the floor plan that got our attention. Now everyone has that floor plan. I think your choice of dealer is almost more important than manufacturer.

Anyhow, we like what we have. It is a good idea to get the 8000 lb option to up the GVRW. And I can’t say enough about how great disc brakes are. Double pane windows were a must for us too.

We had a 36’ class A and find the 310 works well for us - not too big, not too small. With a combo WD, 2 Honda generators in the front bay and cloths for up to 7 month trips we still have some CCC left over. You will need at least a 1 ton truck. With at least 3500 lbs of cargo capacity (think long bed).

 

[Gpo1958]

We love our 310GK and Grand Design. They have extended the warranty on the frames and made them transferable, and as everyone basically uses the Lippert frames you're probably in a better position with GD than with other manufacturers.

As far as the loading goes, remember that you and the dogs are not in the trailer when it's moving. We load ours up pretty well and have a washer/dryer over the pin and are still under the capacities for both the truck and trailer. As has been said, a one-ton truck is a must, a dually is better but not a must with the 310GK. If you're buying new, the 8000 lb. axles and the IS is the best money that you can spend (I wish I had both).

 

[kingdaddy]

Like the OP, I am considering a 310GK...we are downsizing and "upgrading" from a 37' SOB that is getting a bit long in the tooth as they say! Similar floorplan which we really like and the overall look and quality of the GD is appealing.
Pluses: Residential, larger fridge, all in one bathroom (not a shower-in-the-bedroom with separate potty closet), lots of counter space and windows. Newer (ours is a 2011 model).
Minuses: not as much storage, no king bed (?), washer and dryer take up clothes space (current one has a separate W/D closet just inside entry door).
Also, somewhat concerned about reports regarding frame problems...need to do further research.

Definitely want a well maintained previously owned, preferably with discs and 8k axles if possible. Will upgrade as needed. Need to be around $50kish on price. And sell mine first of course! GREAT forum BTW...

 

[SolarPoweredRV]

Hi All,
We’re contemplating shifting from our current Class A to a ‘24 Solitude 310GK for full-timing. Doing my research (a.k.a. googling), I’ve seen a number of references to Lippert frame failures, which look painful to resolve. I was just curious if this is a widespread issue or is it just a few lemons? Is it specific to certain years?

Also, the weight capacity for “stuff” of this unit is under 2000 lbs. With two people, dogs, tanks, and all those storage areas (screaming to be filled with stuff), it doesn’t seem like much. In fact, it’s about 500 lbs less than an earlier year that I looked at. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance,
Cliff
‘21 Forest River FR3 34DS

View attachment 49374

As a 310 GK owner, I can tell you we are very, very, happy with our choice.

We are also happy that we bought an F350 dually to tow it with.

We also chose to install the Reese Goosebox. The combination of our F350 long bed, dually wheels, and Goosebox, make for a very comfortable and stable towing experience. We often comment to each other that it doesn't feel like we are towing anything behind us.

We added the disc brakes and can't imagine towing a camper of this size without them.

If I were ordering new, I would definitely order the 8k axle, double pane windows, and the disc brakes. Side note: I would forego the factory Solar system and install a much better one after purchase for probably less money.

Good luck on your search and please let us know what you decide and why you made the choice.

 

[txloser]

Like the OP, I am considering a 310GK...we are downsizing and "upgrading" from a 37' SOB that is getting a bit long in the tooth as they say! Similar floorplan which we really like and the overall look and quality of the GD is appealing.
Pluses: Residential, larger fridge, all in one bathroom (not a shower-in-the-bedroom with separate potty closet), lots of counter space and windows. Newer (ours is a 2011 model).
Minuses: not as much storage, no king bed (?), washer and dryer take up clothes space (current one has a separate W/D closet just inside entry door).
Also, somewhat concerned about reports regarding frame problems...need to do further research.

Definitely want a well maintained previously owned, preferably with discs and 8k axles if possible. Will upgrade as needed. Need to be around $50kish on price. And sell mine first of course! GREAT forum BTW...

We’ve been happy with ours. We also came from a 37’ sob trailer. We lost some storage space here and there but have adapted. We do have a king bed, but I didn’t realize till the first night in the trailer it’s not a real king like what we came from. Wife wasn’t happy. My fault.

We’ve had some new trailer issues but not too bad. A faulty furnace, pucks missing on hitch, one trim piece came down, a main slide needed adjusting, broken propane strap, recall on axle u-bolts, a roller shade that won’t retract on its own, and an occasional slow leak from the pressure fittings on either side of hydraulic manifold.

Ours came off the lot so it had all the bells and whistles except the generator, dual pain windows, and disc brakes. The factory solar is good for our needs with the extra panel and two lithium batts.

We started with a 3/4 ton and a few hundred pounds overweight. Ride was fantastic. Stability lacked in high winds. Got a DRW. Stability is fantastic. Ride suffered quite a bit. I know it’s back there on rough roads. I’ve got the 8000lb axles but no discs or IS. I think the 8k axles and 120psi tires are a bit much for our needs. We’re only 10,900lbs at the axles.

Bottom line, great trailer. Favorite features are the solar, 3 AC’s, Furrion tankless wh, and massive windows. Only thing I really don’t like is the recliners. They’re not as deep as my last trailer and the seat backs are weird. Also, some genius decided we didn’t needed cup holders. Just a flat piece of poorly painted wood there that chips off with a coffee cup. And don’t get up quickly with recliner extended. The whole thing will tip forward.

 

[ajg617]

Love ours despite having suspension issues. Only thing I wish the floor plan had was some storage location in the rear. We are light in the rear and on the door side.