5th Wheel reviews

Review of My 2023 Grand Design Solitude 378MBS: Buyer Beware I purchased my 2023 Grand Design Solitude 378MBS in February 2023 from General RV in Huntley, Illinois. Initially, I noticed minor issues like trim pieces falling off the slides, which I considered typical for an RV. However, by May 2023, significant problems began to surface. My bedroom door frame came completely unhinged from the passenger side wall, and the front bedroom slide started rubbing the floor, leaving wood shavings behind after each trip. I naively thought these issues were normal. As summer approached, I noticed excessive rust on the frame and treated it with Rust-Oleum. Later in 2023, the mid-deck screws began to self-tap out of the passenger side wall. I screwed them back in, again thinking this was normal. By January 2024, my entire slide mechanism failed. When I contacted Grand Design's warranty department, they dismissed my claim. However, a mobile tech in Camp Verde, Arizona, confirmed the motor wasn’t installed properly from the factory and that my bedframe was falling apart. While the tech replaced the slide rails and motors under warranty, I have yet to be reimbursed for the labor expense, despite providing receipts. In March 2024, while traveling from Camp Verde, Arizona, to Mississippi, I lost my roof on the highway. The front membrane separated from the front cap despite my regular maintenance and inspections. Grand Design's warranty department initially gave me the runaround, requesting details down to the brand of lap-sealant used on the roof. It wasn’t until I posted pictures on their social media page that I received a response. Jessica from their social media department helped cover the roof repair under warranty, and I had a Flex Armor roof installed in June 2024. However, I am still waiting to be fully reimbursed for my nearly $1,000 hotel stay during the repair. At the end of June 2024, I discovered a Facebook page discussing Frame Flex and Failure. Upon investigating my Solitude, I found symptoms of frame flex, including front slide failure, roof delamination, and interior damage. Testing revealed over a half-inch deflection of the mid-deck. Further inspection showed that two of the three lag bolts on the passenger side were loose, and the bolts used were the wrong size—3/8 instead of 1/2 inch. Despite notifying Grand Design and requesting an SRT unit to meet me in South Dakota, I was told my unit was safe to tow. After discovering the lag bolt issue, I lost all faith in Grand Design. Lippert, the chassis designer, failed to properly coat the frame, leading to excessive rust far beyond what should be expected in a 2023 model. Despite my efforts to maintain the frame, the rust continues to spread, suggesting a very thin layer of paint was applied over an already rusting frame from the factory. To make matters worse, my front slide is beginning to fail again. There is a crack down the side wall internally, directly underneath the slide, and it makes a lot of cracking sounds when pushing the slide in and out. When the slide is fully retracted, it rubs along the floor, exacerbating the damage. An SRT unit is scheduled to come out in August, but given the numerous negative reports, I have little faith in their ability to address the root cause. I paid over $131,000 for this RV and strongly advise others to reconsider all their options before purchasing a product from Grand Design. Show less

Awesome for full time living. If you are looking to go fulltime RVing, then this is what you want. All the amenities and bells and whistles. Pulls great and the storage is second to none, room to carry everything we need without filling the truck up. Love it. Show less

Great RV. Lived in it for almost 5 years and have had no major problems. It is the same size as a 1 bedroom apartment without all the noise from your upstairs neighbors. Living room seats 7 people comfortable. Bedroom has a king size bed and with the two sofa beds you can sleep a total of 6 people. This RV has a 23 cu . ft. refrigerator and a washer and dryer. Great RV if you want to vacation, travel for work or just live in full time. Show less

We purchase this 2019 Montana 2019 this last March. First time we used it couldn’t watch tv unless bedroom light was on, a/c in living room was so loud and wouldn’t shut off. The underbelly fell off while we were traveling to South Dakota, microwave only worked on one button, got it all fixed then new microwave and fireplace kept flashing and outlets wouldn’t work. We had a 2020 sandpiper and wish we would have kept it. Really disappointed in this Montana!!!!!they just Jerry rigged the under belly and think they hit a wire to cause the flickering. Still isn’t fixed. When we first brought it home my husband noticed stress cracks on the front The manufacturer said will repair it but we have to drive 5 hours to where they will fix it. Show less

We just purchased our 2025 Blackthorn 26RD despite negative reviews on other East to West RV's. We chose this model because it was the only model with a king bed and low pin weight out of all the manufacturers. After picking it up from the dealer we spent 2 nights in a FHU campground. We tested all functions except the freshwater pump. We towed it home and put it in storage for a few months due to my upcoming surgery. The only problem we found was a drawer below the refrigerator wouldn't stay closed during towing. A simple fix. I gave 4 stars on Livability because the cabinets over the head of the bed could be a little higher, so I don't hit my head. I gave 4 stars on Floor Plan because I can't access the bathroom, bedroom or heater/AC controls with the slide in. I rated Factory Warranty/Support 5 stars, however we haven't needed any Warranty Support. If support needed any Forest River Service Center can provide support. Show less

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We bought this 2024 Dutchmen Astoria 260rk because of the kitchen - it's a 'couples' trailer which suited us for our first Fifth Wheel. The Dutchmen (and I guess really, Keystone) salesperson guaranteed the craftmanship and warranty. One of the key selling points was the rear camera as, given this is our first RV, we were nervous about taking it through the US. The walkthrough at Arrkann was incredibly fast and I wish I had thought to film it. At any rate, our first trip out was over a long weekend and spending time in the RV, I am now shocked at the poor craftmanship - it really felt like the RV was 'slapped' together. Getting warranty work done at Arrkann has been a huge pain as well - I really believe no one there talks to anyone else in the shop. The rear camera worked for about 20 min after we left Red Deer - and hasn't worked since. Dutchmen (Keystone) is refusing to change it out - and the service person at Arrkann said that Dutchmen (Keystone) knew the camera was faulty at the build stage (and apparently, have now removed the camera completely) - yet they let the 2024 RVs with the rear camera be sold at the RV show. It's been a huge learning for us - will never do business with Keystone or Dutchmen again - unfortunately, just driving the RV off the lot cost us $20,000 in resale value. Do the best, most detailed due diligence when shopping for an RV - and don't just check out the manufacturer - check out the RV dealer as well because working with them can be just as frustrating as dealing with all the defects in the RV. Show less

I purchased this Camper, GD, Reflection 337rls, in 2021. It looked good when we got it. Then things begin to happen to it. The Electric Fireplace stopped working. Then, the gas stove stopped working. The furniture fell apart and we had to replace all the furniture including the bed. Closet in the bedroom, door fell off. Washing Machine stopped working. Air Conditioner in the Bedroom stopped working. Now, the awning is coming apart. We had to replace our steps. Molding in the camper starting to come off. The doors in the Bedroom starting to have to be re-nailed, the toilet in the bathroom leaks, and the fan does not work. We purchased this mess from Coachlight RV sales in Carthage, MO. Don’t go there, they will rip you off. With everything I have had to do to this thing for it to work, it has cost me everything I have. Take it from me, never buy a Grand Design or any thing from this company. We still owe 70,000 on it and right now, I doubt we could get 25,000. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM GRAND DESIGN, THEY ARE THE WORST. Dr. Wade T. Bridges Ozark, Mo. Show less

Overall, the Brinkley 5th wheel RVs are a fantastic choice for those seeking luxury, durability, and excellent support. Their thoughtful design, quality construction, and customer-first approach have made them a favorite among RV enthusiasts​​. If you’re looking for a premium RV experience, the Brinkley Model Z series is definitely worth considering. Show less

Tankless water heater stopped working after one week and being under warranty keystone would not refund the full amount we paid to replace it. We had many issues with our 2024 alpine. I doubt we’ll ever get another one. Very disappointed. Very expensive living. Show less