I have two GD's a 2016 and a 2017. No quality differences between them. No big issues with either. Just a lot of little annoying junk to fix. GD has grown and is making units faster now so I would expect more screw ups. Customer service isn't what it used to be. They used to bend over backwards to help even on units way out of warranty (I suppose because they were trying to make a name for themselves). I paid quite a bit more for both of my GD's over comparable units from Forest River or other brands with the idea that with their "extended warranty" I would come out even. From what I have seen I wasted my money. Unless you get on Facebook and make a big stink, or get lucky you will not get any free parts or service after the warranty expires. I will still look at GD for my next RV but will no longer pay a premium price for it.

 

Because the RV industry is highly cyclical, most start-ups do not have in mind building a brand and maintaining ownership. The goal is to quickly build a brand larger players will buy out. That has been the pattern time after time, but I have yet to see a buy-out that improved on the brand they purchased. Normally the goal is to become larger, volume purchase, and standardize parts.

If you are familiar with components, look at the number of companies Lippert has purchased or Dometic. If bigger truly is better, why do things keep getting worse.

Steve

 

If only three or four companies own all the major brands, where is the incentive for any of them to improve quality. They can all build cheaper and if you loose a customer because of quality, you will pick up one from the competition because of the same complaints.

All the trailers look the same inside and out across each series, all with the same parts and layouts. I've many times wondered who designs the interior layout. Certainly not someone who spends much time in one.

 

The reason there are so many look alikes with different names is dealers have the rights to certain brands in certain territories, at least that is how it used to work, but if you put a different name on it, dealers can carry models virtually identical right across the street from one another. I have always watched with amazement at RV shows when I hear buyers trying to decide between two RVs that are identical twins except for their names. That is why R&D for the RV industry stands for replicate and duplicate.

Steve

 

Thank you everyone for all your comments. My wife and I decided to go with the Solitude S-Class 3550BH. For a difference of $5,000 I felt like it was worth the extra $$ over the Reflection 367BHS. UVW is comparable to the Reflection 367BHS but is a couple feet shorter which is bonus for parking at my home. We did like the mid bunk floorplan of the 367BHS, but all we were trying to accomplish was extra sleeping while maintaining a rear living configuration. The 3550BH is a nice upgrade from our 2015 317RST so time will tell on build quality.

We're currently on our first camping trip (shake down before the beach) to work out any major issues. So far in the 2 days we've been living in it at the campground (dry camping), I have not experienced any major issues knock on wood. No squeaky floors, no mis-aligned doors, etc,. The build quality feels very solid and asthetics is very eye pleasing to us. We've already had several compliments from other RV'rs about our new rig. Lots of questions about weight, length, how my SRW F350 diesel does pulling it, and so on.

There are a couple minor things I'll be calling about.
Small dent in the awning tube
Missing trim pieces on the radio that's suppose to cover the screws. (This is the dealers fault)
Sewage has a broken ear
A couple very small puncture holes the size of a needle in the leather couch.

Time will tell how our new GD holds up. My 2015 Reflection still looked new inside and out after 6 years of ownership. Alot of that was care and maintenance on my part but I'm the same with my truck.

 

Congrats on the GD. I still think that GD is one of the better brands of RVs. We are looking at the GD 31MB or the GD 3250, prefer the 5er but...

 

This forum has been very educational. I used to think I wanted a 5th wheel toy hauler but the last couple of years reading about all the planning that goes into a successful trip and the problems and constant upkeep that goes along with these things have changed my mind. Kind of reminds me of having a boat, but on steroids. For one, we are not planners. We know where we want to end up, but how we get there is subject to change on a whim. Two, I am not that versatile of a handyman. I absolutely suck as an electrician for one. Nor do I want to fix things all the time. I am in no way criticizing anyone's choice here. In fact, if I had small kids I would probably have a totally different view. I have a ton of experience towing and I have the truck to do it, but I will be content to keep admiring all of your rigs here and on the highway. Good luck to all.

 

Isnt that half the "fun"??? 😁

 

In my trailer's defense, a good portion of the projects I do are optional. I tend to get a little bored, look at something and wonder if I can make it work better. Or I look at something closed and wonder what's behind it. Owning a 14 year old trailer means increased maintenance. It was an excellent introduction for me into the world of RV maintenance. A newer trailer would have far fewer maintenance needs and I'm looking forward to that time.

As far as planning goes, I keep my trailer fairly well stocked with non-food supplies, so it's ready to go camping with minimal prep time. The flip side of that is that at the end of the camping trip I spend time to make sure it's ready to go next time. I have one friend that often doesn't have any food in his trailer when he leaves town. He stops at the grocery store nearest his destination. Talk about zero planning!

My "need" for a trailer was primarily for hunting. I needed something to sleep and cook in. The ability to haul the ATV inside the trailer was a bonus.

 

The two happiest days for RV owners is the day they buy it and the day they sell it!

Steve

 

I've heard the same said of a boat. The only boat I've owned was a rowboat. I'm not sure if that counts. I don't miss it now that it's gone. I wouldn't have a problem renting something, but it sure won't be a rowboat!

 

That statement's true. I had boats when my kids were at home. We'd rent a place at the lake every summer. Fished the intracoastal a lot. Crappie and bream in the lakes. Tubing, knee boarding and skiing. It was lots of fun. But, most of the time I was the one that got hung with the clean up and prep. I got rid of it probably 10 or so years ago. Back then ethanol free fuel wasn't readily available, at least not when the boat was new, and the ethanol wreaked havoc on that 2 stroke Mercury outboard. We had lots of fun and made some good memories, but was glad to see it go.

 

Not here no way, are happiest daysare when we are pulling out of the driveway on our next adventure . Same with the boat

Denny

 

Hopefully folks realize my intention was humor in my comment.

Steve

 

I'm sure everyone does

Denny