It's so sad so many people are getting shred with grand design that's why when people keep buying grand design everybody else suffers that's why I would never by one again
Hey Larry, i was sure we would never buy another GD but, here we are. The truth is they are all made on the same lippert frame no matter who you buy from. Let’s see if the companies step up and help these people with serious frame issues. Larry
Better let Alice drive this one Larry! 🤣 PS- omg up to 4 years to move over all your stuff to new RV!!?? 😱 I definitely would have taken my sweet time 😆
Lol..life is about living & both of you have the right sense of humor to get thru ...Larry & I hale from the same area in Ontario, so I think that's why I can relate to him All that aside , keep sharing your experiences with the followers, you don't know what ya don't know till someone teaches ya. Western Canada is pretty cool, just sayin...Alberta & BC baby 🇨🇦‼️‼️
Hey Rob, ya im from oakville, lived ther on the lake until 1979 when i was 15 and move to florida to live with my dad. What a culture shock it was in 1979 going from southern Ontario to south florida. Larry
Cool video. Waiting for Reflection session to begin. As a non RV owner and a person with very limited knowledge about RV's I like the method you use to keep your weight within specs. From watching some other RV channels some RV's seem to be so full inside with many items that the owner added. I am beginning to think some of the causes of frame break/split is because some owners do not follow the max weight allowed to be added to a RV and just keep on adding things into their RV which results in an overloaded RV. This causes so many problems to the frame and inside components that were factory fitted. Safe travels in your new RV. Cheers from Durban, South Africa 🙏👏🏄♂️🌊🚐
You are right Brian, most full time rvers in fifth wheels are over weight, I have only met a few that have ever been on the scale, I guess ignorance is bliss. We are doing our best to get the weight down but the mountain bike and kite surf gear stays, haha. Larry
Travel idea, up the coast of California and up to Washington maybe a Ferry to Alaska. Or go to some awesome lakes, hot springs and waterfalls around the country.
I love the ferry to Alaska idea, is that crazy expensive to do with a big rv. We want to put a truck camper on the dually next year and do an Alaska trip. But California going north is the idea this summer, will we make it to BC who knows. larry
Good follow up with the GD Solitude disaster ! lol Try to adhere to the CCC with your new rig . 😬Love Alafia SP ! Riding my mountain bicycle! Downsizing with the drama ! lol Thanks Larry and Alice ! 👍
Ralph, 💯 less Downsizing drama 😆 Dropping weight ideas all the time. Alafia was beautiful- great biking trails. Love Santos, too Appreciate all the support 🤗 Alice
Hi Larry and Alice! So glad you are able to travel once again with a new fifth wheel. It doesn’t matter to me what brand name as long as you are happy that’s all that matters. That damage to the Solitude was bad. Glad you got a new Rv. I remember your slide out issues that was the very first video I saw of yours. It was a while ago. Can’t believe they are auctioning the Solitude off. How and why? Maybe it’s the parts or something. Time will tell. But I’m so happy that you have this new one the Reflection. Hopefully Larry will video all Solar he’ll put up. And all that good stuff. I remember the steps he fixed as well on the Solitude. He did a lot. It’s so good too see Larry doing really good and you both traveling again. Love you both. I’ll be excited to see anything you put out there. Have a great week and see you soon! I still need to go back and sone videos I missed. I’ll do that soon! Travel safe. Love you! ❤🤗🥰😘❤️💕❣️
You are the best, Sherri. Wish we could put a star next to your name 🤗 We did a lot to the Solitude and will have to with the Reflection. Hopefully, we will go back to DIYs, campground tours and fun - in Reflection Season. Thanks again 🙏 Alice
Any chance I can ask you to tell us or point to a link where you e talked about how old you were when you first started full time in the Solitude? I’m turning 60 and this is my dream..I’m antsy to go NOW but it’s still a couple years in our future.
We are going thru the same process as you. We went in a ditch 2 years ago and have a bent frame. Waiting for Progressive to decide if they are going to fix it or total it. My husband thinks that your Solitude fell off the tow truck and broke the jack. It wasn't exactly secure on his truck.
Chris, Why is it taking Progressive so long? Interesting thought about the front jacks. It did seem weird that they put slides out - therefore had power - but didn’t put jacks down. Keep us updated. Leave a new comment when you hear from Progressive Alice
The 303 was the one I chose originally. The finance manager decided to insult me so I thankfully ended up with my KZ... After watching most of season one I'm debating on season two... Thanks DMC
In previous videos, we show the frame and welding experts at Texas Trailers said Sumos helped cause the issue. Cause and effect is complicated. Lots of factors. Get into and out of the ditch didn’t help 😁
I want to put these springs on my solitude so I would like to know more of how this happened to you. It looks like you drove off something putting an over excessive amount of weight in the wrong spot.
Look back to the video where we caused the damage, august 2023. The back of the rv frame bottomed out on the road and when i backed up it put a lot of stress on the frame, i think. Either way the Sumo guys say it could not have been their product that caused the damage. Larry
@@DownsizingMakesCents After seeing your picture of the damage, I can see why Sumos would void the warranty. The frame isn't strong enough where the Sumos make contact. It would require additional plates of steel to reinforce that section of the frame.
@@jerrydonovan7507 I have have had Sumo springs on my Montana for some time and I haven't seen anything unusual. I hit a block of wood last summer in the Rockies that broke/ cracked both rear spring hangers but, there's nothing extra on the frame in the those areas to provide any extra support than where the Sumos sit. So I'm still not completely convinced there're the problem.
So, having the Sumos while experiencing the ditch drive was the lethal tag-team, huh? Or should people consider that Sumo’s could do this during normal crappy road excursions, too?
I am still on the fence as far as sumo Springs go, they look like a good idea, but I can’t help but feeling they really made our bend in the frame worse. Larry
@@DownsizingMakesCentsThe Sumo issue is a concern for me because we have them on our 2018-3791 Montana. Did you have the original 7k springs on or did it have 8k's? We used them to get by till we could replace our 7k springs with 8k springs. I did reinstall them on the new 8k springs & they're carrying much less load than before but, now seeing your issues I'm concerned about keeping them on the rig. Thanks for your posts I really do enjoy you guys!
They denied it. Said it was just a coincidence. But also said the Sumo “would destroy itself” before it would cause damage. Someone told me that GD would void frame warranty on new RVs if customer installed Sumos. But that’s just what I one comment said - no proof Alice
Jerry, Larry was kidding. I want them in storage so Larry isn’t tempted to install them again. We heard frame warranty would be void if we installed them on our new rig, Alice
Have you considered swapping out the RV suspension? It might be less expensive than losing weight, and it will give your trailer a much smoother ride and possibly more carrying capacity. Then you won't need those sumo springs either! Millers in Motion did a great interview with MORyde, at the Tampa RV show, where they discuss the suspension options. That suspension is definitely on my list of future upgrades. Good luck to you! Looking forward to season 2!
Unfortunately, losing weight is cheaper than Moryde 😁 I may have to accidentally lose those Sumos. Oops. But thanks for the idea. Abs we appreciate all the support 🤗 Alice
Told ya. They’ll resell that thing and don’t give a rats behind about who buys it. No one checks up on this stuff.Happens everyday. But you two old folks are cute. And Larry keep it between the ditches,not in em🤣 oh nice truck,I have an ‘08 deleted and tuned,none of that def crap
I really would love to get more educated on diesel engines and the differences with a DEF system and a deleted one. It seem like the government is really coming down on deleters, I hope there is still the ability for people to do it if they want it. Larry
I have a month to finish the solar,inverter,,battery setup and tweak a few other things before we hit the road, i just need my body to cooperated and i will be good, Lar
Best of luck with that! We all have “body” issues from time to time! 😂😂. I pick up my new camper in a few weeks. Won’t be doing all of the stuff you are, just small things. Fortunately I have some stuff from our last one. Good luck with it all!
Barndo with a camper dock capability is pretty cool. I was at a friend's lake house and his neighbor had such a place. The barndo was split level and the upper level was the height of RV. The deck to RV had an aluminum ramp the guy sourced from a warehouse supply, they are used to bridge loading dock to trailer floor. He had a roll out awning on the barndo that was over the RV. It would certainly be possible to excavate next to barndo and have a lowered drive to put the RV down to grade if the lot would support drainage.
I see from your travel map that you have missed our neck of the woods. We live up on "the Bayfield Peninsula" in far northern WI. It is a beautiful part of WI on Lake Superior. There are quite a few wonderful county RV parks in the area, we would love to meet up with you, so come visit this summer during your 2024 travels.
We did peninsula state park in Wisconsin, two week it was amazing, one of our favorites. We will be back that way when coming back from the west next fall i think, my brother is in minneapolis. Larry
Karen, Reflection season is all about the upgrades, too. And tweaking the rig - like we just had to fix the ceiling AC vents 😑 But looking forward to taking our modified rig on the road Alice
If that former RV is still up for auction, you could register for a fee with the auctioner and follow the bidding and sell online. But then, I side with Alice on this and say: let bygones be bygones! Regards to both of you !
It makes so much cents to stay away from the extra wide, extra long, and extra heavy rigs. We have ruled out many that we like due any one of those "extras". So I guess we will never know if the Sumos contributed to the failure or not...
Bryan, thanks. Not sure we will make it to Canada this year. It is a possibility. So we will keep you in mind. We have a friend that has a farm in Ontario where we have mooched before 😁 Alice
Thats very interesting, thanks for sharing that, i got the impression from the website that anyone could register to bid on the items. What does it take to be a dealer? Larry
Larry, you're basically correct. In some states a private individual can bid. Other states require an individual to hire a broker to use their license to bid. The broker usually charges a few hundred dollars to finalize the paperwork.
BTW, the best of traveler's luck to you and Alice in your new home. Fort Desoto was always one of our favorite haunts. Enjoy your good times. I just love you both!
Good video grand design has a bad reputation for not wanting to fix the frame damage and bad quality another channel paving new paths had to sell it for what they owed on rv grand design would not fix it they we're second owner thee year's old and right now all manufacturers are in trouble bad quality so you have to buy better rv new horizon is hand built only 20 a year but it costs more we also might be going into recession 🤔 safe travels
We took a tour of a new horizon at the tampa show, very nice but WAY. Out of our budget. We have been following PNP videos about frame flex and interested to see what GD does about their issues. Larry
Do you have Dexter or Lippert axles. If you have Dexter D52 axles you can replace the leaf springs to PR5 and now you have D60 axles 1,600 more pounds of capacity.
Yes im wondering, can I just up the springs and increase my trailer axle capacity or is it limited by the axle itself. Please let me know, my axles say curt on them but made buy lippert im sure. Larry
@@DownsizingMakesCents Look at the model number on the axle tag. Look at the sticker on the side of the trailer and see what the GAWR is for each axle. Probably 5,200 or 6,000 lb. These two axles the tubes and spindles are the same, different bearings and leaf springs. If you are 5,200 get bearings and springs ( it will have one more leaf ) and now you have 6,000 lb axles for more capacity but you sticker showing 5,200 can’t be changed. And yes the frame can handle it.
You guys are blessed. It’s so cool that you were able to take your mods with you and save on the cost of replacing them. I’m with Alice on opting out of putting those Sumo springs on the new rig. It’s hard to deny that they had an effect on your old frame. I recently released a video tour of a Brinkley where I showed the Brinkley installed Sumo springs placement on that rig. I tagged you in it and showed your experience with that product. You had a staring role🎬. The more I think about the Sumo springs, the more convinced I am that they had a considerable contribution to the demise of your last rig. Good luck with your new home and safe travels to you both. Onward and upwards!👍🏼😎
Rick, normally we are notified when we are tagged. Weird. Thanks for including us. Someone told us that GD would void frame warranty if Sumos were put on. I was surprised Brinkley added them. 🤔 I may have to hide the Sumos from Larry 🤣. He doesn’t always learn his lesson 😉 I’ll check out your video. Thanks again, Alice
so was the incident when you caught the back on the road boon docking was the incident that the insurance used as the claim..typically they dont deal with frame damage unless its an accident.
Shawn, you are correct. We had to state a specific incident with date and place - though we can’t say for sure that’s what did it. But it seems likely. Alice
Aw! Thank you Alice about the Star next yo my name. It’s ok! Just put a star at the end of you comments and it’s ok by me. I love you guys! Been watching you since the beginning. And love every minute of it. Glad you bought an Rv from good people who are honest like Matt and the sales girl at General Rv. Can’t wait until next video. Loved that ladder. The step ladder. Thank you for all you do.
No don’t put them on that new rv, the sumo spring may have started the problem but for the frame to crack weak steel is the culprit. Great video guy’s.
I think im going to call sumo springs again and see what they think about putting them on the reflection, it has a steel tube between the I beam frame and the spring hangers so hopefully it will protect the frame from damage. Larry
If you ever get down near Bradington Florida. We’ve got a quarter mile long driveway. You can always find a nice parking space at our place. Be safe have fun.
We have never regretted having wonderful people visit us. We’re adding another RV slot with electricity and water. We only have two slots right now. You guys be safe out there?
safe travels we have started oalong ur travel season now in South Carolina and heading north then we will be heading along the border of Canada in the norther states enjoy your new rig
Allan, we should be leaving mid May - still don’t know where 😁 Sounds like we might be doing a bit of the save track - head north than west. Maybe we will see you out there. Safe travels to you, too 🤗 Alice
Oh, boy. Doing mods - and videos - while traveling is challenging, but we have done it before 😉 Thanks, Lisa - I wish RUclips would give top commenters a special symbol like on FB. We really appreciate the solid supporters 🤗 Alice
Linda, thanks. It was a stressful time, but got through it. We hope sharing our experience will help others not be as stressed if it happens to them 🤗 Alice
Nope there are several people here that are full time, never move. But most are seasonal like we did, but i dont think we will ever do that again, we enjoy moving constantly, we initially did it to save money but then the RV broke so we had to sit still but never again until we have a home some day, when who knows. Larry
@@DownsizingMakesCentsWe've stayed at the Williston Crossings park in Williston which is only 20 minutes from Gainesville. We love that park & whatever Williston doesn't have Gainesville is not far away. Plus Williston has the small town feel which makes us feel like we're at home, since we're from a small river town. .
Oh dear, wondered where that comment went, storming here and I lost internet briefly, then I couldn’t find it to complete. I was talking about everyone being on the Brinkley band wagon, hear same guys that started GD and sold out , are making Brinkley, I just hope, Brinkley owners don’t sell out. Hope you enjoy your Reflection, we sure enjoys ours.
Hey Brian, we sold our house to pay for the first 4 years along with some savings. I did a video right after i quit all about the money situation. We now live off a combo of savings, retirement 401k accounts, an youtube, Etsy and eBay money. ACA insurance is really important to us so we have to constantly balance how the money ends up on our taxes, Too much income and ACA becomes affordable, not enough and i puts you into medicaid, which we dont want. The fact is we are spending much more than we though we would, but traveling and having fun is expensive, it would be a lot cheaper to sit still, but how many more years do we have to enjoy, spend it now i say, haha. Larry
We cant wait to get back on the road traveling again, my happy days are travel days, i love the excitement you have headed to another location you have never been to before. Larry
Well, we're done traveling for now, until later in the summer. Miss the rig already, but it's good to be home. I think the wife was spot on about keeping the house. Even if it was to avoid what you guys had to go through. Enjoy your travels, and no drinking and droning!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I am so glad you’re in your new rig and ready to start adventuring again! I can’t wait to see your mods and where you go this summer! 🎉
seems to me yall did that should be a ins Job. Remember Swing wide LOL.... Look at the shackles looks like it was made and welded in a back yard shop My Jayco has manfu parts like a Semi trailer a Big Difference from this Kinda Junk..
I tuned out right after you guys said that you kept traveling after you knew you had a severely damaged frame. That puts everyone around you on the road in danger.
I dont blame you at all Steven, we should have stopped and got it fixed. Looking back it was a poor decision to keep going, but i thought it was important to share our story truthfully, next time i will stop and take care of it properly. Thanks for your honest view. larry
Check out this playlist for more details of the events ruclips.net/p/PLTSSVhr0HOzigidMBV0lijdrVE3UsTilv&si=pUYM5c1iqeJuLXPc
It's so sad so many people are getting shred with grand design that's why when people keep buying grand design everybody else suffers that's why I would never by one again
Hey Larry, i was sure we would never buy another GD but, here we are. The truth is they are all made on the same lippert frame no matter who you buy from. Let’s see if the companies step up and help these people with serious frame issues. Larry
You both deserve the best because you both bring such a fresh and wonderful outlook to rving.
John, you are so sweet. Thanks 🤗
Alice
Better let Alice drive this one Larry! 🤣
PS- omg up to 4 years to move over all your stuff to new RV!!?? 😱 I definitely would have taken my sweet time 😆
Jonny, if it were a drivable line a Class A, B or C - small - I would drive 😉
When Larry told me he already asked for the money? 😣 😆
Alice
You guys make great content. So glad this situation worked out. Best of luck in the future!
Thanks john, we love the encouragement, we have made a bunch of videos but are still learning with each one. Larry
Why would you put Sumo springs on a trailer unless you are overloading it or trying to compensate for worn springs.
See the Supersprings website - what they are “supposed” to do
www.superspringsinternational.com/trailer-sumosprings/
Lol..life is about living & both of you have the right sense of humor to get thru ...Larry & I hale from the same area in Ontario, so I think that's why I can relate to him
All that aside , keep sharing your experiences with the followers, you don't know what ya don't know till someone teaches ya.
Western Canada is pretty cool, just sayin...Alberta & BC baby 🇨🇦‼️‼️
Hey Rob, ya im from oakville, lived ther on the lake until 1979 when i was 15 and move to florida to live with my dad. What a culture shock it was in 1979 going from southern Ontario to south florida. Larry
I wish you the best on this new step in to your new future.
Anxious to see you moving forward in Season 2.
Thanks, we will see if we can go another 4 years with the reflection, i think i will break down before the RV does, haha. Larry
At least you guys did not get bought out butttt I would have never bought another gd hope it works with no frame flex
Yes larry, no buyin out here, haha. Let see how GD reflection does boondocking this summer. Lar
You needed to have taken it to a welding shop . Weld crack and reinforce with 1/4” rectangular box tube between the beam flanges .
Vic, Texas Trailers is a welding shop. They also make custom trailers. I thought I put that on the screen?
Alice
Cool video. Waiting for Reflection session to begin. As a non RV owner and a person with very limited knowledge about RV's I like the method you use to keep your weight within specs. From watching some other RV channels some RV's seem to be so full inside with many items that the owner added. I am beginning to think some of the causes of frame break/split is because some owners do not follow the max weight allowed to be added to a RV and just keep on adding things into their RV which results in an overloaded RV. This causes so many problems to the frame and inside components that were factory fitted. Safe travels in your new RV.
Cheers from Durban, South Africa 🙏👏🏄♂️🌊🚐
You are right Brian, most full time rvers in fifth wheels are over weight, I have only met a few that have ever been on the scale, I guess ignorance is bliss. We are doing our best to get the weight down but the mountain bike and kite surf gear stays, haha. Larry
Travel idea, up the coast of California and up to Washington maybe a Ferry to Alaska. Or go to some awesome lakes, hot springs and waterfalls around the country.
I love the ferry to Alaska idea, is that crazy expensive to do with a big rv. We want to put a truck camper on the dually next year and do an Alaska trip. But California going north is the idea this summer, will we make it to BC who knows. larry
Good follow up with the GD Solitude disaster ! lol
Try to adhere to the CCC with your new rig . 😬Love Alafia SP ! Riding my mountain bicycle! Downsizing with the drama ! lol Thanks Larry and Alice ! 👍
Ralph, 💯 less Downsizing drama 😆
Dropping weight ideas all the time.
Alafia was beautiful- great biking trails. Love Santos, too
Appreciate all the support 🤗
Alice
Hi Larry and Alice!
So glad you are able to travel once again with a new fifth wheel. It doesn’t matter to me what brand name as long as you are happy that’s all that matters. That damage to the Solitude was bad. Glad you got a new Rv. I remember your slide out issues that was the very first video I saw of yours.
It was a while ago. Can’t believe they are auctioning the Solitude off. How and why? Maybe it’s the parts or something. Time will tell. But I’m so happy that you have this new one the Reflection. Hopefully Larry will video all Solar he’ll put up. And all that good stuff. I
remember the steps he fixed as well on the Solitude. He did a lot. It’s so good too see Larry doing really good and you both traveling again. Love you both. I’ll be excited to see anything you put out there.
Have a great week and see you soon! I still need to go back and sone videos I missed. I’ll do that soon! Travel safe. Love you! ❤🤗🥰😘❤️💕❣️
You are the best, Sherri. Wish we could put a star next to your name 🤗
We did a lot to the Solitude and will have to with the Reflection.
Hopefully, we will go back to DIYs, campground tours and fun - in Reflection Season.
Thanks again 🙏
Alice
Did your insurance rates go up?
Jeff, no. We went through the agent at General RV. We have his number in the description of another video.
Email if you want it
Alice
Any chance I can ask you to tell us or point to a link where you e talked about how old you were when you first started full time in the Solitude? I’m turning 60 and this is my dream..I’m antsy to go NOW but it’s still a couple years in our future.
Check out our video all about how and why we started
ruclips.net/video/VINncuhltXQ/видео.htmlsi=r7A6B_7scQmKIMAa
Alice
How is alafia state park? It’s only 20 minutes from my house and would make a nice quick get away.
Looking forward to more videos and more adventures!
Cory,
Definitely check out Alafia. Lots of trails for walking or biking. They even have trails for horses.
And thank you 🤗
Alice
'hot for cougars' Gosh I love you guys!
It’s funny, when Alice did that in the video i totally missed it, i laughed my ass off when saw it in the edit. Larry
We are going thru the same process as you. We went in a ditch 2 years ago and have a bent frame. Waiting for Progressive to decide if they are going to fix it or total it. My husband thinks that your Solitude fell off the tow truck and broke the jack. It wasn't exactly secure on his truck.
Chris,
Why is it taking Progressive so long?
Interesting thought about the front jacks. It did seem weird that they put slides out - therefore had power - but didn’t put jacks down.
Keep us updated. Leave a new comment when you hear from Progressive
Alice
Out of curiousity I looked up your old Solitude. Auto Auctions says it is rebuildable? Interesting. (As of April 28)
Larry, interesting. We were told by Progressive it would be sold only to be stationary? 🤔
Alice
Were both the pinbox and 5th wheel hitch just hard steel…or did either have any buffer (air bag, torsion system, etc)?
Our solicitude had the rotoflex, with rubber cushion. Larry
As a former tow truck driver I didn’t see any thing to get excited about looked simple to me it’s not your camper anymore chill out
That’s funny, I guess to a truck driver it’s no big deal but to us it looked crazy, larry
The 303 was the one I chose originally. The finance manager decided to insult me so I thankfully ended up with my KZ... After watching most of season one I'm debating on season two... Thanks DMC
Oh, you know you would miss us 😉
Funny thing is the rep for KZ at the Tampa Show was one of the reasons we didn’t want KZ 😁
Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents funny how inconsiderate jerks can change your plans.. Of course I'd miss my DMC fix.. 😊
You think that the frame was damaged because of missing the covert when you were going boondocking?
In previous videos, we show the frame and welding experts at Texas Trailers said Sumos helped cause the issue.
Cause and effect is complicated. Lots of factors. Get into and out of the ditch didn’t help 😁
So someone will buy your old solitude believing that there is some damage on the left side when in fact the frame is damaged. OMG
Patricia, the auction is not up yet so I’m hoping it will show that the frame is damaged.
Alice
Good luck on 2024! Side note, did you look at the GD 337RLS?
Thanks. We actually wanted 30’. But our new RV is 33’. Still, it’s not as tall or wide as the Solitude
Alice
I want to put these springs on my solitude so I would like to know more of how this happened to you. It looks like you drove off something putting an over excessive amount of weight in the wrong spot.
Look back to the video where we caused the damage, august 2023. The back of the rv frame bottomed out on the road and when i backed up it put a lot of stress on the frame, i think. Either way the Sumo guys say it could not have been their product that caused the damage. Larry
@@DownsizingMakesCents I’m not an engineer but I may agree with sumo on this. My guess is it’s poor material, the actual frame is too weak.
@@nathanurick8320 Check with GD. Someone told me putting Sumos on voids the frame warranty
Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents After seeing your picture of the damage, I can see why Sumos would void the warranty. The frame isn't strong enough where the Sumos make contact. It would require additional plates of steel to reinforce that section of the frame.
@@jerrydonovan7507 I have have had Sumo springs on my Montana for some time and I haven't seen anything unusual. I hit a block of wood last summer in the Rockies that broke/ cracked both rear spring hangers but, there's nothing extra on the frame in the those areas to provide any extra support than where the Sumos sit. So I'm still not completely convinced there're the problem.
I am going to use your sewer rack plan foe my rig...I think it will be great 👍
Roger, let us know how it goes.
And any questions, feel free to message on IF or FB. Or email 👍
Alice
So, having the Sumos while experiencing the ditch drive was the lethal tag-team, huh?
Or should people consider that Sumo’s could do this during normal crappy road excursions, too?
I am still on the fence as far as sumo Springs go, they look like a good idea, but I can’t help but feeling they really made our bend in the frame worse. Larry
@@DownsizingMakesCentsThe Sumo issue is a concern for me because we have them on our 2018-3791 Montana. Did you have the original 7k springs on or did it have 8k's? We used them to get by till we could replace our 7k springs with 8k springs. I did reinstall them on the new 8k springs & they're carrying much less load than before but, now seeing your issues I'm concerned about keeping them on the rig. Thanks for your posts I really do enjoy you guys!
Wait till your insurance renewal comes that itself will be a mortgage.
Already reinsured. It went up only because we added more insurance - like more coverage for vacation interruption. Other things
Alice
Not sure why sumo woukd refund you; you bottomed out on the sumo pushing it beyond its specs
They denied it. Said it was just a coincidence. But also said the Sumo “would destroy itself” before it would cause damage.
Someone told me that GD would void frame warranty on new RVs if customer installed Sumos. But that’s just what I one comment said - no proof
Alice
good to see it worked out - Door Country wisconsin awesome place to camp
Yes. We were there in August 2022
Alice
The Reflection Has the same Problems sorry to say.
It’s not as heavy as the Solitude.
It will have problems, but not the same problems
Great info ❤❤❤
Thank you. We try to make rv life less stressful for others by sharing our personal struggles
Alice
What perseverance!! Wow!
#So~awesome!!
Thanks. More issues now 😔
I was wondering if your old 5ther made it with the way the tow guy had it (hooked) up.
Us, too. I was thrilled to get the email. But the way they have it sitting on the ground? The jacks in the front not down? 🤔
Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents wow! We seen that on the video, they don't even try to do things the right way.
People buy them for permanent placement
Yes. That’s what the insurance adjuster said - or a “hunting cabin”
Alice
What are you asking for your sumo springs?
Jerry, Larry was kidding. I want them in storage so Larry isn’t tempted to install them again.
We heard frame warranty would be void if we installed them on our new rig,
Alice
Have you considered swapping out the RV suspension? It might be less expensive than losing weight, and it will give your trailer a much smoother ride and possibly more carrying capacity. Then you won't need those sumo springs either! Millers in Motion did a great interview with MORyde, at the Tampa RV show, where they discuss the suspension options. That suspension is definitely on my list of future upgrades.
Good luck to you! Looking forward to season 2!
Unfortunately, losing weight is cheaper than Moryde 😁
I may have to accidentally lose those Sumos. Oops.
But thanks for the idea. Abs we appreciate all the support 🤗
Alice
Which bike rack are you using?
Sue, we just put out a short about it
ruclips.net/user/shortsf9QRga1KSp0?si=7TPkoJSscSVle2Wg
Told ya. They’ll resell that thing and don’t give a rats behind about who buys it. No one checks up on this stuff.Happens everyday. But you two old folks are cute. And Larry keep it between the ditches,not in em🤣 oh nice truck,I have an ‘08 deleted and tuned,none of that def crap
I really would love to get more educated on diesel engines and the differences with a DEF system and a deleted one. It seem like the government is really coming down on deleters, I hope there is still the ability for people to do it if they want it. Larry
Nice, yes my memory is WAY bad. Larry, you the MAN. HEHEHE Yes Larry, I wouldn’t have told my wife either.
Sometimes its better to keep your mouth shut to stay married, haha. Larry
So glad everything is set with the Reflection other than all the mods. Now you can just enjoy it!
I have a month to finish the solar,inverter,,battery setup and tweak a few other things before we hit the road, i just need my body to cooperated and i will be good, Lar
Best of luck with that! We all have “body” issues from time to time! 😂😂. I pick up my new camper in a few weeks. Won’t be doing all of the stuff you are, just small things. Fortunately I have some stuff from our last one. Good luck with it all!
@@goldfinger180024 Patrick, thanks. And good luck with your new rig 🤗
Alice
Barndo with a camper dock capability is pretty cool. I was at a friend's lake house and his neighbor had such a place. The barndo was split level and the upper level was the height of RV. The deck to RV had an aluminum ramp the guy sourced from a warehouse supply, they are used to bridge loading dock to trailer floor. He had a roll out awning on the barndo that was over the RV. It would certainly be possible to excavate next to barndo and have a lowered drive to put the RV down to grade if the lot would support drainage.
That sounds like a great set up, we would love to have a small barndo, on lots of land, setting it up for rving like that would be awesome. Larry
Everything I’m seeing on yountube the “frame flex” or “frame failure” issue is up in the front of the frame..nothing like what happened to your rig.
It seems to be with the larger, heavier built rigs
I see from your travel map that you have missed our neck of the woods. We live up on "the Bayfield Peninsula" in far northern WI. It is a beautiful part of WI on Lake Superior. There are quite a few wonderful county RV parks in the area, we would love to meet up with you, so come visit this summer during your 2024 travels.
We did peninsula state park in Wisconsin, two week it was amazing, one of our favorites. We will be back that way when coming back from the west next fall i think, my brother is in minneapolis. Larry
Let the reflection season begin! GO! Thank you for sharing your experience so everyone can learn. I look forward to the new season with you guys!🥰
Karen, Reflection season is all about the upgrades, too. And tweaking the rig - like we just had to fix the ceiling AC vents 😑
But looking forward to taking our modified rig on the road
Alice
If that former RV is still up for auction, you could register for a fee with the auctioner and follow the bidding and sell online. But then, I side with Alice on this and say: let bygones be bygones! Regards to both of you !
Daniel, I’m not willing to spend more money just out of curiosity 😁
I’m hoping someone just tells us.
And thanks 🤗
Alice
It makes so much cents to stay away from the extra wide, extra long, and extra heavy rigs. We have ruled out many that we like due any one of those "extras".
So I guess we will never know if the Sumos contributed to the failure or not...
The experts at Texas Trailer clearly felt Sumos were the problem
We have a Boondockers Welcome spot if your in the Fenelon Falls, Ontario area. Your more than welcome!!
Bryan, thanks. Not sure we will make it to Canada this year. It is a possibility. So we will keep you in mind. We have a friend that has a farm in Ontario where we have mooched before 😁
Alice
Definitely don't do a mobile home - it's expensive to move if that becomes necessary. You are better off in an RV.
We agree, at first it seemed like a no brainer but too expensive for what you get, we would love to just have an RV on our own land. Larry
@DownsizingMakesCents ONLY Dealers can buy from Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA).
Thats very interesting, thanks for sharing that, i got the impression from the website that anyone could register to bid on the items. What does it take to be a dealer? Larry
Larry, you're basically correct. In some states a private individual can bid. Other states require an individual to hire a broker to use their license to bid. The broker usually charges a few hundred dollars to finalize the paperwork.
BTW, the best of traveler's luck to you and Alice in your new home. Fort Desoto was always one of our favorite haunts. Enjoy your good times. I just love you both!
@@JohnJohnson-hl1vi John, thanks for this great info. Hope it helps anyone thinking of buying our old rig 😉
Alice
@@JohnJohnson-hl1vi Fort DeSoto is amazing. Two trips now.
And thank you. The support from everyone here has helped so much 🤗
Alice
Awww I’m going to miss the drama lol. Of course wishing you a summer of safe travel. Cheers to ya’s
Mary Lou, I’d rather have fun travel videos 😉
Thanks. We are itching to get traveling 😃
Alice
Good video grand design has a bad reputation for not wanting to fix the frame damage and bad quality another channel paving new paths had to sell it for what they owed on rv grand design would not fix it they we're second owner thee year's old and right now all manufacturers are in trouble bad quality so you have to buy better rv new horizon is hand built only 20 a year but it costs more we also might be going into recession 🤔 safe travels
We took a tour of a new horizon at the tampa show, very nice but WAY. Out of our budget. We have been following PNP videos about frame flex and interested to see what GD does about their issues. Larry
Well at least the old rig made it to the salvage yard without falling off the tow truck. Don
Don, love your positivity. Thanks 🤗
Alice
Do you have Dexter or Lippert axles.
If you have Dexter D52 axles you can replace the leaf springs to PR5 and now you have D60 axles
1,600 more pounds of capacity.
Yes im wondering, can I just up the springs and increase my trailer axle capacity or is it limited by the axle itself. Please let me know, my axles say curt on them but made buy lippert im sure. Larry
@@DownsizingMakesCents
Look at the model number on the axle tag.
Look at the sticker on the side of the trailer and see what the GAWR is for each axle.
Probably 5,200 or 6,000 lb.
These two axles the tubes and spindles are the same, different bearings and leaf springs.
If you are 5,200 get bearings and springs ( it will have one more leaf ) and now you have 6,000 lb axles for more capacity but you sticker showing 5,200 can’t be changed.
And yes the frame can handle it.
You guys are blessed. It’s so cool that you were able to take your mods with you and save on the cost of replacing them. I’m with Alice on opting out of putting those Sumo springs on the new rig. It’s hard to deny that they had an effect on your old frame. I recently released a video tour of a Brinkley where I showed the Brinkley installed Sumo springs placement on that rig. I tagged you in it and showed your experience with that product. You had a staring role🎬. The more I think about the Sumo springs, the more convinced I am that they had a considerable contribution to the demise of your last rig. Good luck with your new home and safe travels to you both. Onward and upwards!👍🏼😎
Rick, normally we are notified when we are tagged. Weird. Thanks for including us.
Someone told us that GD would void frame warranty if Sumos were put on.
I was surprised Brinkley added them. 🤔
I may have to hide the Sumos from Larry 🤣. He doesn’t always learn his lesson 😉
I’ll check out your video. Thanks again,
Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents Thank you Alice. Please let me know what you think of it.👍🏼😎
You two are hysterical, love it! Time for a fresh start, and continue to enjoy your journey!🔆🐾
We try our best to laugh it off. Keeps us going.
And thanks 🤗
so was the incident when you caught the back on the road boon docking was the incident that the insurance used as the claim..typically they dont deal with frame damage unless its an accident.
Shawn, you are correct. We had to state a specific incident with date and place - though we can’t say for sure that’s what did it. But it seems likely.
Alice
Aw! Thank you Alice about the Star next yo my name. It’s ok! Just put a star at the end of you comments and it’s ok by me. I love you guys! Been watching you since the beginning. And love every minute of it. Glad you bought an Rv from good people who are honest like Matt and the sales girl at General Rv. Can’t wait until next video. Loved that ladder. The step ladder. Thank you for all you do.
⭐️ 🌟 💫
@@DownsizingMakesCents
Love you guys! You are funny! lol!😂 ❤️ ⭐️
I think you picked a perfect floor plan 😊 good luck ✌🏿 🏕
Mark, thanks. So far, the biggest issue is weight 😁
Alice
No don’t put them on that new rv, the sumo spring may have started the problem but for the frame to crack weak steel is the culprit. Great video guy’s.
I think im going to call sumo springs again and see what they think about putting them on the reflection, it has a steel tube between the I beam frame and the spring hangers so hopefully it will protect the frame from damage. Larry
Hi there,
I liked all your videos.. thank you
Can you share how much Progressive bumped your premium on the new RV following your claim ?
Thanks
I see this damage all time in pickup trucks when they add bump stops ,air bags etc, all the pressure in one point is gonna crush any frame.
Another great video! Looking forward to hearing more about the drastic downsizing!
Kathy,
Losing the weight has been tough 😁
And thanks
Alice
If you ever get down near Bradington Florida. We’ve got a quarter mile long driveway. You can always find a nice parking space at our place. Be safe have fun.
Wow. Thanks for the invite. You may regret it 😉
Alice
We have never regretted having wonderful people visit us. We’re adding another RV slot with electricity and water. We only have two slots right now. You guys be safe out there?
how are you hanging the trash can?
The little one? Larry tied a knot in the fabric handle and closes it in the propane door
Hope that helps,
Alice
Thanks 😊
safe travels we have started oalong ur travel season now in South Carolina and heading north then we will be heading along the border of Canada in the norther states enjoy your new rig
Allan, we should be leaving mid May - still don’t know where 😁
Sounds like we might be doing a bit of the save track - head north than west. Maybe we will see you out there.
Safe travels to you, too 🤗
Alice
Thanks for the update, safe travels, see you on the road someday.
Thank you. And we hope to see you out there 🤗
Alice
You go guys, thanks for sharing, have a wonderful safe travel season. ❤️🌻
Bunny, we appreciate all the well wishes.
Stay tuned 😉
Alice
Glad you two are getting back on the road. Looking forward to your trips.
Scott, thanks. Planning our route now 😃
Alice
Here's hoping the new rig proves to be everything you hoped it would. 🤞
Thanks, Mike. No rig is perfect, but I already felt less stress going through a treed campground 😁
Alice
Too bad here in Florida we are not allowed to live in our RV's unless you are in a Campground.
It actually depends on the county. Near Gainesville, there are places where it’s allowed
Alice
I didn’t know that, thanks for the info.
Excited to see this new season in your new home & to see all the mods y’all do!!!🤗
Oh, boy. Doing mods - and videos - while traveling is challenging, but we have done it before 😉
Thanks, Lisa - I wish RUclips would give top commenters a special symbol like on FB. We really appreciate the solid supporters 🤗
Alice
You two are so fun. Thanks for sharing.
Linda, thanks. It was a stressful time, but got through it. We hope sharing our experience will help others not be as stressed if it happens to them 🤗
Alice
Isn’t the park you stayed at for 6 months only 21 day max stay? lol
Nope there are several people here that are full time, never move. But most are seasonal like we did, but i dont think we will ever do that again, we enjoy moving constantly, we initially did it to save money but then the RV broke so we had to sit still but never again until we have a home some day, when who knows. Larry
@@DownsizingMakesCentsWe've stayed at the Williston Crossings park in Williston which is only 20 minutes from Gainesville. We love that park & whatever Williston doesn't have Gainesville is not far away. Plus Williston has the small town feel which makes us feel like we're at home, since we're from a small river town. .
Frame failure do too frame over flex 👊👍😎
I think most of the channels reporting frame flex should call it frame failure instead, frame flex is normal, frame weld failures is not. larry
What was the stopper on the KZ ?
Chris,
Windows was one. Check out this video
ruclips.net/video/puBMOFBYRJQ/видео.htmlsi=YtFyDWG2NXZaaRKw
Alice
Brinkley is better the Grand Shitsign.
@@duchess0816Sorry. Please explain what you are referring to? I know it’s not us. We can’t even tag Grand Design on Facebook anymore 😂
Alice
Oh dear, wondered where that comment went, storming here and I lost internet briefly, then I couldn’t find it to complete. I was talking about everyone being on the Brinkley band wagon, hear same guys that started GD and sold out , are making Brinkley, I just hope, Brinkley owners don’t sell out. Hope you enjoy your Reflection, we sure enjoys ours.
Does Larry have a remote job or is it just retired money that keeps y’all going
I think you should mind your own business
Hey Brian, we sold our house to pay for the first 4 years along with some savings. I did a video right after i quit all about the money situation. We now live off a combo of savings, retirement 401k accounts, an youtube, Etsy and eBay money. ACA insurance is really important to us so we have to constantly balance how the money ends up on our taxes, Too much income and ACA becomes affordable, not enough and i puts you into medicaid, which we dont want. The fact is we are spending much more than we though we would, but traveling and having fun is expensive, it would be a lot cheaper to sit still, but how many more years do we have to enjoy, spend it now i say, haha. Larry
Hey Julia, thank you so much. Lar
Nice updates. Let’s get this trip started. 😎
We cant wait to get back on the road traveling again, my happy days are travel days, i love the excitement you have headed to another location you have never been to before. Larry
Or gust no more damage good luuck
Hopefully Larry will be a bit more careful so no more damage 🤞
Alice
Thanks for the information.
Cathy, no one will go through the same thing. But this at least gives people an idea what it’s like - especially for full timers 🤗
Alice
You guys are awesome!
Awwww. Thanks, Billy. Hope to see you back soon - or comment on our older videos 😉
Alice
Nice to see you back in action.
Andi, glad to be mobile again. We had to stay at hotels for a couple of events. 😣
Alice
Well, we're done traveling for now, until later in the summer. Miss the rig already, but it's good to be home. I think the wife was spot on about keeping the house. Even if it was to avoid what you guys had to go through. Enjoy your travels, and no drinking and droning!
A home base would have come in handy but the truth is we just couldn’t afford to do both.. that a good shirt, “no drinking and droning”. Lar
Don’t say Lippert
yes lippert
Marc, nowadays you can’t say RV without saying Lippert 😔
Alice
@@juliagregory5696 Julia, someone said 90 percent of RV frames are Lippert?
Alice
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I am so glad you’re in your new rig and ready to start adventuring again! I can’t wait to see your mods and where you go this summer! 🎉
Beth, we have so much footage from our Solitude years we were supposed to catch up on, but excited for new adventures 🤗
Alice
seems to me yall did that should be a ins Job. Remember Swing wide LOL.... Look at the shackles looks like it was made and welded in a back yard shop My Jayco has manfu parts like a Semi trailer a Big Difference from this Kinda Junk..
The welding on these hangers is terrible, they should be much more reinforced. Larry
I tuned out right after you guys said that you kept traveling after you knew you had a severely damaged frame. That puts everyone around you on the road in danger.
I dont blame you at all Steven, we should have stopped and got it fixed. Looking back it was a poor decision to keep going, but i thought it was important to share our story truthfully, next time i will stop and take care of it properly. Thanks for your honest view. larry
@@DownsizingMakesCents and thanks for your honest answer. So few people can take any type of criticism. Take care and safe travels.