Within 30 days we got a brand new trailer! When we had to turn in the old trailer for salvage, we did not take our upgrades off the "salvage". They sold our old trailer for "parts salvage" and we regret not taking some of our upgrades off before we let her go.
Hey man understand let it be gone you going to buy new shitt for your new one so what is the difference I mean yeah well my husband could have installed it let the professionals install . Most companies in America been doing the same thing for many many years it's the ones that are just opening up business that's how you figure out life.
I have Progressive Insurance and travel 6-8 months of the year. I look forward to more information on proper insurance coverage. Your videos are informative, real life and experiences. Look forward to more videos. Also, I am considering a property with a tiny house and selling my current residence.
Our friend Marc from Grand Adventure did a video about insurance. He said that if you travel more than 150 days, you are considered full time? So, I would look into it. We are hunting for property and mobile homes now
We had a “cabin” in Colorado. It was a 399 sq ft park model that had a 400 sq ft addition built on it. It had 1.5 bath and had a Murphy bed in the built on Colorado room and a dedicated laundry room. We lived in it 5-6 months every year. It was perfect for the 2 of us. We had sold our 40 ft fifth wheel and our cabin was perfect. I wouldn’t hesitate to have that setup again. The only thing we would need for full time living there would be a big shop for my husband’s piddling. We had a 10x16 storage/shop but that wasn’t big enough. New park models are beautiful. We sold last year for a Class C. We won’t go back to a fifth wheel.
Oh man guys! I am so sorry for the major trouble you are having with your home! I hope all goes smoothly with the insurance and you find a new home you are happy with. ❤
Hey Cat, wow we were blown away when we saw this comment. You were an inspiration when we embarked on our full time journey 4 years ago, Alice and I watched tons of your hikes in beautiful locations. I used your videos to help me convince Alice that selling everything, quitting our jobs to travel was a good idea. When we are at awesome locations like this last summer in 5 utah national parks, I tell Alice to do the CAT, pose and she knows exactly what I want. Thank you so much for your kind words an encouragement. Our journey on youtube has been a roller coaster, but now that we have over 50K subs, we are starting to hit our stride in figuring out what we want out of youtube. Thanks again, and hope to run into you on some awesome hike someday. Larry
Our 2018 travel trailer was totaled by Progressive Insurance last year. We were rear-ended by a hit & run pickup truck while traveling down the highway at 60 mph. It happened so fast & he never got caught, so our Progressive policy took care of us. They were excellent in processing our claim!
I’m glad your insurance is covering it and I hope you come out on top, but I’m calling BS on not being repairable. I was a welder and log truck driver for almost 50 years. My 1991 Kenworth truck frame broke completely in half on one side and cracked the other side and was repaired for $5000 (not by me by a truck repair shop)and back on the road hauling 86,000 pounds loads in one week. That there could be straightened welded and inserted, just like they do semi trucks (like mine), and be way stronger than it was originally .
They said it could be fixed, but it would be cost prohibitive But that doesn’t matter - Progressive Insurance made the call. We can not tow it anywhere and it still be under insurance We do wish it was a different outcome. All our plans have changed. Thank you so much. Have a great New Year, Alice
The frame that you have on your truck the repair were made out of rivets you have to look through two doors you're looking through the door they're showing you you got to turn around and go behind them in the video and think okay if I'm there I'm going to look what's all this stuff here we only put it in there to travel so if this if this coach is flexing from all the weight that they're overloading this trailer with who knows. Here's what I want to know go take the trailer to a place where they can weigh the trailer and the truck and you in it and it shows it up on the wall how much at all weighs write it down go park your trailer take all the stuff out and then everything take out and bring it back to that same way yourself the truck and the dry trailer you'll be amazed on how much weight you've been driving around with just don't make a left hand turn and not judge your trailer going across a waterway and it falls off on one side that can that can screw it all up
Denise, thank you. We try to “bounce back” before we video. Lots of channels might have filmed me crying in the truck 😁 but I try to hide that. We are looking at land and are excited for this new adventure- being half timers, Alice
Buy a lot, buyvit back from insurance, park that rig on blocks, making it a non movable home base, cash out the insurance and buy a driving rv of your dreams, best of both worlds. 😊
We have a similar size Grand Design (2021 Solitude S2930RL). I added the cross member that goes between the center hangers a couple of years ago. I thought about Sumo springs but never purchased them. Since we don’t full time the only upgrade I may do is MorRyde independent suspension (if we ever decide to travel to Alaska). This is our 3rd 5th wheel and definitely the beefiest frame/running gear, but given the roads in the US, likely still barely adequate. I do my own work on it (wheel bearings, brakes, etc.) and inspect it many times a year. It does have the V-braces in the axle hangers - thinking this will help with preventing bent hangers). MorRyde adds additional steel box under the frame before mounting their independent suspension. Thinking this combination would be much stronger and less prone to bending. BTW - my parents have a 2018 class C (Forrester 32 foot) that has a very nice layout and has been fairly easy to keep up (I do their repairs as well for them). Besides cabinet issues, fixing the top of their slides where a bolt was letting in water (fixed with removing bolts, sealing bolt areas with dicor and running a strip of eternabond - fixed for life) everything else has been solid. Driving a class C is not as relaxing to meas towing our 5th wheel with our Diesel 1 ton - lack of power (6.8L V10 vs our 6.7L diesel), steering is not as confident past 60mph (known issues with all the van chassis - can be corrected somewhat with add-on stabilizers, and it is loud and noisy - always going to be an issue since everything happening in the box can be heard from the driver’s seat. Consider that when making a decision - my parents are in their 80’s and the class C for them is easier to maneuver and park, plus they drive slow and don’t drive long distances on travel days …. And their hearing is not great.
Mark, we can’t afford MorRyde. Larry did the new tires, bearings, oil and filter change - he does it all. He loves his 3500 Cummins longbed dually 😁He says it tows like nothing is behind him. Unfortunately, our priority has become getting a homebase for many reasons. Thank you so much for the detailed information, Alice
Harold, looks like we are leaning towards another fifth wheel. But the priority now a homebase so we have a place to vacate the RV. Then we get the check. Yes. Lots of comments about the insurance. We are waiting until we get confirmation about the money and give factual information, Alice
Unfortunately, several models of RVs are suffering frame failures. Manufacturers are putting heavy bodies on very lightweight frames to save money. They hope customers are weekend warriors and don't travel much. Well, that is silly, but it happens. Full-time travel is where things go horribly wrong. Now your RV is a future hunting cabin and not safe for the road. Going into 2024, the industry is changing. Now they are starting to warranty for full-time living. Definitely consider Brinkley for your next RV as they warranty for full-time living.
Great insight. 👍 We have heard of Brinkley. But we are actually going to become half timers due to Larry’s Neuro disease. Luckily, we had insurance for full timers.
@@DownsizingMakesCents First of all, I apologize if come across as over critical or judgemental, just putting in my 2 cents after watching your other videos of how much/often you tow your rig. I own a 2023 GD 310GK and am interested in how this model holds up over time. With that said, I can tell exactly what caused the frame to bend. The Sumo bag didn't allow for full travel of the stock suspension, at some point, excessive downward (possibly blunt or repetitive) force was introduced to the left rear suspension, the Sumo bag acted as a stop, compromising the lower I-Beam plate......causing a weakness in the overall beam's integrity. Something similar happened on my tow vehicle (2021 F350 SRW). The 7500lb rear airbag experienced excessive force, bending the lower mounting bracket, pushing it into the rear assembly holding the brake lines. It eventually caused the brake line to fail and leak......lost my brakes going down the freeway in New Mexico. Thankfully I wasn't towing at the time and nursed it to the side of the road. I think the lesson here is that aftermarket suspension parts that are designed to add or enhance towing/handling characteristics can (and do) have adverse affects. Best of luck with your next unit, glad Progressive stepped up and covered the replacement cost. I also carry full comprehensive through Progressive so this is good to know. Happy and safe travels!
I had my Class A at a truck shop for a few weeks, correcting the absolute joke of a chassis that Ford built. Ford installed a known defective front axle, right on the Assembly line, that should have been scrapped, as it had 8* of caster in the wrong direction on one side. They compensated for that by shifting the rear axle back by 3/4" on one side. Anyway, that is not the point of this tale. At one point, I was with an owner of this large, multi-location truck repair chain, as he test drove my coach. He told me that in the last nine months they had towed two newer 5th wheels to their shop, that were immediately totaled by insurers. One ended up off the shoulder, and the frame either buckled while traveling on the highway, or self-destructed on the rough shoulder before the driver could bring it to a stop. The pickup towing it was fine, and the driver reported that he really didn't notice that the shoulder was all that rough, but the rig was tilting severely on level ground. The other was stuck in a muddy shoulder, and by the time they used a large wrecker to winch the truck and trailer combination back onto the highway, the frame of the fifth wheel had buckled and was destroyed.
We had a 2019 Solitude 310 for four years and loved it. But I was always worried that the sides would quit working. This summer we traded for an Airstream 28 foot Pottery Barn and we have much less stress. We love your channel and have been watching from the start. I can attest that downsizing for us has been great.
So sorry about your situation. We originally got our RV so we could take our 5 dogs with us on our many vacations. My boyfriend got 7 weeks and I became disabled and he said my new job was vacation coordinator. Anyhow we knew we could not retire in the current house he had so on our travels we searched for where we'd like to live. We went all over the country and chose the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. Cost of living was low and we purchased our land several years ago while he was working full time. 7 Wooded acres with a view of the valley below, farmland and pastures with mountains in the distance. When he retired he sold his house. We had a steel building 100 xy 40 two story so we could fit our trailer and all the cars in our garage. We've been living in the camper so far two years since my BF is building the inside of our home himself. A little more than half is the house. The rest is garage. We don't plan on finishing the upstairs but we both love trains and saved all of our sons model train sets and scenery and we'll use the upstairs to play and build train sets when we can no longer travel far. In the two years we've been here we just love it and know we made the best decision of our lives to move and build here. We can travel whenever we want to and we're so happy in our little town of Yellville, Arkansas. We live a life with no traffic and no stress. Lots of land but such friendly neighbors in our little community where everyone knows everyone and loves it here as much as we do. You could buy land here reasonably low cost. You can put a tiny home on it and electric or do a steel building and live in our RV till you get the house part finished. Cost of living is so low here that we can live on our social security checks without having to dip into our retirement funds. One thing I would suggest is a travel trailer or smaller fifth wheel because occasionally we've been on trips when our diesel van broke down and Good Sam towed the trailer to a campground so we could stay comfortably in our own home while they towed the van to a diesel mechanic to fix. I wish you good luck. If you would like to contact me further you can visit my facebook page by Norma Peters in Yellville, Arkansas. We'd be happy to tell you all about where we live and how wonderful it is here and and how low the cost of living is. Plus it's in the middle of the country. We can go North, South, East and West from here. My son lives in Idaho Falls, he visits often and My BF's son lives in North Georgia. So we're kind of equal distance between the two. I wish you good luck with your situation. It's really nice to have a home base but be able to leave whenever you want too. In this part of Arkansas you are allowed to live in a camper. If the property you buy does not have electric already you just need to tell them that you need temporary electric on the property while you build your house.
Norma, thank you so much for your story. We really appreciate it. However, we need to stay near Gainesville, Florida. Larry has a rare Neuro condition and few drs specialize in it. So we need to be near UF Shands Hospital It sounds like you have a little slice of heaven there. Enjoy and Happy New Year, Alice
I agree with Alice. Larry a 30 ft. Class C on a Freightliner frame with a Cummins engine would be the smart choice. Freightliner frames are vastly superior to Class C's built on one ton chassis. Plus Alice could drive it.
I know you mentioned a class C on the video, but you may want to look at the smaller 5th wheels from Outdoors or Artic Fox trailers. My wife and i's next trailer will be an Artic Fox.
Gary, the tow car would definitely be needed because we almost always venture out. Larry doesn’t like the idea of dealing with two engines. We shall see. Thank you for sharing your experience, Alice
I've seen so many stories of trailer frames cracking or breaking. There is nothing inherently wrong with the frames. The frame manufacturer builds them to the specs that the RV company provides. The RV manufacturers are just cutting costs by going with lighter frames, or putting more and more on the same frames, when they should be going with heavier ones. I wish a heavier frame was an option when you buy an RV.
There is most definitely something wrong with the frames or they wouldn't Crack. The specs need to be changed. RV manufacturers are like every other manufacturer, they are building everything with cheaper, poor quality materials and charging the consumer more.
So sorry about your loss. After, I had a Frame Flex issue on my Montana 5th wheel, I started doing a little research and was blown away with how many Grand Design (solitude mostly) and Keystone (Montana) premium 5th wheel frame / flex failures are being reported on You Tube and on user forums. The frames, walls and suspensions are just not being engineered and / or built to handle these heavier trailers for real life use. In my case, I caught the issue early and repair was under warranty, but I constantly worry about it happening again and out of warranty. All the best on your next home on wheels.
Excellent point. Our GD is supposed to be for “ extended stay” which should mean it can carry more weight than a weekender. But frankly many of them can’t handle weight empty. There needs to be a complete overhaul of the industry Good luck with yours. Safe travels. And thank you. Alice
14 years RVing, 158 years combined age old couple, not full timers. After 3 gas MH, a 31’ class C- no storage, 36’ class A dumped it @ 27K miles for six years of slide problems, a used 24’ class B+, ok rig. I just got sick of dual wheels slamming up & down on bridge abutment’s & listening to it creak, crack & pop all day long. A diesel air ride MH might take care of the noise & rattling ??. A MH means you have to buy a toad, 40k+ for new one, plus 5K to flat tow it. Bought two. We bought a new (2018) GD 36’ TT as snowbird nest, never towed it, too big. In 2022 bought a new one ton single axle Ford truck & a new 30’ TT (Flagstaff with torsion axles) tows like a dream. A new 26’ TT is now order now. Age says rig # 7 is last one & down sizing again is where we need to be now. Why not a 5th wheel for us? New knees & our safety said we didn’t want to climb stairs all day & height (wind resistance while towing). We now just talk in the truck & can hear each other with the music on. Let us know if you need anymore experiences. Safe travels. D & C We are going to go as long as health says we can’t!
D & C, wow. That’s a lot of experience and great info. We have owned a small travel trailer and a class B Travato in the past. Larry loved the feel of towing a fifth wheel so we shall see. But unfortunately, we need to focus on a homebase Have a great New Year, Alice
Glad you got this looked at and at least now you know where you stand. I am with Alice on this one. I would go Class C, A, or B. After having both side we prefer drivable all the way. It really is a personal choice though. In the end they are all built the same. Good luck.
Buy a goose neck 5th wheel trailer and remount the living quarters on top. But no matter what you have as an RV the 7 to 10 year life is standard. Older than that no RV Parks want you. Though some top quality motor homes are good for 15 years. I rent a 7 bedroom/5 bath house with 4 car garage on 23 acres in Costa Rica for $153 a month. Any problems are the responsibility of the landlord.. Such a good deal I paid the taxi driver that found this $500. Best view of anywhere I ever lived. Great neighbors so travel Internationally 6 months a year with no fears. I haven't used a teaspoon of gas in 12 years. House is all electric. And with the minimum temperature of 54F and high of 87 no heating or air conditioning needed. Electric is $12 to $15 a month which includes charging my 2 electric scooters. Water/sewer/ trash is $5 a month, WIFI $12, cellphone $6. Health insurance paying 100% is $60 a month for both wife and self, so to hell with Medicare B that pays only 80% and only for myself. Far more Freedom and better lifestyle here than anyone living in the US could imagine.
Clearly, you guys are more knowledgeable about these things than I am. However, I feel that these issues are not totally unexpected. After all, you did buy a Grand Design; in my opinion, a company operated by hucksters and duplicitous bait and switch manipulators. In researching my next RV purchase, I called its customer service department several times. It's regrettable that I never received a straight answer on any of those occasions. Needless to say, I bought from a different manufacturer; my 5thW hasn't been perfect, but it has never failed to the extent your GD has. You folks seem like good people. I wish you the best of luck getting things sorted out and repaired.
What did you end up with? It seems like every brand is either the worst or the best depending on who you talk to. To be fair GD has a lot of units out there so obviously your going to see more issues.
Roger, many people have said GD is not what it used to be - we bought in 2019 and had great customer service. What brand did you buy? And thank you for the compliment and well wishes, Alice
Thanks guys for sharing all of this. Our first 5th wheel we had was totaled 7 yrs ago due to hail damage. With our 2nd 5th wheel it’s been “so far, a okay”. Have a great New Years🎉🎉
I'll be honest, I try hard to NOT poo in our RV. I use available campground and rest stop toilets. The reason is several, I don't think my husband should have to see poo when he empties the tanks and I don't want to smell poo inside the RV that I sleep in. It's a brand new RV and hasn't been used by others. Of course, if none are available then I will but prefer not to. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Patty, for explaining your view. I prefer my own toilet, my own bed, etc. hate using other toilets or staying at hotels. I don’t think Larry does a lot of watching while emptying the black 😁 Happy New Year, Alice
Might consider a buy back from Progressive if your buying land to build on. Tow it back to your new property, set it up to live in while building to live in.
You ever weighed your RV the framework of most of these RVs are to light for the weight that they carry , it can be fixed I’m a welder and I have fixed a lot of steel frames so more than likely it can be fixed!
Insurance would not allow it be fixed. And yes. We weigh often. But frankly, those frames aren’t even meant to hold an empty RV. The Solitude had a lot of useless solid wood decorative pieces.
I found this very helpful as we have been planning our retirement and full time RV travels for some time now. We did take the first step in acquiring a home base which is a deeded lot in a gated RV community on top of a ski resort that is really affordable. It's very quiet and almost empty during the 3 seasons there is no snow but also really fun when the ski resort is open. We have built some additional living space on our property and have our current RV covered with a steel structure that will accommodate anything up to 45' Lx 18' Wx 15.5' T. We have learned a ton about RV living in the winter ;-). Our plans are to own at least one more piece of property, hopefully 2 so we can triangulate our travels across the country when the time is right but finding property zoned for recreational use with utilities on premise has been difficult. Thanks for sharing!
Wow. You are definitely ahead of us. And we will be happy if we find ONE homebase 😁 You guys have it made. Enjoy all the fun. And thank you for watching and sharing your experience, Alice
Good Mornig. Good Luck. PS I have the same switch and yes it does not turn off everthing. Does the Ins cover most of the things that go wrong. I had a RV that was totaled and the out come SUCKES. Jack
Jack, we got a more expensive policy and we are soo glad we did. This is the only time we have gone through the insurance. And it worked out great, Alice
Solitude can mean uninhabited! Lol That’s just the kind of RV they build nowadays. I downsized to a tiny home and a small RV . Less hassles than hauling a home around in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your up’s and downs . 😁👍
If you get another 5th wheel get a Montana. My Uncle sells trailers and RVs for a living and said they are the most well made. Hope you guys find a new home or two soon! 💕
Jonny, thanks for the inside tip. We don’t know what will come first, the RV or the homebase. Thanks always for being along this craziness with us 🤗 Alice
I will buy it as salvage. Please let me know if you are interested. I supply temporary homes for those in need until they get on their feet, so it won't be going down the road other than to my lot. Thank you
Jay, We have no control over that. Once we move completely out of it, Progressive takes over. I think you would have to talk to them. I wish we could make it easier because it sounds like you are doing a lot of good 🤗 Alice
Yes it'll still make a very worthy home for someone that's not going to be traveling in it , just staying put. Whenever an insurance company totals these, they usually send them to insurance Auto auction. IAA.
its funny to say , but i purchased at auction in oklahoma last month a MPG 2700 toy hauler for the auction, and it had the same damage as your trailer, ! got the trailer for 4500.00 . and went to work on the repairs, took it home to az. on a low boy truck , (friends rig) , place it on a reline frame strengther, and pulled it down back to original position, . welded the crack, installed a flat iron inside the channel of the frame , to strengthen the frame. the major thing to do next is im moving the axle position on the trailer. the front axle will stay there in same position but the 2nd axle is being moved back 3 feet. its going to be alot of work , but this is what is wrong with trailers with a large overhang on the trailer, and this is why, your trailers frame cracked, LONG OVERHAND OF THE REAR AXLE, ! VERY BAD DESIGN! ALSO THE REFRIGERATORIS BEING UPGRADED TO A 20 CU.FT.S/S HOUSE UNIT WITH FRENCH FREEZER. INSTEAD OF THE 10CU.FT.
Interesting. We definitely believe the frames on RVs are poorly designed. Our RV was termed “extended stay” which means months of extra weight. But they didn’t upgrade the frame. Plus, the loaded it with unnecessary heavy wood features. The whole industry needs an overhaul, Alice
If someone buys it as “salvage” then it could be put on a permanent site. (See our video about Progressive) We are looking for land for a homebase but not in an area that allows permanent RVs ( see that video) Alice
Doesn’t matter - we would have nullified our policy and not receive the check - which is the amount we paid for the RV However, if the RV frame is not 100, I wouldn’t risk our lives or the lives of others on the road. Alice
I have been working on rvs for 27 years and my opinion says your trailer is over loaded with weight, causing the the frame damage from the axles bottoming out. Suggest getting things weighed once its fully loaded.
Please see our very popular video on the importance of weighing often at Cat Scales. Our experts who actually saw the RV in person do not agree with your opinion Alice
I would have like for you to elaborated more on what the insurance guy said about what should be in the insurance policy. Maybe make a separate video on that?
25 years ago I was offered a job from Progressive (I owned a couple insurance brokerage firms and camped 45-60 days a year). Progressive was to supply a Class A for me to travel to RV and Motorcycle Rally’s. I had younger children and the travel schedule was intense so I didn’t take the job but I would do it today in a heartbeat! Progressive totaled our 36’ rv in 2020 when a Derecho rolled our trailer a few times. Good luck on your next chapter!
We have a 2000 Thor and it is built like a tank the belly was covered with galvanized sheet metal and the bottom of the slides were covered with powder coated aluminum so to me check what’s on the belly and the slides because a lot of them just have bare plywood and the bottom of trailer is covered with a tar covered cardboard type material so do your inspection on new camper and there are people that do inspections on campers new and used .
Change out the entire suspension to the morryde torsion suspension and have cross bracing at the axle and rear sections to pull the frame rails straight again.
We considered the moryde after our leaf spring broke a couple of years ago but too much money for us. Plus i still think the frame would have Bent because the morryde attaches to the frame in the same place. Having more height would have helped, more clearance. Larry
The moryde suspension system has a larger contact area on the frame and it also connects both frame rails together over the same area. This would keep the rails from twisting again but it would also not be a single small contact pressure point on the frame. I know you’re moving on from this RV but it’s something to think about should you get back into a fifth wheel or travel trailer. I was planning to put a similar or the same supplemental suspension on our rig but your issues have made me reconsider. They’re probably good for short trip 30-45 days a year use but prolonged use is questionable for full timers.
There might be an answer in one of your previous videos but have you ever pulled your rig over a scale to measure how much cargo you are carrying? I’m just thankful this catastrophic frame failure didn’t cause you or anyone else injury. I wish you all the best in the New Year!
I have a 34' 5th whl that has had all the suspension and frame components reinforced and improved upon just to avoid problems like yours and others, because the suspension and frames are not built strong enough for the weight of the trailers,All you need a good welder to fix this or if you get another new trailer you should think about upgrading the suspension and frame components to handle more weight
Dennis, Thanks. The welding of the broken is frame is not an option. We are looking to buy a used RV - so hopefully we will be able to afford reinforcements on the frame, Alice
oh i understand that and when i came across this trailer that i have now all the up-grades had already done, the trailer i had before needed upgrading too but i was not going to do it myself so i looked for this trailer and i found it about 2 hrs from me
Add a thick enforcement plate to the bottom of the frame,,, add a Panhard bar to each axle to eliminate any left and right movement,, this trailer is so huge it should have a 3rd axle...
Normally, they don’t have a 3rd axle on a 35’ unless it’s a toy hauler - which we don’t have. The Texas Trailers experts mentioned adding enforcement plate if you use Sumo Springs - the Supersprings company never mention that. Great info. Maybe for our next rig - minus Sumos, Alice
Raymin, RV manufacturing needs to get with the times and build full time rigs. Thanks for your input on the Super C - a bit out of our price range 😁, Alice
That's a major adjustment.. I wondered why you capitalized Barf in the earlier video. Living up to his name now.. I would have tried some JB Weld on that cracked frame.. I'll lend you my trailer for a couple months.. Swing by California anytime for it. 😊 Good luck DMC
😁 Barf will be someone else headache as soon as we move out. Larry loves his JB Weld 😉 We will be right over - so clean the sheets 😆 Thanks for always making me laugh - especially when I need it 🤗
It's unfortunate, but trying to fix it and then having to deal with it again later, is worse. I have a class A CDL, so to me, it doesn't matter what I drive. Someday, it might matter to us. But for now, if our rig was totaled, I would get the same thing. More than likely, another Montana. It's not perfect, but none of them are. And sadly, Grand Design has also suffered since it was sold. I hope 2024 is a Happy New for you guys.
It has been a hassle for sure. Ours is a 2017 so pre-pandemic built. But still, looked nice but stuff fell off our first trip. Thank you. We hope you have a great New Year, Alice
Just watched your video, and it was very educational, and I am sorry for your loss. May I make a suggestion for your next RV? Look at the Thor Axis small class A on a C type chassis. Thank you for sharing your misfortune, but know that it will help many other RV'ers.
Rick, we really appreciate it. And thank you for the compliment and the suggestion For now, a homebase is first. Then the new RV for summer travel, Alice
Don’t go to a tv place to fix it. Go to a recommended welder let them take the axles of and straighten the rail then ad a 1/4 inch strip on the rail. It will double the forche it can handle while driving through potholes and off road. Everytime I go out with my rv when on side I check the rail just in case but I have already reengineered the rail for heavier use so no problems there. And yes the frames or rails get lighter every year when using the rv full time up grade the rv and yes it can be expensive but the end is better pay for it now before your rv gets totaled by insurance and they only pay 40% of new one
Ben, thanks for the advice. However, we took it to Texas Trailers. They build custom trailers for big rigs and are expert welders. It was NOT and RV place. But it’s a moot point. Insurance marked our RV “salvage” Alice
Well. Firstly, thanks for posting this. Really informative. We have had a couple RVs and that slide out system is just horrible. Tore our floor up and the fix was not effective. That frame could have easily been reinforced before building it out. That was not something that was built for serious RVing.
I agree with everything you wrote. I truly believe the people that design RVs have never RVed 😁 I would love to design an off road full time rig. That’s the dream 🤗 Alice
We are heartbroken for you two. Watching Alice fight back tears was hard to watch. On the flip side of things, we’re now excited to see what your next RV will be. God bless you both. Safe travels.👍🏼😎
Rick, you are so sweet. I thought I hid the tears - I had just kind of lost it right before that scene. We do have a lot of new adventures. We love seeing you here and appreciate all your support and well wishes. Happy New Year 🤗
Most Is pre manufactured home builders offer land packages the land is cheaper though them sometimes B) the totaled rv police are not going to Chace you down if you tow it to your new land and or a towing company can tow it there without issue
We are worried about the insurance company - especially if something happened when we move the RV The point of buying separate is to get exactly what we want in land then get the home we want. But thanks for the info Alice
I 100% understood that but they buy land for years and don't have it in the market they will let it set 10-15-20 years till they find someoe that wants all of it or a chunck of it
Sub. Best of luck. 2023 we got our first RV. KZ 280TH. We load the motorcycle and travel as we want. Never would sell our home. Having the home base is golden. Keep us posted. Give more information on the insurance. Happy New Year
Glad you found us. Larry wants a motorcycle- has had them in the past. We are concentrating on a homebase If you hit the notification bell, you will know every time we have a new video. Happy New Year to you, too, Alice
That crooked section of that frame could be cut out and replaced with another piece of I Beam steel the same size, and welded back in its place. It could then be reinforced with steel gussets and then new spring hangers could be welded back in place. The opposite side if not bent or stretched, could then be reinforced also. That would resolve you problems. Cost is less than a whole new trailer by far!
The experts involved - the custom trailer builders/welders & the insurance adjuster - disagree. It’s a moot point. The adjuster declared it a “salvage,” Alice
Returning from Alaska, I cracked the frame on my 5th wheel. To get to the point, I had a welder weld the frame in Whitehorse, Canada. The insurance paid for the repair and roadside assistance. When I got back to Oklahoma the insurance company totaled the camper. I bought the camper back and it’s better than new. The insurance company never got my title so I do not have a salvage title. Wish you two the best. I understand your situation is different, my frame wasn’t bent, just cracked.
Greg, that’s an interesting story. What insurance company do you have - no salvage title? We could buy it back, but it’s marked as not towable so it would have to be transported to a property - in our area, you have to have a home on your land - can’t just have a RV. Glad it all worked out for you. Sounds like our frame was worse than yours. Thanks for sharing your story. Have a great New Year, Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents I wouldn’t buy yours back because the frame was bent in two different directions. My frame was cracked on both sides with no bends. I had the frame welded along the cracks & then we plated the frame with 1/4” steel plate. Finally, we installed a x brace between the two frames over the axles. My frame is strong enough for the vertical load however the side to side motion caused the cracks in the middle of the frame. If I ever bought another trailer, new or used, I would put the braces in before I pulled it anywhere. I have Farm Bureau insurance and the went above and beyond to take of me throughout the process.
New to the RV life. 2017 Apline 3660FL. No issues yet. I have progressive insurance agreed value coverage for total loss. Not sure about issues with the frame. Looking forward to your next video about insurance.
My problem with a drivable comes from the day we were in a campground in a state park in Washington state. We saw a couple have their motorhome towed away with a blown motor. They had no pkace to stay until it was fixed. The pitched a tent and waited on the RV to come back. In the same situation a towable RV is a better place to be. But there is also a lot to be said for having a small towed car to explore in. Its a tough decision. Good luck.
Every set up has pros and cons for sure. We chose a fifth wheel for the cargo space, interior room, ease of towing, and for situations like you wrote - our truck engine blows? We still have a home. Unfortunately, I lost. We only looked at fifth wheels 😁 Alice
We down sized from a 37 foot class A to a 29foot class C. Drives so much easier. You do loose a lot of storage space but just have to downsize to accommodate.
@@DownsizingMakesCents Well, I'm glad you're getting what you paid for it. That eases it a bit. It seems any fifth wheel brands are facing issues these days.
I have a more expensive toilet . The problem is the steel is 1/2 the size ( thickness) as 10 yrs ago to save weight 🤔 the price is double. Cross bracing in 4 or 3 places in the area of the axals . Weld plates on the frame over the springs supports (hangers), connect the cross bracing to them. Weld things that need it .
You really need to go to reputable welding shop. The I beam is A36 mild steel. It can be heated to straighten and then grind out the crack and do a full penetration weld.
Vince, we appreciate the advice. However, we did do exactly that. They saw the damage better than we could show. Plus, it’s a moot point- Progressive stated it’s unfixable, Alice
Over loading help cause the problem? It's called frame failure not frame flex. Recently got a Class C. So glad not to be towing. So much easier to drive. No white knuckling. That would make someone a great stationary home.
Bill, we weigh often - one of our most popular videos is about using the Cat Scale Larry loved his dually and fifth wheels. So no Class C - for now. We just bought another fifth wheel- several videos out about it. Yes. That’s what Progressive said - or a hunting camp spot. Alice
I'm so sorry for y'all. Am glad y'all are safe though! It's hard to believe that your grand design is in this bad of shape. Not including the bent and cracked frame. But I sure hope everything works out in your favor! Look forward to your next video. Wishing y'all a Happy New Year 🎉🥳😊
Donita, thank you so much. We are disappointed that so much is wrong with our rig. We really appreciate the well wishes - we need it 😁 Wishing you and yours the same for 2024, Alice
I have a 2016, 33', 5th wheel from Open Range. Bought new in 2016. We've been on multiple cross country and regional excursions (not full time). So far, knock on wood, not even the first problem. I have been looking for telltale bent frame signs, given all the talk these days - nada. Need to look more tho. Good luck with yours. My wife may drive the car on our 2 month outing to Glacier and north Yellowstone this summer, just in case.
Barry, Check your frame. Measure the height of the I-beam. Ours unfortunately is only 10”. For a rig labeled “extended stay”, knowing there will be a lot of weight added to an already heavy RV, the frame should have been 12” Alice
Great information on your travels and unfortunately the end of the 5th Wheel. Would be great information if you post a video about RV Insurance. I have a Class A Diesel Pusher that is Mid-Range. Same issues as everyone else when first purchased with warranty issues. Majority fixed but still have those mystery screws show up or minor glitch with something. I am also insured with Progressive as I have a good friend who also works as an Adjustor for Boats/RV/Motorcycles. I added extra insurance as needed just in case to make sure if this is every a total loss that I can purchase another one. I think that is one of the biggest overlooked items on insurance is to have Gap insurance to cover for a replacement model if totaled. By far Progressive has been the best so far. Keep up the great videos and information. I agree with the Hubby. Rent something and try it out for several weeks. This will help greatly on making that decision. don't
Jose, a lot of comments wanting an insurance video - we are putting it together. Progressive so far is great - don’t have the agreed amount in writing yet 😁 I’d love a Class C, but we really need a homebase. Then hopefully get a new RV to travel this summer, Alice
If it was just the frame bent, then I might would question the Sumo Springs, but if the hangers got bent that caused by something else. It had to take a side load at the axles and that's what warped the frame and bent the hangers. Sumo Springs will compress to over half of their original height before they become deformed or tear apart and that's usually within 500 to 600lbs. They are just cushions, not payload aids.
After much research I decided against buying a RV trailer. I decided on a GMC Denali 1/2 ton and a cargo trailer. Trailer holds an ATV and motorcycle, tools etc. We stay in upscale hotels while traveling and resorts when we get to our destination. We enjoy traveling the country and my wife doesn't mind driving. It allowed us to keep our two homes so we have a place to come back to when we feel the need. It works for us.
My son was selling tools and had an account at a very large family owned RV dealership. One day, the owner shows up in the tool truck and my kid starts asking about buying a small travel trailer. The owner say, "do yourself a favor. Buy the best cargo trailer you can afford and build the inside to whatever you need it to be. Don't buy one of these pieces of crap. It is waste of money". After a 1/4 century of RVing, I LOLed when he told me the story.
Get a Leisure Travel Van... We down sized from a 37 ft fiver, to a LTV, no slide, twin bed, and have never looked back... Also one of the best Quality Class C's.
@@DownsizingMakesCents I went from fifth wheel to bumper. Use new B&W continuum hitch. Pulls amazing without the wind resistance of the monster 5th wheel and weight. As you get older the monster is tougher to handle.
Dont be Bummed about it. Be glad you are getting out from under that death trap. I thought the same should get a motor coach if you are traveling a lot because 5th wheels dont last to travel with. But you have to have a tow car so..
Hi, I hope this helps. These trailer people most likely are not structural engineers. The whole system and/or frame works the same as bridge construction with load points to support the weight. Find a structural engineer, they will solve your problem forever. That person will also tell you to downsize the over all weight and distribute the over the axles and even show you how the suspension could be better engineered. And for the future as soon as you see a problem have it address right away don't keep driving... it always get worse.
I have a 5th wheel and have the sumo springs. After watching your video it looks like they may have caused more damage than good. Just wondering if you ever contacted them and shared any photos with them. I’m second guessing myself now whether I should remove them or not. I would like your advice on this and good luck.
Larry spent an hour on the phone with Sumo people. We shared tons of pics. They said the location was a “coincidence” 🤔 But the experts who build custom trailers said it was definitely Sumo. We would have had less damage without them We can’t give advice, just share what happened to us
I live in the northeast so when it gets warmer I will be looking at my frame where the sumos ride and go from there. They have been on for 2 years but we are weekenders so probably 1000 miles with them. Thanks again
As with anything, overuse for the intended purpose will result in premature failure. As far as the frame goes, it was subjected to excessive stress, and driving it off the road through a ditch would damage pretty much anything.
We have a 2022 32’ class C. Love it. In fact we are camping in it right now. Never lacked power in the Georgia Mountains. We are in a state park right now. But now that we realized how much we like the RV life. We are going to trade it for a larger fifth wheel. We already have it picked out. Just to be clear, did the Sumo springs cause your frame issue?
Tracie, 😁 Hope our mistakes keep you from having them. Wish you all the best. If you have specific questions not addressed in our videos, feel free to message or email us 🤗 Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents Thank you. Yes. We are going through all the processes of proving where the issues originate. It started with the door not closing (we had to have a mobile tech come out to get it closed). Then we noticed issues with the cabinets and trim. We have only drove it twice on the road. Winter isn't making anything easier as they say the cold can cause some of our issues, even though we have heated the rig all winter. My wife lives in it for work (travelling medical worker). We have bought it in August so hopefully all gets resolved before it hits the 1 year mark.
Rvs usex to last 20 30 year, it must be the steel they are using now but grand design seens to have the most problems. My wife and i went full time in 1987 we bought a 1980 HRC. Around people with all kinds of rvs moving every week or 2 all spring summer fall setting for two mounts around christmas. No frame problems.
Howard, we have heard problems with frames across manufacturers. What’s a HRC? Glad to hear yours is doing great. We have some time to look - homebase is priority now, Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents haliday rambler corp. Were in busness sence the 50s sold out to harley davidson i think in 89. Then harley sold it to monaco coach they also made the lacota brand. Whitch was a second product just like HR they contuned to cheepen the product till they killed it. Some one bought the name a few years ago and now making motor homes. But they were great before monaco got them. I used to be a vender at shows all over the us. Was a silver an gold smith wife and i made jewelry. Christmas was in williamsport pa. Muncy, Lycoming mall. It would get to -4 nothing ever froze floor in kitchen was tyle. You could walk barefooted on tyle and it was warm when it was -4 out side. The trailers were great. Then monaco ruined them. Drv, moble suits is probly the least exp trailer now that has that quility. And they are heavy and expsive. My wife passed away and i retired my current wife and i have a Rockwood now it is made a lot better than Grand Design. I looked at all of them as i have been a vender at Elkhart 4h fair in Goshen in. Been there 33 years last year. So i could go to all the manufacters i sugest that anybody that is looking to spend a lot of money on an rv go there stay a while go to factorys and see how they are made. Right now the best low priced trailer made is Rockwood/Flagstaf they are the same thing made side by side in the same room. The one my wife and i have is 32 foot 5th wheel they make one now that 29 ft but i dont think it would be enough storage for fultime. Ours is a bunk house modle we bought it used its a 2016 we got it in 2020 just before covid. We paid 22000. Its 8ft wide and bed runs nan s. This trailer is great. But i would want somthing different if full time. You dont want any wood in trailer grand design, and the new traler brands have wood trusses on sealing. Rock/flag is auminum box they have started using an new to usa product i forget what its called but water does not bother it. If u deside to go motorhome rought get one thats steel frame not wood ther is a good one on 19 truck in elkheart dont remember the name but good brand. I would not get diesel because of EPA has ruined them and cost of operation. Get new developed gas designed to compete with EPA diesel.
Yeah, all the typical slide out snafu's that inevitably happen with them. Guess falling into that ditch or whatever did in the axle / frame, huh? Better luck in the future & new rig.
I just bought a acre on the Suwannee river near Live Oak FL, that will be my base camp soon, still trying to decide on bigger RV or tiny cabin/shed. I have a small camper for travel only. I am looking forward to what yall decide. Great vid
Glad you found us. We try to be informative but also fun - which can be challenging through some of what we have gone through in the last 4 years 😁 If you hit the notification bell, you will know every time we have a new video. Thanks for being here 🤗 Alice
When at Tampa, talk to Traveling Robert about his Pelicamp experience. He usually is there but hasn't stated so in recent videos. With the medical issues, suspect you want to remain in FL near Gainesville. The Wendlands (RV Lifestyle) have stated they will be there and have significant experience with RV land purchases. Might be good resources just to pick their brains and get ideas.
Larry, thank you so much for all this great info. We may look them up. It’s all new to us - buying land instead a home. We do need to be near Gainesville for Larry. Thanks again. Have a great New Year, Alice
Have you considered fabricating the frame? It is metal and can be fixed, so many options in way of repairs. Cut out a section and weld in a new thicker piece. I think you can make it stronger and better than new. Look at folk’s fabricating vehicles for off roading.
Check out this playlist of what led up to this
ruclips.net/p/PLTSSVhr0HOzigidMBV0lijdrVE3UsTilv&si=e_5q3fi0ZSSNugER
Within 30 days we got a brand new trailer! When we had to turn in the old trailer for salvage, we did not take our upgrades off the "salvage". They sold our old trailer for "parts salvage" and we regret not taking some of our upgrades off before we let her go.
Good point. We are pulling every upgrade off we can 😁Alice
Hey man understand let it be gone you going to buy new shitt for your new one so what is the difference I mean yeah well my husband could have installed it let the professionals install . Most companies in America been doing the same thing for many many years it's the ones that are just opening up business that's how you figure out life.
Attitude is everything and that's why you two will be successful no matter what life throws at you. Good luck with your new RV.
Thank you so much. We try to make the most out of whatever comes, Alice
If you carried the "Replacement Cost" option on your Progressive Policy, you will get a "big check"! Progressive RV Insurance is great!
Not more than what we paid - which is what we got.
We are happy with progressive
I have Progressive Insurance and travel 6-8 months of the year. I look forward to more information on proper insurance coverage. Your videos are informative, real life and experiences. Look forward to more videos. Also, I am considering a property with a tiny house and selling my current residence.
Our friend Marc from Grand Adventure did a video about insurance. He said that if you travel more than 150 days, you are considered full time? So, I would look into it.
We are hunting for property and mobile homes now
We had a “cabin” in Colorado. It was a 399 sq ft park model that had a 400 sq ft addition built on it. It had 1.5 bath and had a Murphy bed in the built on Colorado room and a dedicated laundry room. We lived in it 5-6 months every year. It was perfect for the 2 of us. We had sold our 40 ft fifth wheel and our cabin was perfect. I wouldn’t hesitate to have that setup again. The only thing we would need for full time living there would be a big shop for my husband’s piddling. We had a 10x16 storage/shop but that wasn’t big enough. New park models are beautiful. We sold last year for a Class C. We won’t go back to a fifth wheel.
Oh man guys! I am so sorry for the major trouble you are having with your home! I hope all goes smoothly with the insurance and you find a new home you are happy with. ❤
Hey Cat, wow we were blown away when we saw this comment. You were an inspiration when we embarked on our full time journey 4 years ago, Alice and I watched tons of your hikes in beautiful locations. I used your videos to help me convince Alice that selling everything, quitting our jobs to travel was a good idea. When we are at awesome locations like this last summer in 5 utah national parks, I tell Alice to do the CAT, pose and she knows exactly what I want. Thank you so much for your kind words an encouragement. Our journey on youtube has been a roller coaster, but now that we have over 50K subs, we are starting to hit our stride in figuring out what we want out of youtube. Thanks again, and hope to run into you on some awesome hike someday. Larry
Our 2018 travel trailer was totaled by Progressive Insurance last year. We were rear-ended by a hit & run pickup truck while traveling down the highway at 60 mph. It happened so fast & he never got caught, so our Progressive policy took care of us. They were excellent in processing our claim!
We are very happy with them.
Sorry to hear what happened to you
I’m glad your insurance is covering it and I hope you come out on top, but I’m calling BS on not being repairable. I was a welder and log truck driver for almost 50 years. My 1991 Kenworth truck frame broke completely in half on one side and cracked the other side and was repaired for $5000 (not by me by a truck repair shop)and back on the road hauling 86,000 pounds loads in one week. That there could be straightened welded and inserted, just like they do semi trucks (like mine), and be way stronger than it was originally .
They said it could be fixed, but it would be cost prohibitive
But that doesn’t matter - Progressive Insurance made the call. We can not tow it anywhere and it still be under insurance
We do wish it was a different outcome. All our plans have changed.
Thank you so much. Have a great New Year, Alice
I can see exactly why they didn’t want to repair it ! The steel in those frames are inferior steel ! Your truck was a different story .
The frame that you have on your truck the repair were made out of rivets you have to look through two doors you're looking through the door they're showing you you got to turn around and go behind them in the video and think okay if I'm there I'm going to look what's all this stuff here we only put it in there to travel so if this if this coach is flexing from all the weight that they're overloading this trailer with who knows. Here's what I want to know go take the trailer to a place where they can weigh the trailer and the truck and you in it and it shows it up on the wall how much at all weighs write it down go park your trailer take all the stuff out and then everything take out and bring it back to that same way yourself the truck and the dry trailer you'll be amazed on how much weight you've been driving around with just don't make a left hand turn and not judge your trailer going across a waterway and it falls off on one side that can that can screw it all up
Great attitude for going thru tough times. Prayers for smooth sailing.
Denise, thank you. We try to “bounce back” before we video. Lots of channels might have filmed me crying in the truck 😁 but I try to hide that.
We are looking at land and are excited for this new adventure- being half timers, Alice
Buy a lot, buyvit back from insurance, park that rig on blocks, making it a non movable home base, cash out the insurance and buy a driving rv of your dreams, best of both worlds. 😊
Unfortunately, where we need a homebase, RVs can’t stay unless there is a home on it.
But great idea, Alice
We have a similar size Grand Design (2021 Solitude S2930RL). I added the cross member that goes between the center hangers a couple of years ago. I thought about Sumo springs but never purchased them. Since we don’t full time the only upgrade I may do is MorRyde independent suspension (if we ever decide to travel to Alaska). This is our 3rd 5th wheel and definitely the beefiest frame/running gear, but given the roads in the US, likely still barely adequate. I do my own work on it (wheel bearings, brakes, etc.) and inspect it many times a year. It does have the V-braces in the axle hangers - thinking this will help with preventing bent hangers).
MorRyde adds additional steel box under the frame before mounting their independent suspension. Thinking this combination would be much stronger and less prone to bending.
BTW - my parents have a 2018 class C (Forrester 32 foot) that has a very nice layout and has been fairly easy to keep up (I do their repairs as well for them). Besides cabinet issues, fixing the top of their slides where a bolt was letting in water (fixed with removing bolts, sealing bolt areas with dicor and running a strip of eternabond - fixed for life) everything else has been solid.
Driving a class C is not as relaxing to meas towing our 5th wheel with our Diesel 1 ton - lack of power (6.8L V10 vs our 6.7L diesel), steering is not as confident past 60mph (known issues with all the van chassis - can be corrected somewhat with add-on stabilizers, and it is loud and noisy - always going to be an issue since everything happening in the box can be heard from the driver’s seat. Consider that when making a decision - my parents are in their 80’s and the class C for them is easier to maneuver and park, plus they drive slow and don’t drive long distances on travel days …. And their hearing is not great.
Mark, we can’t afford MorRyde.
Larry did the new tires, bearings, oil and filter change - he does it all.
He loves his 3500 Cummins longbed dually 😁He says it tows like nothing is behind him.
Unfortunately, our priority has become getting a homebase for many reasons.
Thank you so much for the detailed information, Alice
Coming from a TT to a Class C is a world of difference and we don’t regret it.
Looking forward to the insurance vid. Happy new year!
Harold, looks like we are leaning towards another fifth wheel.
But the priority now a homebase so we have a place to vacate the RV. Then we get the check.
Yes. Lots of comments about the insurance. We are waiting until we get confirmation about the money and give factual information, Alice
Unfortunately, several models of RVs are suffering frame failures. Manufacturers are putting heavy bodies on very lightweight frames to save money. They hope customers are weekend warriors and don't travel much. Well, that is silly, but it happens. Full-time travel is where things go horribly wrong. Now your RV is a future hunting cabin and not safe for the road.
Going into 2024, the industry is changing. Now they are starting to warranty for full-time living.
Definitely consider Brinkley for your next RV as they warranty for full-time living.
Great insight. 👍
We have heard of Brinkley. But we are actually going to become half timers due to Larry’s Neuro disease.
Luckily, we had insurance for full timers.
Can't blame the frame on this one, they basically drove the rig through a ditch.
@@driveman6490sorry you missed the section of the video that the expert that actually was hands on explained what bent the frame
@@DownsizingMakesCents
First of all, I apologize if come across as over critical or judgemental, just putting in my 2 cents after watching your other videos of how much/often you tow your rig. I own a 2023 GD 310GK and am interested in how this model holds up over time. With that said, I can tell exactly what caused the frame to bend. The Sumo bag didn't allow for full travel of the stock suspension, at some point, excessive downward (possibly blunt or repetitive) force was introduced to the left rear suspension, the Sumo bag acted as a stop, compromising the lower I-Beam plate......causing a weakness in the overall beam's integrity.
Something similar happened on my tow vehicle (2021 F350 SRW). The 7500lb rear airbag experienced excessive force, bending the lower mounting bracket, pushing it into the rear assembly holding the brake lines. It eventually caused the brake line to fail and leak......lost my brakes going down the freeway in New Mexico. Thankfully I wasn't towing at the time and nursed it to the side of the road.
I think the lesson here is that aftermarket suspension parts that are designed to add or enhance towing/handling characteristics can (and do) have adverse affects.
Best of luck with your next unit, glad Progressive stepped up and covered the replacement cost. I also carry full comprehensive through Progressive so this is good to know.
Happy and safe travels!
I had my Class A at a truck shop for a few weeks, correcting the absolute joke of a chassis that Ford built. Ford installed a known defective front axle, right on the Assembly line, that should have been scrapped, as it had 8* of caster in the wrong direction on one side. They compensated for that by shifting the rear axle back by 3/4" on one side. Anyway, that is not the point of this tale. At one point, I was with an owner of this large, multi-location truck repair chain, as he test drove my coach. He told me that in the last nine months they had towed two newer 5th wheels to their shop, that were immediately totaled by insurers. One ended up off the shoulder, and the frame either buckled while traveling on the highway, or self-destructed on the rough shoulder before the driver could bring it to a stop. The pickup towing it was fine, and the driver reported that he really didn't notice that the shoulder was all that rough, but the rig was tilting severely on level ground. The other was stuck in a muddy shoulder, and by the time they used a large wrecker to winch the truck and trailer combination back onto the highway, the frame of the fifth wheel had buckled and was destroyed.
We had a 2019 Solitude 310 for four years and loved it. But I was always worried that the sides would quit working. This summer we traded for an Airstream 28 foot Pottery Barn and we have much less stress. We love your channel and have been watching from the start. I can attest that downsizing for us has been great.
Thanks so much for your support for so long 🤗
We are definitely downsizing our RV when we get one.
But first, a homebase, Alice
@@shermanc8768Sherman, sorry to read this. So many people recommend Airstreams,
Alice
So sorry about your situation. We originally got our RV so we could take our 5 dogs with us on our many vacations. My boyfriend got 7 weeks and I became disabled and he said my new job was vacation coordinator. Anyhow we knew we could not retire in the current house he had so on our travels we searched for where we'd like to live. We went all over the country and chose the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. Cost of living was low and we purchased our land several years ago while he was working full time. 7 Wooded acres with a view of the valley below, farmland and pastures with mountains in the distance. When he retired he sold his house. We had a steel building 100 xy 40 two story so we could fit our trailer and all the cars in our garage. We've been living in the camper so far two years since my BF is building the inside of our home himself. A little more than half is the house. The rest is garage. We don't plan on finishing the upstairs but we both love trains and saved all of our sons model train sets and scenery and we'll use the upstairs to play and build train sets when we can no longer travel far. In the two years we've been here we just love it and know we made the best decision of our lives to move and build here. We can travel whenever we want to and we're so happy in our little town of Yellville, Arkansas. We live a life with no traffic and no stress. Lots of land but such friendly neighbors in our little community where everyone knows everyone and loves it here as much as we do. You could buy land here reasonably low cost. You can put a tiny home on it and electric or do a steel building and live in our RV till you get the house part finished. Cost of living is so low here that we can live on our social security checks without having to dip into our retirement funds. One thing I would suggest is a travel trailer or smaller fifth wheel because occasionally we've been on trips when our diesel van broke down and Good Sam towed the trailer to a campground so we could stay comfortably in our own home while they towed the van to a diesel mechanic to fix. I wish you good luck. If you would like to contact me further you can visit my facebook page by Norma Peters in Yellville, Arkansas. We'd be happy to tell you all about where we live and how wonderful it is here and and how low the cost of living is. Plus it's in the middle of the country. We can go North, South, East and West from here. My son lives in Idaho Falls, he visits often and My BF's son lives in North Georgia. So we're kind of equal distance between the two. I wish you good luck with your situation. It's really nice to have a home base but be able to leave whenever you want too. In this part of Arkansas you are allowed to live in a camper. If the property you buy does not have electric already you just need to tell them that you need temporary electric on the property while you build your house.
Norma, thank you so much for your story.
We really appreciate it. However, we need to stay near Gainesville, Florida. Larry has a rare Neuro condition and few drs specialize in it. So we need to be near UF Shands Hospital
It sounds like you have a little slice of heaven there.
Enjoy and Happy New Year, Alice
I agree with Alice. Larry a 30 ft. Class C on a Freightliner frame with a Cummins engine would be the smart choice. Freightliner frames are vastly superior to Class C's built on one ton chassis. Plus Alice could drive it.
Thank you, Brad. But Larry may win this one - again 😉
I know you mentioned a class C on the video, but you may want to look at the smaller 5th wheels from Outdoors or Artic Fox trailers. My wife and i's next trailer will be an Artic Fox.
Our original choice was an Artic Fox, but hard to find in Florida or close by. Plus, we haven’t found a plan we like with them, Alice
I have a class C motor home. Wife and I love it. Only downside is needing another vehicle should we need to leave the campsite.
Gary, the tow car would definitely be needed because we almost always venture out.
Larry doesn’t like the idea of dealing with two engines.
We shall see. Thank you for sharing your experience, Alice
I've seen so many stories of trailer frames cracking or breaking. There is nothing inherently wrong with the frames. The frame manufacturer builds them to the specs that the RV company provides. The RV manufacturers are just cutting costs by going with lighter frames, or putting more and more on the same frames, when they should be going with heavier ones. I wish a heavier frame was an option when you buy an RV.
I agree with everything you wrote. Well put, Alice
There is most definitely something wrong with the frames or they wouldn't Crack. The specs need to be changed. RV manufacturers are like every other manufacturer, they are building everything with cheaper, poor quality materials and charging the consumer more.
@@richardbyrd7268 Richard, 💯
We need a complete overall of the RV world - manufacturers, sellers, service centers
Alice
@@richardbyrd7268 they are building them for weekenders. Full timers, who put a lot of miles on them, should be made aware of that.
Yet they're looking to buy another money pit?
So sorry about your loss. After, I had a Frame Flex issue on my Montana 5th wheel, I started doing a little research and was blown away with how many Grand Design (solitude mostly) and Keystone (Montana) premium 5th wheel frame / flex failures are being reported on You Tube and on user forums. The frames, walls and suspensions are just not being engineered and / or built to handle these heavier trailers for real life use. In my case, I caught the issue early and repair was under warranty, but I constantly worry about it happening again and out of warranty. All the best on your next home on wheels.
Excellent point. Our GD is supposed to be for “ extended stay” which should mean it can carry more weight than a weekender. But frankly many of them can’t handle weight empty.
There needs to be a complete overhaul of the industry
Good luck with yours. Safe travels. And thank you.
Alice
14 years RVing, 158 years combined age old couple, not full timers. After 3 gas MH, a 31’ class C- no storage, 36’ class A dumped it @ 27K miles for six years of slide problems, a used 24’ class B+, ok rig. I just got sick of dual wheels slamming up & down on bridge abutment’s & listening to it creak, crack & pop all day long. A diesel air ride MH might take care of the noise & rattling ??.
A MH means you have to buy a toad, 40k+ for new one, plus 5K to flat tow it. Bought two.
We bought a new (2018) GD 36’ TT as snowbird nest, never towed it, too big. In 2022 bought a new one ton single axle Ford truck & a new 30’ TT (Flagstaff with torsion axles) tows like a dream. A new 26’ TT is now order now. Age says rig # 7 is last one & down sizing again is where we need to be now. Why not a 5th wheel for us? New knees & our safety said we didn’t want to climb stairs all day & height (wind resistance while towing). We now just talk in the truck & can hear each other with the music on. Let us know if you need anymore experiences. Safe travels. D & C We are going to go as long as health says we can’t!
D & C, wow. That’s a lot of experience and great info.
We have owned a small travel trailer and a class B Travato in the past.
Larry loved the feel of towing a fifth wheel so we shall see.
But unfortunately, we need to focus on a homebase
Have a great New Year, Alice
Glad you got this looked at and at least now you know where you stand. I am with Alice on this one. I would go Class C, A, or B. After having both side we prefer drivable all the way. It really is a personal choice though. In the end they are all built the same. Good luck.
Thanks for having my back, but Larry is winning once again 😁
Looking at land, mobile homes, and RVs. Soooo stressed
Buy a goose neck 5th wheel trailer and remount the living quarters on top. But no matter what you have as an RV the 7 to 10 year life is standard. Older than that no RV Parks want you. Though some top quality motor homes are good for 15 years.
I rent a 7 bedroom/5 bath house with 4 car garage on 23 acres in Costa Rica for $153 a month. Any problems are the responsibility of the landlord.. Such a good deal I paid the taxi driver that found this $500. Best view of anywhere I ever lived. Great neighbors so travel Internationally 6 months a year with no fears.
I haven't used a teaspoon of gas in 12 years. House is all electric. And with the minimum temperature of 54F and high of 87 no heating or air conditioning needed. Electric is $12 to $15 a month which includes charging my 2 electric scooters. Water/sewer/ trash is $5 a month, WIFI $12, cellphone $6. Health insurance paying 100% is $60 a month for both wife and self, so to hell with Medicare B that pays only 80% and only for myself.
Far more Freedom and better lifestyle here than anyone living in the US could imagine.
Clearly, you guys are more knowledgeable about these things than I am. However, I feel that these issues are not totally unexpected. After all, you did buy a Grand Design; in my opinion, a company operated by hucksters and duplicitous bait and switch manipulators. In researching my next RV purchase, I called its customer service department several times. It's regrettable that I never received a straight answer on any of those occasions. Needless to say, I bought from a different manufacturer; my 5thW hasn't been perfect, but it has never failed to the extent your GD has. You folks seem like good people. I wish you the best of luck getting things sorted out and repaired.
What did you end up with? It seems like every brand is either the worst or the best depending on who you talk to. To be fair GD has a lot of units out there so obviously your going to see more issues.
Roger, many people have said GD is not what it used to be - we bought in 2019 and had great customer service.
What brand did you buy?
And thank you for the compliment and well wishes, Alice
Good point. There are some hard core GD fans that love their units 😁Alice
Interesting situation. Looking forward to your next move. Good luck. Take care.
Thanks. It’s something every full timer needs to think about
Thanks guys for sharing all of this. Our first 5th wheel we had was totaled 7 yrs ago due to hail damage. With our 2nd 5th wheel it’s been “so far, a okay”. Have a great New Years🎉🎉
Lisa, wow - hail? Crazy. We are going through a lot for sure - lots of videos to come.
Happy New Year to you, too, Alice
I'll be honest, I try hard to NOT poo in our RV. I use available campground and rest stop toilets. The reason is several, I don't think my husband should have to see poo when he empties the tanks and I don't want to smell poo inside the RV that I sleep in. It's a brand new RV and hasn't been used by others. Of course, if none are available then I will but prefer not to. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Patty, for explaining your view.
I prefer my own toilet, my own bed, etc. hate using other toilets or staying at hotels.
I don’t think Larry does a lot of watching while emptying the black 😁
Happy New Year, Alice
Might consider a buy back from Progressive if your buying land to build on. Tow it back to your new property, set it up to live in while building to live in.
We considered that, but you have limited time on property in an RV while building in the counties we are looking at
That’s exactly what I was telling my wife they should do. Great idea!
@@jstokely2see my answer above
You ever weighed your RV the framework of most of these RVs are to light for the weight that they carry , it can be fixed I’m a welder and I have fixed a lot of steel frames so more than likely it can be fixed!
Insurance would not allow it be fixed.
And yes. We weigh often. But frankly, those frames aren’t even meant to hold an empty RV. The Solitude had a lot of useless solid wood decorative pieces.
I found this very helpful as we have been planning our retirement and full time RV travels for some time now.
We did take the first step in acquiring a home base which is a deeded lot in a gated RV community on top of a ski resort that is really affordable. It's very quiet and almost empty during the 3 seasons there is no snow but also really fun when the ski resort is open. We have built some additional living space on our property and have our current RV covered with a steel structure that will accommodate anything up to 45' Lx 18' Wx 15.5' T. We have learned a ton about RV living in the winter ;-).
Our plans are to own at least one more piece of property, hopefully 2 so we can triangulate our travels across the country when the time is right but finding property zoned for recreational use with utilities on premise has been difficult.
Thanks for sharing!
Wow. You are definitely ahead of us.
And we will be happy if we find ONE homebase 😁
You guys have it made. Enjoy all the fun.
And thank you for watching and sharing your experience,
Alice
Good Mornig. Good Luck. PS I have the same switch and yes it does not turn off everthing. Does the Ins cover most of the things that go wrong. I had a RV that was totaled and the out come SUCKES. Jack
Jack, we got a more expensive policy and we are soo glad we did. This is the only time we have gone through the insurance. And it worked out great, Alice
Solitude can mean uninhabited! Lol That’s just the kind of RV they build nowadays. I downsized to a tiny home and a small RV . Less hassles than hauling a home around in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your up’s and downs . 😁👍
Ralph,
Thanks for the chuckle 🤭
We share to help others NOT go through what we did 😉
Alice
Thanks Larry, very helpful videos, I have a Sumo set and you need 7 leaf springs instead of 5 or 6 which is 7k bls per axel.
You can't just change suspension components willy nilly. They must all match in capacity. Springs, shackles, axles, hardware, tires, wheels.
If you get another 5th wheel get a Montana. My Uncle sells trailers and RVs for a living and said they are the most well made. Hope you guys find a new home or two soon! 💕
Jonny, thanks for the inside tip.
We don’t know what will come first, the RV or the homebase.
Thanks always for being along this craziness with us 🤗
Alice
Oh man! There’s at least a silver lining! Can’t wait to see what y’all end up doing!
Thanks. You guys will probably know before we post it 😉
Have a great New Year, Alice
Who recommended putting Sumo Springs in this application? Glad insurance covered this.
They were put as intended by the company that make Sumo Springs
I will buy it as salvage. Please let me know if you are interested. I supply temporary homes for those in need until they get on their feet, so it won't be going down the road other than to my lot. Thank you
Jay,
We have no control over that.
Once we move completely out of it, Progressive takes over.
I think you would have to talk to them.
I wish we could make it easier because it sounds like you are doing a lot of good 🤗
Alice
Yes it'll still make a very worthy home for someone that's not going to be traveling in it , just staying put. Whenever an insurance company totals these, they usually send them to insurance Auto auction. IAA.
Yes, C class with one through frame slide would be best. Thanks Don
Don, Looks like it’s leaning towards Larry and another fifth wheel 😁,Alice
My first time watching you two, but i like your style, like how you brought it all together with the events 🎉.
Thank you so much. Glad you found us
its funny to say , but i purchased at auction in oklahoma last month a MPG 2700 toy hauler for the auction, and it had the same damage as your trailer, ! got the trailer for 4500.00 . and went to work on the repairs, took it home to az. on a low boy truck , (friends rig) , place it on a reline frame strengther, and pulled it down back to original position, . welded the crack, installed a flat iron inside the channel of the frame , to strengthen the frame. the major thing to do next is im moving the axle position on the trailer. the front axle will stay there in same position but the 2nd axle is being moved back 3 feet. its going to be alot of work , but this is what is wrong with trailers with a large overhang on the trailer, and this is why, your trailers frame cracked, LONG OVERHAND OF THE REAR AXLE, ! VERY BAD DESIGN! ALSO THE REFRIGERATORIS BEING UPGRADED TO A 20 CU.FT.S/S HOUSE UNIT WITH FRENCH FREEZER. INSTEAD OF THE 10CU.FT.
Interesting. We definitely believe the frames on RVs are poorly designed.
Our RV was termed “extended stay” which means months of extra weight. But they didn’t upgrade the frame.
Plus, the loaded it with unnecessary heavy wood features.
The whole industry needs an overhaul,
Alice
Can't the unit be put on a permanent sight somewhere , no scrapped ?
If someone buys it as “salvage” then it could be put on a permanent site. (See our video about Progressive)
We are looking for land for a homebase but not in an area that allows permanent RVs ( see that video)
Alice
It can be fixed. Ours was. 2×2 tubing. Plate steal springs an parts. 35 hundred repair in Anchorage Alaska.
We explain in the video why we can’t have it fixed
Alice
A good welder can scab a piece of iron plate or angle on the inside side to reinforce the straighting.
Doesn’t matter - we would have nullified our policy and not receive the check - which is the amount we paid for the RV
However, if the RV frame is not 100, I wouldn’t risk our lives or the lives of others on the road. Alice
Thanks so much for walking us through this in real time. In the end, I think you will see this as a blessing.
Marc, can we fast forward to the blessing part 😉
We miss the Boondocking King 🤴 and Mrs. GA 🤗
@@DownsizingMakesCents absolutely likewise.
I have been working on rvs for 27 years and my opinion says your trailer is over loaded with weight, causing the the frame damage from the axles bottoming out. Suggest getting things weighed once its fully loaded.
Please see our very popular video on the importance of weighing often at Cat Scales.
Our experts who actually saw the RV in person do not agree with your opinion
Alice
I would have like for you to elaborated more on what the insurance guy said about what should be in the insurance policy. Maybe make a separate video on that?
Yes. We mentioned we learned so much, it needs to be a separate video.
But you can email us for the highlights
25 years ago I was offered a job from Progressive (I owned a couple insurance brokerage firms and camped 45-60 days a year). Progressive was to supply a Class A for me to travel to RV and Motorcycle Rally’s. I had younger children and the travel schedule was intense so I didn’t take the job but I would do it today in a heartbeat! Progressive totaled our 36’ rv in 2020 when a Derecho rolled our trailer a few times. Good luck on your next chapter!
@@wannastayfree8115 Thank you so much. We appreciate hearing about your experience, Alice
We have a 2000 Thor and it is built like a tank the belly was covered with galvanized sheet metal and the bottom of the slides were covered with powder coated aluminum so to me check what’s on the belly and the slides because a lot of them just have bare plywood and the bottom of trailer is covered with a tar covered cardboard type material so do your inspection on new camper and there are people that do inspections on campers new and used .
Brent, appreciate the advice. Larry inspects underneath every RV we seriously consider,
Alice
Change out the entire suspension to the morryde torsion suspension and have cross bracing at the axle and rear sections to pull the frame rails straight again.
We considered the moryde after our leaf spring broke a couple of years ago but too much money for us. Plus i still think the frame would have Bent because the morryde attaches to the frame in the same place. Having more height would have helped, more clearance. Larry
The moryde suspension system has a larger contact area on the frame and it also connects both frame rails together over the same area. This would keep the rails from twisting again but it would also not be a single small contact pressure point on the frame.
I know you’re moving on from this RV but it’s something to think about should you get back into a fifth wheel or travel trailer.
I was planning to put a similar or the same supplemental suspension on our rig but your issues have made me reconsider. They’re probably good for short trip 30-45 days a year use but prolonged use is questionable for full timers.
There might be an answer in one of your previous videos but have you ever pulled your rig over a scale to measure how much cargo you are carrying?
I’m just thankful this catastrophic frame failure didn’t cause you or anyone else injury.
I wish you all the best in the New Year!
We weigh often - one of our more popular videos 😉
Yes. We are lucky we made it back to Florida.
We wish the same for you in 2024 🤗
I would love to see how you go on truck scale on u tube
I have a 34' 5th whl that has had all the suspension and frame components reinforced and improved upon just to avoid problems like yours and others, because the suspension and frames are not built strong enough for the weight of the trailers,All you need a good welder to fix this or if you get another new trailer you should think about upgrading the suspension and frame components to handle more weight
Dennis,
Thanks. The welding of the broken is frame is not an option.
We are looking to buy a used RV - so hopefully we will be able to afford reinforcements on the frame,
Alice
oh i understand that and when i came across this trailer that i have now all the up-grades had already done, the trailer i had before needed upgrading too but i was not going to do it myself so i looked for this trailer and i found it about 2 hrs from me
Add a thick enforcement plate to the bottom of the frame,,, add a Panhard bar to each axle to eliminate any left and right movement,, this trailer is so huge it should have a 3rd axle...
Normally, they don’t have a 3rd axle on a 35’ unless it’s a toy hauler - which we don’t have.
The Texas Trailers experts mentioned adding enforcement plate if you use Sumo Springs - the Supersprings company never mention that.
Great info. Maybe for our next rig - minus Sumos, Alice
All travel trailers and fifth wheelers aren't made for the riggers of FT RV life. I would recommend a Super C by Renegade.
Raymin, RV manufacturing needs to get with the times and build full time rigs.
Thanks for your input on the Super C - a bit out of our price range 😁, Alice
That's a major adjustment.. I wondered why you capitalized Barf in the earlier video. Living up to his name now.. I would have tried some JB Weld on that cracked frame.. I'll lend you my trailer for a couple months.. Swing by California anytime for it. 😊 Good luck DMC
😁 Barf will be someone else headache as soon as we move out.
Larry loves his JB Weld 😉
We will be right over - so clean the sheets 😆
Thanks for always making me laugh - especially when I need it 🤗
@@DownsizingMakesCents Happy New Year. Clean sheets and a stocked fridge.. Got it 😄
@@SevenBears1 😉
It's unfortunate, but trying to fix it and then having to deal with it again later, is worse. I have a class A CDL, so to me, it doesn't matter what I drive. Someday, it might matter to us. But for now, if our rig was totaled, I would get the same thing. More than likely, another Montana. It's not perfect, but none of them are. And sadly, Grand Design has also suffered since it was sold. I hope 2024 is a Happy New for you guys.
It has been a hassle for sure.
Ours is a 2017 so pre-pandemic built. But still, looked nice but stuff fell off our first trip.
Thank you. We hope you have a great New Year, Alice
Just watched your video, and it was very educational, and I am sorry for your loss. May I make a suggestion for your next RV? Look at the Thor Axis small class A on a C type chassis. Thank you for sharing your misfortune, but know that it will help many other RV'ers.
Rick, we really appreciate it.
And thank you for the compliment and the suggestion
For now, a homebase is first. Then the new RV for summer travel, Alice
Don’t go to a tv place to fix it. Go to a recommended welder let them take the axles of and straighten the rail then ad a 1/4 inch strip on the rail. It will double the forche it can handle while driving through potholes and off road. Everytime I go out with my rv when on side I check the rail just in case but I have already reengineered the rail for heavier use so no problems there. And yes the frames or rails get lighter every year when using the rv full time up grade the rv and yes it can be expensive but the end is better pay for it now before your rv gets totaled by insurance and they only pay 40% of new one
Ben, thanks for the advice.
However, we took it to Texas Trailers. They build custom trailers for big rigs and are expert welders. It was NOT and RV place.
But it’s a moot point. Insurance marked our RV “salvage”
Alice
consider checking out the Brinkley 5th wheels when you're at the Tampa Show.
Funny. We just put a RUclips short of the Brinkley fifth wheel
Well. Firstly, thanks for posting this. Really informative. We have had a couple RVs and that slide out system is just horrible. Tore our floor up and the fix was not effective. That frame could have easily been reinforced before building it out. That was not something that was built for serious RVing.
I agree with everything you wrote.
I truly believe the people that design RVs have never RVed 😁
I would love to design an off road full time rig. That’s the dream 🤗
Alice
We are heartbroken for you two. Watching Alice fight back tears was hard to watch. On the flip side of things, we’re now excited to see what your next RV will be. God bless you both. Safe travels.👍🏼😎
Rick, you are so sweet. I thought I hid the tears - I had just kind of lost it right before that scene.
We do have a lot of new adventures.
We love seeing you here and appreciate all your support and well wishes.
Happy New Year 🤗
Most Is pre manufactured home builders offer land packages the land is cheaper though them sometimes
B) the totaled rv police are not going to Chace you down if you tow it to your new land and or a towing company can tow it there without issue
We are worried about the insurance company - especially if something happened when we move the RV
The point of buying separate is to get exactly what we want in land then get the home we want.
But thanks for the info
Alice
I 100% understood that but they buy land for years and don't have it in the market they will let it set 10-15-20 years till they find someoe that wants all of it or a chunck of it
Sub. Best of luck. 2023 we got our first RV. KZ 280TH. We load the motorcycle and travel as we want. Never would sell our home. Having the home base is golden. Keep us posted. Give more information on the insurance. Happy New Year
Glad you found us.
Larry wants a motorcycle- has had them in the past.
We are concentrating on a homebase
If you hit the notification bell, you will know every time we have a new video.
Happy New Year to you, too, Alice
That crooked section of that frame could be cut out and replaced with another piece of I Beam steel the same size, and welded back in its place. It could then be reinforced with steel gussets and then new spring hangers could be welded back in place. The opposite side if not bent or stretched, could then be reinforced also. That would resolve you problems. Cost is less than a whole new trailer by far!
The experts involved - the custom trailer builders/welders & the insurance adjuster - disagree.
It’s a moot point. The adjuster declared it a “salvage,”
Alice
Returning from Alaska, I cracked the frame on my 5th wheel. To get to the point, I had a welder weld the frame in Whitehorse, Canada. The insurance paid for the repair and roadside assistance. When I got back to Oklahoma the insurance company totaled the camper. I bought the camper back and it’s better than new. The insurance company never got my title so I do not have a salvage title. Wish you two the best. I understand your situation is different, my frame wasn’t bent, just cracked.
Greg, that’s an interesting story. What insurance company do you have - no salvage title?
We could buy it back, but it’s marked as not towable so it would have to be transported to a property - in our area, you have to have a home on your land - can’t just have a RV.
Glad it all worked out for you. Sounds like our frame was worse than yours.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Have a great New Year, Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents I wouldn’t buy yours back because the frame was bent in two different directions. My frame was cracked on both sides with no bends. I had the frame welded along the cracks & then we plated the frame with 1/4” steel plate. Finally, we installed a x brace between the two frames over the axles. My frame is strong enough for the vertical load however the side to side motion caused the cracks in the middle of the frame. If I ever bought another trailer, new or used, I would put the braces in before I pulled it anywhere. I have Farm Bureau insurance and the went above and beyond to take of me throughout the process.
New to the RV life. 2017 Apline 3660FL. No issues yet. I have progressive insurance agreed value coverage for total loss. Not sure about issues with the frame. Looking forward to your next video about insurance.
Chrisin,
Unfortunately, there could be issues you can’t see. Even with ours, they said that there could be more hidden,
Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents I am very interested in your insurance policy. I didn’t know they would cover things like this. I have progressive as well.
@@CHRISINMCNEILLTalk to your agent
My problem with a drivable comes from the day we were in a campground in a state park in Washington state. We saw a couple have their motorhome towed away with a blown motor. They had no pkace to stay until it was fixed. The pitched a tent and waited on the RV to come back. In the same situation a towable RV is a better place to be. But there is also a lot to be said for having a small towed car to explore in. Its a tough decision. Good luck.
Every set up has pros and cons for sure.
We chose a fifth wheel for the cargo space, interior room, ease of towing, and for situations like you wrote - our truck engine blows? We still have a home.
Unfortunately, I lost. We only looked at fifth wheels 😁
Alice
We down sized from a 37 foot class A to a 29foot class C. Drives so much easier. You do loose a lot of storage space but just have to downsize to accommodate.
Jeffrey, we are definitely downsizing - which will be fine since we are getting a homebase.
Larry loves towing a fifth wheel with his dually 😁Alice
Oh crap. Sorry to see this. Did you check if there was a frame/axle related recall on this unit? That might be the answer.
We are getting what we paid for it from our insurance- another video explains that.
But appreciate the idea. Lots of GD frame issues.
Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents Well, I'm glad you're getting what you paid for it. That eases it a bit. It seems any fifth wheel brands are facing issues these days.
I have a more expensive toilet . The problem is the steel is 1/2 the size ( thickness) as 10 yrs ago to save weight 🤔 the price is double. Cross bracing in 4 or 3 places in the area of the axals . Weld plates on the frame over the springs supports (hangers), connect the cross bracing to them. Weld things that need it .
I’d be willing to pay more for a better frame. Don’t spend the money on fancy cabinets,
Alice
You really need to go to reputable welding shop.
The I beam is A36 mild steel.
It can be heated to straighten and then grind out the crack and do a full penetration weld.
Vince, we appreciate the advice.
However, we did do exactly that.
They saw the damage better than we could show.
Plus, it’s a moot point- Progressive stated it’s unfixable,
Alice
Over loading help cause the problem?
It's called frame failure not frame flex.
Recently got a Class C. So glad not to be towing. So much easier to drive. No white knuckling.
That would make someone a great stationary home.
Bill, we weigh often - one of our most popular videos is about using the Cat Scale
Larry loved his dually and fifth wheels. So no Class C - for now.
We just bought another fifth wheel- several videos out about it.
Yes. That’s what Progressive said - or a hunting camp spot.
Alice
I'm so sorry for y'all. Am glad y'all are safe though! It's hard to believe that your grand design is in this bad of shape. Not including the bent and cracked frame. But I sure hope everything works out in your favor! Look forward to your next video. Wishing y'all a Happy New Year 🎉🥳😊
Donita, thank you so much. We are disappointed that so much is wrong with our rig.
We really appreciate the well wishes - we need it 😁
Wishing you and yours the same for 2024, Alice
I have a 2016, 33', 5th wheel from Open Range. Bought new in 2016. We've been on multiple cross country and regional excursions (not full time). So far, knock on wood, not even the first problem. I have been looking for telltale bent frame signs, given all the talk these days - nada. Need to look more tho. Good luck with yours. My wife may drive the car on our 2 month outing to Glacier and north Yellowstone this summer, just in case.
Barry,
Check your frame. Measure the height of the I-beam. Ours unfortunately is only 10”. For a rig labeled “extended stay”, knowing there will be a lot of weight added to an already heavy RV, the frame should have been 12”
Alice
Great information on your travels and unfortunately the end of the 5th Wheel. Would be great information if you post a video about RV Insurance. I have a Class A Diesel Pusher that is Mid-Range. Same issues as everyone else when first purchased with warranty issues. Majority fixed but still have those mystery screws show up or minor glitch with something. I am also insured with Progressive as I have a good friend who also works as an Adjustor for Boats/RV/Motorcycles. I added extra insurance as needed just in case to make sure if this is every a total loss that I can purchase another one. I think that is one of the biggest overlooked items on insurance is to have Gap insurance to cover for a replacement model if totaled. By far Progressive has been the best so far. Keep up the great videos and information.
I agree with the Hubby. Rent something and try it out for several weeks. This will help greatly on making that decision.
don't
Jose, a lot of comments wanting an insurance video - we are putting it together.
Progressive so far is great - don’t have the agreed amount in writing yet 😁
I’d love a Class C, but we really need a homebase. Then hopefully get a new RV to travel this summer, Alice
Great Vlog! Sorry for the problems your going thru with your RV....Good luck with your next one!
Thank you so much. We are seeing this as opening up new opportunities 🤗 Alice
Was it because of the Sumo springs? I’ve heard, but not sure I believe it, of lots of fifth wheels that have frame flex because of sumo springs.
If it was just the frame bent, then I might would question the Sumo Springs, but if the hangers got bent that caused by something else. It had to take a side load at the axles and that's what warped the frame and bent the hangers. Sumo Springs will compress to over half of their original height before they become deformed or tear apart and that's usually within 500 to 600lbs. They are just cushions, not payload aids.
We aren’t experts, but Texas Trailers are experts. So I trust them, Alice
All though I don’t live in our 43’ Fifthwheel I had a 5” frame rail raise to give us off-road capability.
Niiice. Can I ask how much that cost and how long it took?
After much research I decided against buying a RV trailer. I decided on a GMC Denali 1/2 ton and a cargo trailer. Trailer holds an ATV and motorcycle, tools etc. We stay in upscale hotels while traveling and resorts when we get to our destination. We enjoy traveling the country
and my wife doesn't mind driving. It allowed us to keep our two homes so we have a place to come back to when we feel the need. It works for us.
Glad it works for you.
We stayed one night in a hotel and I missed my bed, my stuff 😁
Maybe because “upscale” does not happen for us 😉
Alice
My son was selling tools and had an account at a very large family owned RV dealership. One day, the owner shows up in the tool truck and my kid starts asking about buying a small travel trailer. The owner say, "do yourself a favor. Buy the best cargo trailer you can afford and build the inside to whatever you need it to be. Don't buy one of these pieces of crap. It is waste of money". After a 1/4 century of RVing, I LOLed when he told me the story.
Get a Leisure Travel Van... We down sized from a 37 ft fiver, to a LTV, no slide, twin bed, and have never looked back... Also one of the best Quality Class C's.
Thank you for the recommendation. How many months do you travel in it? Do you feel cramped? Alice
Get a bumper pull travel trailer that is easy to pull and manuver. 27 feet max. One slide. Trim down the stuff. Take care
Thanks for the advice.
Larry prefers the feel of towing a fifth wheel 😁
But we are going smaller for sure, Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents I went from fifth wheel to bumper. Use new B&W continuum hitch. Pulls amazing without the wind resistance of the monster 5th wheel and weight. As you get older the monster is tougher to handle.
@@bparkinson1234 I like the idea of a travel trailer - not as tall.
We are first getting a homebase
Hopefully we'll see you at the Tampa Show
We have a meetup Wednesday night so definitely will be around
Sorry to hear this. Look forward to see what you get next. I damaged my Solitude and Progressive was great!!
George,
Thank you. Still looking for land and a new RV
We are very pleased with Progressive so far,
Alice
Dont be Bummed about it. Be glad you are getting out from under that death trap. I thought the same should get a motor coach if you are traveling a lot because 5th wheels dont last to travel with. But you have to have a tow car so..
Thank you for your insight.
We are now focusing on a homebase because of many reasons, Alice
Hi, I hope this helps. These trailer people most likely are not structural engineers. The whole system and/or frame works the same as bridge construction with load points to support the weight. Find a structural engineer, they will solve your problem forever. That person will also tell you to downsize the over all weight and distribute the over the axles and even show you how the suspension could be better engineered. And for the future as soon as you see a problem have it address right away don't keep driving... it always get worse.
Thanks for the input. We will keep this in mind next time.
Perhaps structural engineers should be hired be RV manufactures.
Alice
I have a 5th wheel and have the sumo springs. After watching your video it looks like they may have caused more damage than good. Just wondering if you ever contacted them and shared any photos with them. I’m second guessing myself now whether I should remove them or not. I would like your advice on this and good luck.
Larry spent an hour on the phone with Sumo people. We shared tons of pics. They said the location was a “coincidence” 🤔
But the experts who build custom trailers said it was definitely Sumo. We would have had less damage without them
We can’t give advice, just share what happened to us
I live in the northeast so when it gets warmer I will be looking at my frame where the sumos ride and go from there. They have been on for 2 years but we are weekenders so probably 1000 miles with them. Thanks again
@@donm722let us know how it goes. 🤞 🤗, Alice
As with anything, overuse for the intended purpose will result in premature failure. As far as the frame goes, it was subjected to excessive stress, and driving it off the road through a ditch would damage pretty much anything.
Interesting. The experts that actually were hands on blamed the Sumos,
Alice
Could you buy a lot somewhere and set it up on a permanent basis and sell the land with the trailer? Just a thought.
Deborah, where we need a homebase, they do not allow RVs on land without a home.
So we are looking to buy land and put a mobile home on it, Alice
We have a 2022 32’ class C.
Love it. In fact we are camping in it right now.
Never lacked power in the Georgia Mountains.
We are in a state park right now.
But now that we realized how much we like the RV life. We are going to trade it for a larger fifth wheel.
We already have it picked out.
Just to be clear, did the Sumo springs cause your frame issue?
Good luck with your new adventures Cause and effect is tricky. But the expert welders and custom trailer builders said they believe it did,
Alice
We are living on and getting a new rv and want ALL the info you've learned!
Tracie,
😁 Hope our mistakes keep you from having them.
Wish you all the best.
If you have specific questions not addressed in our videos, feel free to message or email us 🤗
Alice
So many Grand Design's with frame issues. Wish I had known before we bought our Reflection. Its a year old and already having frame issues as well.
Brandon,
I’m so sorry. Is it still under warranty?
Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents Thank you. Yes. We are going through all the processes of proving where the issues originate. It started with the door not closing (we had to have a mobile tech come out to get it closed). Then we noticed issues with the cabinets and trim. We have only drove it twice on the road. Winter isn't making anything easier as they say the cold can cause some of our issues, even though we have heated the rig all winter. My wife lives in it for work (travelling medical worker). We have bought it in August so hopefully all gets resolved before it hits the 1 year mark.
@@brandoncoyle7110Hope it works out
Would love to hear more on the insurance part. We also have Progressive full time insurance. We’ll be seeing you at the meet up in Tampa!
Kim, hopefully we can get more info to make that insurance video.
If we have time at the meetup, we can give you the highlights 😉 Alice
Rvs usex to last 20 30 year, it must be the steel they are using now but grand design seens to have the most problems. My wife and i went full time in 1987 we bought a 1980 HRC. Around people with all kinds of rvs moving every week or 2 all spring summer fall setting for two mounts around christmas. No frame problems.
Howard, we have heard problems with frames across manufacturers.
What’s a HRC? Glad to hear yours is doing great.
We have some time to look - homebase is priority now, Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents haliday rambler corp. Were in busness sence the 50s sold out to harley davidson i think in 89. Then harley sold it to monaco coach they also made the lacota brand. Whitch was a second product just like HR they contuned to cheepen the product till they killed it. Some one bought the name a few years ago and now making motor homes. But they were great before monaco got them. I used to be a vender at shows all over the us. Was a silver an gold smith wife and i made jewelry. Christmas was in williamsport pa. Muncy, Lycoming mall. It would get to -4 nothing ever froze floor in kitchen was tyle. You could walk barefooted on tyle and it was warm when it was -4 out side. The trailers were great. Then monaco ruined them. Drv, moble suits is probly the least exp trailer now that has that quility. And they are heavy and expsive. My wife passed away and i retired my current wife and i have a Rockwood now it is made a lot better than Grand Design. I looked at all of them as i have been a vender at Elkhart 4h fair in Goshen in. Been there 33 years last year. So i could go to all the manufacters i sugest that anybody that is looking to spend a lot of money on an rv go there stay a while go to factorys and see how they are made. Right now the best low priced trailer made is Rockwood/Flagstaf they are the same thing made side by side in the same room. The one my wife and i have is 32 foot 5th wheel they make one now that 29 ft but i dont think it would be enough storage for fultime. Ours is a bunk house modle we bought it used its a 2016 we got it in 2020 just before covid. We paid 22000. Its 8ft wide and bed runs nan s. This trailer is great. But i would want somthing different if full time. You dont want any wood in trailer grand design, and the new traler brands have wood trusses on sealing. Rock/flag is auminum box they have started using an new to usa product i forget what its called but water does not bother it. If u deside to go motorhome rought get one thats steel frame not wood ther is a good one on 19 truck in elkheart dont remember the name but good brand. I would not get diesel because of EPA has ruined them and cost of operation. Get new developed gas designed to compete with EPA diesel.
Wow. Thanks for all the great info
Yeah, all the typical slide out snafu's that inevitably happen with them. Guess falling into that ditch or whatever did in the axle / frame, huh?
Better luck in the future & new rig.
Silas,
Aren’t sure what did in the frame - doesn’t help that it wasn’t really set up for “extended stay” like advertised
Thanks,
Alice
I just bought a acre on the Suwannee river near Live Oak FL, that will be my base camp soon, still trying to decide on bigger RV or tiny cabin/shed. I have a small camper for travel only. I am looking forward to what yall decide. Great vid
Thank you, we always want to help others avoid the problems we have.
Thank you. Enjoy your travels, Alice
Those Sumo Springs should not be used on any rig and Grand Design has said they will void the warranty.
Love to see that from GD in print. Please email it,
Alice
@@DownsizingMakesCents It was one of the other Grand Design owners who had a broken frame this is what GD told them. I don't own a GD
What great attitudes in the midst of such a dilemma. Hat's off to you both and subscribed just to see how things turn out.
Glad you found us. We try to be informative but also fun - which can be challenging through some of what we have gone through in the last 4 years 😁
If you hit the notification bell, you will know every time we have a new video.
Thanks for being here 🤗 Alice
When at Tampa, talk to Traveling Robert about his Pelicamp experience. He usually is there but hasn't stated so in recent videos. With the medical issues, suspect you want to remain in FL near Gainesville. The Wendlands (RV Lifestyle) have stated they will be there and have significant experience with RV land purchases. Might be good resources just to pick their brains and get ideas.
Larry, thank you so much for all this great info. We may look them up.
It’s all new to us - buying land instead a home.
We do need to be near Gainesville for Larry.
Thanks again. Have a great New Year, Alice
I definitely use the bathroom as it was intended. Even when we stop at a rest stop, we still use the trailer bathroom.
Mike,
Right? We just don’t get it.
No matter what, I wish you happiness and best situation.
We really appreciate it 🤗
Alice
buy frame off corpart 300 to 450
Have you considered fabricating the frame? It is metal and can be fixed, so many options in way of repairs. Cut out a section and weld in a new thicker piece. I think you can make it stronger and better than new.
Look at folk’s fabricating vehicles for off roading.
Our insurance has declared it unfixable. It’s a moot point.
But thanks,
Alice