Based on all of the video and written reviews of the Grand Design products, we were more partial to the Reflection than the others due to their upscale quality over the Transcend or Imagine series. I am not saying those lines are junk, it is just they didn't offer the extras that Amy and I wanted without compromising on something. The only problem was we had never seen any Grand Design product up-close and in-person. For that, we needed to visit one of the Wisconsin dealers. So we would have to make a day trip sometime.
So, on a cloudy late-September Saturday Amy and I ventured up to Wisconsin Rapids in order to visit Greenway RV, a family-owned operation and one of three Grand design dealers in Wisconsin. Here was our opportunity to see if the Grand Design measured up to all we read and heard.
Greenway RV had all of the Grand Design lines on the inventory lot -- ranging from the entry-level Transcend through the large fifth wheel Solitude and Momentum. We began by looking at the Imagine 2800BH, the bunkhouse model that, while nice, did not have a layout that we found workable. But one thing was sure -- the quality of construction was heads and shoulders above that of the Jayco. Next to the bunkhouse model was the Grand Design Reflection 315RTLS, which was the exact model we were interested in seeing in the first place!
The Grand Design 315RLTS is a travel trailer version of the popular fifth wheel Reflection 337RLS, so in theory one would have the fifth wheel layout and quality in a travel trailer. We were quite impressed with the 315RLTS and were happy that our trip up to Wisconsin Rapids did not turn into a complete letdown upon seeing the Grand Design in-person; we were concerned we built-up our expectations and would be letdown once we saw the real deal...quite the opposite.
We spent close to a full hour going through every Grand Design model they had on the lot -- that included all of the high-end Solitude models, too. We were once again at a crossroads -- travel trailer or fifth wheel? Each type has its benefits and drawbacks especially where the tow vehicle is concerned. With a fifth wheel, we would need a 3500 or F-350 at a minimum due to the heavier weight of fifth wheels, and with those trucks additional consideration for maintenance. Amy definitely did not want a dually, so that certainly takes the fifth wheel option off the table. Grand Design offers a quarter-ton truck-friendly fifth wheel line (the Reflection 150 Series), but even with a similar floorplan as the 315RLTS, one could see where corners were shaved in order to make the lighter fifth wheel towable for a quarter-ton --- so we chose the 315RLTS as our preferred model. Of course, we were in no position to even begin purchasing one because we still owed money on the Jayco and we had no vehicle to tow the Grand Design.
