Our Grand Design RV Is Falling Apart! 4 Years Full Time Travel

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

kzbin.info/aero/PLTSSVhr0HOzhmTA1e-_veAXMvthS9Mbte&si=L8jIpMtVMKwkHKVE Check out this playlist to see more detail about most of the breaks featured in this video.

[@HappyPlaceDiaries]

Nice video… so glad to see your smiles.. if you have owned an RV for more than 10 minutes you will quickly learn that stuff happens… if your don’t laugh and smile you’ll cry and give up. You are correct… everything that breaks can be fixed. Oh and thanks for cameo shoutout!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks Jerry, I really am going to get the water alarm through your link, haha. Larry

[@dougdoris8622]

We owned a 2019 Grand Design 310 for four years but traded it this summer for an Airstream 27 ft. We are both 72yo and wanted less stress towing. We had very few issues with our 310 but I was always worried about the slides and the suspension. My wife and I both said we would have probably gotten out of RVing if we had had as many issues as you did. Thanks for again reminding us to keep a good attitude. You are both great fun to watch and we love seeing your adventures.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. We were hoping this video would be fun to watch. Slides give you lots of room- AND lots of stress 😁 We were surprised by how much we could handle - after Larry almost died and was diagnosed with a rare Neuro disease, well, an RV falling apart isn’t that bad 😉

[@cpwatching5647]

Way to roll with the punches!! That awning incident was impressive. Keep slugging away. That's all we can do. Thanks for sharing these issues. Your experience is now ours so we can hopefully know just a bit better how to address the issues as they come. Take care.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Believe me, in the beginning, there were bad words and tears 😆 But seriously, when we had our recent boondocking accident, Larry couldn’t believe I got out an videoed and help asses the problem - not in year 1. Thanks so much 🤗

[@cathyjay2569]

I have a 2016 38.5 ft Sprinter 5th wheel with a loft I moved in to when my husband passed last year. This is my first winter and I don’t have a clue what I’m doing! Your heater issue with the doors slamming sounds just happened to me and now I know what’s wrong! I’m so very grateful for you!! Safe travels and THANK YOU!!! ❤TN Nana

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Sorry to hear about your husband. But I’m glad to hear we were able to help. If you have any questions, you can message us on Instagram and Facebook- I see those more quickly Good luck 🤗

[@cathyjay2569]

@@DownsizingMakesCents thank you so much. Happy New Year💕

[@sued115]

OMG what a great vid. Hear so many others constantly complain about repairs blaming the mfg. This is such a welcome relief and teaches people how to fix things. TUVM

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. But frankly, there’s a lot here that IS the fault of the manufacturers. You would never put up with such poor quality in a car or boat? But we do admit that we punish this RV more than it was ever meant to handle

[@lisamcgrath3132]

We’re not newbies but so glad you both show the real when it comes to owning an RV for those just getting into owning an RV, that yes things will break, it’s just when & not to freak out. Glad seeing y’all back with longer video.🤗

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you, Lisa. We were worried about it being too long - we actually have to make more videos to show what else broke 😆 Glad our message came through - it will break, be prepared, don’t stress 🤗

[@davidchrissypoulin6104]

After years of RV-info this rang very true. Thank you for detailing what is reality for anyone who owns one of these (from any brand really). But after a long thorough video what we talked the most about was Larry’s kite surfing skills!! Chrissy even had to suffer through me pantomiming how it works!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

🤣 Larry likes to throw some kiting in a video wherever it fits. He’s learning how to foil now to.

[@GrandAdventure]

Great episode! Just don't go boondocking with that guy from Utah, it's hazardous to your frame.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

🤣 We learned a lot from that guy

[@GrandAdventure]

@@DownsizingMakesCents yeah...what not to do. 😆

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@GrandAdventure😂 So what does that say about us that we can’t wait to boondock with you again 😁

[@GrandAdventure]

@@DownsizingMakesCents you're slow learners? 😆 In all seriousness, though, we feel the same.

[@mischiefroadtripadventures]

This is what i live about you two. Real and honest. We bought our 2018 310gk used. Three years now, there have been a lot of repairs abd upgrades since then. Thank you for sharing all your experiences and repairs. You have helped us through the years! ❤

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. We try our best to be “real” though some people prefer only the “fun” of the lifestyle. Yep. We will do a separate upgrade video - hope it’s not as long 😁

[@mikelayow815]

Let see what hasn't gone wrong lol. 2021 Arcadia 3250 covid trailer😂. Bedroom slide cut wire was not properly secured. Water heater blew up on welded seam. Water heater plastic fittings not tight. Replace faulty antenna satellite power box. And oh don't forget the fresh water tank not fully strapped, one metal strap just hanging, water tank fittings not tight, and all tank level wires all loose. Back wall not attached to the floor of 5th wheel. They actually pay people to build this. Keystone should be a shame. And don't forget about the China bomb tires, and temporarily fixing wires on the side of the Hi way after the blow out, people not pulling over to the other lane and going by you at 75mph. Just some of the fun owning an RV😊.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Wow. Sorry to hear that. We heard pandemic built RVs were the worst. You definitely have had your share. Don’t let anyone say, “well, what do expect when you subject your home to an earthquake.” Ugh. That annoys me. We both know, our RVs came out of the factory poorly built. We hope there aren’t any more major issues. Safe travels 🤗

[@danah.320]

Well worth the 42 minutes and 41 seconds of my time. Packed full of great info. Thanks so much guys!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Danah, we really tried to make it shorter - lots more broken 😁 Thank you. We would pin this comment but we need the one we already pinned 😉 Alice

[@rickgriffith1]

The Doc to the rescue again…and again. Or should I say sleeping beauty😉. Life happens. It’s great to see the two of you regrouping and handling situations as a team. And of course I stayed ‘till the end. I always do. Safe travels.👍🏼😎

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

A new nickname 😉 Thanks.

[@TJRossi-ln2pm]

Hey guys, been watching you guys since i think was the beginning. Certainty during Corvid. My wife and I just retired last July of 2022 and I have been bugging her that one of my bucket list is RVing across the country. We live on the east coast in NJ so I want to go West. Anyway, luv your videos and I have learned so much watching your channel and of course others. Thank, thanks, thanks you two are great together no matter what happens.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Wow. Thanks for sticking with us 😁 We are working on our summer trip from Florida to Utah. Up to Washington and back. A lot of miles. We are trying to get back to a KZbin routine - we were too busy this summer. Thanks again

[@JohnDoe-so4qg]

Good video! Great job of keeping a sense of humor and working together to solve issues. Those things can ruin a relationship or at least make life unpleasant. We are not full timers but we've done our share of camping. One lesson I have had to learn is when to turn the job over to the experts. I hate to admit defeat but sometimes it just makes good sense.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

You are so right - we won’t be fixing the frame ourselves 😁

[@mikeweis5925]

Made it to the end. It was great. Shared it with a friend.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Awesome. Thanks. Sharing is caring 😉

[@inspirationalnomad]

Great job guys, well done with the rating screen visual metrics to describe the problem. 👍

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks. The information on the screen was all Larry

[@DiggingRob]

Very entertaining …..Thanks for sharing….my early RV lesson……always have a spare water pump

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. And yes - and spare fuses, spare etc

[@laurakilmer8652]

I think you have had every problem you could have had. Goodness. These Rvs are really made cheap. Thanks for sharing your stuff. God Bless

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We didn’t even show everything- that would REALLY be a long video 😁 Thank YOU 🤗

[@rvdoinit]

So glad you guys are still at it after 4yrs!, after so many issues that you had to deal with. Would you have ever imagined or predicted this stuff when you made the decision to sell your home and go fulltime? Would it have affected your decision, knowing what was coming? I say. NO. So many have just given up because they just don't have the knowledge or patience figure out a temp fix or fix their own stuff. Take your house put wheel on it drive it down the hw at 70mph and see what happens right? You guys are the true example of how to manage this lifestyle. We are on yr 3, in our 21 KS Montana high country and yes, we have had our issues as well. From frame and flex cracking of our outer skin and floors bowing to broken windows, slides failing ect.... You just have to deal with them one at a time and deal with the stuff that affects safety 1st. Knowing the community is there to help, not just watch and judge.... Oh and Happy wife Happy life right... Larry. lol. Keep it up guys maybe one day we will meetup in our travels....

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hey, really appreciate the positivity. So much has happened outside the RV issues - Larry’s near death experience and current neuro disease is much more stressful than RV breaking 😆 But many of our issues have nothing to do with moving our RV. RVs SHOULD be made to go down a road to a campground. When Larry said “going 70” he was exaggerating. We are usually at 60. But not the point. RVs need to be made for their intended purpose - traveling and camping at a destination

[@elmaestro6106]

I have a 2020 Open Range 26bhs and I think I have to replace the toilet seal. You made it look easy. Just overall your video reminds me of how much maintenance goes into RVing. PS, thank goodness for Larry. Jack of all trades.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

It seems like the toilet always needs help. 😳 And I am lucky Larry can almost do anything 🤗

[@robertpahlowjr4257]

Fun and educational to watch how you dealt with all these challenges. Great video.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad to read it was fun - we didn’t want it to be “doom and gloom”

[@camustang1966]

Thanks for sharing! We’ve experienced some of those things, and others too. Always an adventure! Your positive attitude is an example for others to follow!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We try to keep it real but also try to “amuse” Thanks for your positive comment 🤗

[@ceritapenman6112]

We had a mobile tech come out to diagnose a problem with our water, it was not pumping water from the fresh water tank. He said it was the pump and replaced it. Unfortunately it was not the pump, it was a valve that was leaking air causing the pump not to be able to suck the water out of the tank. The new valve was less than 10$ and we did the work ourselves. Thank goodness for u-tube! Thanks for the video. Safe travels!🩷💜

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Was it the check valve at the water inlet fill? Larry

[@ceritapenman6112]

@@DownsizingMakesCents yes

[@floydmcintire2235]

Good thing Larry is handy

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Oh, yes. Saves us money and stress. Unfortunately, Larry’s illness causes periods when he’s not quite up to the task

[@61jpf]

Just fixed a fender that came off while driving. A nice motorist let us know coming into Charleston SC.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yeah. We are constantly tightening the bolts. Larry finally replaced them larger stainless steel pan head screws. We couldn’t fit Everything that we have had to fix - the video was already too long 😆 It is awesome that strangers will help out 🤗

[@ronaldhall2489]

I feel very bad for yall prayers with you. Match time for me I have lost it just seeing what yall are going through. God be with yall

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you 🤗

[@dinosaur6756]

If you're considering full-time RVing, go with a used diesel pusher built between 1998-2005. Beaver, Safari, Foretravel, Monaco, Newmar, Tiffin, and American Coach are the models I would consider. The frames are steel and aluminum, the cabinets are solid wood, and the engines can last for several hundred thousand miles with proper maintenance. They're just made better than towables, and you can easily tow a vehicle behind them. Obviously, you'll need to do your research and look for a coach that is in good condition, but they're definitely out there and you'll spend less than you would on a new fifth wheel that's going to fall apart in short order. Don't get me wrong, every rig has problems that arise, but motorcoaches are just built to a much higher standard than towables. With new trucks that are capable of towing larger trailers costing $80k or more, you could easily spend $160k plus on a truck and trailer. For that type of money, you could buy an older Prevost or Newell that will last for ages with proper maintenance. Just my opinion.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I agree with you about getting a older DP. But you would have to do a ton of research on the subject and scrutinize perspective rigs, rigorously. I can see us doing that someday, switching to an older DP. I have met lots of couples on the road with old prevost rigs that have been very well taken care of, they love their rigs. Larry

[@user-ue4bu4yo1u]

We really enjoyed listening to the problems with your RV and how you all fixed them, we are trying to think which one we would like to get. When we decide to get one, we know we can get in contact with you. ☺Thank you!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Well, we hope that you don’t get ANY of our problems 😁 But we are glad you enjoyed the video

[@KevinCoop1]

I enjoyed the heck out of this video! BTW, there is no upside down on receptacles.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Kevin, Thanks. It was probably one of our longest 😁 I’m used to it being two on top, one on bottom - like a face Alice

[@daviscrt]

great Video...great job on fixing items yourself. Don

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks 👍

[@davidcline9547]

Had the same problem with our bedroom slide! Schwintek slides are cheap. We have a different unit now ans no Schwintek!! Good video!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hopefully i will figure out what is slowing it down when i rip the carpet out. Larry

[@smiller6238]

Sad part is we have had almost all of these, but not the springs. Thank the lord. We have had all kinds of other failures. Anything goes on the road.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Oh, we have way more. The video was too long as it is 😆 Always check your springs

[@diann546]

Always carry an extra water pump. Saved us in Alaska. I also have 3 Watchdog water leak alarms. One by the water pump, one at the water heater, and one under the sink. Yes the new flooring will probably get caught. When the trailer floor flexes the island will probably eat it.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We are definitely getting more water alarms 😣 So, how do you keep the flooring from getting stuck when slides go in?

[@Reneellinedance]

Excellent video and my favorite hack is the plastic film you put on the floor when bringing the slide in so it doesn’t scratch the floor. I’m going to do the same for now. I also have a schwintek slide but I’m going to switch to a vroom slide.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks. It’s crazy what you can do with what you have with you. Larry is very inventive. Let us know how you like the vroom

[@Freightmeister]

C’mon Larry. Tell us how it was your fault about the bent frame. I need to know what/what not to do so I don’t end up with the same problem on my rig. I can’t wait till you do another video about it sometime in the future. It can’t be worthy of a whole video can it?

[@bradplueger7951]

Thanks for sharing. I've had to deal with some of the same issues in our GD Reflection 337RLS too. The problems you had, that I haven't had "as of yet", pushes me to go do an inspection to make sure all is well. I've come to the understanding and acceptance that if I own a RV, I will be making repairs! Just part of the RV experience. 🙂

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Unfortunately, rv manufacturers aren’t held up to standards like car makers. They should be. But checking and maintenance will help. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@dryvonne1999]

You two have a wonderful sense of humor. That’s a lot of stuff to go wrong in 4 years. I was wondering did you buy this trailer new or was it used? If it was new I would say you bought a lemon. But one thing I appreciate is your enthusiasm to repair the trailer yourself in most cases. You obviously saved yourself a ton of money. Do you want to get another trailer, one with less problems, or will you just keep repairing the one you have? Either way, great video and thanks for sharing. 👍🏽

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

This was a gently used fifth wheel. We have saved so much money fixing it ourselves - and the upgrades ourselves too. We put a lot of money into our upgrades - like $10,000 for our solar system alone - we won’t get much money for this beat up old thing 😁 I do want to get a Class C instead or a small Class A, but that has more to tell with my husbands rare Neuro disease

[@SmallSpaceLiving]

Here till the end. Congrats on 4 years. You learn a lot as you go for sure. As you know we have switched rigs several times over 4 years and now don't even have one at all. lol So you did good sticking with the one you got. For us we learned that we like a motor in our rig. Not a fan of towing. Plus we want to be small. For sure will be in a class b when we get another and no slides. The more features the more issues is what we learned. I do think at some point though for sure we will have something again. Will just RV much different going forward. I have ideas. lol Great share and real info. Again, congrats on 4 years.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you, William. It’s been an interesting 4 years 😄 We are looking for a homebase. I hope we will be half timers soon. Then, we will have more time to fix stuff

[@hotelboz]

We have put 20,000 miles on our class A and there is always something breaking. Thanks for the video.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

It’s such a shame RV manufacturing doesn’t have the standards that car makers have

[@moonlightgypsy3229]

I am ready for a tiny home and check RV living off my bucket list!!🤣🤣🤣

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Tiny homes are sooooo expensive. I’ve only seen one tiny home in a state park - hard to maneuver

[@moonlightgypsy3229]

@@DownsizingMakesCents mine will be in a permanent spot and my RV travel will be with my brother in his RV

[@TheOldSailorGMC]

Another great video Larry and Alice.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. We aren’t traveling as much so we hope to be back on our old schedule

[@texasmamaw6555]

Larry you sound like my husband “it’s fine” there’s nothing wrong ! Lol.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Pretty much. He does it all the time. 😆

[@SevenBears1]

What a coincidence.. I said I like short videos. I'd have time for a long video if it rained. Today it rained 😅.. I watched the entire episode. I love all of Larry's DIY... I've yet to experience any major problems although the wind did bend the awning arms but I am still able to use it.. Great that you included the cost, time and stress level of each problem.. Thanks DMC

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you for watching the whole thing 😆 - you didn’t know I have special powers and can alter the weather 😉 Larry comes up with some great ideas - like the info on the bottom. Hope you laughed a little

[@SevenBears1]

@@DownsizingMakesCents Entertaining for sure !! Great info quick paced on topic perfect.. Thanks DMC

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@SevenBears1 🤗

[@gsolo328]

Outstanding video. Thanks for sharing!!! Do you think the manufacturers ever watch these and say "we are really bad at what we do"?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

😁 I wish. They pump these RVs out - looking at profit. The problem is us - the consumers. We should refuse to buy crap that falls apart the first time we drive/tow it down the road

[@wingsfan233]

Awesome video, must have been a lot of work to put together. Thanks

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you for recognizing that. It was a lot of work, but we hope it has a positive impact 🤗

[@kcwerv]

I bought an Airstream because I didn't want to deal with slides. On our first trip after we picked up our new Airstream I was outside relaxing and a guy walks up and asked if I could help him. His brand new 5th wheel had the largest slide that wouldn't close. It was his first trip in it as well. It took 4 of us in the park to push it back in so he could head home. That only confirmed my decision to going with a trailer that didn't have slides.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

That solves one problem 😁 Then don’t use jacks, plumbing, shelving etc 😉

[@artpureblood3946]

I have lived in my new 2023 wildwood for 7month full time so i need to fix everything myself . I can't pull it to the shop because its my home for now, and they keep it for months .

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We get it. That’s why being a DIY person is so necessary when being full time.

[@markmackall5819]

GOOD ❤ INFOMATION

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks

[@rogergraves242]

Yes it’s Cracked Frame.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yep

[@BarbMMH]

Excellent video, as usual!!!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. We really appreciate seeing old friends 🤗

[@waltfriedrich7631]

FYI....when a spring needs replacing you shouls always replace both springs on the same axle not just one

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Great point. But at the time, we could one get one. That’s why we said they were hard to get then. When we got all 4, we replaced all 4. Check out the full video about the leaf springs

[@thelonestarranger]

OMG! Ya'll have been through the wringer with all of those repairs. Good thing you love each other a lot, because those could have been grounds for a divorce! Mr. & Mrs. MacGyver for sure. All of those repairs would have made me start thinking about getting another stick and brick. Be safe out there and I hope ya'll have a great Thanksgiving!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We didn’t even include everything 🤣 We are thinking of being half timers with a home base in Florida but that’s more because of Larry’s recently diagnosed neuro disease. Everyone needs to have MacGyver skills 😁 You guys have a great Turkey time, too 🤗

[@loydalexander154]

Ah I pretty sure you guys win the big prize hu 😮

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We didn’t even show everything 😁

[@brucefranklin6765]

Geez, y’all sure do like to break stuff!😂

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

😆 we didn’t even show it all

[@timallen1262]

I differently agree with you about WholeSale Warranties!!!! They WILL stick the “screws “ to you!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

😅

[@RV_twidlr]

I just found your channel... I can't believe your rv really fell apart! Main question... what insurance rider was on your progressive policy that covered the replacement? also, what program did you use to create the visual representation of your paths on this video? For all the years of travel I would like to make one myself. Thanks!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We had what they call agreed value policy, the program I use is adobe after effects for making the maps but there are mulch easier options out there i think. I was using the maps to learn how to use adobe after effects since i pay for it with my adobe suite anyway. larry

[@shellchenonceau6987]

Excellent tips👍

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you

[@rogergraves242]

If U Have Cross Beams in the Ceiling they come Down to. Get Ready.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We will know soon if our RV will be totaled because of the frame

[@briancgotcher4397]

Great video folks!! I've come to the conclusion that you must be a willing quasi RV tech to own any RV. I can buy a 25K Toyota that will go 100k maybe 200k, with minimal maintenance, without any failures. I understand the earthquake excuse that RV companies use to cover their quality problem. Not buying it. We've owned a towable in the past, and until someone figures out how to build a high quality, affordable RV here in America, we'll use VRBO. We do love looking at them at the Tampa supershow, but the prices are still way out of line from pre-covid. Enjoy your journey!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

You should see what we repaired on our home of 23 years before we sold it 😆 RVs should have lemon laws and standards like cars - car buyers would put up with the poor quality of RVs. We spent one night in a hotel- I’d rather be in my best up old bed than something a bunch of strangers sleep in 🤣

[@briancgotcher4397]

@@DownsizingMakesCents yes, you have a point, however we don't hotel it. We VRBO it and have had good luck with clean units. As homeowners for 20+ plus years, we can identify with you on repairs and upgrades. Our homes' value has skyrocketed, unlike RVs. I dream of airstreams quite often, but understand the downsides and high cost. If we were to jump back in, it might be a 27FB with the hatch. Who knows, maybe we're crazy enough to do it. We wish you both many more carefree miles and enjoy your great videos. PS. We paddled the rainbow springs run in dunnellon last week, it was awesome as always.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@briancgotcher4397Because of Larry’s Neuro disease, we are looking for a homebase to become half timers. Plus I’d like to have a drivable smaller unit for the same reason. Rainbow is an awesome paddle. We also love Silver Springs Sp to paddle 🤗

[@mikemiller8170]

You might like to know that there are "RV rated" bike racks. Not many... but some. Cost and style won't dictate if a bike rack will survive on the back of an RV, so if I were you I'd look for one that's approved for RV use by the mfr.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I have had my eye on a list for years but it’s $1000. Our hitch was installed by us, so we’re the only ones that need to approve it, ha ha.. Larry

[@sued115]

Alice can you please tell us if your frame damage was because of the Sumo springs? We are thinking about putting them on our TT but are waiting to hear about your experience.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We spoke to Sumo. They told us it’s a coincidence that the damage is at the same location and shape of the Sumo. We are bringing it to a specialty trailer expert soon

[@armadilllo]

🤣🤣🤣🤣I spend my vacation working on my motorhome in the forest.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad you have a great attitude about your vacation in your motor home. We try to have the same attitude traveling full time in our fifth wheel- sometimes we DO fix things in a forest 😁

[@rogergraves242]

I’m Still investigating, LEARNING. I May Back out of Rv. I Haven’t bought An Rv Getting Scared to buy 1. The Last 6.Months still Filling Disability. I can still Drive. Just can’t work.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Sorry to hear that. Just keep researching. Good luck

[@tobystevenson8191]

My rear overhead cabinets did the exact same thing. I assumed like you that it could handle the weight. You have me wondering if it’s the solitudes. 🤔

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Frankly, it’s most RVs.

[@TLR5759]

You sir are truly a MacGyver!!!! If you can’t fix it with duct tape, then it isn’t worth fixing!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

😆 love it

[@tivet4]

caravan use on road, not offroad chassis twist. suit offroad caravan 20ft strong

[@stevemurray2737]

How much did the I Beam and Welding Issues cost you. So glad we sold ours!.. Ahhh AirBnb… so simple..

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We haven’t had the frame fixed yet. Waiting to hear from Sumo Springs 😆 We are expecting about $500. We recently spent one night in a hotel - hated it - missed our own bed. “To each his own” 😉

[@Freightmeister]

⁠Larry, it concerns me that Super Springs Intl. (Sumo Springs) hasn’t responded to you yet. Harold and Cindy of One Strange Adventure just had GD tell them that Sumo Springs are the cause of their frame break/flex issues. And wouldn’t you know it? I just bought and installed Sumo Springs on our GD 5th wheel after Black Friday a few weeks ago. Now I’m scared and want to take them off.

[@ronaldhall2489]

I figure for the expense I can drive my truck and stay in hotels and have a lot less stress

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We recently spent the night in a hotel. Yikes. I prefer sleeping in my own bed - rather than one that millions have slept in 😳😆

[@ronaldhall2489]

@DownsizingMakesCents no doubt I put my own stuff on top of the made up bed like my sleeping bag and roll

[@donniehelmly4920]

I'm happy you can still smile after all of that. But, maybe you should also study where you're trying to go. And realize human error is some of the issue. I know when I'm going on uneven ground. You have to understand that at times, your tow vehicle is at different levels on uneven ground. That one where you bottomed out. Appeared to be a driver error.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes. If you read the info in the blue bar at the bottom of the screen, look at “cause” - we admit human error

[@donniehelmly4920]

@DownsizingMakesCents yea, it sucks sometimes. We are human. We make mistakes. I know I've caused myself money. By doing silly things....but in the end. Just be happy you're safe after all of them. I try hard mot yo make the same one twice...except for romance. Well, I seem to always make that mistake.

[@jeb284]

Good excuse to get a new one lol

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

😄 wish we could afford one

[@alive4082]

Rvs have a max load capacity and full timers overdo it often.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes. Some do. We have a popular video about weighing at cat scales often. The problem is cheap frames that can’t handle the weight of an RV before one glass is added, Alice

[@patricialmt5272]

Class C hold better than trailers ?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Depends. But some drivables are built like cars - so better than trailers

[@patricialmt5272]

@@DownsizingMakesCents Thanks !! I just me and my husband so I will go with a small C . I just don't want to sleep on a tent . LOL.

[@jjones5424]

Umm, I think it's time to trade it in. That Solitude is pretty beat up. Cabinets, water issues in the walls/ floors and on and on. The frame is the scariest major item!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Frame is scary. But frankly, the amount of travel coupled with poor quality? Same for most RVs. And ours was labeled by GD as “luxury” 😅

[@zman3238]

Every single RV KZbinr I watch that owns a Grand Design has broken leaf spring videos. Seriously- every single one.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Wow. We didn’t realize that. I wonder how many were due to defects. 😳

[@rainbowplumbingheating9868]

Have you sold or considering to sell that fifth wheel yet ?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I’d like to. But with all the upgrades - $10,000 in solar system alone - we can’t afford to. Plus, Larry loves fifth wheels. But I want a drivable because of his illness

[@sued115]

@@DownsizingMakesCents Alice are you considering a class C or Class A ? Class B is really too tiny for us anyway. We have a 22’ TT and may consider a drivable as we get older out tougher.

[@TheFalcondan95705]

Good Sams rv service plan SUX... they don't pay for covered items..

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Dan, sorry to hear that. We had problems with Extended Warranties Alice

[@numberoneduchess]

You need to keep the RV on the road, not try to drive it through a ditch.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I guess you only saw one small section of the video? We clearly showed build problems having nothing to do with travel. But thanks for the supportive comment 🤗

[@rogergraves242]

& Y’A only traveled 1/2 of The United States no Canada.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Not this summer. But we did 3 other summers

[@jackalay23]

With the exception of Outdoors RV and Northwood Mfg I believe all modern RVs are complete trash......

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jack, thanks for the recommendations We have a friend that has a KZ. - 2 years boondocking and still loves it. I’d love to have an Arctic Fox. But the rest? Yep. There needs to be Lemon Laws for RVs and an overhaul of the industry, Alice

[@armedprophet3321]

These geniuses thought that a RV which is NOT meant for full time living ….. that it would be a good idea to test it 😂😂😂😂😂

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you for such an insightful comment No RV is built to go full time. We clearly stated that on our very first trip - before we were full time - many things broke.

[@johnmackey3937]

From the look of your travels on the map, and video, it's more like abuse than use. RVs aren't intentionally built for full-time living, traveling on any terrain you want.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

You must have missed all the examples we gave of it breaking before we traveled - even on our very first SHORT trip

[@magforce]

No kidding… you are the only one so far to call it out for what it is! Buying the cheapest product you can… bent frames and broken springs are the least of your problems after 4-years and backing off a dirt road up onto a 12”paved road onto a 12” paved road is an indication of poor understanding of RV handling! Plastic parts, single pane glass… cheap product… of course it will break and if you drive like a maniac… guess what! Go look at any trailer park… where single wides haven’t moved for 5-10 years… and what do you thing you will find? Broke stuff! It’s called poor!

[@sgtwrench69]

Junk

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yep. AND we actually RV more than is expected or the RV is designed to take. But then again, our very first short trip, stuff fell apart 😡

[@loydalexander154]

There all junk I've had my share for sure

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

It’s a shame. They need to be accountable like car manufacturers

[@patrickhaarhues2870]

RVS are cheap. Made out of crap components to keep them lite. People want a 40 foot RV they can pull with a f350 and still put ATVs etc in back. If manufactures built then like they should you would damn near need a Rig to pull them with.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

No. Stop putting weight in the RV by adding heavy pieces of decorative wood. Spend money on better plumbing, etc. Our 35’ is pulled by a 3500 Ram dually.

[@patrickhaarhues2870]

@@DownsizingMakesCents agree. We had 35 foot excel. Older so heavier compared to the newer. Great quality. Was able to pull easily with 250. Also had a 2019 cougar bunkhouse. Everything was flimsy. New RVs have crap quality unless you go with high end in each manufacture.

[@jasonlucas2328]

I want my peace of mind, so don't buy an RV!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I’m sorry you feel that way that wasn’t our intention in this video, the point was be prepared for things to go wrong so when they do, you can still enjoy the lifestyle. Please don’t give up on the idea of RVing because of this video. Larry