2019 Grand Design Solitude

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received twenty-three complaints alleging excessive frame flex on model year 2017-2023 Grand Design fifth wheel recreational trailers, models Momentum and Solitude. Twenty-two of the complaints allege that excessive frame flex resulted in a cargo or entry door opening while in transit, some with objects lost on roadways, while six complaints also state that slideouts extended out partially. ODI has been in contact with both Grand Design and Lippert, the frame manufacturer. Grand Design believes that some frame flex, generally considered to be vertical movement in the upper deck area of the fifth wheel, is normal. However, Grand Design has developed a technical service bulletin (TSB), to evaluate concerns of excessive frame flex, defined as vertical movement greater than 3/8 inch. Per Grand Design, the frame flex is only occurring in the upper deck area of the fifth wheel and is resulting in cosmetic defects such as moving sidewalls, damage to cabinets, binding doors, etc. However, Lippert believes that the effects of frame flex may also extend back to the front axle of the trailer.While Lippert provides frames for multiple trailer manufacturers, the majority of complaints are for these Grand Design products. Cargo and entry doors that open and slideouts that extend while in transit increase the risk of injury or a crash. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to determine whether an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety exists. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2019 Grand Design Solitude RV. The contact stated that while the RV was parked, the contact performed an inspection of the RV and noticed that the RV was sitting unevenly. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the rear driver’s side leaf spring was cracked. The contact replaced the rear driver’s leaf spring. The contact stated that while continuing his trip, the bedroom slide-out fractured and detached. In addition, the contact stated that while hitching and unhitching the RV, there was an abnormal flexing of the frame. The contact stated that the next day while hitching the RV, the contact noticed a separation in the front under section and determined that the frame was flexing at the joint. The RV was driven to the residence. The RV was taken to the dealer, upon the manufacturer's request, and it was diagnosed with several frame fractures. The contact was informed that the frame needed to be re-welded. The travel trailer was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but denied the repair to be covered under Technical Service Bulletin: 24001. The contact was informed that the repair was outside the Technical Service Bulletin criteria.

NHTSA ID

11681416

Incident

Jul 3, 2025

Resubmitting from 2/3/2025 as the first form was not received. Attn: [XXX] I am the original owner of this unit and there is approximately only 1,500 miles on my trailer. This Grand Design is a swap from the original 2019 Grand Design that I already had. When I am able to camp, when my trailer is not in the shop, we only camp about an hour away from home as I don't feel safe. We have been experiencing frame issues. There is excessive pin box movement (this is the OEM), cargo, main doors, as well as the kitchen slide out coming out during transport, separation of roof and nose cap (and other roof issues), axels have been replaced, multiple replacements of suspension components, wrinkling in my walls, saw dust and metals shavings found throughout the unit. l I have been in contact with Grand Design many times, but not much help. I have the feeling they are trying to delay any kind of repairs for their manufacture defects. These have been an ongoing issue since the day I brought this trailer home. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11643455

Incident

Feb 3, 2025

The frame in the front of our fifth wheel was never attached to the body at the factory. This caused excessive wear and tear on the suspension causing a failure. This was found by dealer when they were inspecting the fifth wheel. Suspensions should not be flat or in our case broken from normal usage of a fifth wheel.

NHTSA ID

11586883

Incident

Apr 14, 2024

Was starting out on my 940 mile road trip and 3 hrs into the trip both rear tires lost there tread. I have TPMS and neither tire was out of temp range nor psi range. This is on a dual axle 5th wheel RV. Took 5 hrs for roadside service to respond with acceptable tires. On day two with only 1.5 hrs left, the front two tires did the same thing. All 4 tires have date code of 2320. All 4 tires did lost thread in the same location. All four tires held pressure which allowed me to safely pull off the side of the road both times.

NHTSA ID

11477090

Incident

Jul 23, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE 2930 RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STOVE IN THE TRAILER FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE TRAILER TO RV COUNTRY - FRESNO 3633 S MAPLE AVE, FRESNO, CA 93725 WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE PROPANE FUEL LINE ATTACH TO THE STOVE HAD MELTED SHUT DUE TO THE FURNACE INSIDE OF THE TRAILER. THE CONTACT THEN SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD WORK WITH THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *DT *AS

NHTSA ID

11319044

Incident

Mar 2, 2020

Lippert Components and Grand Design RV are launching a Customer Satisfaction Campaign to address frame web cracks appearing above the spring hangers on some Solitude 310GK & Reflection 303RLS models. The units affected were produced between June 2013 and May 2021.

Lippert Components and Grand Design RV are launching a Customer Satisfaction Campaign to address frame web cracks appearing above the spring hangers on some Solitude 310GK & Reflection 303RLS models. The units affected were produced between June 2013 and May 2021.

Lippert Components and Grand Design RV are launching a Customer Satisfaction Campaign to address frame web cracks appearing above the spring hangers on some Solitude 310GK & Reflection 303RLS models. The units affected were produced between June 2013 and May 2021.

Broken Interior Step treads. Steps may break at the riser due to the amount of overhang.

The rear upper deck on Solitude ST390RK models produced prior to June 6, 2022 may not be properly supported. As a result, the rear upper deck floor may sag slightly at the sidewalls. Remedy: The remedy includes the use of additional fasteners (961113 - Screw 14x1 Hex Waster Type a Zinc, 960736- #625 Tri-fold LG FLG Alum .39-.354 Grip Rivet) and support bracing. (512064 - 1x2 Stuffed AL Tube, 512065 - 2x3 Stuffed AL Tube)

Customer Satisfaction Program released to have a protective heat shield installed behind convection microwave on units identified below to address concerns with excessive heat buildup.