Grand Design Reflection

One of those RV names that keeps coming up time and time again when people begin looking for something that's a little more upscale than a basic trailer but not as heavy or expensive as a full-blown luxury fifth wheel is the Grand Design Reflection. It's the Reflection line. It's designed to fit in the middle: nicer guts, roomy storage, helpful layouts, improved insulation, and just enough towing confidence to make long trips less of a chore. Yet the Reflection family also extends beyond what many new buyers may think. There are Reflection travel trailers, Reflection 150 Series 5th wheels and full size Reflection 5th wheels. This means the right Reflection can be a couple's rear-living trailer, a family bunkhouse or a larger fifth wheel that's beginning to even feel like seasonal living. It's not simply a matter of selecting Reflection. The secret is to select the proper version of Reflection.

What the Reflection Is Trying to Be

The Reflection isn't looking to be the lightest trailer on the lot, and it's not looking to be the most expensive residential fifth wheel, either. It's for the buyer that would like the RV to feel complete and cozy, and yet be towed by a truck that fits normal life. Grand Design describes the line around luxury, value and towability, and for the most part, that's right. It's all about the balance. Real cabinetry, better suspension and braking gear, solar, functional kitchens on many models, larger holding tanks on many models, and floorplans that are practical rather than experimental. The Reflection also leverages Grand Design's owner community and dealer footprint. This is important because there is no such thing as a towable RV that doesn't require maintenance. When you see a good floorplan it gets you excited at the dealer. Six months later, a good support path matters a lot.

One Name, Three Different Families

Reflection is not just one trailer and much of the confusion is due to this. The 303RLS, 337RLS, 360FLS and 367BHS are among the full-size Reflection fifth wheels, which begin at $90,244. These are some serious fifth wheels, with the published unloaded weights ranging from 10,325 pounds on the 303RLS to 13,275 pounds on the 367BHS. The fifth wheel branch is lighter: Reflection 150 Series. It is targeted by Grand Design for many half-ton and short-bed truck owners, but payload must always be carefully considered. Those models begin at $74,880 with examples such as the 250ML at 8,220 lbs UVW and the 295RL at 9,577 lbs UVW. Also, there are the Reflection travel trailers that begin at approximately $82,815, including models such as the 317RSTS, 322FKTS, 342BHTS and 345RLTS. They are bumper-pull trailers, nonetheless big trailers. The 317RSTS has a length of 35 feet 5 inches and a UVW of 9,518 pounds. The name Reflection ranges far from manageable-ish to very substantial.

Towing and Truck Reality

It's now time for purchasers to step back. The numbers are not small; however, when paired with a compatible truck, Reflection models can tow nicely. The full-size 337RLS fifth wheel has a 2,475 lb hitch weight, 11,475 lb UVW, 13,995 lb GVWR and measures 36 feet 8 inches. It's not a thing to be taken lightly. The 360FLS moves to 40 feet 3 inches and a 14,995-pound GVWR. Even the 150 Series, which is the lighter family, requires proper payload calculations. A 295RL lists a 1,570-pound hitch weight, 9,577-pound UVW and 10,995-pound GVWR. Add a few passengers, some cargo, fuel, hitch hardware, batteries, propane, water, and camping equipment and the door sticker takes on greater significance than the brochure. The travel trailers have a reality all of their own. A 317RSTS lists a 1,145-pound hitch weight and a 10,995-pound GVWR. Many choices of Reflection will seem relaxed with a three-quarter ton truck that is properly equipped. For some lighter models, a half ton truck might be sufficient but only after careful checks for payload and setup of the hitch points.

Interior Space and Floorplans

Livability is the Reflection's best selling point. The line has been well received as the floor plans tend to be quite normal and in a good manner. Rear-living designs provide couples with a lounge, theatre seating, spacious windows and an open kitchen that isn't a hallway. Bunkhouse models provide families with real beds rather than assuming all trips are easy to fix with a sofa bed. For children, guests or a smaller office, mid-bunk plans are a good choice. The 337RLS is a typical example of the 5th wheel style used for couples: 3 slides, rear living space, 16 cubic foot fridge, a 30x48 inch shower, a queen bed with king option and storage for longer stays. The 317RSTS travel trailer does the same comfort-first concept in a bumper-pull form. The Reflection is not a small camper. Its upside is that you would be able to cook and sit and sleep and move around like a person, particularly if the weather had you stuck inside.

Build, Insulation and Four-Season Claims

Grand Design does not flinch from pushing the Reflection's construction package and parts of it are genuinely useful. Laminated aluminum-framed walls, R-9 wall insulation, R-40 roof insulation and R-30 floor insulation on many models, heated and enclosed underbellies, insulated slide floors, heated holding tanks, enclosed dump valves and heated utility areas are on the current Reflection pages. Grand Design also claims Reflection testing was done at temperatures ranging from -6 degrees to 101 degrees Fahrenheit, but adds that actual results in the field may vary due to wind, humidity and altitude. That caveat matters. It's not a magic winter cabin. It's still an RV, with slides, plumbing and seals and exposed surfaces. But, when it comes to cold nights, shoulder season camping and longer trips, the Reflection is a bit more ready for those adventures than an entry-level basic trailer. The more you're out camping in less than ideal summer weather, the more these details matter.

Suspension, Brakes and Road Manners

This is a mid-range category with a good list of features to consider when buying a towing Reflection. Full-size Reflection fifth wheels and travel trailers come equipped with MORryde CRE3000 suspension, Goodyear Endurance tires and ABS brakes. The Reflection 150 Series features a CURT Touring Coil Suspension System and includes features such as anti-lock braking with sway control for models such as the 295RL. These features can't replace the proper truck, tire pressure, weight distribution and driving judgment. They do, however, demonstrate that Grand Design has an ear for what these trailers are up to while on the road. Sloppy setup can cost you on a large towable RV. On rough pavement, long descents and wet roads, suspension travel and tire quality and braking confidence become factors. Reflection still requires a good owner, but the hardware package is one of the reasons the line does not seem like a bargain trailer.

Solar, Power and Camping Rhythm

Not extreme off-grid, but the factory solar package does come in handy on the Reflection. Full-size Reflection fifth wheels are fitted with a 370-watt roof-mounted solar panel and a 60 amp charge controller, solar disconnect, inverter prep and a 12V refrigerator. Reflection travel trailers have a 180-watt roof mounted solar panel, 60 amp charge controller, inverter prep, solar disconnect and 12V refrigerator. The Reflection 150 Series also includes a 180-watt panel and other simple solar equipment. That is adequate for battery maintenance, 12V refrigeration, and lighter dry camping usage with battery capacity properly set up. Don't pretend air conditioning is free and that energy is something you'll never have to consider. Those looking to do serious boondocking should still consider batteries, inverter power, portable solar or generator use. The Reflection's existing power system is a solid platform for normal campground use and for whatever nights it won't have hookups.

Water, Tanks and Longer Stays

One of the stealthy reasons that Reflection is good for longer trips is its capacity. Full size Reflection fifth wheels typically have 74 gallons of fresh water, while gray and waste tanks vary from floorplan to floorplan. The 337RLS has 74 gallons fresh water, 79 gallons gray and 39 gallons waste. The 311BHS lists 74 fresh, 87 gray and 87 waste. Travel trailers are a bit different. The 317RSTS shows 55 gallons fresh, 78 gallons gray and 39 gallons waste, and the 342BHTS shows 54 gallons fresh, 86 gallons gray and 43 gallons waste. The 150 Series 295RL lists 55 fresh, 78 gray and 39 waste. Not unlimited numbers, but numbers that can be lived with. They can be expanded by a couple with reasonable habits and families will appreciate the larger gray capacity on bunkhouse-like models. This is where the Reflection seems like an RV that is designed to be used, rather than just shown at the show.

Technology and Daily Convenience

The Reflection also offers up convenience features that add value on subsequent trips. Compass Connect allows owners to command or know the status of various systems such as lighting, slide-outs, leveling and awnings, dependent on equipment and model. Tire-Linc TPMS is standard on Reflections, except the Reflection 100 Series where it is prepped. Motion lighting, universal docking stations, on-demand tankless water heaters, 50 amp service on larger fifth wheels, solid surface countertops and larger refrigerators are many features that are found on many models. All of this is nothing out of the ordinary, but together it makes the trailer a lot more comfortable to live with. Many of the best RV features are the ones you don't even notice because they simply make life easier: improved storage lighting, simple water hook-ups, no odd corners in cabinets and a bedroom that isn't an afterthought.

Price and Value

Let it be known that Reflection does not come cheap. Grand Design's Reflection 150 Series is priced at approximately $74,880, Reflection travel trailers are listed at approximately $82,815 and the full-size Reflection fifth wheels are listed for approximately $90,244. Individual models move higher: the 337RLS is listed at $95,600, the 360FLS at $112,530, and the 367BHS at $111,358. Street prices may vary and dealer fees, freight, tax, extras and finance arrangements may make a vast difference to the actual purchase. It's not the case that Reflection is a bargain. The value case is that it offers many buyers a great balance of comfort, towability, features, support and floorplan selection without taking a big leap toward a Solitude. However, if you are camping just a few weekends out of the year, it might be too much trailer. The price becomes more justifiable if you are away for weeks, working from a remote location, traveling with children or spending a season in one location.

What Owners Like and What Can Go Wrong

There are certain things owners like to see and some things that can go wrong. Mixed feedback from owners comes in the traditional RV style. RV Insider rates the floorplan and towing high and the overall quality and factory warranty are lower than the floorplan ratings. This is consistent with the overall towable RV ownership trend. While people seem to enjoy living in a Reflection, there are reports of fit, finish, dealer service, warranty delays, leaks and appliance or small repair problems. It is not that the Reflection is specifically bad. It implies that purchasers need to think of it as a real RV and not a sealed consumer device. Pre-delivery inspection is important. Inspect slides, roof sealant, plumbing, water heater, furnace, refrigerator, windows, underbelly, tires, brakes, leveling, electrical systems and cabinetry before signing off. The Reflection's reputation is good, and reputation is not a substitute for inspection.

Who Is the Buyer of the Reflection?

The Grand Design Reflection is ideal for couples and families, seasonal travelers and remote workers looking for a towable RV that is comfortable enough for real time use. The travel trailers are a logical fit for those seeking the Reflection experience, but not ready to enter the fifth wheel hitch. Owners looking to make the truck requirement more manageable will find the 150 Series interesting, though payload will still be a factor. For those that desire more storage, more depth and floorplan and a more stable towing feel with the right truck, then the full-size fifth wheels are the way to go. It's not for buyers looking for the lowest price, the smallest trailer or the simplest possible maintenance. It's a great option if you're looking for a towable that you can easily live in, has a lot of features and is well known, and you are willing to pair it with a suitable tow vehicle and expectations.