Excessive frame flex on larger Solitude fifth wheels

Owner reportFrame

Symptoms: Grand Design's frame FAQ says a small number of larger Solitude and Momentum fifth wheels may have experienced excessive frame flex, and it lists cracking near the corners of the upper-deck slide opening, separation of interior or exterior panels, and separation of upper-deck structures from the wall. NHTSA complaints for Solitude model years 2019 through 2024 describe frame cracks, upper-deck movement, and slide-outs that moved while turning. Complaint ODI 11753457, filed on a 2020 Solitude, says the owner saw extensive frame flex and slide-outs that rolled out in a turn.
Likely causes: The same FAQ lists road impacts, collisions, loading and weight distribution, unapproved hitches or pin boxes, chucking between the tow vehicle and the fifth wheel, a non-traditional tow vehicle, and manufacturing variations. It also says some chassis flex is normal and that measurements depend on the unit.
Common fixes: Grand Design's frame FAQ tells an owner who sees cracking at the upper-deck slide opening, panel separation, or upper-deck structure separating from the wall to call customer service at 1-855-879-4746 with the registered name, VIN, a description, photos, and locations. The warranty PDF says the remedy is repair by Grand Design or its authorized agent. Neither document is a welding procedure.
DIY difficulty: Not a DIY job in these sources. Grand Design directs owners to customer service or a dealer technician.
Parts needed: No parts kit is named in the FAQ or the warranty PDF. The PDF describes repair of the covered frame assembly.
Warranty notes: Grand Design's five-year limited towable frame warranty PDF, revised June 25, 2024, says coverage begins at the original retail purchase and applies to model year 2020 and newer. It defines the towable frame assembly as the main frame rails (I-beam), outriggers, cross-members, upper deck frame, and original components affixed by weld or Huck bolt. The PDF says the warranty must be registered within 30 days and is not assignable. A later company page says the one-year, three-year, and five-year towable warranties are transferable to a later owner during the warranty period, measured from the original purchase date, retroactive to model year 2020.

Sources

Owner reportFrame

Symptoms

Grand Design's frame FAQ says a small number of larger Solitude and Momentum fifth wheels may have experienced excessive frame flex, and it lists cracking near the corners of the upper-deck slide opening, separation of interior or exterior panels, and separation of upper-deck structures from the wall. NHTSA complaints for Solitude model years 2019 through 2024 describe frame cracks, upper-deck movement, and slide-outs that moved while turning. Complaint ODI 11753457, filed on a 2020 Solitude, says the owner saw extensive frame flex and slide-outs that rolled out in a turn.

Likely causes

The same FAQ lists road impacts, collisions, loading and weight distribution, unapproved hitches or pin boxes, chucking between the tow vehicle and the fifth wheel, a non-traditional tow vehicle, and manufacturing variations. It also says some chassis flex is normal and that measurements depend on the unit.

Common fixes

Grand Design's frame FAQ tells an owner who sees cracking at the upper-deck slide opening, panel separation, or upper-deck structure separating from the wall to call customer service at 1-855-879-4746 with the registered name, VIN, a description, photos, and locations. The warranty PDF says the remedy is repair by Grand Design or its authorized agent. Neither document is a welding procedure.

DIY difficulty

Not a DIY job in these sources. Grand Design directs owners to customer service or a dealer technician.

Parts needed

No parts kit is named in the FAQ or the warranty PDF. The PDF describes repair of the covered frame assembly.

Warranty notes

Grand Design's five-year limited towable frame warranty PDF, revised June 25, 2024, says coverage begins at the original retail purchase and applies to model year 2020 and newer. It defines the towable frame assembly as the main frame rails (I-beam), outriggers, cross-members, upper deck frame, and original components affixed by weld or Huck bolt. The PDF says the warranty must be registered within 30 days and is not assignable. A later company page says the one-year, three-year, and five-year towable warranties are transferable to a later owner during the warranty period, measured from the original purchase date, retroactive to model year 2020.