Frame flex

[hmcfly626]

I was just wondering. I got a 26 Grand Design 362 TBS. My salesman had told me that the flex frame was already fixed, but according to AI it is not. Has anyone had any frame flex with this version? It is a reflection. Thanks.

 

[TheLooks]

Is there a frame flex issue with the 26 Grand Design 362 TBS?

While specific data for the **2026 Grand Design Reflection 362 TBS** is not detailed in the provided context, **Grand Design fifth wheels have been subject to widespread frame flex issues** and a **NHTSA investigation** due to excessive frame flex affecting models like the **Solitude** and **Momentum**.

* **NHTSA Investigation**: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation in **October 2024** into **55,887** **Grand Design** **Momentum** and **Solitude** fifth wheels manufactured between **2017 and 2023**.
* **Nature of the Issue**: The problem involves **excessive frame flex** (vertical movement greater than **3/8 inch**) which can lead to **structural damage**, **cracked welds**, **separating walls**, and **binding or opening doors** while in transit.
* **Manufacturer Response**: **Grand Design** and frame manufacturer **Lippert Components** have differing views on the scope; Grand Design claims issues are limited to the **upper deck area** causing **cosmetic defects**, while Lippert suggests effects may extend to the **front axle**. Grand Design issued **Technical Service Bulletin 24-001** to address the issue by installing larger lag bolts and replacing missing ones.
* **Relevance to 2026 Models**: The investigation and TSB specifically target models from **2017-2023**. However, owners and experts note that **frame flex** can be a design or build quality issue that may persist in newer models if underlying engineering or manufacturing processes (such as lag bolt installation or frame bonding) are not corrected. The **Grand Design Omega Frame** is mentioned as a potential improvement, but skepticism remains regarding long-term durability.

For a **2026** model, it is recommended to verify if the **Omega Frame** or other design updates have been implemented and to check if the specific VIN falls under any extended warranty or recall notices issued after the initial 2024 investigation.

Yes, this is pasted in from a search engine. A salesman will tell you whatever it takes to get one out the door. There is no recourse once you pay and pull. I would be more wary of the fact that GD and Lippert do not agree. But of course they are both trying to point the finger at each other and avoid liability. They both know what the issue is. Only time will tell if you have a good one. Lets hope it was not a monday or a friday and they left some of those bolts out.

 

[hmcfly626]

Is there a frame flex issue with the 26 Grand Design 362 TBS?

While specific data for the **2026 Grand Design Reflection 362 TBS** is not detailed in the provided context, **Grand Design fifth wheels have been subject to widespread frame flex issues** and a **NHTSA investigation** due to excessive frame flex affecting models like the **Solitude** and **Momentum**.

* **NHTSA Investigation**: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation in **October 2024** into **55,887** **Grand Design** **Momentum** and **Solitude** fifth wheels manufactured between **2017 and 2023**.
* **Nature of the Issue**: The problem involves **excessive frame flex** (vertical movement greater than **3/8 inch**) which can lead to **structural damage**, **cracked welds**, **separating walls**, and **binding or opening doors** while in transit.
* **Manufacturer Response**: **Grand Design** and frame manufacturer **Lippert Components** have differing views on the scope; Grand Design claims issues are limited to the **upper deck area** causing **cosmetic defects**, while Lippert suggests effects may extend to the **front axle**. Grand Design issued **Technical Service Bulletin 24-001** to address the issue by installing larger lag bolts and replacing missing ones.
* **Relevance to 2026 Models**: The investigation and TSB specifically target models from **2017-2023**. However, owners and experts note that **frame flex** can be a design or build quality issue that may persist in newer models if underlying engineering or manufacturing processes (such as lag bolt installation or frame bonding) are not corrected. The **Grand Design Omega Frame** is mentioned as a potential improvement, but skepticism remains regarding long-term durability.

For a **2026** model, it is recommended to verify if the **Omega Frame** or other design updates have been implemented and to check if the specific VIN falls under any extended warranty or recall notices issued after the initial 2024 investigation.

Yes, this is pasted in from a search engine. A salesman will tell you whatever it takes to get one out the door. There is no recourse once you pay and pull. I would be more wary of the fact that GD and Lippert do not agree. But of course they are both trying to point the finger at each other and avoid liability. They both know what the issue is. Only time will tell if you have a good one. Lets hope it was not a monday or a friday and they left some of those bolts out.

Thank so much

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Every frame flexes. Every box flexes. Some manufacturers get lucky and the flexing works together. Other manufacturers aren't so lucky. Even those wonderful bridges you walk over flex. Skyscrapers flex too.

When a frame has two platforms at different levels,the difference in elevation play a part in the distruction of the whole.

The only people in the industry that think flex is a natural law that can be overcome are RV customers.

You get lucky,or you don't it's that easy. As a side,both manufacturers are right. Both are hiding the fact that the whole frame is flexing, the part that isn't showing that! Just doesn't have enough miles on it yet!

But hey the are convenient aren't they.

 

[hmcfly626]

Every frame flexes. Every box flexes. Some manufacturers get lucky and the flexing works together. Other manufacturers aren't so lucky. Even those wonderful bridges you walk over flex. Skyscrapers flex too.

When a frame has two platforms at different levels,the difference in elevation play a part in the distruction of the whole.

The only people in the industry that think flex is a natural law that can be overcome are RV customers.

You get lucky,or you don't it's that easy. As a side,both manufacturers are right. Both are hiding the fact that the whole frame is flexing, the part that isn't showing that! Just doesn't have enough miles on it yet!

But hey the are convenient aren't they.

Thanks

 

[Underboss]

Every frame flexes. Every box flexes. Some manufacturers get lucky and the flexing works together. Other manufacturers aren't so lucky. Even those wonderful bridges you walk over flex. Skyscrapers flex too.

When a frame has two platforms at different levels,the difference in elevation play a part in the distruction of the whole.

The only people in the industry that think flex is a natural law that can be overcome are RV customers.

You get lucky,or you don't it's that easy. As a side,both manufacturers are right. Both are hiding the fact that the whole frame is flexing, the part that isn't showing that! Just doesn't have enough miles on it yet!

But hey the are convenient aren't they.

Finished a 62 story concrete superstructure. Before we released the tuned mass damper, the building swayed over 25" Everything flexes