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Are you considering the full-time RV life? Have you looked at any RV models, baffled by all the options?
If so, I get it! When we first started exploring the world of RVs, we were struck by the vast array of makes, models, and floor plans available—it was truly overwhelming. However, our choice ultimately hinged on our one-year-old son. We wanted to ensure he could continue sleeping in his own bed and have a space to call his own as he grew, which led us directly to our specific RV.
Although I am not affiliated with Grand Design in any way, I truly do love our RV and hope to offer some insight on why. There are other companies that have RV's with mid bunks, but be sure to do your research to find the perfect fit for you!
Living on the road is an adventure, and finding the right RV that blends the comforts of home with the flexibility of travel can be a challenge. That's why we are absolutely in love with our Grand Design Reflection 31MB RV. It's not just a mode of transportation; it's our cozy, home-on-wheels that fits our family perfectly.
Here’s why this RV has won over our hearts and how we’ve made it a haven of comfort and style.
So, why do we love our Grand Design Reflection 31MB?
Designed for Family Living
One of the standout features of our Reflection 31MB is the mid-bunk room. This unique layout gives our son his own private space—vital for both playtime and downtime. The room is perfect for storing all his toys, which keeps the main living area uncluttered and serene. This setup not only gives him a sense of independence but also makes our living space more organized and spacious. The mid-bunk would also be good for kids of any age due to the amount of storage and the fact that it has two beds.
I must also mention that the 31MB isn’t just great for kids. It offers flexible sleeping arrangements like top and bottom bunks or a top bunk with a couch underneath. If you opt for the couch, it's easily replaceable with a desk, transforming the space into a mobile office. You could even remove the top bunk to install shelving. This setup is ideal for anyone who works remotely and wants to embrace a traveling lifestyle!
Space and Storage Galore
This RV is a marvel when it comes to storage solutions. From the overhead cabinets above our bed to the spacious dinette table and the closet/dresser in our room, every item has its place. This ample storage allows us to keep essentials out of sight and maintain a tidy and orderly environment, which is essential for living comfortably on the road.
Our bed cleverly flips up to reveal additional storage underneath. There’s also hidden space beneath each of our nightstands, under the dinette seating, and in drawers below our son’s bunk bed.
And that’s just the beginning—the kitchen island, around the kitchenette, inside the bathroom, in the pantry, and even under the RV itself all offer more storage options. Honestly, the storage capacity in this RV is truly impressive!
Built to Withstand the Elements
Traveling through varying climates means our RV has to be equipped to handle changes in weather, and the Arctic Insulation package of our RV does just that. It keeps us warm and toasty even when the temperatures dip, providing a snug shelter that feels like a warm embrace.
Don't get me wrong, we do still have to use our heater! However, we looked at RV's from November-January and found that this RV felt warmer than the others without any heat on. Propane can add up to be fairly expensive, and there are some RV parks that charge separately for electric. Using your electric heater can raise your electric bill, so opting for an RV with good insulation can help avoid this.
Ease of Navigation and Maintenance
The Grand Design Reflection 31MB isn’t just a home; it’s a breeze to manage. Its layout makes it easy to navigate, and maintaining it is straightforward, which means we spend less time worrying about upkeep and more time making memories.
This RV is outfitted with a tire-pressure monitoring system (Tire Linc), automatic leveling, and streamlined control over tanks and hook-ups, enhancing both safety and convenience. Not to mention, the RV also connects to an app on our phones which allows us to monitor and control the awnings, lights, battery, leveling, slides, and tire linc system.
There are also water hose hookups, additional propane hook-up for propane grills on the outside of the RV, and a mini fridge for drinks!
A Chef’s Mobile Paradise
The generous storage capacity in our kitchen allows us to house a full array of kitchenware and appliances, enabling us to prepare all our favorite dishes. We comfortably fit our 6qt Instant Pot, slow cooker, bread machine, a complete set of pots and pans, plates, bowls, cups, cooking utensils, flatware, an electric hand mixer, a personal blender, a toaster, an electric skillet, a coffee maker, a countertop ice maker, and an air fryer.
Despite accommodating all these items, we still have ample room for a dedicated spice drawer, extensive pantry and fridge space for groceries, a junk drawer, and additional storage!
The kitchen island isn’t just a functional feature; it’s a focal point of our home’s design. Housing the sink, providing extra storage, and offering additional prep space, it makes cooking a joy rather than a chore. This setup allows us to prepare meals effortlessly, turning simple dishes into gourmet feasts on the road.
Our stock fridge has since been replaced with a 10.1 cubic foot refrigerator which offers more space for food in both the refrigerator and freezer. If you are interested in how we switched out our refrigerator, read our blog post RV Fridge Saga: Why We Upgraded Our Much Hated Fridge and How We Did It!
Making It Our Home-On-Wheels
Transforming an RV into a home takes a touch of creativity and a lot of love. We chose a neutral color scheme for the interior to keep it looking clean and uncluttered. To add life and personality, we’ve filled it with various decor items that not only fill empty spaces but also brighten up the environment.
Our son’s room has been decorated to be fun and inviting, creating a space that he loves to spend time in. It’s his little sanctuary within our mobile sanctuary.
Much Needed Upgrades
Not only did we upgrade our fridge, but we also updated our mattress in the master room. It took us about two months to realize that our stock RV mattress was ruining our backs. We decided to order a memory foam mattress-in-a-box and it was such a great decision!
We chose the Ashley Signature Design Memory Foam 10-inch Mattress from Amazon. In order to really elevate our bedroom, we also added really soft sheets, a duvet with an affordable, soft, and breathable duvet cover, and hotel-grade pillows.
Adding a TV to our son's bedroom and our master bedroom also brought our RV to the next level. Originally, we had only added a TV our son's bedroom but ended up adding a TV to our room as well.
Extending the Living Space Outdoors
We’ve also extended our living space to the outside by setting up a cozy “patio” area. This not only enlarges our living area but also allows us to enjoy the outdoors comfortably, bringing a little bit of traditional home living to wherever we park.
We've equipped our outdoor space with a large rug, reclining chairs, a small table, a foldable chair for our son, a larger table for our pellet grill, and a plastic tote for our son’s outdoor toys.
To enhance the homely feel, we also decorate with seasonal themes. This not only makes our RV living experience more enjoyable and comfortable, but it also delights our son and the other children at the campgrounds, who love seeing the fun, festive decorations change with the seasons.
Our Grand Design Reflection 31MB RV isn’t just a vehicle; it’s our home. It’s where comfort meets convenience, where family time is treasured, and where every destination feels like home. This RV has allowed us to embrace the nomadic lifestyle without sacrificing the comforts of home, making every journey a delightful adventure.
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