Is Grand Design a good RV?

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Is Grand Design a good RV? We will review the range of models from Grand Design, highlighting their pros and cons. 

Is Grand Design a good RV?

Yes, Grand Design are good RVs. Grand Design is a manufacturer that cares about the quality of its products and whose mission is the satisfaction of its customers. Their products come in varying sizes ranging from 21 to 42 feet and have won numerous awards since the start of the company. 

A pioneer of the 3-year structural warranty, Grand Design inspects all of its RVs as they leave the factory and not just a few chosen at random. You can choose between a classic trailer, a cargo trailer, a fifth wheel trailer and a cargo fifth wheel trailer (toy hauler), the latter having a garage to transport your motorcycles, ATVs, etc. But regardless of the size and model of trailer you choose, your new acquisition will allow you to spend unforgettable family vacations!

Grand Design trailers: range of models

In this section of the article, you can learn more about the Transcend XPLOR range of trailers which is the only range of trailers with aluminum sheet coating manufactured by Grand Design. Even though its construction is more of a traditional type, Grand Design has innovated by using Strongwall sheets, Tuff-Coat coating and Quad Seal gaskets with four seals for maximum sealing.

Don’t forget the Imagine trailers, which are the most popular with their chic and modern fiberglass exterior and their clean, contemporary interior decor. Imagine trailers have redefined industry standards and continue to push them back.

Grand Design also offers models of Imagine XLS trailers that are lighter and shorter for campers whose vehicle has limited towing capacity or who wish to remain free in the choice of terrain for camping. 

Finally, Grand Design was inspired by the “fifth wheel trend” to offer you the Reflection trailers which offer more spacious configurations, a superior finish and equipment to enjoy your RV over the long term. Not to mention the Momentum G-Class range of cargo trailers which also offer the luxury of “Toy Hauler fifth wheels” with the addition of a cargo section at the rear to carry your ATV, motorcycle or side-by-side!

  • Grand Design Reflection fifth wheel trailers: The Grand Design Reflection fifth wheel gives you a high-end RV that clearly stands out from its rivals. Designed with Grand Design’s attention to detail and quality, these fifth-wheel trailers will satisfy connoisseurs.

The Reflection 150 Series line of fifth-wheel trailers is intended for half-ton truck owners. They offer the same reliable construction of the original Reflection line as shorter and lighter models, but just as functional.

  • Grand Design Momentum Toy Hauler: Grand Design has revolutionized the Toy Hauler category with its Momentum cargo fifth-wheel trailer range that allows motorcycle or ATV enthusiasts to take their vehicle with them, without compromising on quality and luxury. 
  • Grand Design Momentum M-Class Toy Hauler: The Momentum M-Class toy hauler range is halfway between the Momentum range and the Momentum G-Class range. It offers most of the additional equipment and options of the Momentum, with configurations available at lesser lengths and weights. As usual, for Grand Design, there is no compromise on the quality of materials and assembly! 
  • Grand Design Momentum G-Class Toy Hauler: The Toy Hauler Momentum G-Class range offers lighter cargo fifth wheel models than the original Momentum range. True to their reputation, Grand Design manufactures them without compromising on the quality of materials and assembly to deliver the same durability and reliability for which it is renowned. 
  • Grand Design Imagine trailers: You are probably seeing more and more Imagine trailers on the roads, and that’s to be expected! This line of trailers manufactured by Grand Design is enjoying unparalleled popularity thanks to its superior quality and its appearance worthy of the most luxurious trailers. 
  • Grand Design Imagine XLS Trailers: The Imagine XLS range of trailers has been designed with the aim of offering a lighter and more compact alternative to campers wishing to benefit from the quality and luxury of Imagine trailers. Built with the same quality standards that have made Grand Design famous, Imagine XLS trailers can accommodate both a family and a couple. 
  • Grand Design Transcend XPLOR Trailers: Faced with the success of their Transcend trailer range, Grand Design decided to launch the Transcend XPLOR range which takes up the concern for construction quality, convenience and practicality. The Transcend XPLOR line of trailers are designed to be more compact and lightweight and have now completely replaced the original Transcend trailers. 

Grand Design build quality

True to its reputation, Grand Design has not neglected the construction of its RVs, both for the exterior and the interior. 

It all starts with a wooden structure for all the walls, floor and roof of the trailer which is then insulated with a layer of mineral wool which is glued between each upright. The walls are closed with a prefinished interior and Strongwall aluminum sheets which are 25% thicker on the exterior.  Aluminum sheets have a “Tuff-Coat” finish which makes them more resistant and gives them a matte and chic finish. 

The roof receives an additional layer of insulation consisting of a radiant membrane before being protected by plywood and a one-piece TPO membrane. 

The floor is attached to the frame which is closed by a protective membrane and heated by a dedicated air duct. The doors of the storage compartments are also insulated to reduce heat loss.

The Grand Design trailers are also built with Quad Seal technology which adds four layers of protection to the trailer end joints. The first layer consists of Mylar tape affixed to the wood stud under the joint. There are then two PVC foams installed under the end of the sheets on each side. 

The third layer consists of another PVC foam installed directly on the joint which is then protected by the fourth layer made of a silicone sealant. This process exclusive to Grand Design offers superior protection against water infiltration.

Grand Design RVs recalls

As with any other RV manufacturer, Grand Design RVs are not perfect. There have been some issues with their products in the past few years. We review them below. 

ModelsProblemsSolutions proposed by the manufacturer
Solitude 5th-Wheel Trailer 2017-2021On certain conventional trailers, the rubber propane gas line may not be properly secured and contact the refrigerator burner tube. 
As a result, it could melt and cause a gas leak. 
Grand Design RV to notify owners by mail and ask them to take their trailer to a dealership to have the propane lines in the refrigerator compartment inspected. 
Any damaged linens will be replaced and removed from the refrigerator burner tube. 
Dealers will also wrap the propane line with heat resistant film in the area near the burner tube.
Reflection 295RL 2019In some classic trailers, the receptacle on the curbside (side of the front door) of the vehicle does not have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFI). 
This could increase the risk of shock or an electric shock to people who use the devices.
Dealers will need to replace the existing outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFI) outlet and rewire it to verify ground fault protection.
Imagine, Reflection 5th-wheel and Transcend 2019On certain trailers, the axle bearings may not have been installed properly. This could cause the bearings to overheat and fail, which could cause a wheel to come off. 
Detaching a wheel could cause loss of control and an accident. In addition, the wheel could strike another vehicle, a stationary object or a person located nearby, which could injure someone or damage property.
Dealers will repair or replace bearings and axle hubs as needed.
Reflection Travel Trailer 2019In some conventional trailers, the 50 amp in-line circuit breaker for the hitch breaker switch and power converter may have been wired incorrectly. 
Therefore, it would not provide overcurrent protection for the circuit. 
In the event of an overcurrent situation (short circuit to ground, etc.), the wiring could overheat, increasing the chance of a fire starting which could result in personal injury or property damage (or both).
Dealers will need to inspect the circuit wiring. If the wiring is incorrect, they will need to redo it to ensure that overcurrent protection is provided.

The bottom line

As you could see in this article, there is good and it is bad about Grand Design RVs. But overall, we would lie if we would say we are not impressed by their models and the amenities Grand Design brings onboard. 

What do you think? Do not hesitate to let us know what your opinion (or experience) with Grand Design RV is!

FAQ on Is Grand Design a good RV?

Is Grand Design better than Keystone?

If one compares Grand Design to Keystone, we can definitely say that Grand Design is better when it comes to comfort, amenities and insulation. Keystone, on the other hand, is considered to have better layouts overall.

Why buy a Grand Design travel trailer?

Grand Design is a manufacturer that cares about the quality of its RVs and whose mission is the satisfaction of its customers. Their products have won numerous awards since the start of the company, including the 2019 Trailer Life Readers Choice Gold.

What are the worst RV brands?

The following are considered the worst RV brands:

  • Thor Hurricane.
  • Coachmen.
  • Gulfstream.
  • Forest River.
  • Fleetwood.
  • Winnebago.

Which RVs have the best resale value?

The Jayco Rvs have the best resale value. There are many reasons for this, but we must mention the high-quality materials, strong foundations and longest warranty. 

References

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