2023 Grand Design RVs - Are They As Good As Some People Say?

Grand Design is one of the fastest growing RV manufacturers during the last 10 years. And these days, you see Grand Design RVs almost everywhere on the road and in campgrounds and RV parks. So clearly they are popular. But are they really a quality manufacturer? And are they as good as the hype seems to indicate? This video helps answer that question.
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🔹 This channel for entertainment purposes only. I am not an RV, travel or renovation expert. I share my opinions based on my experience and what works for me, but you should do your own research.

[@tsrvadventures3219]

Thanks for your great and unbiased review. We have a 2019 GD Solitude S Class 3350 RL and went fulltime 2 years ago. We now have 15K miles on our rig. We are not into bling and the latest whiz bang dodads so we chose the Solitude S Class for fulltiming on purpose. Prior to purchase we toured the GD plant where the Solitude and Momentum are constructed and were treated like VIPs. GD in the past year or so GD opened their own service center near their manufacturing plants. Yes just like all the other manufacturers, GD has its share of construction problems and yes QC could be better, but where GD really shines is after the sale customer service. We have had a few minor repairs, nothing major, and have fixed them ourselves. GD even shipped to us an awning end cover free outside of warranty as a courtesy. Overall no complaints with our rig.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with GD with us. I agree that GD does not build "bling" RVs. They focus more on function and quality. And that's why you see so many fulltime RVers in GD products. But the buying public in general most often makes their buying decisions based mainly on looks alone. And that often leads to a very poor buying experience. Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@wendybenson5903]

Just found you and really enjoyed your video and got a lot of great information! Newly Subscribed now :)

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Welcome aboard Wendy. So glad that you subbed the channel. Let me know if you have any questions about what you see in any of my videos. I'll be glad to help!

[@wendybenson5903]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Oh my goodness you may live to regret saying that lol but thank you and as I begin binging videos I will take you up on that!

[@1980zz4]

My wife and I bought a GD Momentum 394 in 2019. The one we bought is actually a 2018 that the dealer showed around. All I can say is it has been phenomenal. It has tons of space and whether we are boon docking or staying at an improved camp site, we are living in luxury. We have had a couple issues that were remedied by GD very quickly. Their customer service helps make them the great manufacturer they are. So looking forward to the 2023 season.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for leaving such a positive Grand Design review. And I would have to say that your experience with GD is what most people who buy their RVs from them are saying as well. Have a great RVing season this year in your Momentum!

[@denisbeyer735]

I just bought a 2023 GD22mls in February and went from So. Carolina to NY and then from NY to So. Dakota and back. Not one problem problem to report. Great design and great build. I would highly recommend GD.

[@romaldemgle5867]

Got a new Grand Desigh Transend we love it and the company. They do all of what he said 100 %. We love the G.D. rallys to see other owners and have good time with then and learn about a lot of rv stuff.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks so much for leaving us your impressions of GD. Sometimes those that have favorable experiences with a product or company are not nearly as vocal as those who haven't. So I appreciate you watching the video and then also leaving a positive comment too.

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

Great job Duane! I almost went out and started to hunt for a new P/U after seeing this video. This can certainly can get pricey for two new camping vehicles! THANKS SAFE TRAVELS

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Ha! Ha! Sorry to confuse you with this video Ron. Grand Design is a great company, but so is Newmar, right?

[@GiftHorse123]

One thing that most RV manufacturers DON'T DO is send a survey to the purchasers. It's pretty basic.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, that is basic follow-up. Thanks for watching!

[@earlbalentine2754]

Great video, I keep looking at other brands but always keep coming back to Grand Design for their great floor plans and customer service.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, I agree that GD does have some nice floor plans as well. Some RV manufacturers could really improve in that area. Thanks for watching Earl!

[@duchess0816]

We have a 2022 337 reflection, we have had it over 18 months and love it. We have owned five 5th wheels and so far this has been the best. We have had a couple very minor problems, and customer service from Grand Design has been great. We love the floor plan and the quality of this rv. Don’t even get me started on FR products and their customer service. In the future if we buy another 5th wheel, it will be a Grand Design.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks so much for posting your positive Grand Design experiences here. We need to hear more from those who love their Grand Design RV. The Grand Design haters are very vocal, so it's nice to hear from the other side as well. So thanks for watching and for leaving such a nice comment!

[@jameswilliams977]

We are going full time rv living next year. We have been researching which 5th trailer will work best for us. We will be getting a Grand Design 397THS toy hauler. We have looked at several brands that were more expensive and found things that just didn’t work for us and some poor quality at a much higher price. Love all of your information and yes our new trailer will be getting an inspection.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad that you have found a toy hauler that will work well for you James. There are some loud and vocal GD bashers out there, but I agree with you that there is much worse quality found in many more expensive RVs being made. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@memoryhole7229]

Not here to hate on GD as I own a 2017 Reflection 297RSTS. But lately GD has lots of issues from poor customer service to poor workmanship. Looks like GD is slipping into the big corporation trap of cost reduction, production speed and sales over quality.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Grand Design has had such a good reputation for so long. But I am getting the feeling that the pandemic has affected their workforce build procedures quite a bit and they don't seem to be bouncing back as quickly as I would have expected. I am going to keep my eye on them very closely going forward. And if I don't see improvement I will update this video. Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion.

[@MyWinston14]

I love my reflection 297rsts, they really are a good RV, thank you Dewayne for this video

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Your welcome. Grand Design has taken some hits from a few online RV influencers lately. But they have been building good products that have won numerous consumer awards over the past 10 years. I'm glad that you are enjoying yours. Safe and happy travels too!

[@swabbievet]

We purchased a 2020 GD 2670MK used and there were some issues and the customer service was great and took care of everything when they didn’t have too. We’re now looking for a 5th wheel and it will be a Grand Design too. Things will not be perfect and can go wrong but Grand Design will take care of their customers.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Grand Design is known for their customer service. So thanks for sharing your positive experience here. I'm sure it will be helpful for others.

[@edquinn8182]

Thank you and GOD BLESS YOU..... 👍

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So glad you enjoyed the video Ed. Thanks for leaving a nice comment!

[@JeffinTD]

Excellent video. Oddly, prior to coming to this video I was following horror stories of major issues and unresponsive customer service…. I think many rv brands were hit with twin storms of lack of employees, and a surge in customer activity. For the next RV (toyhauler) I’d been looking at the G21 or ORV’s 24TRX. ORV has an impressive frame and suspension and seems more logging road capable. Grand Design has some pluses in their layout.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Jeff. There is a small but very vocal group of GD detractors that air their grievances with the company with every opportunity that they can online. And it's very hard to reason with them, so I have stopped trying to do that anymore. But as you said, it is true that the Covid pandemic has hit the workforce of all RV manufacturer's hard while the demand for new RVs skyrocketed. In fact, I made a video about the situation and you can view it here if you like - kzbin.info/www/bejne/poexe4ClpcRomac And both of the RVs you mentioned are made by companies that have a good reputation in the industry, so just choose the one that fits you best as long as you get it inspected before taking delivery.

[@supporterofsanity]

We got an absolute lemon from GD in February this year, 2022 337RLS. It’s due for its third trip to the dealer to work out defects and poor workmanship. Build quality “looked” good but it certainly was not.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

This is why I stated in the video that everyone who buys a new RV these days should get an RV inspection before they buy and take ownership of the RV. And that includes Grand Design. A thorough RV inspection can reveal issues and problems that can then be repaired under warranty in a timely way before taking delivery of the RV. But if you buy the RV and take ownership of it, the dealer has little incentive to fix the issues since they already have their money in hand. And they often string out the repairs over a matter of many months. So you could have saved yourself a lot of trouble and frustration if you had gotten the RV inspection before delivery as I recommended in this video. I am sorry to hear about this kind of situation, but I also know that it is not a common occurrence with GD either. But as long as RVs are essentially made by hand, this kind of situation can take place.

[@msheron]

Customer service on a simple issue we had was lacking. Thankfully, it was something we could fix and just had to find the time. We bought a 2022 GD fiver….28BH due to the dealer showing us them as well as we were there to see a Jayco. We were sold on the upfitting and claimed customer service and hope if a real issue happens, they come through.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sorry you had a poor experience with GD on the small issue Michael. Hopefully, you will get the good results that most others are experiencing in future problems.

[@dieselmutt8865]

Very tempted to sell my house and get a 373FB Solitude to simplify my living. Maybe I'm nuts but I keep coming back to that.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I know a lot of people who made that decision and haven't regretted it. The Solitude is a great full-time rig.

[@chrisneal386]

I own a 2021 and had a repair issue, I had to contact them for reimbursement and it took six emails To Them for updates to get a partial reimbursement. So I don’t think customer service is lacking.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience Chris. All I can say is that it is very much the exception and not the rule for someone to have difficulty getting prompt and helpful service from Grand Design as some others have said here in the comments section. If you feel that you have been treated badly, let them know in person and not by email. I would be surprised if they don't do their best to make you happy.

[@carysnyder929]

My wife and I have a Reflection 303RLS 2022. The product is great. People need to keep in mind they are a house running down the road, so they will have some issues. We love ours, the next time we buy, It will be a Grand Design!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Cary. Thanks for chiming in on this video's comments. For some reason there seems to be more negative talk about GD going around lately than is justified. I'm glad to hear from a happy owner like yourself.

[@user-zl1vw6cx8n]

Love our 2023 GD Solitude 390 RKR which we have been out in once and are looking forward to full-timing in beginning in September. We have a warranty repair need, however, that needs to be fixed before we take it full-timing and no dice with our dealer. Called Grand Design and they actually suggested we file an insurance claim so that we'd actually get in to get the situation fixed because the dealer will get paid three times as much and will take an insurance repair way before a warranty repair. What a racket. Not GD's fault, but damn!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So sorry to hear about your warranty issue. And you are right that many issues with getting warranty work done these days actually is due to the dealer and not the manufacturer. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@markmcconnell604]

I have a 2020 imagine 2600RB. I love everything about it. If I have one critique it is the smoke alarm. Goes off boiling water. I can live with that. The rest of the features are a knock out.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's great to hear Mark. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with GD. It will be helpful for others who watch this video.

[@dodyhopper4394]

We bought a 2020 Grand Design Reflection 29 RS first year had minor problems contacted GD and they sent me parts to replace the things that had broken under warranty. One thing about GD is that they still will warranty it if if you are living in it full-time. Our major complaint is the finish on the cabinets is very cheap and doesn't hold up. Our only other major complaint is the cheap Thomas Payne furniture they use.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Grand Design is known for their customer service after the sale. So thanks for verifying that in your experience with them. As far as the cabinets are concerned, I agree that they could do better in that area. And the TP furniture is in wide use throughout the industry now. Hopefully that will change when enough customers complain about it.

[@Humancompassion1234]

Thank you

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. And thanks for leaving a nice comment!

[@nunyobizkneez]

thank you for the video. Just bought a new '23 Momentum G Class 23G. I did not have an inspection done, HOWEVER, I plan on having one done before the 1yr warranty is up. I believe that the coach needs to have a literal shakedown on the road to really get "broken in" and then having an inspection done followed by warranty work where applicable from the inspection findings. Doing an inspection before even taking ownership would only result in the existing broken stuff from transport being taken care of initially, without really knowing what else may rattle loose after some use. Dont know about most folks, but if I can reduce the amount of downtime for warranty work, vs taking it back and forth for multiple issues, Im gonna let stuff break and try my best to get it all done at once at the dealer.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's one way of handling warranty work. Personally, I think most people would like to have the rig in tip top shape before they take ownership of it. But there's different ways to do things.

[@kenhelmers2603]

I do like the GD Reflection myself. I'd like your opinion on the Riverstone(s) please!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Ken. Forest River is a high production builder that has a lot of brands under their umbrella. And their quality has been inconsistent in the past, although it does seem to be improving somewhat. But there are some bright spots in the FR lineup. And Riverstone is their luxury product that usually delivers pretty well. But once again, get an RV inspection before you buy any new RV out there just to make sure it is in tip-top shape before you take ownership.

[@knucklesandwich8786]

you notice they built Grand Design around 'improving customer service' not quality. Went to Hershey RV show, saw bad caulking jobs, shower peeling away from wall and a screw put RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of a valence attached to a wall to hold it there. If they are displaying this at an RV show, then I have no interest.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Actually, as I said in the video, I feel that GD turns out products that are a step above their competition in most cases. But as I also said in the video, ALL RV brands are having quality control issues, not just GD. Covid has had a very negative impact on most RV manufacturers. They are all struggling to keep a well trained workforce that produces a consistently high quality product. That's why an RV inspection is needed on even new rigs to solve those issues that aren't being caught before leaving the factory. But I'll take a GD rig any day compared to the vast majority of their competition.

[@knucklesandwich8786]

@@RVInspectionAndCare COVID didnt seem to affect ORV quality. Each manufacturer has a QA dept. Cant blame the workers if QA lets these things slide. Not including ORV, I will agree, I would take GD over the others.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@knucklesandwich8786 Well, the other part of the quality issue that I didn't address in my last reply is that over the past couple of years the demand for RVs has gone through the roof. So many manufacturers, especially the ones that are at the top of the sales ladder, have been dialing down the QC oversight to keep the factory lines humming along as quickly and seamlessly as possible to meet the extra demand. Whether or not this was the right thing to do is debatable, but almost all of the manufacturers were doing it to one degree or another. So at the same time that the workforce was not consistent, QC was not catching many of the problems that were being produced by a workforce with less skill and training than normal. Since GD is a leading seller of RVs, this situation affected them more than many of the smaller manufacturers like Outdoors RV. I personally will not hold GD's feet to the fire for this situation since it does not resemble the way that they normally do business. And I fully expect that as the demand for new RVs starts to ebb and Covid's effects are no longer prevalent, they will return to more normal procedures and will therefore turn out more consistently better products again.

[@erod6214]

Saw the same crappy workmanship on a 2023 Jayco Pinnacle

[@lucasjohnson1467]

​@@knucklesandwich8786what is ORV?

[@JavierRivera]

Gray video. Can you make a video about the Alliance Avenue 26RD

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'll see what I can do Javier. Thanks for watching and making the suggestion!

[@CreativeCustomDesigns]

We own a 2020 Rockwood Signature. We are planning on trading it in next year, and we have been doing an enormous amount of research on 5th wheel manufacturers. Our trailer has served us well, and I was wondering where on your list our trailer fits in. Rockwood has a model that we like, BUT we are looking to see where sits as far as quality goes. The next trailer will probably be our forever trailer.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm not a big fan of Forest River products in general for quality and customer service. But there are a few brands under their umbrella that seem to build a better product overall. And one of those brands is Rockwood. It is well worth your consideration.

[@CreativeCustomDesigns]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Montana was one we were REALLY interested in. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@CreativeCustomDesigns The Keystone Montana would be a better choice in my opinion. Just be sure to get any RV you buy inspected beforehand to make sure that it is fully functional.

[@melissapeper4603]

Im looking at buying a Grand Design-SOULITUDE 2022. I live around Denton Texas where can I find an inspector and how much do they usually charge?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Just visit nrvia.org and select "Find An Inspector". Then you can view all of the local inspectors on the map there and contact them about their availability. Any certified NRVIA inspector has the necessary training to provide a top quality RV inspection for you. I usually recommend choosing the one that you feel most comfortable with. Also, I made a video that discusses the cost of an inspection from a certified RV inspector and you can view it here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6G3iXeJbpuekKc

[@byoder0420]

What are your thoughts on Alliance im trying to decide between Alliance Paradigm or Grand Design Solitude

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Brian. Either one would be a fine choice. Thanks for watching!

[@Brigand231]

They do also offer Reflection travel trailers that are nicer than Imagines. I would love to see what it would look like if they made Class B's and C's, but they don't.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

At the very least it would be nice to see a company with the same mission and goals as GD open up business in the Class C segment of the industry. That particular category is filled with sub-par manufacturers who are very poor in customer service.

[@joecool7169]

Just purchased a new 2022, leftover, Does the warranty cover the day before delivery?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm not sure Joe. Warranties can vary from company to company. If it's a Grand Design I'm sure that they would be happy to answer any question you have about the warranty if you call them. They are usually outstanding with customer service.

[@SuperLooneyrooney]

anyone have experience, good/bad or otherwise, w used (< 5yr old) GD ? I'm not planning to use it much on the road/towing - will be putting it on some rural property i have w a pole barn and just camp on my property. other good brands to recommend (trailers 18'-21') Txs

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

If you are asking about recommended travel trailer brands, here is a video I made on the subject that might be helpful - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ61pmOJoZZ0m5I

[@anthonyguess5528]

The RV in your video looks nice can we ask what type it is

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Which RV? the one I m sitting in or the one on the thumbnail?

[@leisuretimesalesltd.3857]

Great Video, thank you, Grand Design has been a great performing product at our dealership!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks so much for leaving a positive comment about GD and your experience with them!

[@ashleyaustin184]

Im in between a grand design solutide or jayco northpoint i keep going back and forth between the 2! Help!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's hard to say Ashley. Both of those brands and models are on my recommended list for better quality and customer service from the builder. It probably comes down to which rig fits your daily living needs best.

[@scottmullins8726]

Better check the frame flex on those bigger 5th wheels, they're starting to fail at the pin.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

There is a lot of negativity being spread about GD and frame flex. But it doesn't take into account that "frame flex" is not even a proper term to be using about the issues that are happening, and that those problems are plaguing a lot of RV manufacturers and not just GD. I will be making a video about the subject soon, but here is one from "Big Truck, Big RV" that explains things pretty well - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH-7fZmNmJJksJY My advice is don't buy into all the negativity and drama that you hear on social media. The truth is hard to come by these days.

[@scottmullins8726]

Yes, it really isn’t “frame flex”, it’s frame overload. I own a GD trailer and love it, but, people need to know about the under built frames from “all” makers of heavy or semi-heavy 5th wheels.

[@JayCarroll]

KZ Durango and Grand Design 5th wheels are on our shortlist for an upgrade this year.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Good choices JC. Both brands are on my recommended list of better quality manufacturers. I hope you find the perfect RV for your upgrade!

[@freeskier175]

Kz has smaller frames. Was thinking the same.

[@HappyComfort]

Was hoping you would show some interiors and features of these RV’s

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sorry. This video is not really about that. There are plenty of other channels that walk you through the RV models without making much comment on the quality of the brand. This video is intended to address that concern for those that want to know.

[@lisamarie1943]

Could someone share if they know anything about the quality of Heartland RVs? I really want a Cyclone 4006 but new to all of this and scared of making a massive mistake of such an expensive purchase. Thank you for any guidance!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Lisa Marie. I don't currently have Heartland on my list of better quality brands. But that doesn't mean that you can't get a good RV from them as there are many satisfied owners of Heartland products. I just highly recommend that you have a certified RV inspector go through any RV that you plan to buy before completing the deal. That's the best defense against buying an RV money pit. You can find my new and used RV buying guides that help show you how to buy RVs the right way here - payhip.com/RVInspectionAndCare And my personal assistance in the buying process comes with either of those guides. I hope that helps.

[@lisamarie1943]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you so much for your response. I will definitely review the guides.

[@DoneRightReviews]

Grand Design is amazing value for the money! I ultimately ended up with an Entegra Class A diesel pusher, but while I was considering a 5th wheel toy hauler, Grand Design checked so many of my quality, service and value boxes. DRV certainly makes amazing 5th wheels, but they are A LOT more expensive than comparable models from Grand Design.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Entegra makes a great Class A so I'm sure that you will be happy with that choice. And you are right on about DRV. They are just too expensive for most folks. That's where GD fits the bill of a higher end coach that is still affordable by many. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience with us!

[@longrider50]

I've read a number of stories of major structural design flaws with the larger Grand Designs, especially if the unit has a rear kitchen.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

There is a small but very vocal group of GD bashers online. And even if what you mentioned was true, the truth is that the experience that the vast majority of GD buyers and owners have had is very good. Of course, they don't like to hear it when that is pointed out.

[@driveman6490]

Just went to the Fall RV show here in Portland, OR. I had my mind mostly set on a GD Reflection 303RLS (however my kids convinced me to move up to the 320MKS), but wanted to do some side-by-side comparisons with other brands to be sure. When you take a really close look at the finished details, GD seams to stand out as far as quality and craftsmanship. Every manufacturer is going to turn out a dud once in a while, but if a company stands behind their product and resolves the issue, that's all I would ask for. Also, considering these things cost as much as my first house, an RV inspection is a no brainer. Great video, thanks so much for the information!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I think you'll be happy with the 320MKS. The floor plan is a little different than what you normally see. And thanks for sharing your observations about Grand Design quality with us. I agree that if you make an honest comparison with their competitors, you have to conclude that GD is a cut above. Thanks for watching and leaving such a helpful comment!

[@driveman6490]

@@RVInspectionAndCare thanks so much for the reply. Roughly what could I expect to pay for a certified RV inspection on a unit like this? Thanks again!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@driveman6490 I answered that question on this page of my website - rvinspectionandcare.com/rv-inspection-guide/ I hope that helps.

[@jeffbarnes5256]

I know a few Grand Design owners who would say this is all BS. Cracked wall panels, fridge failure, fit And finish issues etc… and dealers will not fix. They tell owners to go direct To Indiana to get it fixed!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

What you are describing can be said of almost any brand out there at one time or another. And unfortunately, during the pandemic years those kind of issues became commonplace even in other brands that have been considered higher quality manufacturers too. But there is an incredibly vocal small group of RVers who are GD haters. But GD has had a great reputation for quality products for many years prior to the pandemic as evidenced by the many consecutive awards they have won from RV consumers. Within the next year or so though, we should know for sure what direction the company is heading. We'll see ...

[@Jonathan-lq4uy]

In Grand Design sell their company in 2016 to Winnebago. I've heard their qualities went downhill since then. I'm not sure though I am consider buying one

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Jonathan. Both Thor and Winnebago have been gobbling up companies in this industry like crazy in the past few years. And it's true that Winnebago bought Grand Design as well as other highly rated builders like Newmar. But so far, there is no evidence that Winnebago has tried to force a major change in the way that any of these companies do business. There is a small but very vocal group of Grand Design haters that spread a constant drumbeat of negative things about the company's products. But the vast majority of GD's owners are very happy with their purchase as evidenced by the fact that they keep winning awards given by consumers that are also owners. I continue to rate GD as one of the manufacturers that I recommend for quality build methods and customer service. I hope that helps.

[@Jonathan-lq4uy]

@@RVInspectionAndCare thank you for the reply. Me and my wife are going to look at a 2019 imagine XLS 18rbe tomorrow morning I am excited but also very nervous about purchasing a travel trailer. We have a pop-up camper right now that we love but just want something a little more comfortable when we go camping that has a bathroom and things like that. The local dealer tells me they will have their service department do a full check on it before we buy it I still wish I knew someone in my area that was an inspector to inspect it. I will do my best to look at all over myself to see if I can find any signs of water damage or other issues. I'm also glad that the camper wasn't built during covid.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@Jonathan-lq4uy I would not trust the dealer to inspect an RV before purchase. A lot of RV buyers have done that and regretted it. It's like asking the fox to guard the hen house. I recommend that you visit nrvia.org and click on the "Find an Inspector" button there. On the following page zoom in on the map to the area where the RV is located and look for certified RV inspectors that are local. Then use their contact information to call them and see if they can fit you into their schedule. Then use the inspection report to get all the problems that was found repaired before you complete the purchase. That's the best way to be sure that you get an RV that will be fully workable from from the first day of ownership.

[@mikemyer5331]

Prepare for frame failure ,im told

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

There have been frame failures experienced in many brands of fifth wheels. In many cases due to owner misuse. But since GD is as popular among full-timers as it is, there is a lot more heard about it associated with them. The truth is that it's a very small number of issues and GD fifth wheels are overwhelmingly loved by the majority of their owners. Of course, the drama spreaders will never acknowledge that.

[@PittsWithAPurpose]

We are getting ready to purchase a 3210bh.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sounds great. I hope it works well for you. Just remember to get it inspected before you buy to make sure that it's in fully workable condition from day one of your ownership. Thanks for watching!

[@PittsWithAPurpose]

@@RVInspectionAndCare we currently have @Blue Ox On The Run planned for it.

[@michaelbellish4922]

We have a 2016 Reflection 303RLS. From Oregon we've traveled to Alaska and to New York, as well as annual trips to Arizona. We LOVE our Grand Design, the many Rally's available, the tech support at the rallies, fellowship of fellow owners and especially the customer support. Yes, we've had problems, yet our friends with other brands have had far more. Thus far Grand Design has gone above and beyond all expectations in providing customer support especially at Rallies.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks so much for leaving such a positive comment about your experiences with GD. It sounds like you have received the customer service that they are known for. Thanks for watching!

[@donnavernon7023]

If you buy used they don't get in touch just to check in because when you buy used you don't get the Grand Design manufacturer warranty and it's not like it's registered with them.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's true Donna. Customer service mainly comes into play when you buy a new RV. But if you buy a used one and have issues with it, you will be very glad if the manufacturer is helpful and supportive as you get the problem resolved. And that's the experience that many GD owners have had.

[@brookspierce1804]

I bought a used GD, within 12 months of purchase by the original owner, and GD transferred the manufacturer warranty to me. Most companies don't allow that type of transfer. I have a 2018 Imagine 2600RB and have only needed to do routine maintenance and a new set of tires. I would definitely buy another Grand Design unit.

[@kathiesenger2878]

Who does one hire to do inspections on an RV?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

My recommendation is to always use a certified NRVIA RV inspector and you can find them here - nrvia.org

[@simplymusclecars2139]

I bought a new 2022 Grand Design 5th wheel, the first 12 months we had the trailer in "repairs" for almost 8 months... Had a major failure on the main slide (sofa) they had to replace the whole mechanism and gears of that particular slide. next the refrigerator went out another month to repair, next the auto level system went out it would not hold the trailer leveled it was leaking on the front driver's side cylinder, it is a toy hauler the man door never aligned correctly they tried to make it close and STAY closed for 3 times.. now I can close it from outside but if I am inside the door won't close. The toy hauler jack bed / sofa hinges damaged the seat covers, wood trim on the interior of the loft detached from the roof, the side cargo door to the cargo compartment leaks and floods the compartment, 2 of the blackout shades don't work properly... Keep in mind that we are not full timers we use this travel trailer on weekends maybe 5 or 6 hours away max!!!!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I am sorry to hear about these problems that you have had. All I can say is that it is not typical of what the vast majority of Grand Design owners have experienced. Also, the coach you bought was made in the middle of the pandemic when there were workforce problems at all of RV manufacturers, even the best ones. And the refrigerator, slide gears and leveling issues are not a Grand Design problem in that all major RV builders get these components from other companies. And most of the other issues sound relatively minor. It also sounds like you have gotten these issues addressed under warranty which is what Grand Design is known for. I know that you will not like hearing this, but if you had followed my advice to get the RV inspected before completing the purchase and then had all of the issues found by the inspection fixed before taking ownership, you would have had a much better experience. I hope you accept my points in this comment in the helpful spirit it is meant and not as criticism.

[@DavidKroff]

I bought a top of the line LG refrigerator. After 1 year the compressor went out. I had to pay $900. For the labor. Labor had a 90 day warranty. 4 months later the compressor went out again. Killed me to throw a $3,500. Frigerator in the trash. And mine never left the house. I think they try to put to many things in everything. There's to many things to break.

[@bobbyb.6644]

Obviously they’re doing something Right ! Best of a poor Lot ? So far I’ve owned a Flagstaff E- Pro - Fine Product - No MAJOR issues - would not recommend or repurchase from the Dealer due to attitude and nickel and dime attitude ? Product was as advertised- just pick your Dealer carefully ? Have a small Grand Design Imagine Now - Needed a slightly larger unit with double axels ( single axel blowouts Not Fun ) ? Haven’t really needed Dealer for anything yet ?However they and G.D. People do keep in Contact on ongoing basis 🤗. Unit was significantly more expensive but I feel I’m getting my moneys worth ! They delivered as promised . So far would recommend Manufacture and Dealer ! Happy Camping - Escape todays turmoils - relax and connect with Family an like minded folks ! 👍

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad that your experience with Grand Design has been good so far. That matches what most people say about them. Thanks for watching the video and sharing your experience with us!

[@lisaturner4741]

What do you think of the new smaller Alliance 5th wheels? Sure like them but want something of quality. 😊

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

IMO, Alliance builds a quality product compared to their competition. It's certainly worth looking at.

[@lisaturner4741]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you so much!!

[@TheMamaAmmah]

Appears from what owners say on line, new Luxe’s are having issues right and left

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

It could be. Most RV manufacturers are struggling to keep a well-trained and competent workforce that consistently turns out a quality product these days as they all recover from the effects of Covid in the workplace. That's why I recommend that an RV buyer always get a thorough RV inspection before they take delivery of their purchase. That way you can find the RV's problems and solve them all at the same time right away.

[@TheMamaAmmah]

Do you ever contract out for this job?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@TheMamaAmmah Yes, but I will be stationary in Arizona for the upcoming winter months. So I will only be available to buyers in that area.

[@TheMamaAmmah]

@@RVInspectionAndCare we are in northeastern Arizona but that is not where our units are.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@TheMamaAmmah I recommend that you visit nrvia.org/locate/ and check on the map for the location where your units are. See if there are NRVIA certified inspectors in that area. You can then contact them and arrange for an inspection. All NRVIA certified inspectors are trained to do a fine job for you. I hope that helps.

[@jvgomes73]

Well, I’m gonna pause you right there because several issues I have for starters I was watching one of the videos on the Arctic package and I am OCD and I have to know all the ins and outs in every nook and cranny and how it works one of the videos I watched about the Arctic package says that they used a 2 1/2 inch thick hard foam like vinyl planking for the flooring to keep the R-value on the floor, which was supposed to be R30 then on top of that I paid $90,000 for this RV camper. I’m not gonna down the camper and say it’s horrible because I love my camper it’s amazing but I am going to tell the truth. I’m really disappointing the flooring is not the value they said it was they used way full board plywood not the heavy flooring that they showed in the video and when I walk in certain spots I can feel the floor dipping down a lot and I’m not happy about that and second. I watched other videos that had high-quality LCD screens for 2022. By the way, I have the grand design reflection 311 DHS models I have a 2023 brand new and the quality is not built like they’re advertising at all to make matters worse. Some of my trim is coming off the nails and flapping in the breeze. Second the microwave is advertised as a confection it microwave oven. The thing is so cheap it can’t do popcorn in the timeframe it’s supposed to, I have to cook it for another 30 seconds and it burns the popcorn for the amount of money that I pay for this camper. This thing should be top notch. I have the reclining couches in front of the TV which I’m happy about but the dinette is really small. and I am a chunky guy and barely can fit in it. The integration with the phone in the control panel works pretty well. The only issue I had was when I plug the camper into my truck. I kept trying to use the back up camera so I can see what’s going on and it was a constant fight to try to use it, especially when I was backing up. Oh, and just a heads up the customer service sucks. They don’t know anything they have to look it up and I don’t mind so much that they have to look stuff up because not every model and all that stuff Gerry on the top of everyone’s head so I get it but when you can’t answer specific questions like, my RV has two toilets in it is it 87 gallons or is it 43 1/2 gallons to combine the 87 that they talking about and nobody knows the answers to some of these basic questions that they should know doesn’t seem logical and then if they don’t know the answer, they just be much blow you off and to me that that’s wrong you’re supposed to kill your product inside and out

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm sorry that the Grand Design you bought has not lived up to your expectations. I know many RVers who are very happy with their GD RV.

[@jvgomes73]

@@RVInspectionAndCare i’m not saying I’m not happy I’m just disappointed at some of the cheap things that was done on $100,000 camper. I love my camper greatest blessing I have right now I just wish they had done things the way they said they would have the Arctic package means it has the Arctic package we don’t pick and choose what we want to add to it when you’ve already said what it comes with but I really do love my RV it’s awesome

[@longgone2023]

@@jvgomes73your comments would be far more useful with the addition of some punctuation and paragraphs. But despite the difficulty I had reading your comments, I can see what areas are of concern. I have wavered between an Alliance and a Solitude. The only models I can view locally are post Covid builds so I’ll take a good look at them both. Supply chain issues impacted all manufacturing and certain materials like adhesives, metal fabrication parts, fabric and lubricants were difficult to find. However I don’t think that supply chain issues should impact a factory worker’s dedication or commitment to his or her job. What I see in all industries is that as the labor force is younger and younger, there is a prevailing lack of work ethic. Unfortunately we live in an age of entitlement and it has affected all sectors. I do not believe that Grand Design had any more or any less success in finding people who are true craftsmen with pride in their product. As to capacity of tanks and dumping or other questions, I find downloading a pdf of owners manuals and reading it through. Nearly every RV has a library of reference materials. Every component in a rig was sourced from a supplier and there are readily available guides for each. Suburban, Furrion, Dexter, Renogy, Battle Born / Dragonfly, Insignia, Whirlpool, Norcold GE and on and on have websites. I had previously issues with a Valtera valve. I found my answers in under five minute by looking on their website.

[@mikechapman7886]

apparently not that good with the frame flex issue, no one will touch them now.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Actually the so-called frame flex issue affects an incredibly small number of RVs and the biggest problem I see is that GD did not get out in front of it quickly enough to help silence the intense social media storm that built up over something that is really not affecting that many people. And it's not true that "no one will touch them now", but that like so many other parts of this story is an exaggeration of the truth.

[@Erin-Thor]

All I know from 3 RV shows in Texas early 2033, 3 different cities, and as units at RV shows sell, not the same ones… Keystones has visible issues in multiple RV’s, but Grand Design’s seemed nearly flawless. Are they perfect? No. But you could tell they cared about what went out the door.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for giving us your opinion based on what you have seen Erin. I agree with your conclusions. Your comments here are very helpful.

[@briand8002]

Grand Design customer service, really! I have a hard time contacting them. I have two Imagines, and having worked in the industry a number of years ago I can put out a fairly honest opinion. First off the finish. Inside it’s terrible. Seams don’t match, the wall boards have way to many pieces and gaps. The seams bubble (the paper). They spread some kind of non-finishing glue over tacked areas and it looks unfinished. I’ve had to refit drawer kinds which have come apart after short use, fix a leak that a dealer said was normal with a lot of water coming out of the bottom when I towed it out, which I found a plastic piece broken in the shower drain. Had to repair an under sink leak in the kitchen. Replace an awning that tore, ( Grand Design did help with that, TG.) and I found a bunch of other things Grand Design could of done to make this coach better. There’s a lot of wasted space where cabinets could have been made for storage. This on a 2970RL.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Well, as I said in the video Brian, if you buy any new RV these days you need to get an RV inspection before you take delivery. And if you do, the vast majority of issues that came out of the factory will be resolved before you even take ownership. And that includes Grand Design as well. I also said that as long as RVs are basically built by hand, there will be variations from one unit to another from the same manufacturer. That means that you can get a poorly made RV even from a manufacturer that usually turns out very good products. It all depends on the skill level and dedication of the crew that happened to work on your particular unit. Just peruse the comments on this video and most of the commenters have had very good experiences with GD customer service so far, or have recognized their quality compared to other brands. Some GD owners can throw shade on the company all they like, but the fact remains that GD scores incredibly high on the Trailer Life Readers Choice award year after year. In many cases at the very top. That's because GD makes a good product overall and they stand behind it well too. If you are not satisfied with your experience with GD, I recommend that you make that known in their online customer forums and by contacting the company personally, not by email. The squeaky wheel gets the grease and I would be surprised if they don't try their best to resolve your poor opinion of their support.

[@zachmiller3474]

Also have a 2023 2970rl and have already had to replace the fridge twice, furnace went out, black tank vent hose wasn't even attached to the y, cabinets by the couch are already peeling, plenty of screws aren't even screwed in in the pull out sofa, and the table broke in transit because the all thread holding it together isn't enough.

[@AMO248]

We have a 2021 Imagine XLS 22MLE and love the design and look of the unit. However, that is where the good ends. The build quality is terrible, every time we use it something else breaks of falls apart. Our experience with Grand Design customer service has been nothing but disappointing. From our initial issue with the roof falling apart, it took them over a year to finally resolve the matter. We have used our unit only 7 times since buying it and every single time some thing goes wrong. We just got back from a weeks long trip with it and the slide out broke then the shower stopped draining even though the tanks were empty. This is the 3rd travel trailer and brand we have owned and they all seem to be built by people who wouldn’t know quality if it hit them in the head. In my opinion there needs to be a class action lawsuit for the whole industry.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm very sorry to hear about your experience with your Grand Design RV. As I often point out, RVs are still made by hand and that can result in inconsistent results sometimes being turned out by the same manufacturer. And you bought an RV that was built during the Covid years when almost all RV builders experienced major workforce issues and problems. Also, I always recommend getting a thorough inspection by a certified NRVIA inspector before buying any RV whether it's new or used. Most likely many of your issues could have been found and repaired before you even took ownership if you had used an RV inspection to your advantage. Finally, I have the opportunity to talk with RV owners everywhere I go and that includes many GD owners. My experience is that every single GD owner I have ever asked about how they would rate their RV has always given me very positive feedback. And the company has won numerous consumer awards for their products. So again, I'm very sorry to hear about your personal experience with GD. And I hope you eventually get all of your RV issues resolved so that you can actually enjoy it at some point. But my review of GD as an RV manufacturer in this video still stands.

[@AMO248]

@@RVInspectionAndCare I appreciate your view on this issue but have to disagree. As a business owner myself I stand behind my work and the products I use, I don’t blame issues on bad employees or issues like Covid. These RV’s shouldn’t be leaving the factory in the conditions they are in, have you not noticed they all seem to be wired and plumbed by a 2 year old. The words cable management are not in their vocabulary. Can you image a car leaving the factory with the same wiring quality?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@AMO248 As I said, I am very sorry to hear about your personal experience, but it is not typical of most Grand Design owners. And I can tell that pretty much nothing I can say will change your viewpoint about either them or the RV industry as a whole. So because I don't choose to argue with my video watchers here in the comments section, I will respectfully agree to disagree with the vast majority of your opinions on the subject and hope your future RVing experiences are much better in the future.

[@jeremyortega1]

I have a 2023 Solitude 380FL. The front cap has started "detaching" itself from the unit so we called Grand Design.....They told up it was obviously travel damage even after we proved the rig hadn't moved. Grand Design has done everything possible to ensure the front cap popping off was 100% our fault. The electrical issues and other minor things they wont even talk to us about so at least getting told to pound sand is a response. Now they want us to drag this rig over 100 miles to a "authorized dealer", where we will be paying for hotels for who knows how long, so the dealer can tell them its a manufacturer defect. That’s just 1 of serval problems. We have learned if theres any type of problem don’t call Grand Design or expect any warranty support without a fight.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I understand your frustration and disappointment. But that doesn't change the fact that by far most Grand Design owners are very happy with their RV and even go out of their way to mention how happy they have been with their customer service. That's why they have won RV dealer and owner awards for many years in a row. I hope you get your issues resolved quickly and to your satisfaction.

[@jeremyortega1]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you for your reply. I can respect that position and sentiment. Its what made us choose to go with Grand Design Solitude over other models. Hopefully our situation is a one off or fluke.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@jeremyortega1 I respect your position as well Jeremy and wish it had never happened to you. So I wish you the very best in getting your frustrating situation resolved!

[@anthonymontoya1537]

They have terrible service never again

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sorry to hear that you had some issues with Grand Design's customer service. But they are actually well known for their outstanding customer support in most cases.