Almost Perfect small RV! Grand Design 22MLE

[@Hazwaste63]

Wife and I bought our 2020 22MLE in 12/19, right before the pandemic hit. Paid $26K, including Equalizer E2 hitch. Unreal how expensive TTs have become since then. It's been a very good RV for us two (and her little dog), and has seen over 12k miles of trouble-free use. We've talked about upgrading to a fifth wheeler, but keep realizing that there's nothing that we're missing with the 22MLE.

[@bobteachesphoto6379]

I have a 2 yr. old version of this trailer and my wife and I love it, we tow with a 2018 F-150 max tow package, 3.5 ecoboost with an Anderson hitch and have gone cross country twice and absolutely no issues, I get 9.5 to 10.5 mpg and over 11 mpg if I stay at or below 55 mph, obviously on side roads. It is a perfect balance with truck and trailer, and for just two people!!!

[@henryford2736]

Absolutely. '18 F150 Powerstroke getting about 15-16 mpg towing.

[@terrycarlson568]

Nice trailer , but why do they insist on putting the door right in front of the bed

[@JandAReview1]

Glad you’re doing more RVs

[@Brigand231]

Yep, this was the first unit we saw that made us think, "We could probably make a go of full timing in a rig like this!". We'd put in some lithium batteries and an inverter under the bed (they'd likely get stolen outside!), probably upgrade the equalizer/suspension and away we'd go! Yes, the amount of storage is was a huge factor in that, as many other rigs we were looking at just couldn't handle us.

[@davidalcaraz6003]

Great looking trailer! Space, Storage, good insulation, the on demand water heater and that Big Frig Sold me on it!

[@FoDaddy]

Towing weight would be right around 6000 pounds. Tongue weight should be around 800-850 pounds. A half ton with a 1600 pound or better payload would be fine for a couple ( realistically this a two person unit). It looks like a nice unit. It's got an oven, a decent sized bathroom, more storage than you reasonably need, the workmanship looks a bit better than you typically see at this size of trailer, and the tankless water heater is a plus. I do feel like a murphy bed would yield more useable space. Overall, this seems like it would be a good unit for those of us with half-ton trucks.

[@Random_DIY]

I have 2023 F-150 with max tow and max payload packages and V8. My payload is 2507 lbs. I did have to order it the way I wanted it.

[@garynewman95]

This unit can be towed with a half ton truck, I just traded in my 22MLE for a bigger unit and my 1/2 ton GMC Sierra can handle up to 9200 pounds and 1050 Tongue weight!

[@caymanchristopher7014]

Thanks! Very cool plan. We gave up looking two years ago because trucks and trailers were ridiculous. Maybe we can start looking again.

[@ryanhessler8966]

Visual privacy only 😂 if that trailer is rockin', dont come knockin'

[@Hazwaste63]

Right. It's called a "couple's camper" for a reason.

[@williamsawyer5614]

The kitchen Nice cool video

[@reidwagner1508]

We love this unit! Great design and super reliable company for QUALITY

[@bobatwood1384]

We have a 2021 version of the 22mle. Great trailer, we had a Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi Loved the truck BUT it was not a good tow vehicle for this RV. No biggie we upgraded to a 2500 Cummins and couldn’t be happier. Getting close to 500K subs. Great channel 👍👍

[@russellriggan2088]

I have no issues pulling our 23lde with our ram 1500...

[@bobatwood1384]

@@russellriggan2088 Trust me I believe you 👍 when I was at highway speed 55-65 I was kinda betting pushed around. Even with the WDH properly set up.

[@davidscanlin1507]

This is my favorite campers so far, hope to get one some day.

[@AnchoredinMuscle]

You should look at the 23 LDE ,

[@bagndux]

Dollar for dollar I think you get the most bang for you buck with the grand designs imagine line of trailer.

[@WTLowery82]

Really enjoy seeing these floor plans and you always include the weight.. This make us happier than ever that we bought our Coachman Spirit 27RB. Almost identical weight, separate bedroom with a door, a decent outdoor kitchen, and 5 more feet of space.

[@GaryBrownrigg]

Look into the 23lde. It's even more perfecter! 😅

[@jesserevilla992]

The Fit & finish in Grand Design are 2nd to none. Thick Floors and walls. I have been in 12 degree temps this past winter with a Siberiana Vortex that Swept through in late December and this TT handled that freeze flawlessly! The Only other Travel that handles Winter like this "RV Outdoors " under $48k Pricer you are into Lance. Grand Design in this model is A clean higher end interior design. Grand Design's customer service is top notch absolutely one of the best. Total length of this trailer bumper to tongue 26.1 Ft. The drawers alone are a game changer. They make another version of this with enclosed room. Grand Design and Winnebago are higher end travel trailers. Anything better you're jumping into an Airstream. Now Keystone makes the 22MLS and its heavier.

[@billvilla7799]

Looks like a nice setup for a couple looking to do a little traveling!

[@Hawk89gt]

I have one of these, actually downsized from a fifth wheel. Counters are not solid surface, rather mds with a vinyl wrap that looks like solid surface. I’ve added 400AH of lithium, 450W of solar and Victron inverter. I’ve also upgraded the propane to larger bottles. Over all I’m pretty pleased, but did have some quality problems, had to replace the factory skylight as it was destroyed when installed and incredibly cheap. Insulation in the floor is a joke, a 1” sandwich of foam and that’s it. I have also found the bed end is very hard to heat if it’s cold out because the heater is all the way at the other end and there’s only a single duct on that end.

[@ts_breezes486]

Looking at this RV and we agree with the upgrades you made - as for the cold bed - we fixed that by buying an electric heated mattress cover (not electric blanket) with dual controls.

[@grandemage]

Well thought out and useful layout, I like it.

[@frankzicari784]

I have a 2022 grand design transcend xplor 221rb, the dry weight is 5389 gross weight 6995 and dry hitch weight of 510. My loaded hitch weight is 825, loaded trailer weight is around 6300. It is just me and my wife as we are retired. I tow with a 2022 f150 with the tow package and payload of 1645 which I am not over and tow rating of 7600 lbs. It has the 2.7 ecoboost the trailer tows great, I go 65 tops and the truck has no problems.

[@ceciliacalvin263]

First thing I’d replace would be the bed mattress. Get something thicker and more sturdier. Oven is too small.

[@russellriggan2088]

We put a 3" memory foam topper on our mattress. It did the job, even with my bad hip.

[@lisaturner4741]

Be nice if it had a full pantry...no drawers there because there are already plenty. Would love option for table/chairs instead of booth..hip problems. Great unit!!

[@AyMikey559]

It would be cool if you reviewed the trailer with the slides closed too. That way we can see what’s accessible.

[@russellriggan2088]

We have a 23LDE, and it's very good access with the slide closed.

[@Hazwaste63]

We have a 22MLE, and everything is accessible with the slide closed.

[@grantsdad98]

Torn between the 22MLE and 23LDE. Both models employ efficient use of space. The bed is a true queen 60 x 80. Good for me @ 6'3". I'm in the shower bubble. Thinking I'll sit on a stool. Nice overview, thanks.

[@russellriggan2088]

We purchased our 23LDE this past November. It's our very first travel trailer, & we love it. So. Much. Storage.

[@misteraon]

Can’t go wrong with the 23LDE

[@JohnnyRacerX]

I do like your videos but I have a few requests which I think will make them more informative and valuable to your viewers...1) When initially doing the overall weight, can you also include the tongue weight? For many of us THAT is the limiting factor of towing capacity. 2) When reviewing the bed and the dinette, please indicate the dimensions. As you know, there are numerous "queen" sizes and the details are important. Also the dinette sleeping size - need the details to determine if adults or kids (or both) can comfortably sleep there. THANKS !

[@jonsavage4484]

Ur awesome love ur content

[@fredbeck5545]

Grand Design does a great job on these extended season trailers. However, like everyone else who builds a trailer meant to be used in colder weather, why to they neglect to have a place to put coats and boots? The fact that more folks don't complain about this just means they aren't really using them in colder weather and tripping over boots and coats all the time. Or, like all good RV'ers, you adapt and just figure something out. Thanks for doing more RV reviews!

[@slocavky]

Really wish they had something like that one with a double over double bunk too. I would love a grand design camper but it has to be 1/2 ton towable for me. I have a 21 Silverado 1500 with the 3.0 Duramax. Nice camper for sure.

[@henryford2736]

There's lots of floorplans very similar with bunks. Jayco for eg. We have Coleman similar to this with double bunks.

[@sergeyvdovenko1983]

@@henryford2736 how do you like your Coleman? Heard bad and good stuff about them

[@henryford2736]

​@@sergeyvdovenko1983I have 2020 263bh Lantern. Pre Covid $20k. The draws are stapled. I had to reinforce with screws. Apart from that it's been great. Needs good winterizing or the plastic plumbing fittings will crack in different places. Just put new Goodyear tires on to replace factory tires. Didn't have to go back to Camping world for any warranty. Just little things I could fix myself. I flush the black tank religiously and the sensors are still working!!

[@sergeyvdovenko1983]

@@henryford2736 thanks. That helped a lot

[@sergeyvdovenko1983]

@@henryford2736 one more question, what do you tow that trailer with?

[@philsalsbery9994]

Agreed, JD. Lots of storage and features in a small floorplan, and hard to find any issues. One question....does any manufacturer offer anything less than a porcelain foot flush toilet? It is always mentioned during the walk through of the interior.

[@ringonzar]

Thanks for sharing the 6'3 ceiling height in shower,& should getta 3/4 ton to tow it

[@meatrobot]

Nice rig, but what chaps me is that this tiny trailer has a better cargo capacity than the 2970rl. Someone needs to talk to Grand Design about their CCC.

[@asaltnado5168]

Great video 👍👍

[@adambecotte6333]

Thank you for all these videos, incredibly informative. When you are comparing 1/2 ton trucks and towing capacity, what is the towing capacity that you associate with a 1/2 ton truck

[@livinglife69]

You have to look at the payload and towing capacity of the truck. My 2017 Tundra could tow this without issue.

[@jonverda]

Highly recommend finding a Grand Design Imagine XLS 23 BHE.

[@nicolemerrill9167]

Not bad but I like the one that is kinda like that but has the bunk bed

[@mrf2869]

For mid 20k range that’s nice but not for 30, 40 or possibly 50k range with dealer mark ups nowadays! Great videos!

[@tkarlmann]

I would want to see the 'door' between the toilet and the food-prep area! Kind of important with this floorplan.

[@ronmoritz1727]

there is one

[@steveapostal3110]

Why would any manufacturer put the water tank fill on the passenger side? We dry camp and hit nearby state parks that normally have one way in and out with water service always on the driver side. Not all have a usable threaded hose to use the city water hookup and tank fill in the front pass through. Thought this would be the one but between that and 12v frig it may. be another nice try but not quite.

[@enz6312]

Grand design needs to work on integrating a place for a garbage can. I have found this lacking in most of their floor plans. I would give up a couple of drawers if needed.

[@Erin-Thor]

Almost none do, and when they do it’s the smaller office size bins, not the tall kitchen sizes needed. 😢

[@joeyvest632]

Hello! Great video! Any information on navigation apps or techniques that help keep you from getting on the wrong route(low bridges, small winding two lane road, etc) while traveling. Thanks again!

[@randywilson5269]

This is nice but take a look at the KVS models from Outdoors RV. They have a similar idea but a better kitchen layout.

[@erindowd2793]

Outdoors RV is far heavier. I've been dreaming of one for years, but just don't think it's practical for a 1/2 ton truck.

[@gjhoddy]

Shwintek or Lippert in-wall slideout will absolutely fail. They were not designed for such a long/heavy box with the fridge, stove, microwave and couch. Thanks for the review

[@ts_breezes486]

That is also my quibble

[@rondasmyth635]

It is a really nice layout, for sure! I'm not sure I like the kitchen in a slide out though. I've heard that when appliances are located in the slide out, there are hoses and wires that can get crimped and damaged causing problems. I've had friends have problems with this when the kitchen is in the slide out, so I decided I never want to get an RV like that. What is your take on it? Thanks for the great videos.

[@commonsenseguy8189]

Whats the width of the entry door? Can I get a 27" x 27" chair inside this unit?

[@brendabee975]

I wish you would add additional info on the campers you show us. We need to know the length and height has well as the weights. Please add in future camper reviews. Thank you in advance for your help.

[@chrisbuxton2778]

All of that is easily online

[@jeffreycook8420]

Would you tow this with a 2022 Ford F-150 Powerboost Platinum 1/2 ton with a Weigh Safe True Tow weight distribution hitch? 1,322 payload capacity

[@Hazwaste63]

I'll probably get arrested by the tow police, but I'm pulling ours with a Durango RT 5.7L V8, 1290 lb payload capacity. We travel very light and we two are not large people.

[@lukeduke3077]

Hi JD. I am 25 I bought a 2017 Ford F150 new it is an XL package with basically no options other than the 3.73 rear end gears. It says the weight limit in the bed is 2,289lbs but I have no idea how much I can tow with this truck. It has the 5.0L and 6spd automatic. Any help or any advice on a trailer this truck could be able to tow would be of much help. Thanks.

[@lindai.2772]

I don't see a cabinet/ closet that can contain a broom/ swiffer.. can't fit those in a drawer

[@scottelwood8746]

All that storage just mean more stuff your hauling around. I also noticed a cheap ass fart fan in the kitchen. In my opinion that means cutting corners so what other corners were cut. Really like the campsite dinette area. However, it’s useless for watching tv with breakfast. Good thing for storage so now you can bring tv trays along. Wonder if you can get to the bathroom and fridge with the slide in. If you can’t then the whole thing is a complete waste of time and money.

[@mgkelly3389]

What does it look like with the slide in?

[@theantiqueactionfigure]

I own a 2018 2600rb by Grand Designs. It's been a total piece of junk. My stick built 1990 fifth wheel was higher quality and held up better.

[@rickm5853]

Anyone pulling one with a tundra double cab?

[@simply_the_dev7588]

Can you finance these travel trailers and live in them? Even with proof of contract with RV Park?

[@russellriggan2088]

Manufacturer will not warrant this specific line for full time use.

[@simply_the_dev7588]

@@russellriggan2088 wait what? I thought all travel traiilers are for full time use.

[@matthewmcnulty698]

Haven't. Seen any videos. With either of the Texas pride trailers getting. A. Work out

[@BigTruckBigRV]

Do you watch my other channel?

[@matthewmcnulty698]

@@BigTruckBigRV yes

[@matthewmcnulty698]

Have. Seen. A. Few. Videos on the other channel. Can't remember what. The name of. Your other. Channel is

[@kdooms]

You seriously need to be a cinematographer man. How you manage to seamlessly avoid showing your face in the mirror is like Oz level stuff.

[@malindarussell5429]

First I would take out the bed and just put a sleeper sofa in there then I would remove the dinette and have a fireplace also I would like to title the bathroom shower and have upgraded the shower I would leave the loveseat

[@i70show]

Without a separate bedroom you get up at the same time as your spouse NO exceptions ! And god forbid on of you are sick No resting area without the noise of the spouse ! I’ll pass ! Try an Outdoor Rv…..

[@grottu]

does not look very arctic....