Fixing Another Grand Design RV Failure

[@tomclements1145]

James, I found heating the hose up and then putting the clamp on and putting it on works great too and you can avoid all that expansion stuff

[@williamsmotorhome9408]

I used your technique to expand the crimp ring today! I really have learned so much from your channel. As an RV owner you have to be a pseudo RV tech. You are my go to information source! Thank you very much for taking the time to educate us!

[@smplummerjr]

Absolutely agree you can use residential quality plumbing fixtures for sometimes less than the manufacturer garbage would cost

[@DavidHBurkart]

Almost always

[@Canine_Cowboy]

I fell for the Grand Design "quality" pitch back in 2019. The first two years of ownership, it spent more time at the dealer for fixes than with me. Windows not sealed correctly caused the interior wall to buckle, plumbing issues, underbelly came off (due to lack of screws), etc. A laundry list of good 'ole Grand Design quality. Now, it has delamination issues near wheel well. For anyone wanting a Grand Design my advice is look elsewhere. I know most rv's have issues, however, Grand Design has left a very bad impression on me and my wallet. Sorry for the rant, whenever I hear Grand Design I start sweating and foaming at the mouth, lol. Great video, I only wish it was published back in 2019 before my purchase 😂.

[@hillbillyrv]

Hi James. Awesome step by step repair video. Faucet looks great.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks 👍

[@demadre]

I am always amazed at your work… not to mention filming with one hand as you do your repairs with the other.

[@davidwaddell4550]

The correct size crimp fitting for that hose is 18.5mm but crimp fittings on that hose are prone to fail. I would use Flair-It fittings.

[@JohnMcCullough-wr9hj]

I love using the 1/4 turn valves. Only way to fly! Great video - wild that this tubing is used.

[@deanh7190]

Great tips when dealing with questionable plumbing.

[@bigjeep2195]

Rubber hose on Pex fittings leak often, I found using 2 clamps in this situation cures the leak at the fitting.

[@thehomehandyman1391]

Just a suggestion. Attach the Steel-Flex Braided line to faucet before you feed the water lines through the hole. Much easier than doing it in the cabinet.

[@krazzygranny7032]

You have terrific patience my man. Cause when i have to do plumbing my 4 letter word quota goes into overdrive

[@marguritemartin9683]

I watch you all the time, you are the most wonderful character and personality, I see Jesus in you. When I buy my coach I will contact you from Canada, we can tell you are a trustworthy humanitarian. Love meg

[@AZExpert]

Thank you that is very kind!

[@ElderRVer]

I’ve missed these wonderful repair videos. Thank you 🙏.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you like them!

[@craighalnan3925]

Awesome information, thanks. I am getting ready to install a new faucet in my kitchen, your video will help. Thanks.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markrosenberger6602]

Absolutely LOVE your content! It is both educational AND entertaining! Thank you for your time and efforts!

[@AZExpert]

Thank you very much!

[@rick49721]

Thanks James! Thanks to you I’ve been able to fix a few things on my trailer, probably nowhere near to the quality of work a professional would do, but I’m satisfied.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@akshonclip]

My guess is the old faucet had a very high nickel content. That doesn’t fair well when water has a lot of iron in it. A lot of RV parks use well water which usually has a lot of iron.

[@gavinkeller183]

I used pex connected to garden hose for my chicken coop and it has done well

[@DavidHBurkart]

I always learn the best tips for outside-the-box repairs from you James. Thank you Sir!

[@seawolff33]

Very educational ! I enjoy these kinds of videos as they impart so practical knowledge that can be put into use.

[@LeoXplores]

Don’t know if you reply but I have a 1998 pop up camper that I got for free and ended up trying to redo the roof. Let’s just say I had no idea what I was doing and made it worse 😂. But after watching some of your videos I now have a better understanding on what to do now so I’m going to give it one more try. I was wondering how do I get OEM parts for these trailers. Such has the corner railing things and the trim things. I don’t know what there actually called I apologize. I seem to have broken them out of love 😅 is there website I can go to that sell all rv parts?

[@cluuck4617]

Never thought about a swedge for those ring for the flex tube. Thanks for the tip!

[@Drvinnieboombatts]

I’m shocked people still even consider this manufacture How does something so important such as plumbing that could ruin a trailer be so overlooked in this industry

[@ZonaJim]

Actually, they are going to 100% PEX this year.

[@daviscrt]

That was a awesome hack. Thanks for sharing Don

[@dodgeguyz]

I just replaced out kitchen faucet on our 2012 FR Georgetown. The sprayer was starting to get plugged with calcium. But the bigger issue was the faucet not being high enough. It was a Moen faucet, so the quality was good. Just need something newer and more user friendly. Our new faucet has the smaller fitting, fortunately the lines on the faucet were long enough, so I just put adapters on the lines and put the faucet lines to that.

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

Door removal is a pro move. I'm just banging in to it and knocking it against things until I'm done.

[@iglapsu88]

All right James! Nice job

[@elmer665544]

I did the exact same thing with these fittings on a GD Reflection 5th wheel black tank flush vent breaker behind the shower fixture. Not the best but works well.

[@1hasbeen531]

Grand Illusion.

[@JeffinTD]

Great video. Ever try the flex hose insert for Flair-It fittings? Kind of a compression joint designed for fiber reinforced flexible hose.

[@williamelliott5041]

I did the same thing to my 2005 Travel Supreme. You can't have enough shut-off valves in your RV.

[@dougnorton5143]

I was going to do that, but it just didn't make sense when I could just walk outside and turn the water off if needed to. Replumbed my entire 2000 Bounder with Pex and stainless flex at the fixtures. Residential kitchen faucet and China toilet rounded out the upgrade.

[@robertburgess6100]

I understand completely.

[@DarkSevariant]

6:07 Have you seen those new PEXLock fittings? They're nice. Plastic, and you only need a pair of pliers to lock them, AND they can be unlocked and used again.

[@salmonoids]

Please share a link.

[@Premier-Media-Group]

Plumbing work aside, I think it was a brave choice to unscrew the door hinges in the beginning of the job. Particle board doesn't like it when you re-screw stuff back into it.

[@wornoutwrench8128]

I looked at a grand design years ago. I was going to take a remote job and a travel trailer to live in for a couple of years would work. I don't remember the model number. Parts of it were beautiful, other parts maybe not. My first look I was very impressed, it had everything I wanted plus more. Took some literature home with me and thought about it. Went back a week later to have another look. Now I was being a bit more objective and spent more time having a look at the fit and finish. The second visit was nowhere near as thrilling as the first one. The fit and finish were horrible. I started making a list and once it got over a page long I went and found the sales guy. He wasn't too thrilled with my findings, I don't think he was to thrilled with me anymore. I thought maybe it was a unit built on the hangover monday. So went and had a look at another unit, and another and another. About this time I got in my car and left. Never did hear back from that sales guy. Never did take that job either so everything worked out in the end... except for the poor bastard that bought that steaming pile of crap. An now all I hear is complaints about GD, the dealer that was selling them when I was looking dropped that line about 2 years after I was looking. Must be a reason.

[@kcgunesq]

I have never seen a faucet rust. Especially one that is only a few years old. Sort of like most use brass for a reason.

[@randallday7737]

Hey James, I think the customer should take that Fossett with the receipt for the new one. Maybe they will reimburse when they see how their product failed.🤔

[@johncasor9698]

They use these crimp on bands on Axel boots, to remove them quickly i just insert a flat blade screw driver into the crimp and twist it and it will open up a lot...

[@Scott924m]

That may be refereed to as a "Jerry rig" but on this channel we call it a "James rig" 👍 Since we have no earthly idea who Jerry is .

[@gereshomeE]

THANK YOU: I am learning SO MUCH. ✝️🙏

[@rogerrossman5124]

Obviously you haven't seen the quality of the fixtures in most new spec houses.

[@jennyrickner7607]

You are the second technician I have seen that has called out GD for the poor plumbing.

[@ZonaJim]

You're a mountain of misinformation. Thor does not own Grand Design.

[@jennyrickner7607]

@@ZonaJim oops Winnebago, another POS.

[@ZonaJim]

@@jennyrickner7607 Oops. Idiot.

[@ThomasRamsey-gk9bo]

Good hack for flex tube 😂

[@TandDStigen]

I found Pex A fittings are the correct size for that flexible tubing Grand Design uses.

[@salmonoids]

Please share a link.

[@jjjohny_a5965]

think the shower head will be the next to go?

[@robertsandidge441]

I feel ya. Like I told my neighbor. ONCE, JUST ONCE, I would like to go get one of my campers and just be able to load and go. God dam it its always something that needs to be fixed or changed.

[@leoslatin7253]

You can just use hose clamps?

[@Emazingridez10000]

Can we get a video of how to make your RV shower water pressure better?

[@Itsa_Mea]

Hard water will eat metals. Especially a light aluminum cast faucet that isn't intended for high volume use.

[@Itsa_Mea]

To add, you can see they have a water quality issue also by the looks of the brass fitting you removed from the cut-off hose.

[@BaysideBranding]

So a regular auto hose clamp wouldn’t work?

[@Dave-ld3dr]

Just to be sure you don’t need Teflon tape on the connections?

[@ronaldsova2380]

Sure, wish you were located in our area, West Virginia. Always enjoy your videos very informative. Thanks.

[@glenf4115]

Same garbage faucets in our new coachmen trailer, we replaced them with Moen and had the dealership reimburse us for the cost. We looked at all brands and it was the same in Winnebago and Berkshire owned models - they all use cheap unbranded faucets that barely function. It looked like residential pex on your toilet install, did they use flexible red and blue garden hoses for fixture plumbing?

[@AZExpert]

Yes there is pex and flex hose mixed throughout this trailer

[@bobbafett1971]

I had to replace all the flex lines in my grand design 390. Leaked at all fittings. Terrible and cheap.

[@ZonaJim]

Funny, I'm on my third GDRV in ten years and I've never leaked a drop. Are you using a water pressure regulator?

[@440-6Pack]

Shark Bites won’t leak if pipes are cut perfectly round and clean.

[@glenf4115]

Use the pex deburr/safe seal tool after cutting, when deburring - draw a line on the pex to mark the insertion depth of the pex into the sharkbite fitting.

[@Idahoprepper71]

You don’t put high quality in the same sentence as grand design.

[@tommackay7433]

I’d rather buy a Cougar or Arctic Fox, even if they are smaller.

[@pattonfrench]

You gotta be fucking kidding me. A cougar? Please

[@ZonaJim]

@@tommackay7433 Are you serious? Any Keystone product, including Cougar is a POS. I've owned one, and Grand Design is night and day better than Cougar.

[@michaelprue9024]

I’ve had to explain to my wife several times that MOST rv builders DO NOT use quality materials when they build these campers. Even the ones that are supposed to “high quality” - just ARENT. Period. These things are built as cheaply as possible, to garner the most profit as possible. And we buy them and drag them around the country like they ARE quality craftsmanship. Now if you bring this issue up with the dealership they will tell you these RVs are built this way to reduce weight, and I honestly think they have told so many people that, that they honestly believe their own BS. But if you’re anything like me, you’ve torn into your share of campers to know better. Are there “good ones” out there ? Of course there are. But, again, if you’re anything like me you can’t afford those.

[@ZonaJim]

The problem is, most owners are more worried about price that quality components. As long as it looks pretty and is cheap, the new owners are thrilled.

[@robertburgess6100]

I would just replumb it with PEX. So I don't have to worry about it later date.

[@AZExpert]

This is used in many places on this RV, so you would be re-plumbing the whole unit front to back

[@sueprostko3222]

Been there done that

[@soroushzaker4173]

😮😮😮what happend for that focet?how its possible?😮🤯🤯🤯😂

[@thomasharhen2168]

Deeeerrrrrr A shut off valve!!!!!!!!!!! O.m.g. your brilliant!!!!!!!! O.m.g.. lmfao

[@clarencewiles963]

Good fix 🎉

[@tommackay7433]

I always use screw clamps. Why do you use crimp type?

[@caseyb2410]

In my opinion I like both for different applications. Myself working with pex and other tubing if you can use the pex crimp type they are more of a consistent ring and are easier to use and just seem like they do a better job. Try them, you'll like them.

[@AZExpert]

Their clamping force is weak, the ends are sharp and they break easy

[@bobconner422]

Show me a quality fithwheel 😮 They all have the same components from the same manufacturers .

[@rickgriffith1]

Hi James. How do I get in touch with you to request your inspection services? I sent an email this past Tuesday trying to figure out how to make arrangements. It may have gone to your spam folder. Are you taking on new clients?

[@toddincabo]

👍

[@davidgrenis638]

PRICE PFISTER IS ABOUT THE CHEAPEST HOUSEHOLD YOU CAN GET

[@AZExpert]

Weird way to spell glacier bay

[@rd1860]

@@AZExpert LOL

[@peckerpeter2078]

The one in the link says different brand? Glacier Bay is Home Depot’s brand.

[@AZExpert]

@@peckerpeter2078 This was the closest I could find, the customer provided the part, my point is that price pfister is not the cheapest you can get by far

[@jamesboldshasta8488]

Yes they are decent faucets and offer a limited lifetime warranty on most of their products, including faucets, as long as they were produced after January 1, 1997. I’ve had them replace my house kitchen sink faucet several times over 20 years and that included the cartridges if they went bad…

[@davidnoyes3373]

That’s not pex that’s just tubing pex isn’t that flexible!

[@tracyc2695]

It may not be grand design, but it is Grand Design.

[@markstench4470]

Woo hoo number one....wow what a strange feeling to be first 😂🤷

[@lonewolf68771]

Could of put a round nose toilet in it maybe would of gave you a little bit more room

[@MaryWehmeier]

LOL you need to look up the one he he replaced.

[@Graygeezer]

That plumbing is cheap, but not for the buyer.

[@davea4517]

The hardest part of this project is holding the camera so we all can see what he is doing.

[@mandopay]

Don't like the basin wrench? Try doing it without it.

[@tomkrause62]

Is there anything Grand Design does that's not a failure??

[@flying10411935]

I have to admit Grand Design Reflection Travel Trailer 2021 that I have is a piece of junk. Nothing but problems, built with cheap parts. It will be a good RV when I get done with it. I'm putting better high quality parts that last in it. I'm sure there will be more as we travel.

[@robsan7847]

LOL!

[@ldcooper1]

No silicone tape on the threads?

[@flying10411935]

Don't need it, the rubber washer that comes with the stainless steel supply lines will stop any leaks.

[@mnblkjh6757]

😂🤣

[@tommackay7433]

Gee, I’m sure we’re all impressed at your income.

[@ThomasTyler-pz3sp]

I'm favoured, Getting my own Truck has always been my Dream for my business. I just acquired 2 recently, earning $32K weekly has been really helpful. I can now give back to the locals in my community and also support Charity Organizations.

[@MarkWilliams-xd8ir]

Hello, how do you achieve such biweekly returns? As a single parent i haven't been able to get my own house due to financial struggles, but my faith in God remains strong.

[@MarkWilliams-xd8ir]

I'm inspired. Please spill some sugar about the biweekly stuff you mentioned

[@JohnJohn-xp9gl]

I raised 75k and Kate Elizabeth Becherer is to be thanked. I got my self my dream car 🚗 just last weekend, My journey with her started after my best friend came back from New York and saw me suffering in dept then told me about her and how to change my life through her.Kate Elizabeth Becherer is the kind of person one needs in his or her life! I got a home, a good wife, and a beautiful daughter. Note: this is not a promotion but me trying to make a point that no matter what happens, always have faith and keep living!

[@FranciscoAfonso-cp3bu]

Wow 😱I know her too Miss Kate Elizabeth Becherer is a remarkable individual who has brought immense positivity and inspiration into my life.

[@LisaMacLean-p4f]

This is a definition of God's unending provisions for his people. God remains faithful to his words. 🙏 I receive this for my household

[@ZonaJim]

You should have pulled the basement panel and replaced the flex hose with PEX. It would have taken about another five minutes. You bash the manufacturer, but you used the same hose they did. Sheesh.

[@davidj426]

Well done Zoro

[@stevethomas9070]

Grand delusion. Almost bought one. Then it was like, same frame,same water heater, same furnace, same slide out mechanism,same AC,same refrigerator and on and on. So I bought a fifth wheel for about $30,000 less. Yep I’ve had some issues, but no more than GD. And certainly not $30,000 dollars worth. Do your home work!!!