NEW MODEL! Only 34ft with THREE Slides! 2024 Influence 2903RL Fifth Wheel by Grand Design RV

[@russoley8995]

Nice camper, but with all the issues Grand Design seems to be having I would be afraid to buy one

[@deanhopkins4117]

The damage is done for me. I’ll never own a GD product due to how they’ve handled their frame failure issues and how they’ve treated their customers who own newer second owner units out of warranty. Stand behind your product and take care of people. You will win in the long run. Their name is tarnished in my mind forever.

[@jkyle01]

You're right. I didn't take more than what I've seen in the past 3 months to decide: as much as I LOVED one/some of their floorpans and HAD them marked on my wish list. Any GD model has now been deleted. Josh is a positive guy who doesn't need or DESERVE mob mentality hijacking his videos.

[@jeffparker3151]

I think GD stepped up with a 5 year frame warranty that’s transferable to second owners. But I think the techs should have weighed those trailers that were having issues. From what I’ve seen online those rigs are overloaded!!

[@Bahnsentravels]

How about Grand Design fix their problems before making new ones.

[@CaptainFantastic79]

Nah…they put all their chips in and doing motorized. Should age well.

[@CaptainFantastic79]

I’m a big fan but having owned a 2022 GD and still dealing with them from ‘22 suggests I won’t be satisfied going down the road with GD again 🤦🏻”Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again.” -W

[@JandAReview1]

Dang Nick, I didn’t know you were having problems with GD.

[@CaptainFantastic79]

@@JandAReview1 I had a remaining awning issue in ‘22 that was “resolved” but wasn’t totally. Warranty ran out and both the dealer (Blue Compass) and GD ignored calls and emails until I took to social media last week but I don’t see how they’ll make it right this late in the game.

[@JandAReview1]

@@CaptainFantastic79 I hate when a manufacturer doesn’t fix everything while the warranty is still in play. Your situation is terrible, hate to hear it.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

What I appreciate is this feedback coming from an actual owner. Means a lot more than “I heard” this or that Ty

[@tobbywhitmore3721]

Buying a Grande sign is kinda like trusting Bill Cosby for your bartender Casey. Anthony to watch your kids and burny maddof as you're financial planner

[@wnews7304]

I like your led light in the shower and no sky light. One less hole in the roof.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

TY. Reflection was the first I saw do it. Made immediate sense to me

[@missstarry11596]

It would be nice to have the grand design owners making a video with you and others explaining there position on what there going to do for people,all the issues seem to start at the factory . Also all the issues are not going to be covered by insurance

[@avsfan80459]

I really love the bathroom layout in this. Great idea to put part of it in the closet slide. Gives actual room for dressing, which is nice.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yeah people forget about floor space sometimes

[@stevez340]

Perfect floorplan👍but I would never consider buying a Grand Design until all of their current issues are resolved😬

[@JandAReview1]

With so many hating GD and hopefully they are getting issues taking care of, this decor is spot on! We are really considering a North/South bed. Thank you Josh!

[@Erin-Thor]

I know, I love the design and layout. A bit heavy for my truck, but that is fixable. GD’s use Lippert frames, and there have been problems with bent frames. Sadly there is still finger pointing, GD (and all manufacturers blame Lippert, Lippert blames the manufacturers for trying to order a frame rated at the minimum spec’s.

[@CaptainFantastic79]

Hopefully being the key but not reality.

[@JandAReview1]

@@CaptainFantastic79 What’s up Nick! All we can hope for.

[@OmahaWayne]

@@Erin-Thor This has ZERO to do with Lippert. They are contracted to build frames to the customers specs, GD wanted as cheap and light as possible with as few reinforcements as they could to save as much money as possible. The only one close to this was montana's when they built the nose to cheap. You notice jayco isn't going through this, Alliance isn't going through this. This is a GD going cheap problem and now they are paying for it.

[@Erin-Thor]

@@OmahaWayne - We may have to agree to disagree. While Lippert had a contract from multiple manufacturers, the odds that all of the different manufacturers all ordering something that exceeded their weight specs is astronomical. You left out Outdoors RV and Northern Fox, both of which have also had no problems because they too don’t use Lippert frames. Bottom line, we may never know. All I know is I’m avoiding Lippert frames and the manufacturers who use them until this issue is resolved.

[@kathy_townsend]

Really appreciate your road mode part of your videos!! Have been watching yours videos for years and they just keep getting better!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Glad you like them!

[@Carol-tq1fb]

Thanks Josh for the very well done video, loved the RV also. Nice and different layout. And it has lots of space for only being 34 foot long. Thank you❤

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

My pleasure. TY for tuning in! :)

[@sitchad]

This a really nice 5th wheel and I am so happy they have a king bed option. This is actually a great floorplan that is not super long, and the color pallet is beautiful.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Glad you like it!

[@QuadTap]

This is an astonishing amount of value for 34 ft... The amount of Windows including the front cap along with the walk around bathroom make it seem incredibly open for the size.. I'm guessing if you optioned in a third AC it would probably be among the highest conditioning BTUs per cubic foot of space available. Lastly, the fact that they were able to include a washer dryer hookup at all in a camper this size is phenomenal.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Love this. I think a lot of people kind of missed how much was packed into the size but you caught it

[@nevysadventuresllc9074]

That sink in the kitchen should be standard for all campers.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I really like it and it's actually quite functional

[@stephenadams8541]

Thanks for the look Josh. This is the floorplan I prefer. Battling it out between this one, Brinkley Z 2900, Alliance Avenue 29rl, and maybe even an Alliance Delta 292rl travel trailer. Different price points for sure, but similar floorplans. You didnt mention it, but i believe the influence line uses the Rhino frame, so less likely to have problems. Can you confirm?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Apologies - I'm not 100% sure their exact frame selection. I don't think it is rhino box though I could be mistaken. I've not personally toured that plant and their site doesn't clarify

[@stephenadams8541]

@@JoshtheRVNerd okay, thanks Josh. I was under the impression that when you didn't have the "step of death" in the upper deck, it was one of the stronger frames. I guess that's not necessarily true? I know the Rhino doesn't have the step and Alliance's Benchmark frame doesn't have it. Others too?

[@Itsa_Mea]

Looking at online photos it certainly DOES use the 40% stronger Rhinobox Spacesaver Chassis.

[@markpcolo]

Thanks for the Video. We are debating between this and the Brinkley Z2900. One of the things we like about this is the wide-body, and the other is the Dexter Tow assist. But bigger, is that GD will work with MORryde to put their IS on this whereas Brinkley won't. If they had just kept the Convection Microwave from the Solitude S series, I am sure my wife would be more 2903RL than Z2900.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

There may be an aftermarket microwave swap available..

[@Patricksmancave]

I like this lay out. Like how big the kitchen is. Like the cabinets. Love the door side windows. But the company is bad. They lay about the lag screw on the frames. They lay to the costumer. Do not buy a grand Design. Love the video josh though!

[@rvail136]

I love the living area. It's completely cuddle compliant! #NerdHerd

[@jkyle01]

Josh, despite the climate surrounding GD right now, thank you for your thoughtful and detailed review. Everyone stop clogging up Uncle Josh’s thread with negativity that should be directed elsewhere.

[@SuperTurbocoupe]

Yes, let's stick our heads in the sand and pretend they don't have a problem. Only positive feedback to a garbage company is soooo helpful.

[@jkyle01]

@@SuperTurbocoupe There's a place for everything. This is not the place. This is Josh's KZbin channel. You wanna scream into the internet void at GD...do it somewhere else.

[@SuperTurbocoupe]

@@jkyle01 I couldn't disagree more. I think the people who have issues with their campers should take every opportunity to have their voices heard. I love Josh and love his videos, but people should have a voice too. Take care.

[@stevez340]

Yeah, let’s all pretend that Grand Design isn’t having multiple safety and quality control issues and lure innocent people into purchasing and losing tens of thousands of dollars if not their lives on an unsafe RV😂Please stop being be an enabler👍

[@jkyle01]

@@SuperTurbocoupe Again, THIS is not the forum for GD grievances. I am positive there are MANY other places at this very moment geared exactly for what you and other feel they need to comment, at this time.

[@adamash8150]

Nice trailer. We have a pre-Covid GD. It’s been pretty good but not real impressed with the poor plumbing. Not sure who you can trust nowadays.

[@sherriweber7105]

I like this new Rv Influence. It’s nice you get an option of washer/dryer. I like the bathroom and living space. It’s all very nice. Thank you Josh! Tell you wife and mom Happy Mother’s Day! 🌸🌺🌷

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

TY Sherri! I hope it was a good day for you as well

[@sherriweber7105]

@@JoshtheRVNerd Thank you and it was.

[@sherriweber7105]

@@JoshtheRVNerd Thank you and it was a good day!

[@pattyolson3842]

I like the model. Great video Josh!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

TY Patty! I appreciate the visit

[@mjmlcmaolcom]

Nice video Josh! This unit is NICE and our second choice right behind an Alliance Paradigm 310RL. Ditch the fancy faucet contraptions in the kitchen. Love the coat closet near the entry door. Absolutely love the bathroom layout! But that fart fan is an insult. One-piece shower is great and storage in bathroom is fantastic. Wish the fresh water tank was a little bigger. Wish the bedroom door was a sliding barn door to make entry into the bedroom a little wider. Prefer stainless fridge because the black shows dust and fingerprints. Single-headed sewer monster is great. Nice positioning on the solar panel which leaves room for more panels without having to rearrange it to maximize panel placement. LOL, breathe icicles is hilarious!

[@mikepulley9956]

Agreed, lots to like

[@davidoverton2432]

The air space behind the fire place could be fixed with a door on the out side that would be a cheap quick fix and good use of the space. I love that kitchen sink it's nicer than the one in my house lol. And as my usual I would remove the dinette and do a desk or storage we just tend to not use a dinette. And if the flex hose drain is plastic it may be possible to retro fit a rubber hose from something like a radiator lol think model a should be same diameter and flex is not an issue that way

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

TY David! I appreciate the visits!

[@djfitzgerald2193]

That spot under the coffee bar would be a great spot for a dishwasher

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I think some of the full solitudes start seeing features like that

[@mikepulley9956]

Hey Josh, I am really liking this unit. 2 small improvement for me, which wouldn't add too much to mfg, at the dining table get rid of 2 chairs and add the bench they use in Refelction This gives you more storage and you can move it to the living room area. Where the fireplace is, add an access door on the outside for extra storage..boom.... Big highlight for me, they prepped the kitchen bar counter for a washer/dryer combo really like that oh and 101 inches wide !!!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

TY Mike! I think there is some good content here. The wider body and big windows giving you that big open feeling are a really nice combo in something that doesn't jack up the price tag with too many frills

[@stingrayl82]

This looks pretty nice but as many have pointed out, Grand Design's reputation has taken some major hits over the last year.

[@chriscalvin5083]

Good video Josh

[@alantrombley2720]

Get rid of speakers on the outside. Please recommend that when the are moving the dog leash reing

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

roger that

[@alh9338]

This is perfection in my eyes 🍻 The decor, tank size, SINK!! And I know it's industry standard but please, if there is 6'2 in the shower, leave out the skylight. Save money and maintenance.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thank you!

[@mikemasters2882]

Love the Kool Aid crime scene referebce, hate the one couch facing the TV since it has no cup holder . Love the interior colors and kitchen but I wish it had a counter with seating instead of a dinette. Thank you for the thorough review.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

My pleasure, Mike! Hope you enjoyed :)

[@busterhymen6224]

Hey josh. It's not a leash latch it's a door knocker!

[@stevebennett3356]

Great review as always Josh. We enjoy them all. Got my rv nerd hat the other day! She just shook her head when I opened the box. As far as this model I’d say just get the Brinkley Z2900 and bypass the Grand Design drama. My 2 cents. Thanks Josh.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Ty so much for supporting the cause! My wife shakes her head every time she sees/hears me on a TV or phone too lol :)

[@Toddstjohn]

Boldly challenging tge Brinkley Z 2900 at basically the same price point.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yeah this is wide body and full profile vs. the standard body / mid profile of a Z Super similar layouts certainly

[@deantrammell8801]

Maybe their Frame is better on this one

[@Erin-Thor]

I love this 💛, the windows are awesome, the little perks, and the design (as in looks) is cool! I am kind of curious on why they wimped out on a few other little things.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

They didn't quite go "whole hog" here as that's where solitude comes in. This fits between reflection and solitude like that

[@betterthanideserve76]

The Influence replaces the S-Class Solitude that is now discontinued

[@texillini1]

Another great video Josh. But if I can play devil advocate for second….. how can anyone afford to camp, or on certain cases… Glamp? These bigger rigs are extremely expensive $85,000 to well over $100 k and better. Plus you need a $80-100 k truck to pull everything. With these high prices and high interest rates these days, who’s buying this stuff and how deep in debt are people willing to go? It’s almost enough to stay out of the lifestyle. Scary sorta.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

It's a major reason the travel trailer market is VASTLY larger than FW and motorized. There are huge costs associated with it

[@FairyChild_For_Freedom-Justice]

Let talk about frames breaking and None of the. Manufacturers want to help customers with it's really sad.

[@Erin-Thor]

And they ALL have one common denominator, Lippert Frames. Lippert blames the manufacturers for ordering a lower rated frame to save money. This is what class action lawsuits are made of.

[@KylesRV]

Are you aware that Grand Design now has a five year structural warranty? This is retroactive to 2020. This was recently announced. There is plenty of blame to pass around at multiple levels (including owners) for the extremely small percentage of fifth wheels that have had frame problems. I own a Reflection fifth wheel and could not be happier with my purchase. My limited dealings with Grand Design customer service have been outstanding.

[@janehargis9301]

I understand people’s frustration but I feel like Grand Design may well move forward with an improved product. They must. I do wish they’d take a hard turn and start taking the reins and getting in front of this situation. Yes, that is costly, but I believe a bad reputation will be more so. Take responsibility, help customers out without an almighty struggle, and STOP the NDAs. Hiding things is not helpful. They’ve had a good reputation for years. It’s time to get it back. Am I the only one that has an aversion to baby poop brown upholstery? Or is that a camera distortion? Maybe it’s a medium to dark gray in person. A soft gray would be awesome. Perhaps have a choice available? I’ll bet that’s expensive though. Very nice unit all in all.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

It's a combination of the camera + some folks just don't care for it

[@davesnothere3495]

Hey Josh, love your vids! how about a video of the coachman chaparral 298RLS? does Bish's sell them? we're thinking it might fit the bill for us and would love to see you go thought one if you could! 😘

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yeah we have them at a few stores I think. Just not the ones near me

[@tobbywhitmore3721]

I only made it 8 min into the video.. how can u put your reputation on the line for those clowns at grand deception?? The deception am referring to is calling that a "frame"

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You may be curious what I had to say about the flex topic here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHbCe2yjbpyMiKc I was one of the first to speak out on it. It's not something isolated to one specific MFG and frankly dealers have a hand in the whole thing as well

[@sherryarcher4832]

I feel that ALL rv manufacturers should install SLIDE TOPPER on ALL rvs.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Lot of regions in which they’re not a good idea - like high wind zones so most mfgs tend to leave them either optional or aftermarket

[@Cowboy47]

#RVNerdHerd 🎉 😊 🎉

[@jillaltman2474]

Which brand fan do you recommend to replace the old dollar store fart fan for the bathroom?

[@juangallegos7178]

We used Hengs replacement fan. Can be replaced inside the bathroom. Took my wife and me less than 15 minutes to do. After 2 years still happy Josh recommended it.

[@jillaltman2474]

@@juangallegos7178 Thank you! I could not remember which brand he said in his past videos.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Heng's vortex series is my preferred dollar-for-dollar upgrade

[@jillaltman2474]

@@JoshtheRVNerd Thank you!

[@SonarTravels]

Josh, love your videos, but without you mentioning anything about the frame on this, and why it would not be any different than their now failing 2024 reflections or solitudes, the average viewer should assume this will also fail, and should look at other Manufacturers that don’t deceive. Also sink in the slide, did they use pex fittings on flexible hoses? Scam design took a similar floorplan, raised the price $20,000 + to pay for all the frame failures they created, called it a new Influence name and flipper the frame failure maker colluded and deceptively ignored users. I wouldn’t touch this if they gave it to me for free. Maybe Cruisin With Hypocrisy will get one, lol. How much weight can go in the front storage, basement, bedroom slide, kitchen and dining slide? Hmmm? HARD PASS, too lazy on the day (see what I did there), too lazy to give storage behind the tv or fireplace? And a failure prone schwintek slide, How many pounds of clothes will it hold? lol. really, lmao. RUN FROM THIS.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I welcome folks to feel and share how they’d like. The flexing instances are almost exclusively the 17,000lb+ larger models S-Class (now influence) and reflection haven’t seen that trend But I 10000% encourage people to purchase according to their peace of mind. It’s easy to say I am not an unbiased party regardless of what data I have So thank you for visiting and sharing. I respect how hard you work for the money you spend on an rv and feel you should get what allows you peace of mind

[@ToddChapman-m8t]

🤘🤘

[@laura7053]

🎉#NerdHerd

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

😊

[@Ima-hoot]

Overall like the floor plan. Add a dishwasher. I’d modify the table and chairs to be double duty as an office also. The wasted space behind the fireplace and TV should be added as outside storage ! A Washer/dryer would be nice but not necessary. Biggest issue I have is Grand Design ! The damage to their reputation is huge. They have to earn my trust back and that can only happen if they fix the current owners damages. Yes they extended the frame warranty to 5 year, but extending the warranty is useless unless they stand behind their product. Time will tell. I hope they do right by their customers. In the short term this might mean a potential loss but long term they would have gained the trust. Time will tell. I have a few years before my next RV purchase.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I think a lot of folks feel the same way. As always my goal is nothing more than to provide information so viewers can draw their own conclusions

[@kayceecast8914]

Love the layout .i just dont trust the frame..They used to be the best top 5.now thy are makin the lower class of rolling pricey junk with polished innerds..( 4 out of 10 that has came in to my place of work .has said they either have breakage and or someone they know has issues)...fix the problems.and better customer service of fix what should not be breaking in the first place..Then maybe you will sell more.people get the trust back..so sad..

[@RabbiJesus]

Time to write your book of RV nerdisms.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I've tried starting it 37 times but SQUIRREL

[@RabbiJesus]

@@JoshtheRVNerd Hunter S Thompson rambled in his books. It was sometimes the best part of the story. Like the Puma in his hotel room while trying to finish an article for the New York Times.

[@lauragough1174]

Neat but because of who makes it, I'd never buy one. Damn shame, they came out of the gate strong only to sell out and fall like Icarus.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

The whole thing is a mess. I personally feel there are sins on every side of the fence related to the whole debacle I've long said many of the industry's marketing efforts write checks they can't cash and I think this flex topic was a good example of it I see where they do some good things as well though. I've been in this long enough that I've seen nearly every MFG rise and fall in the public eye It's what they do now that I think really defines them and I'm curious to see how it goes

[@brianjrichman]

Grand Design? Frames Breaking and poor customer service? Liz Amazing channel includes more horror stories from them than anything else right now. Very poor of you Josh.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

All I do is gather and present information & let people choose their own way. I was one of the first to publicly address the flex topic I don't edit out uncomfortable comments from my section and censor the message here. You'll see I've left plenty of folks to share their opinions and respect yours as well

[@brianthompson9485]

Don’t think I can buy a 5th wheel by GD with all their problems.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thankfully we have a huge lineup from all sorts of brands and plenty to choose from!

[@johnirwin1837]

Not impressed over the 337RLS for only a foot shorter.

[@RaaJra1992]

2903 has a much nicer bathroom, can’t deny that.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Pound for pound layouts like that 337 are hard to beat. It's not an accident nearly every builder makes a layout like that

[@PinkFloydSuperFan]

No cup holders on recliners? I guess designers have never camped. HARD PASS. Ever heard of pets? What a thoughtless cheap fix.