No Slides! I Tour the 2024 Grand Design Imagine XLS 21BHE Bunk House Travel Trailer

[@AdventureRocks]

Here's a running (updated) list of all items used in my 21BHE: amzn.to/3U3Vm5k As an Amazon affiliate I earn commission on qualifying purchases. Thank you in advance for helping support the channel!

[@andreiturcan9721]

We have one like this. Best thing! Enough room, pretty light, well built, fits at most campgrounds.

[@AdventureRocks]

Agreed!

[@aarone9454]

Congratulations on the new camper. I purchased a 2023 version of this camper at the end of December on an end of season sale. I’m looking forward to taking it out for the first time. I love the simplicity of this camper. No slides!!!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you! Agreed, simplicity is refreshing.

[@aarone9454]

Looking forward to seeing what you do for modifications. I have already purchased 2ea. 105AH lithium batteries (Epoch) & a 200w suitcase solar panel from Renogy to supplement the rooftop solar panel. More mods on the way.

[@shaneq1932]

If you don’t mind saying what kind of out the door price did you pay. Don’t fancy playing the negotiation dance with a salesperson to find out a price.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@shaneq1932 You should be able to get 20-25% off MSRP on this unit as a 2024, possibly more off on a left over 2023.

[@aarone9454]

33% off MSRP on a 2023

[@sandite26]

Excellent demonstration!! This model would be perfect for my needs.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you! It's gotta be one of my all time favorites.

[@jocelynpethel1932]

Very good for a young and small family, but I really preferred your luxury Pinnacle and your Ram.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you. I hear you. Always will miss the RAM/Pinnacle combo!

[@ArtgGar27]

You made a great purchase! I sometimes consider upsizing my 20ft travel trailer, but love being able to access campgrounds with smaller sites, such as Joshua tree and Yosemite. It also forces us to get out more. Enjoy your travels!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you, appreciate that. And, great points!

[@CookevilleRVandMarine]

Awesome walkthrough! Thank you so much for your business! We can't wait to watch all the adventures from you and the fam!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you, grateful!

[@dand7490]

Love this unit but really wish Grand Design would put a cargo door for the rear bunk. It would really help to make that storage area more accessible and even to make the lower bunk. Slam latch upgrades would be nice as well and moving to Azdel construction.

[@AdventureRocks]

Good points. Agreed.

[@st6795]

Nice but the fold up bed is a no go for us. Not sure if the mattress can be changed out.

[@theturneyjourney]

Great video and great TT!!! Welcome to the GD family. Happy for you guys!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you! Glad to be part of it.

[@sergep71]

I have the 2022 model year and have been mostly happy with it. I had the 6 gallon tank water heater and the cold inlet line was not tightened properly from the factory and ended up causing leakage into the tank area and got a little bit into the grill bay. I had to tighten the cold water inlet and was good after that (you have to remove the access panel to the left of the grill to set the valves to bypass the heater) . The fridge seems to collect a lot of frost on the back wall, and frost also collects in the freezer as well. The bottom bunk may need a small fan for circulation - the ducted AC doesn't reach that section that well - maybe if the person is sleepting with their head close to the dinette. Also the detector above the murphy bed on my model is a CO2 detector, you may want to check that. My power converter is also auto-detect but it was smaller and I have 3 drawers above the converter (but consequently less expandability). Incidentally I have the same awning problem that was on your Pinnacle, but GD had an official recall on it. I haven't been able to schedule an appointment to the dealer yet but may in the mean time use your HH-66 fix.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for sharing, and for the tips. On mine they put the CO/propane detector below lower bunk, perhaps since gas drops to the floor since heavier than air. All I can figure is it is some new RVIA code mandated the 2nd one...never seen that before! Anyway, I appreciate all the tips and experiences shared. Nice to connect a fellow owner.

[@sergep71]

@@AdventureRocks yep I rechecked my floor detector and it's a propane only detector.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@sergep71 Interesting! I'm actually swapping my 2x 9V smokes out to test out some smarter wifi CO/smoke combos.

[@andrewnash6121]

This RV is perfect!

[@st6795]

Love Tennessee, it’s the best place to be!

[@Karen-er7yz]

We just purchased this model..can't wait to see your modifications!...

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you. So nice to connect with a fellow owner!

[@Karen-er7yz]

What did you put over the sink i was looking for a cutting board ?

[@AdventureRocks]

@@Karen-er7yz so far I'm just using the basic roll-up mat/grate. I've thought about making a custom fit board to recess nicely over sink...maybe one day

[@Karen-er7yz]

@@AdventureRocks ok it would be nice to have the insert ....

[@jesserevilla992]

Great vid, and understand trying to find simplicity in towing and camping. I'm the one that commented on FB Group XLS. I had a Tab 320 and still have the 2022 XLS 22mle. I watched your vid on your truck which is a great review. Please a little later after some use of the Murphy Bed let us know your thoughts? As for your frame, it's powdered coated.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you! Appreciate the connect! I'll definitely report back in the murphy bed. Thank you.

[@jesserevilla992]

@@AdventureRocks. After watching this video all the way through: I don’t consider Grand Design XLS models entry level. Are you basing it on price & size? Hopefully you’re not…. Entry level is a bare bone type Travel Trailers which I know I’ve rented a couple back in 2019 before buying our first TT.. Entry Level has plastic sinks & toilets and the list goes on. This is top notch Travel Trailer; I understand your previous camper was a 5th wheel was that an Entry Level rig in its class? …You kept saying entry level TT on every item that proves how much more this TT is on the upper end of most TT’s that basically suck! I came across you due to your Truck I was curious and now hopefully you’ll give us feed back to HWY MPG’s etc. I purchased our XLS 22mle from Cookeville RV & Marine and drove up from Miami Florida and traded in my previous TT.

[@alanb.4660]

congratulations on the new camper...many mods coming up 🙂

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you! Enjoying it!

[@TurnerAJ84]

I love the simplicity of this trailer. Question for you: do you have any recommendations for a family of 6 (parents + 4 kids). I’d love something that is 30’ or less but has plenty of sleeping for at least 6 and has a simple but functional design like this one.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you, I've really come to appreciate its simplicity over the last 9 months. With 6 total you some might argue you'd be a little tight on sleeping, but I think it is doable, especially if your kids are younger and/or used to sharing sleeping spaces. The bunks are slightly larger than twin (I stretch a twin sheet on them) and then you've got the dinnette which is another shorter twin essentially. So I think the manufacturer lists 8 with double occupancy on all the beds, but I think 5-6 is more reasonable, again depending on size of kids. Grand Design got so many things right on this iteration of the floorplan...a lot of the other brands leave details out which although they are small details they can lead to less enjoyable experiences. You can fit the unit anywhere...any campsite...very easy to maneauver...and it just doesn't have a lot of the unnecessary extras that often cause problems.

[@TurnerAJ84]

Thank you for your reply. Sounds potentially interesting for us. Do you have any recommended trailers if you needed to go slightly bigger to sleep four kids more comfortably?

[@AdventureRocks]

@@TurnerAJ84 I don't know of any myself, but they are probably out there. It seems when you get a "true" bunkroom with 4x separate beds most of them jump in size by 10+ ft or more. We had a 2016 Reflection bunk house similar to the Reflection 312BHTS. It was very spacious...very nice too. Right now we're doing shorter weekend trips at smaller state parks and places where smaller size opens up more opportunities. Not that a 37' travel trailer is a deal breaker for that kind of travel, but probably cuts options by 20-30% on some state parks and just adds some complexity. We had a 42' fifth wheel with 4x slides before this 21BHE so the simplicity is what I like most about it. Hope this helps.

[@TurnerAJ84]

I appreciate your reply! Happy camping. Keep up the great content - I love it!

[@standennis6987]

I would like to see a mod where the top bunk is half the size, that is, the front top portion is cut off about half way and the space is used as a large shelf for storage. This would be great for two adults who don’t necessarily want to share the queen bed. One adult could be in the queen bed and the other could use the bottom bunk. Lots of storage up top and no feeling of being closed in. I don’t think manufactures are thinking enough of this possibility - this type of situation for their customers. There is a market for this and it’s a missed opportunity. Could just be an older couple or friends camping together.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great idea

[@swamprat9018]

I got a salem 179bhkx which is the Poors version of your camper. It is hard pressed to find a better floor plan than what you and I have. I don't trust slides at all. I needed to sleep four guys hunting and keep it small for a regular pick-up towing. I love my outside kitchen I have two griddles so when we are fixing big meals. also I like my wider pass thru storage better than yours as I can put a folding 6'x 30" tables in there along with chairs.

[@AdventureRocks]

I hear you! I really like the floor plan a lot. Just a great, versatile floor plan for families. Salem is a great value too. I had one of their fifth wheels a while back and really enjoyed it.

[@sledforpeace]

The 247BH is the floor plan

[@cookingsherry8784]

I don't understand how you could have gone from a luxury Pinnacle midbunk down to this, but more power to you! Something this small is definitely not for me. I hope you and your family enjoy it!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you!

[@OneNationUnderGod.]

It all depends how you use it, we have a Grand Design Reflection 311BHS with 4 slides, 2 bathrooms and an outdoor kitchen. It's great for going to big open areas and newer RV parks but an absolute nightmare on tight streets, older camp grounds and impossible at most national parks. That's why I'm considering a small 2nd camper like this one for when the 5 of us want to hit small campsites and national parks.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@OneNationUnderGod. I hear you, great points.

[@shaneq1932]

Great video, new subscriber. Looking forward to seeing the future mods.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you! Grateful!

[@briguy1960]

Our 2004 Fleetwood has almost the same layout

[@IDWIE]

Great explanation of everything

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you! Appreciate the kind words.

[@st6795]

Your wet bay means less opportunity for leaks.

[@bayoustateoutdoors9650]

Awesome layout! No slide, (no problems), and bunks…..Is cell charger in kitchen a tower of power?

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you! On my unit it's just a wireless charging station flush with the countertop. I think sometimes stuff like that could change over time though depending on vendor availability.

[@Mike-te1xx]

Great review!!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you

[@user-yl8nx3of2i]

Lippert began powder coating their frames in 2023 model year campers. I know this from watching other trailer reviews that pointed out that change.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for the helpful info.

[@keithmaher9482]

When possible could you get a hitch weight before adding all your personal gear? Thanks in advance and great video btw

[@AdventureRocks]

I failed to do a CAT scale weight before doing all the mods and loading, but since the 21BHE only has mandatory options and they're all built the same essentially, I'd speculate they all have pretty much same factory stated weight in that 456 lb range, of course pre-battery and full propane tanks. Once I get near a CAT scale in the future I'll do a full weight to report back. I'm guessing it'll be in the 700-900 lb range, but just an estimate.

[@jeffstockton8735]

Did you ever get hitch weight? I'm having payload issue with tow vehicle.

[@st6795]

Also much lighter without the slide!

[@cablanchard79]

Just curious, what made you select a unit that didn’t have slides? You came from such a large unit.

[@AdventureRocks]

Simplicity!

[@pauls477]

i went to look at this unit and noticed the right sided cupboard door beside the queen is obstructed by the window valence - it impedes opening it somewhat - just wondering if you have figured out a hack for that?

[@AdventureRocks]

Yes, actually both sides are obstructed by either TV cab and valence. I actually came back and added a wire stay to several of the cabs/doors to keep them from colliding. Yes, it does impair opening a full 90 degrees...a bit more difficult to put things in/pull them out. Manageable still though. I'm okay with it given how compact unit is. If it was a 42' luxury fifth wheel like my last unit I probably would be more prone to find fault with it if that makes sense. Definitely could remove valance though, and might even have room to slide valance over an inch or two, keeping shade on window of course. I'm gonna leave mine for now.

[@owen33333]

Nice!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you. We're enjoying it.

[@owen33333]

@@AdventureRocks What is your hitch set up? (I have the 2024 3500HD SLT)

[@AdventureRocks]

@@owen33333 I've been testing out the Shocker hitch with the RV - amzn.to/48QeMQL ...I plan to do a review on it with more details soon.

[@MoutainGuyAdventures]

Your TV. Is it 12V? How difficult is it to watch from the table? Thanks for the review.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you. My TV is regular 120v, but they did supply a "smart" TV with apps. It rotates about 45 degrees both left and right, so pretty decent angle at table or bunks.

[@MoutainGuyAdventures]

@@AdventureRocks Thanks. Odd that it’s not 12V like the refrigerator.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@MoutainGuyAdventures I think it's because higher quality 12 volt TVs are pretty rare and fairly expensive. Oftentimes their picture quality and features leave a lot to be desired. Grand Design makes their units pre-wired for an inverter, so it's pretty simple to add one and that solves problem to run TV off grid. I plan to do a video in the future showing how I added an inverter to mine.

[@linkfloyd4908]

I considered buying this trailer but was very disappointed by all the cheap outs by Grand Design. Scissor jacks, small fans, no slam latches, and the location of the TV is moronic.

[@AdventureRocks]

I hear you on the fans, already replaced mine...I think I've had to do that on pretty much every RV I've owned though. Even my 6-figure Pinnacle luxury fifth wheel had a manual open/close in bathroom from factory. I don't mind the scissor jacks, actually like the simplicity there.

[@bishopgeorge1333]

Congrats! Okay nice setup, I see that you down size.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you, we're enjoying it.

[@bishopgeorge1333]

@AdventureRocks I want to ask you sir that in one of your videos, you talked about adding a Leveo Tab M9 to the BMPRO Jaycommand. How did that work after I watch that video I went out and bought one but I haven't open the box yet, I wanted to know was it worth the add on, did you see an appovement to the system. I wanted to know your views after adding that extra tablet, and thank you for your reply.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@bishopgeorge1333 Thank you. Yes, I liked the option of having a 2nd tablet in bedroom mainly for redudancy and also just as another point of input since I frequently found myself in bedroom wanting to adjust control panel. So it was nice to have a 2nd dedicated tablet there. I don't think it's a must-have, but for only about $100-$150 it's an option nice to have.

[@bishopgeorge1333]

@@AdventureRocks Okay, was the second added tablet that you setup was it faster than the factory one that comes with the RV and did it connect to Bluetooth quicker? I want to take mine out of the package so I can use it thank you for your help.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@bishopgeorge1333 yes, indeed the second had more RAM and faster processor, plus newer Android version, so seemed all around faster compared to OEM.

[@mark98070]

Im curious about your purchase price for this unit

[@AdventureRocks]

You should be able to get about 20-30% off MSRP depending on the age of unit on lot and where you purchase. I've seen some left over previous model years go for as low as $25K before fees & taxes. I highly recommend Jackson @ Cookeville RV & Marine [phone] - they'll treat you right.

[@Karen-er7yz]

Is there storage under the bench seats at the table??

[@AdventureRocks]

No. The one side closest to door has the shoe storage, which is basically the entire underside. The other has a few electrical wires running through it if I recall. There's a removable plywood lid to each seat bottom with a screw or two.

[@Karen-er7yz]

What upgrades did you do that you recommend??

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you! Yes, I am planning on releasing a ~36 mod/upgrade video soon covering all of them, hopefully this Sunday 6/16 if all goes as planned. Thank you for your patience as I realize it has taken me some time to get it published.

[@arminkowitz2726]

Do you think a family of 3 could live in this for a year or so?

[@AdventureRocks]

Great question. Short answer, yes. Long answer...there's always the argument that RVs aren't made for full-time living in terms of being as durable as a sticks and bricks house, even one double the price of this one. But, at the same time the 21BHE is a very nice blend of features, quality, and value especially at the ~$30Kish price point. And the simplicity means fewer things to maintain, break, or go bad compared to more expensive and larger units. It's nimble and light such that you can fit at just about any campsite and easy to maneuver. Grand Design nailed this floorplan in terms of layout and features though. Anyway, other factors to consider for sure, but hopefully that's a starting point.

[@linkfloyd4908]

Do you still have this trailer? If so do you like it? If not, did anything go wrong?

[@AdventureRocks]

Yes! Enjoying it. I plan to start a new series on it soon going over all the mods and such so stay tuned. I'll also do a video covering any issues after all the shakedown trips in initial 6 months. Spoiler alert...extremely minor issues and only a few. Coming from a luxury 6-figure fifthwheel, it's been a breath of fresh air how simple it is and just the lack of things to go wrong. Anyway, I've been very pleased with the overall quality, especially for the price point. Definitely would buy it all over again.

[@linkfloyd4908]

​@@AdventureRocks thanks!! This is the specific trailer I want to buy, looking forward to your updates.

[@IDWIE]

Cost?

[@AdventureRocks]

21BHE has MSRP about $40K, but typically sale prices are at least 20% off or more.

[@scottcrawford2239]

I will never buy an RV with a 12V fridge! This is a deal- breaker for me. I wish you had led with this so I didn’t have to watch most of the video.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thanks for feedback. Always pros and cons, right? One should be able to retro fit another if desired. I've tried other various fridge types in previous RVs from propane/absorption to residential 120v w/ inverter, and my favorite, especially on smaller rigs is the 12V.

[@scottcrawford2239]

You cannot retrofit a 2-way fridge due to the sidewall vent and roof vent.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@scottcrawford2239 Check the older year models of this same floorplan as GD changed to 12V in last couple years. Likely the framing is carryover on new, so as long as no studs hand changed locations, can make cuts for new vents. Power and propane needed are right in proximity. An RV dealer or tech should be able to do it for you if needed.

[@andreiturcan9721]

The older ones, like 2021 models are still dual power. I've got one. Installed an inverter on my truck and dual alternators and I run the fridge on 110v while towing. Piece of cake.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@andreiturcan9721 Great point

[@NEWPL]

Good job trying to justify lower quality options

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you, sometimes simplicity is a blessing in disguise.