Should You Buy a Grand Design RV? Here’s What to Know
Table of Contents
Is Grand Design a good RV brand? Join us as we take a deep dive into Grand Design’s construction methods, materials, quality control, warranty coverage, customer service, and company history. This unbiased review is backed by firsthand experience with our fleet of over 1,000 Grand Design rental units, as well as insights from owner forums, industry experts, and recall data.
We’ll also break down all their GD models with prices, spotlight their best and worst-performing models, outline key pros and cons, and lay bare the most common complaints reported by owners.
Try before you buy—rent a Grand Design camper to get a feel for the craftsmanship, features, and layout in real-world use.
Who is Grand Design RV
Grand Design RV is a leading recreational vehicle manufacturer founded in 2012 by industry veterans Don Clark and brothers Ron and Bill Fenech. Headquartered in Middlebury, Indiana, the company is known for producing mid- to high-end towable RVs, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. In 2025, Grand Design expanded into motorized RVs with the launch of its first motorhomes: a Class C RV, a Super C, and a camper van.
Thanks to its strong dealer network, commitment to quality, and customer service focus, Grand Design experienced rapid growth early on—shipping over 25,000 units within its first four years. Today, the company has produced more than 250,000 RVs, earning its place among the top five largest manufacturers of towable RVs in North America.
Who Owns Grand Design RV
Grand Design RV was acquired in 2016—just four years after its founding—by Winnebago Industries (read their brand review here). Winnebago has 67 years of RV manufacturing experience and is known for producing high-quality motorhomes and lightweight trailers. Although fully owned by Winnebago, Grand Design continues to operate independently under its own leadership and brand identity.
From the start, Grand Design built a loyal customer base thanks to its focus on craftsmanship and customer service. However, since the acquisition, some RV enthusiasts have questioned whether the company has maintained the same level of quality. Keep reading to learn more.
Grand Design Ratings By Owners
RV Insider is a great starting point for evaluating the overall quality of any RV brand. It’s an independent platform where RV owners share firsthand experiences and rate models based on reliability, comfort, functionality, towing ease, and warranty support.
All Grand Design models combined have a score of 3.8 stars from 950 reviews on RV Insider. That’s decent, considering the average RV manufacturer has a score of 3.5 stars. Here’s how owners rate Grand Design campers:
⭐ Overall Quality – 3.4
⭐ Livability and Comfort – 3.9
⭐ Floor Plan Functionality – 4.5
⭐ Ease of Towing or Driving – 4.2
⭐ Factory Warranty – 3.1
Our Take: Is Grand Design a Good RV?
Grand Design builds solid RVs with aluminum-framed, fully laminated sidewalls and fully walkable roofs. Their units are true four-season ready, featuring double-insulated floors and roofs, as well as well-insulated front caps, rear walls, and slide walls. Their customer service and warranty support consistently rank above most competitors.
That said, they’re not perfect. GD still uses flexible plumbing, which is prone to leaks. They also use OSB in the roof and floor, which doesn’t hold up well when it comes into contact with water. Inoperable slide-outs are another common complaint. 2017 to 2023 models have also had excessive Lippert frame flex issues. Thankfully, Grand Design is often quick to fix recurring problems by updating designs or switching component suppliers.
What truly sets them apart is their standout warranty: 1-year limited, 3-year structural, and 5-year frame coverage. It gives owners peace of mind knowing that major components like the roof, floor, and walls are protected for years. While Grand Design implements several quality control steps, including a 300-point pre-delivery inspection, it’s still wise for buyers to hire a professional inspector. Some units slip through with noticeable workmanship flaws.
Overall, we rate Grand Design’s build quality at 6.9 out of 10.
Grand Design RV Infographic
All Grand Design RV Models, Floor Plans, and Prices
In 2025, Grand Design has 8 travel trailer models, 5 fifth wheels, 5 toy haulers, and 3 motorhomes (2 Class Cs and 1 camper van). Here’s a look at all their models, RV Insider ratings, floor plans, lengths, and Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Note, the actual price is often 10% to 30% off the MSRP sticker price.
Grand Design Travel Trailer Models, Floor Plans, and Prices
All Grand Design travel trailers with ratings:
- Transcend One (19 to 23 ft) – 3 floor plans, from $26,391 (4.2 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews)
- Transcend Xplor (24 to 32 ft) – 8 floor plans, from $36,865 (3.6 out of 5 stars from 20 reviews)
- Transcend (30 to 38 ft) – 7 floor plans, from $49,381 (3.8 out of 5 stars from 26 reviews)
- Imagine AIM (17 to 22 ft) – 6 floor plans, from $32,747 (4.8 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews)
- Imagine XLS (21 to 30 ft) – 9 floor plans, from $46,530 (.8 out of 5 stars from 44 reviews)
- Imagine (26 to 37 ft) – 11 floor plans, from $55,217 (3.9 out of 5 stars from 184 reviews)
- Serenova (19 to 21 ft) – 2 floor plans, from $64,008 (No reviews)
- Reflection (33 to 38 ft) – 8 floor plans, from $79,975 (3.9 out of 5 stars)
Grand Design Fifth Wheel Models, Floor Plans, and Prices
All Grand Design fifth wheels with ratings:
- Reflection 100 Series (26 to 31 ft) – 4 floor plans, from $61,439 (No reviews)
- Reflection 150 Series (29 to 35 ft) – 4 floor plans, from $76,474 (4.1 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews)
- Reflection Fifth Wheel (32 to 42 ft) – 8 floor plans, from $87,049 (3.8 out of 5 stars from 174 reviews)
- Influence (34 to 43 ft) – 6 floor plans, from $110,554 (No reviews)
- Solitude (34 to 43 ft) – 9 floor plans, from $134,966 (4.1 out of 5 stars from 179 reviews)
Grand Design Toy Hauler Models, Floor Plans, and Prices
Ratings for Grand Design RV toy haulers:
- Momentum MAV Travel Trailer (22 to 32 ft) – 4 floor plans, from $46,052 (2.2 out of 5 stars from 1 review)
- Momentum G-Class Travel Trailer (26 to 36 ft) – 8 floor plans, from $68,095 (No reviews)
- Momentum G-Class Fifth Wheel (36 to 45 ft) – 4 floor plans, from $105,032 (2.4 out of 5 stars from 1 review)
- Momentum M-Class Fifth Wheel (39 to 46 ft) – 6 floor plans, from $144,520 (3.9 out of 5 stars from 13 reviews)
- Momentum Fifth Wheel (43 to 45 ft) – 3 floor plans, from $161,989 (3.3 out of 5 stars from 26 reviews)
Grand Design Motorhome Models, Floor Plans, and Prices
Note: Grand Design’s motorhomes are newly released, and as of now, there are no user reviews available on RV Insider.
- Lineage Series M Class C (25 ft) – 2 floor plans, from $228,776
- Lineage Series F Class Super C (33 ft) – 1 floor plan, from $315,818
- Lineage Series VT Class B (21 ft) – 1 floor plan, from $218,557
RVs for Rent Nearby
Best-Rated Grand Design RVs
Among Grand Design travel trailers, the Imagine models are the highest-rated, earning 3.9 out of 5 stars from 184 reviews. In the fifth-wheel category, the Solitude stands out with a strong 4.1 out of 5 stars from 179 reviews—making it the top-rated model across all Grand Design RVs. For toy haulers, the Momentum M-Class leads the pack with a solid 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 13 reviews.
Grand Design RVs to Avoid
Most Grand Design RVs receive above-average ratings, but certain models have poor scores. It’s wise to approach these models with caution and hire a professional RV inspector before making a new or used purchase. Among Grand Design’s travel trailers, the Transcend Xplor holds the lowest rating, with a score of 3.6 out of 5 based on feedback from 20 owners.
In the toy hauler category, the Momentum fifth wheels received the most critical feedback, earning a disappointing 3.3 out of 5 from 26 reviewers. Generally, the toy haulers have the worst Grand Design RV reviews, while fifth wheels have the best scores.
Grand Design RV Review: Chassis Construction
Grand Design’s travel trailer and fifth wheel chassis are built by Lippert to GD’s custom specifications. One of the standout features is their wide-body frame design. This engineering allows for shorter I-beams, reducing leverage stress while increasing floor space and enabling deeper slide-outs. The slide mechanisms are also integrated directly into the frame for added support. Lippert additionally supplies the axles, brakes, and suspension systems.
What about the Grand Design Frame Flex Problem?
Many Grand Design owners—particularly those with fifth wheels manufactured between 2017 and 2023—have reported frame flexing, bending, or even breaking. This excessive flex can lead to issues such as misaligned doors, wall cracks, and separation between the body and frame.
Owners speculate that the problem stems from the frame being underbuilt to support the heavy upper structure. Other contributing factors may include exceeding weight ratings and frequent travel on rough roads. While Grand Design has not released an official statement, the company appears to acknowledge the issue by offering a five-year warranty that covers frame defects.
Grand Design Floor Construction Review
Grand Design builds its floors from the bottom up with a focus on insulation and durability. The base layer is a corrugated plastic underbelly laminated with thermal foil. Inside the Lippert chassis, they add batt fiberglass insulation throughout. Premium models include 12V heat pads and ducted heat to protect the underbelly in cold weather.
Above the chassis, an aluminum frame with wood reinforcements is filled with more batt insulation between every single cross member. This is topped with marine-grade OSB and finished with Congoleum vinyl flooring for a strong, low-maintenance surface.
Grand Design floors have an insulation rating of R35 to R40.
Key Takeaway of Grand Design Floor Quality: Grand Design floors are well-insulated and structurally sound, but the use of OSB, instead of plywood raises durability concerns. OSB is more susceptible to water damage, and many owners have reported rot issues—particularly in slide-out floors, which are more exposed to wheel well spray during travel in wet conditions.
Grand Design Wall Construction Process
Grand Design uses a pinch roll lamination process to build its sidewalls, ensuring strength and durability. The aluminum-framed, luan walls are spaced 16” on center and filled with wood backing at key points for secure mounting of interior components. Remaining cavities are filled with rigid block foam insulation. A layer of 2” rigid foam is also added between wall layers for added thermal protection.
All exterior walls—including sidewalls, rear walls, slide-out walls, & slide-out roofs—are fully laminated and framed using this method. The doors, windows, and other compartments are fully framed in. The lamination process takes place in a temperature- and humidity-controlled facility to make sure the luan doesn’t swell during lamination. The wall is then dried for at least 24 hours before being sent to individual model plants.
Each wall is assigned a VIN code and individually tested for structural integrity before installation. The wall exterior is finished with high-gloss fiberglass gel coat and decals, with full-body paint available as an upgrade on select models.
Does Grand Design Build Stick-and-Tin RVs?
Yes, Grand Design’s entry-level models—the Transcend and Momentum MAV—use a more modern stick-and-tin construction method. These RVs feature wood framing spaced 16 inches on center, with fiberglass insulation (R-9 value) between each stud, and an aluminum exterior siding.
What sets Grand Design apart is the thicker aluminum siding they use: up to 25 percent thicker. It’s .030-inch thick, compared to the industry norm of .017 to .024 inches. The front cap is even more robust at .040 inches, while many competitors use .030.
Grand Design Front Cap Construction Review
Grand Design’s front cap features a custom-welded aluminum frame (wood frame in entry-level models) designed to align precisely with the molded fiberglass cap. This framing allows for a wider, walkable front closet area, maximizing interior space and structural support.
Before the cap is installed, Grand Design adds a thick layer of batt fiberglass insulation, topped with a reflective foil barrier to enhance thermal performance. In entry-level models, the front cap is instead framed with wood, maintaining strength while keeping costs down.
Grand Design RV Roof Construction Review
Grand Design features a fully walkable, double-insulated roof with an impressive R-40 insulation value. It is a curved wood truss roof, spaced 16 inches on center, with batt fiberglass insulation installed between each truss. A layer of reflective radiant foil is laid over the insulation to improve thermal performance.
These insulation layers run the full length of the roof and are wrapped down into the front cap, maximizing climate control. A vented attic space is also incorporated to allow moisture and condensation to escape, helping preserve the roof structure.
Above the foil, a layer of marine-grade OSB is installed with all seams sealed. The roof is then finished with a one-piece TPO membrane (thermoplastic olefin). Some premium models also include racetrack-style ducting integrated into the roof for more efficient air distribution.
Takeaway Point on Quality of Grand Design Roof: While Grand Design roofs are structurally solid and well-insulated, some owners have reported workmanship issues, particularly around TPO membrane adhesion. In certain cases, poor sealing between the TPO and OSB allowed wind to get underneath, leading to the membrane peeling back and, in extreme situations, full roof failure. Additionally, if not regularly inspected and maintained, the OSB subroof can deteriorate when exposed to water.
Grand Design’s Construction of Slide-outs
Grand Design often uses Schwintek gear-driven systems for smaller slide-outs and hydraulic mechanisms for larger ones. The slide walls are laminated with the same materials and R-value insulation as the main sidewalls, ensuring consistent thermal performance. Each slide is sealed with both a rubber flap and a bulb seal to help keep out water and debris.
However, not all slide-outs are fully protected. Some models lack slide toppers, and some slide floors have inadequate waterproofing underneath. This can leave the OSB subfloor vulnerable to moisture and rot.
Grand Design RV Sealing Method
Grand Design employs a multi-layered sealing system across its RV lineup to guard against water intrusion and reinforce critical structural seams. This proprietary system, known as Quad Seal, is patented and marketed as “no-maintenance.”
The Quad Seal process involves four distinct layers:
- Mylar tape as the foundational vapor barrier
- PVC foam tape applied directly above the Mylar
- Additional PVC foam behind the trim moldings
- A final silicone cap seal is applied on both edges of the molding for maximum weather resistance
This seal is used at key joints, including where the sidewall meets the floor, rear wall, front wall, and roof. According to Grand Design, the system remains effective in temperatures ranging from -60°F to 212°F, providing reliable year-round protection. Unlike the butyl putty commonly used by many manufacturers—which can crack and degrade over time—Grand Design’s Quad Seal is designed to last the lifetime of the RV.
Other Highlights of Grand Design RV Construction Process
- Insulated storage doors
- Heated and enclosed underbelly
- Every exterior screw attachment is reinforced with PVC backing
- Aluminum entry steps
- Power tongue jack
- Heavy-duty radial tires
- Pass-through storage
- A ladder to access the full walk-on roof
Grand Design Review of Interior Features
Here are some construction features of Grand Design’s interior:
- Floor Plans – GD is well-regarded for offering a diverse range of thoughtfully designed floor plans, spanning from 17 to 46 feet in length. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly bunkhouse, zoned living for added privacy, rear living, mid-living, or open-concept layouts, there’s something for every lifestyle. Best of all, every unit—regardless of size—maintains the same high standard of construction and quality.
- Cabinetry – GD has a dedicated in-house department for cabinet construction and assembly. They build the cabinetry and internal framework before the walls go up, ensuring a more integrated and solid fit. Cabinets and drawers feature real wood fronts, metal hardware, and durable lumber-core box construction.
- Furniture and Upholstery – GD sources its furniture from vendors like Lippert, then assembles the pieces in the RV.
- Fit and Finish – GD is widely recognized for offering above-average fit and finish, with attention to detail in cabinetry, trim, and material alignment compared to many competitors.
Grand Design Lineage Motorhomes Review
Here are the construction features of Grand Design motorhomes:
- Lineage Series M Class C – It’s built on the 4500 series Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cutaway chassis. It comes with an aluminum superstructure, fiberglass roof, reinforced frame, and framed interior walls. There are only 2 floor plans, each measuring 25’8″ in length and 11’5″ in height.
- Lineage Series F Class Super C – It is based on the Ford’s F600 chassis, which incorporates a 6.7 liter V8 diesel engine. Other details include a robust steel-frame, aluminum structure under the skin, SureSlide® Slide-out mechanism, and 15,000 lb towing capacity. There’s one floor plan measuring 39’9″ long and 12’3″ in height.
- Lineage Series VT Class B – This unit is based on the Ford Transit all-wheel-drive van. Grand Design outfits the interior with industry-first features, such as a fully integrated pop-top option, AquaHaven Rainshower system, panoramic double-pane skylight, and a stealth split AC system. It’s 20′ 11″ long and 10′ 2″ tall.
Grand Design Outsourced Components
Grand Design is known for carefully selecting reputable vendors for appliances, electronics, climate control components, furniture, and even Luan plywood. While they source from many of the same suppliers as other RV brands, they prioritize those with a strong track record for reliability. The company is also quick to switch suppliers if a component receives widespread complaints or shows consistent failure. Some of their partners are Furion, Coleman, Suburban, and JBL.
Grand Design Safety Features
Grand Design was the first in the industry to offer an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for towables, helping to prevent wheel lock-up and maintain control during sudden stops. Many models also come prepped for a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) plus rear- and side-view camera prep.
Grand Design RV Quality Control and PDI
Grand Design implements a robust multi-step quality control process:
- Wall Separation Pressure Test – Each laminated wall is pressure-tested before installation. A sample section is ripped apart with a machine to see how much pressure it can withstand. The industry standard for wall strength is 120 inch-pounds of pressure, while Grand Design sets its benchmark at 200 inch-pounds. In many cases, their walls withstand over 500 inch-pounds before failing. This ensures airtight, weather-sealed construction. Any wall that fails is rebuilt.
- Quality Checks at Every Station – At every stage of production, dedicated quality control inspectors mark components with visual tags indicating: Good to go, Needs improvement, or Do not ship.
- Independent 300-Point PDI – Once assembled, every unit is sent to a separate inspection facility where a customer service team—not the assembly crew—performs a 300-point inspection. This includes full operation of slide-outs, plumbing, HVAC, entertainment electronics, lights, and the leveling system.
- Detailing – After passing inspection, each unit is professionally detailed to remove sawdust, adhesives, and construction debris, ensuring a clean, showroom-ready appearance.
- Certified Weight Labeling – After completing the PDI, each GD RV is weighed at a certified station to ensure accurate labeling before shipment to the dealer. While the website provides average weight estimates, every unit comes with a sticker displaying its exact weight, offering buyers precise, unit-specific information.
Key Takeaways on Grand Design Quality Control – GD’s quality control is stronger than that of many competitors, thanks to multi-stage inspections and dedicated PDI. However, issues still occasionally slip through—such as misaligned, missing, loose, or improperly installed components—indicating room for improvement. Hire a certified RV inspector to thoroughly check the unit before purchase—whether new or used. See our checklist of 300+ inspection steps when buying a new rig.
Grand Design RV Performance: Off-road, Winter, Full-time Living, and Boondocking
How does Grand Design’s RVs perform in less than ideal camping conditions?
- Off-Road Travel – Grand Design RVs aren’t true off-road rigs, but many can handle light off-pavement use, such as gravel roads and mild trails. For frequent off-highway adventures, the Momentum MAV toy hauler, Class B Lineage Series VT, and Lineage Series F Super C motorhomes offer enhanced clearance and beefier suspensions.
- Winter Camping – All GD units are built for extended three-season use, with some models capable of handling harsh winter conditions. Thanks to advanced insulation—up to R-40 roof and front cap, R-30 floor, R-11 sidewalls and slides—plus an enclosed and heated underbelly, interior temperatures can remain at 80°F even when it’s 0°F outside. The Solitude, Reflection, and Imagine lines are particularly well-suited for cold-weather camping.
- Full-Time Living – Unlike many RV brands, Grand Design explicitly allows full-time use without voiding the warranty. Their robust construction, quality components, and durability make them a popular choice for full-time RVers seeking long-term reliability and comfort.
- Boondocking – Even the smallest models come with generous holding tanks, allowing for 4 to 7 days of off-grid camping depending on usage. Many units are solar prepped and can be easily upgraded for extended dry camping.
Grand Design RV Warranty
Grand Design stands behind their product with one of the best warranties in the RV industry. They offer:
- 1-Year Limited Warranty – Covers defects in materials and workmanship across the entire RV.
- 3-Year Structural Warranty – Protects against defects in key structural components like the roof, laminated walls, and floors.
- 5-Year Limited Towable Frame Warranty – Applies to the frame on towable models.
- The warranty is fully transferable to a secondary owner within the coverage period, based on the original purchase date—a rare benefit in the RV world.
Is Grand Design’s Warranty Reliable?
Yes—GD has a strong reputation for honoring warranty claims with fewer headaches than many competitors. Their customer service team is generally responsive, and the same holds true for their parent company, Winnebago. Still, some RV owners report difficulties when working through dealerships, especially if the unit was purchased elsewhere. Also, there are some complaints of rejected claims or delays in approval.
Grand Design RV Customer Service and Contacts
Grand Design is widely praised for taking customer service seriously. They typically answer calls promptly and provide helpful solutions. When dealerships fall short, Grand Design often steps in—sometimes dispatching a mobile tech team directly to your home or arranging for repairs at their factory in Indiana. In fact, many owners report better results by contacting Grand Design directly rather than relying on dealers for warranty work.
They also operate an official Facebook support page, where owners can ask questions and get assistance. What sets Grand Design apart is their willingness to listen to customer feedback and make product changes. For example, they’ve switched suppliers when certain components repeatedly failed and have improved their frames and structures over time—often backing these upgrades with longer warranties to boost owner confidence.
Additionally, Grand Design hosts multiple rallies throughout the year, where they offer free on-site repairs with their mobile techs—even if your unit is out of warranty. Below are some Grand Design contacts.
- Grand Design RV Phone Number – (574) 825-9679
- Grand Design RV Email – customerservice@granddesignrv.com.
Grand Design RV Ratings on Review Platforms
Here’s a look at Grand Design’s RV quality based on owner reviews from trustworthy review platforms with links to the resources.
Note: RV reviews often skew negative since upset owners are more likely to speak up. For a balanced view, look at both positive feedback and complaints. Also, look for recurring issues, as they are usually more telling than one-off experiences.
⭐ RVT.com Grand Design Review Study – This RVT study found that Grand Design RVs received the 5th-highest consumer rating among all manufacturers. It earned a rating of 3.8 stars out of 5. No. 1 was Tiffin, No. 2 Winnebago, No. 3 Fleetwood, No. 4 Coachmen, and No. 6 Jayco with 3.7 stars.
⭐ BBB Grand Design Rating – On Better Business Bureau (BBB), a platform that collects reviews and complaints about businesses while offering dispute resolution services, GD has received 73 total complaints in the last 3 years. 11 of those complaints have been closed in the last 12 months. It earns a dismal score of 1.33 out of 5 stars from 67 customer reviews. But due to GD’s dedication to resolution, BBB gives them an impressive A+ rating.
⭐ Pissed Consumer Grand Design Rating – On this platform for unhappy consumers, Grand Design has a low rating of 2.4 out of 5 stars from 160 reviews. Still, 55% of these owners would likely recommend Grand Design to a friend or colleague. Jayco has 1.8/5 stars from 380 reviews. See our Jayco review here.
⭐ Trust Pilot Grand Design RV Reviews – GD has 1.8/5 stars from 17 reviews. Jayco has a lower 1.4/5 from 50 reviews.
NHTSA Grand Design RV Recalls
Just like any other RV brand, GD also receives frequent safety recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There are at least 6 Grand Design recalls in 2025.
More concerning, the NHTSA opened an official investigation into Grand Design on October 9, 2024, following allegations that the parent company Winnebago, attempted to suppress information about the excessive frame flex defect. The investigation covers 55,887 Momentum and Solitude fifth-wheels manufactured between 2017 and 2023.
Grand Design RV Reviews From Owners
Here are some reviews from Grand Design owners extracted from various platforms with links to the discussions:
✅ Grand Design Travel Trailer Review on Construction – Absolutely the best travel trailer I have owned. No issues found, and a lot of bang for the buck. Quality at a great price. Fully a true 4-season trailer! Pulls like a dream. 15″ tires is the way to go. Solid construction, great looks, perfect livability, floor plan is just right.
✅ Grand Design Transcend Review – I looked for a while because I needed a 2-bedroom 2-bath travel trailer. Very rare to find one with both needs. I finally found this one…Stays quite warm in the winter and very cool in summer.
✅ Review of Grand Design Owner -This Grand Design is my 7th. This 17MKE is my 3rd. I used all of them for traveling to work sites harvesting…All trailers I owned never froze up, and I remained comfortable. The current 17MKE had an inoperable awning. Dealer fixed it by replacing the circuit and unity board…Yes! I would still buy Grand Design Products because of the quality and my personal experience with the product!
✅ Opinions on Grand Design RV Quality – I have a Grand Design and have not had a single issue. Been a great RV. Have had it for 3 years and used it over 50 weekends.
✅ Review of Grand Design Customer Service – We have had 3 Grand Design TH. We currently have the 2021 397th. Love it. The customer service is beyond what we have seen and owned with other brands.
❌ Grand Design Frame Flex Issue – Had a Solitude fully loaded with all upgrades. Changed out suspension, improved it. Had 8k packages. Ended up being possible to full time in for 6 months. Started getting the frame flex. We had a new 2022 and pulled with a 2021 F450. Until they fix their suspension and the frame build we never go back. Sorry.
❌ Review on Grand Design Slide Out Issue – Biggest mistake I ever made. Saw the reviews where people were having issues with their slideouts. Thought it really couldn’t be that bad. Well, it’s that bad. Not only was my slideout inoperable after 3 uses to the point I had to drive is over 300 miles still sticking out 4″, I’ve already had to have the entire roof replaced due to the skylight being cracked and completely rotted out my roof.
❌ Grand Design RV Quality Control Review – I’ve owned Grand Design units for years, and we’re on our 3rd now, a Solitude 310GKR. But I’m looking to sell/trade it for a Brinkley. We’ve taken our 310 out 5 times now, and it’s ended up in the repair shop after each trip…Since Grand Design was bought out, it is no better than any other brand out there, including the cheap units. Components always likely to fail, but the quality and workmanship has dramatically fallen.
❌ Grand Design Plumbing Issues – The plumbing problem has existed for years. I removed all the soft hose in my ’19 GD trailer (except for the black tank flush lines) and replaced everything with PEX. Crazy ridiculous amount of work for a basic system that should just work.
❌ Review on Grand Design Roof Problem – Replaced the roof due to wind getting under the TPO where the roof meets the front cap. RV Roof (Flex Armor) guy said they get quite a few Solitude and Reflections. Luckily insurance covered it as wind damage since it lifted the TPO up around the front A/C unit and cut the roofing.
Grand Design RV Pros and Cons
Pros of Grand Design RV
- One of the best warranties in the industry: 1-year limited, 3-year structural, and 5-year frame coverage.
- Built their RVs to a higher standard than many competitors.
- Responsive to recurring issues — e.g., they improve designs or change suppliers.
- Well-insulated for 4-season camping.
- Excellent customer service, including mobile technician dispatch when needed.
- Wide range of thoughtfully designed floor plans.
- Good fit and finish throughout their RVs.
- GD uses many standard or good brands of components.
- Lippert builds wider custom frames for GD, improving upper-structure support.
- Their warranty remains valid even if you live in the RV full-time.
- Better quality control with a PDI station run by an independent team.
Cons of Grand Design RV
- Uses flexible plumbing hoses instead of rigid PEX, which are more prone to leaks.
- OSB is used in the roof, floor, and slide floors, yet it’s less water-resistant than plywood.
- Numerous reports of TPO roofs bubbling, peeling, disintegrating, or blowing off due to poor adhesion.
- Many complaints (especially 2017–2023) of frame flexing or bending.
- Grand Design uses luan plywood in walls and floors instead of Azdel, which is more resistant to water, mold, rot, and temperature extremes.
- Many slide-out issues: breaking, malfunctioning, or getting stuck.
- Underside of some slide-outs is only lightly painted OSB, leaving it vulnerable to water damage and rot.
- Some slide-outs lack toppers, increasing the risk of water intrusion.
- Some hidden components are stapled instead of screwed or bolted.
- Warranty work can take a long time to process.
- Higher price point than many competing RV brands.
Common Grand Design Problems and Complaints
Below are some of the most common Grand Design issues.
- Frame flexing or cracking
- Walls separating from the frames
- Schwintek slide-out stuck
- Roof bubbling and peeling
- Welds coming loose on the front end of the trailer
- Broken suspension shackles
- Wiring is a mess—not numbered or tied up
- Bent axles
- Drawers collapsing
- Brake and bearings failure
- Roof components like A/C units are sometimes poorly sealed, increasing the risk of water intrusion
- Roof leaks
- Floor bubbling
- Plumbing connections leaking
- Furniture, cabinets, and closets not anchored properly
- Doors not latching
- Loose screws
- Loose trim
- Outside screws breaking off
- Kitchen island collapsing
Grand Design RV FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Grand Design RV brand:
Grand Design vs Jayco: Who is Better?
Grand Design generally offers better build quality, 4-season insulation, and a longer warranty. However, Jayco has more affordable units and a superior roof structure. Overall, Grand Design earns higher owner satisfaction ratings across most review platforms, making it the preferred choice for many RVers.
Grand Design vs Brinkley: Who is Better?
Brinkley is a newer brand but impresses with custom-built components, a beefed-up chassis, meticulous quality control, and innovative design. While Grand Design has a strong reputation and wide model range, Brinkley has the edge in craftsmanship and attention to detail.
How Much is it to Rent a Grand Design RV?
On average, the cost to rent a Grand Design RV ranges between $120 and $180 a night for a travel trailer and $150 and $250 a night for a fifth wheel. A GD toy hauler costs $170 to $250 a night.
Final Verdict: Is Grand Design a Good RV?
Grand Design is a solid RV brand known for thoughtful design, robust aluminum superstructure, 4-season insulation, and responsive customer service. Their units perform well for full-timers, seasonal campers, and weekenders alike. While they offer better quality than many competitors, there’s still room for improvement—especially in the plumbing, slide-outs, frame, and overall quality control.
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