GRAND DESIGN Complaints

The upper right front side of the fifth wheel trailer is separating from the trailer frame in the pin box area. The structure of the trailer seems to not be properly connected to the frame or there is flex in the frame that is causing the structure to detach. Recently after having it inspected by a dealer, bolts and welds in the structure were broken and stripped resulting in the frame not being properly attached to the structure. The unit was taken to a dealer and repairs were made at the owner's expense. Broken and stripped out bolts were replaced/repaired and broken welds were also fixed. Grand Design has released a Technical Service Bulletin that covers fifth wheel models Solitude and Momentum that have this same issues but that Technical Service Bulletin does not cover Reflection models. The same issue that is plaguing the Solitude and Momentum models is affecting the Reflection model, but is not included to be repaired under the Technical Service Bulletin.

The frame of the trailer has. cracked in 4 places. Directly behind each wheel. Right in the middle of. the steel. There is a known defect in these frames. Cheap steel? Who knows but I'm one of many that this has happened to. The company has denied any warrranty.

Excessive Frame Flex/Failure& Structure I am reporting multiple serious structural and safety issues with my Grand Design RV that appear consistent with excessive frame flex and failure, as outlined in NHTSA Investigation PE24029. These include: Significant movement of front bedroom cabinets during travel, indicating internal structural instability of the walls. Large gaps in both the interior and rear toy hauler doors, which compromise insulation and safety concerns. Cracked and misaligned front entry door, even after manufacturer replacement. Generator compartment door fails to lock properly, likely due to excessive frame flex/frame misalignment. Screws popping out of the front cap and a visible crack in the front cap corner. Bedroom slide failure due to internal twisting. Main slide floor detaching from the bottom. Persistent latching issues with the main entry door, even when the RV is perfectly level. These issues not only affect the usability of the RV but also pose serious safety risks while in transit. The structural instability could lead to doors opening unexpectedly, slideouts extending, or components detaching on the road—endangering both occupants and other drivers. I urge the NHTSA to include this case in its ongoing investigation and to consider a recall or mandatory corrective action for affected Grand Design RVs.

The issue with the frame having issues causing a safety concern and interior damages. When the frame over flexes it will stress other components, walls, trim, and cabinets.

The frame has possibly broken in the hitch area. This is a large 5th wheel trailer.

All brakes were replaced after the first failure. Pulled 3445 miles. RR brake fell apart. Causing loss of braking from that wheel.

We have been having problems with our slide out for 2 years. The slide mechanism kept getting damaged/"chewed up" and kept needing to be replaced. We could not get the slide to go in or out on its own several times over the 2-year period. After 2 years of taking it for repeated repairs, a Lippert tech came to the shop to inspect it. Per Lippert, the manufacturer of the chassis, "Inspection of chassis found cracks in mains at crossmember near center hanger. Hangers start to roll in one direction. Front header bent." We were told verbally by Lippert that there are, "Cracks in iBeams and unit is deflecting - rear of unit sagging - causing issues with slide." We now also have water damage in the opposing slide at the rear of the unit as well as mold, something we only recently discovered as we do not access that area often.

Issues with: - original drum breaks failed due to incorrect wiring, requiring 100% assembly replacement. - front wall separation - trim and cabinets moving and separating from walls - missing and broken lag bolts - front weather stripping separated from front cap - excessive sawdust under cabinets after any travel - wallpaper wear showing excessive movement of front bed overhead cabinets during travel - floor joists separating from upper floor - slides opening during travel - leaf spring hangers bending and twisting, and breaking off - spare tire mount failed during highway travel, and spare tire fell off on highway - contacted manufacturer to report in 2024 and they indicated we should self-replace the missing and damaged lag bolts with larger 1/2 inch ones. This was done, and they continue to back out on every trip whether 5 miles or 500 miles.

This RV has experienced ongoing water intrusion due to faulty manufacturer-installed plumbing fittings and hoses, which allowed leaks into the interior. Moisture has reached electrical wiring, creating a serious fire hazard and contributing to unsafe living conditions. Essential components—including the furnace, refrigerator, and water heater—have proven unreliable or unusable throughout the ownership period. Mold growth has appeared due to the persistent damp environment. This has caused health issues, including respiratory difficulties, headaches, brain fog, and fatigue, with heightened risk due to a pre-existing asthma condition. Structural issues include misaligned exterior doors that fail to seal properly and loud creaking/popping noises during hitching, suggesting possible frame or chassis integrity problems. Equipment failures include a non-functional center awning, persistent sewer odor (suggesting a failed ventilation system), and malfunctioning A/C and heating units. Despite multiple inspections and documented findings from Grand Design–approved technicians, the manufacturer has offered only limited, pre-approved repairs that fail to address root causes. These problems severely impact the safety and habitability of the RV, which is used as a full-time residence. The manufacturer has declined a full inspection, replacement, or buyback. No warning lamps appeared, but symptoms began shortly after purchase and have worsened. The RV remains available for inspection. We request a formal investigation into possible safety standard violations.

My fifth wheel has extreme frame flex which caused compartment doors to come open while traveling sometimes allowing things to fall out while traveling. Having a screw driver falling out and hitting another car was a major concern. Grand Design has the camper to address the frame flex. I believe the frame flex was the cause as sometimes the latches wouldn't engage.