GRAND DESIGN Complaints

*I believe the frame to my Grand Design RV is broken/failing again and is available for inspection. *If the frame fails and breaks it will come detached from the tow vehicle possibly injuring or worse killing people. *The problem is visible to see as there is at least one broken weld and lag bolts/screws backing out that no longer hold the frame to the wall structure. *The vehicle was previously inspected by an insurance agent, dealership, and multiple Grand Design SRTs-mobile technicians when it failed before previous repairs. *There was sealant that was failing again so when I started to remove it to replaced, it I noticed some broken screw heads so I dug farther into it and found the broken weld and lag bolts loose/stripped. This was noticed during a routine sealant inspection.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2022 Grand Design Momentum 381, that is exhibiting numerous symptoms commonly associated with excessive frame flex, structural deformation, and potential frame failure. The symptoms observed include concerns affecting multiple structural systems of the RV, including the front pin box area, walls, slide-outs, floor structure, suspension attachment points, towing stability, and general structural integrity. These symptoms are not isolated cosmetic issues but instead appear to represent a pattern of progressive structural distress. Critical Structural Symptoms Observed Front Structure / Pin Box Area Excessive pin box movement Upper deck movement Front cap movement Structural noises during hitching and towing Stress cracking around structural components Structural Separation Wall separation Trim separation Fastener failures Screws backing out Loss of structural attachment points Interior Structural Indicators Cabinet separation from walls and ceilings Joint separation Wall movement Progressive structural movement over time Slide-Out Structural Concerns Slide misalignment Alignment changes Structural movement around slide openings Frame and Weld Concerns Cracked welds Structural deformation indicators Evidence of ongoing frame movement Towing and Highway Safety Concerns Changes in towing characteristics Increased trailer instability Hitch movement Concerns regarding safe highway operation According to the attached frame failure symptom checklist, several of these conditions are considered high-probability indicators of structural frame distress. Request for NHTSA Review Request for NHTSA Review Given the number and variety of structural symptoms present, I respectfully request that NHTSA evaluate whether this vehicle exhibits conditions consistent with excessive frame flex or structural failure and whether this complaint should be reviewed in connection with PE24-029 or other ongoing investigations involving Grand Design RV

The U bolts on my RV suspension failed which let all the leaf springs fall out. My family was very lucky that no one was injured or killed. Please see the attached photos.

On a recent camping trip across the country, about half way we noticed that the door was not latching correctly, then we noticed fine powdery sawdust and bigger chunks of saw dust. We started to notice squeaking in [XXX] When we got to [XXX], a loud crunching noise was developing, starting out, stopping and turning. in [XXX] we noticed a lag bolt backed out of the frame and pushed trim off the wall. as we drove back home the crunching sound, squeaking got louder, and the camper started chucking. when we pulled into the campground in [XXX], and stopped the camper moved and crunched. we then drove 565 miles to home. trim had fallen off the walls, the cabinets would not open and the pin box was not sitting on the entire fifth wheel hitch. I followed Grand Designs technical service bulletin to check frame flex. I found two cracked welds on frame gussets. i took measurements at all the points listed and they were all out of spec. the worst is the pin box movement. it went up 2" before the camper moved. in the video, you can see it moving independently from the nose of the camper. the distance from the pin box to nose decreased by 1 1/8" the frame is flexing and raising up into the camper. this explains why I was having difficulties getting the hitch to release, the king pin was binding in the jaws of the hitch because of the excessive pitch of the pin box. when jacking up the camper and raising it 1/2" off the floor on the passenger side, the landing gear on the driver side was still touching the floor. the camper crunched, popped and cracked as I was raising it, as I lowered it the noises were louder and lasted after the weight was off of the pin box. inside the camper the noise was louder than outside, the floors crack and pop when walked on in the bedroom and bathroom, and the cabinets rubbed the walls 3/4" the frame in the basement has visible signs of metal sliding as much as 1/2". the vehicle is not safe to tow. I cannot find anyone willing to look at it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

In 2023 we purchased this RV. Recently, we discovered that the cargo carrying capacity is incorrect by about 900 pounds, subject to Recall 23V-428. Grand Design knew of this defect before the rig was sold; however, they didn’t remove the vehicle from the dealers lot, nor were we ever contacted by Grand Design. Grand Design knew of the issue in June 2023, and we purchased our rig in July 2023. We also have had the rig in for repairs for broken leaf spring supports and now they’ve done some welding on our frame because of frame flex issues.

Documented Symptoms consistent with the conditions described in Grand Design TSB 24-001 1. Dynamic Sidewall Separation – Driver and Passenger Sides The upper-deck sidewall area displays visible movement under load. When the trailer is connected to the truck via the pin box, the exterior trim and sidewall gap noticeably widens. When the trailer is leveled on its landing gear, the separation compresses and partially closes. Additional observations include: •Separation of exterior trim components •Cracked and widening caulk joints •Visible movement beneath both upper-deck slide-out openings These conditions were first observed following an approximately 300-mile round trip completed on August 6, 2026. 2. Front Driver-Side Slide-Out Binding and Incomplete Operation The front living room slide-out now binds within the opening and appears affected by structural distortion. Timeline: •July 24, 2026: Upon arrival at an RV resort, the slide-out stopped approximately halfway during deployment. Retracting and redeploying the room allowed it to complete its cycle. •August 6, 2026: After returning home, unhitching, and leveling the coach, the slide-out again became firmly wedged during extension. It required assistance to retract and return to the closed position. Because of the excessive binding force encountered, I have not attempted to operate the slide again. 3. Front Passenger-Side Flooring Distortion The vinyl flooring adjacent to the upper-deck slide-out area is lifting, rippling, and bubbling. This condition appears indicative of structural movement and subfloor shifting rather than a cosmetic flooring issue. 4. Sawdust Present in Cabinets The unit is available for inspection, appointment scheduled for 8/19/26. No one has inspected this unit at this time, no warning lights or other symptoms prior. The first discovery of failure was on 7/24/26. Due to the symptoms and consistent with the TSB, this unit poses a safety risk to myself, family and other motorists.

Beginning in 2024 our RV exhibited consistent structural movement & frame flex including: upper deck flex, front cap cracking, cracked moldings, sidewall movement, filon transition movement, screws pushing upward into floors, slides coming out during travel. Rv has unsuccessfully been repaired twice by Grand Design SRT & three times at Grand Design Factory. Independent RV service repair shop identified further damage caused by Grand Designs failed attempts at repair.

The contact owns a 2025 Ford F-600 SD. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front of the vehicle raised up and the contact discovered that the vehicle, which had been converted into a motorhome, was improperly weighted, causing excessive weight on the rear axle. The contact stated that there was no clearance between the rear spring pack and the bump stop because the rear of the vehicle was significantly heavier than the front. The contact stated that the rear springs were resting on the frame of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that additional rear springs needed to be installed to increase the clearance between the springs and the bump stops. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,300.

On interstate 10 in Texas our rear driver side window just fell out. Could have been a hazard to any following vehicles. No unusual road conditions were to blame!

The contact owns a 2020 Grand Design Recreational Solitude RV. The contact stated that there was extensive frame flex in the RV. The contact stated that the slide-outs rolled out while turning. The contact stated that there was an issue with the kingpin that related to the flex frame. The doors were out of alignment and there were screws popping up out of the floor. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE24029 (Structure). The RV was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with cracks in the frame. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the RV was inspected, and no cracks were found. The failure mileage was unknown.