We Tour a Grand Design Imagine AIm 16ML. How Does it Compare to Our GeoPro? Time For a Change?!
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- Опубліковано 3 сер 2024
- In todays video we tour a Grand Design Imagine Aim 16ML. While this camper is not identical to our GeoPro 19FBS it is very similar in size and general layout. The Aim definitely has a few advantages but the GeoPro also has some strong points. This video is jam packed - there are so many features in this camper to talk about!
We go over some highlighted standard features as well as our likes and dislikes of the Aim. Plus, this one has a different floorplan than any of the GeoPro's - so what did we think?
Even though we have a 2019 GeoPro 19FBS, we recently toured a 2024 GeoPro model so tried to compare the Aim with the 2024 year. But as we mention in the video - things change quickly with manufacturers - even within the same year. So make sure to verify anything that is important to you! Our review is based on our observations and information found on the manufacturers websites. This camper was full of great features so we are sure we missed some things!
Anddhalfway way through for our commerical break - we have a little summer fun with Desi! (we hope you enjoy a laugh. We certainly did while making it).
If you own, are thinking of buying or have just toured the Imagine - would love to hear your thoughts.
As always - thanks for watching and Happy Camping!
Music by Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com
*****This video is for entertainment purposes only as we are not RV experts. We are sharing our thoughts, modifications and ideas based on our experiences but we always recommend doing your own research, and coming to your own conclusions on your camping and RV needs and modifications!
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
1:11 - The Stats!
2:21 - An Overview Outside & Inside
3:55 - Comparison of Features
6:19 - A Quick "Fun" Break!
7:24 - Lets Talk Floorplan!
10:04 - Our Likes
12:46 - Our Dislikes
15:07 - Wrap Up
16:34 - Desi Outtakes
I watched this kast month but didnt have a chance to reply as my grandson and i traveled to Dubois WY (southeast of Teton Natl Park) to visit the National Mulitary Vehicle Museum-- fantastic!! I definitely concur with your conclusion that the graphics on your GeoPro are distinctive and fun. I have the EPro with lime green and feel the same. Their lines, colors and ease of towing are hard to beat!
Oh - Dubois is such a pretty area! We were there a few years to visit Tetons and Yellowstone and hated to leave! Really like the Epro colors but saw a 2024 a few months ago and looks like they did away with the green!
We got a 2024 GD Imagine AIM 16ml in April of this year. We had a R-Pod 189. We love the GD. It seems like a better made camper than the R-Pod. We have made some changes. We replace both ceiling fans, the shower head, the toilet with a 310 series, changed the heater thermostat with a digital one. We replaced the battery with 2 lithium 12v and installed a battery monitor shunt. And, I replaced the cheap TV with a better one and a better surround sound speaker system. We did add a backup camera and the TPMS. I think we have it to fit us now.
Hi - sorry for the late reply! Been taking a short trip and just getting back to comments! So those sounds like the perfect upgrades. Have you had it out much yet or just getting started this summer?
@@WinesPinesandCanines we are heading out on our 4th trip tomorrow since we bought it in April.
Hope you had a great trip (or even better - still on it!)
Have to agree with many others. Desi stole the show! But really appreciated the review too. The compare and contrast will be helpful to any who haven’t decided yet. Have to agree that we really like the smaller footprint of the Geopro. And really appreciated the way you did the sponsor’s product review. Much better than many I’ve seen.
Ha! Thanks Lee. He is a performer! Have to admit - when we stepped inside the camper - I looked at Troy and was like - this one may make me switch lol. But, the more we looked at it and thought about what we really like about the GeoPro - we will stick with ours. The extra storage and room is nice but we try and travel light so half of it would be empty anyway haha. Hope you guys are doing well!
Excellent video as usual! We had a 2019 19FBS for a while. Loved it. Wanted something bigger and went to the Grand Design Image 17MKE which is the next level up in size from the AIM series but identical in design and features.
I think the Geo Pro was a bit more solidly built. Customer service at Grand Design has been pretty good and worked with us on mobile tech for warranty work all we had to do was pay the travel fee which was totally worth it.
The inside water hook up and battery monitoring we really like. We used a smaller tote as the last thing packed. The connection station never seemed in the way.
That sofa in the AIM was very awkward. As bad as the older on in our 19fbs. They need something different there. It worked OK under our Murphy bed and as place for the dog.
Enjoyed the comparison.
Hi Robert! Glad you are liking the 17MKE and glad that they have worked with you on issues. Definitely makes owning a camper easier.
Thanks for the input on the inside docking station. See them more and more so might not be the issue we thought!
The sofa was awkward. We have finished one last mod on ours in the 19fbs and it is finally about 85% as comfortable as our home sofa lol.
Thanks for the watch! Appreciate. Happy Camping and safe travels!
@@WinesPinesandCanines we did your mod for our sofa and bed in our 19fbs. Then we said we need them to get an Image xls so we can copy their mods for those. Thanks for the great videos.
HA! Never know! We are running out of things in the GeoPro to redo so might be time to start looking! Thank you for the continuing to follow us - very much appreciate all the support!
It's funny that everyone complains about the sink. I have commented about the many changes that we made to our GD, but we don't have a problem with the sink. It's just amusing to see what some like and dislike. I agree about the battery monitor in the storage area. When I installed the shunt, I put the display by the monitor display inside the camper living area.
That is the great thing about all the manufacturers and campers - something that will check off all the different likes and dislikes haha. I know the GeoPro had one that size when we first bought and it was the first project lol. And agree - would definitely move the monitor inside. We are a bit of battery nerds - always checking lol so having outside wouldn't work for us! Thanks for the watch and the comments - really appreciate!! Happy Camping!
Thanks for the comparison! We have a GeoPro 19FD and we always wonder what else we would consider. We really love our small footprint and ease of towing and fitting in tight spots. Thanks for showing us other features to consider! Love Desi…time for some more treats for a job well done! ❤❤❤
We love ours too! It is so easy to yank around this country haha! Thanks for the watch and Desi says thanks for reminding them I deserve more lol!
OMG! Desi is the star of the show! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to see Desi play such huge part in this video! I thought for a second it was actually going to be a real ad! You guys always make my day! I have so many other things I could comment on but I have hit the house twice on three trips with 2205s. I'm clearly not an expert on backing it into a tight space yet, it is the width that is making it tough. I also am having trouble feeling comfortable pulling the 2205s with my Tundra. The 2205s is even wider than either trailer here, as you know...I have the rear view camera, but it is disconcerting to not be able to see down the sides of the trailer while towing. So, in sum, I think the Geo wins this battle. But that Imagine is very interesting! Extra pets to Desi for me please!
HAHA! Thank you :) He really does love to perform lol. Sorry to hear about the troubles with the new camper. A new (or new to you) camper definitely takes a bit of getting use to - especially after towing the GeoPro. Even when we bought ours, it was definitely a few trips in before Troy relaxed a little! That's interesting with the Tundra and the 2205s - we have looked at those models but being heavier, we were concerned with how it would do even with a WDH. Have you tried mirror extenders to help seeing down the sides? And Desi says thank you :)
@@WinesPinesandCanines My brother is a wicked smart Mechanical Engineer. He pulls an older Minilite 27' with his 2007 Toyota Tundra. His trailer weighs around 7000lbs. He designed and built rack to carry Kayaks off the hitch of the trailer. He gotten so many requests build them for other people! My point I am trying to make is your Tundra could definitely pull a heavier trailer, but I am with Troy currently. My confidence with the Tundra pulling the 2205s is only going to gain with more trips.
Sorry! Not sure how I missed your reply!! Good to know the Tundra will pull it if we ever decide to upgrade. And wow - those kayak racks your brother builds sound amazing! And yes - we tell ourselves that the way we keep young is to keep trying new things and get out of our comfort zone lol.
I agree about the width. The GD is really WIDE, compared to our R-Pod. The backup camera is a must with the GD. We really love the interior room and storage.
It is surprising how a few inches on the width of these really does make a difference! But I agree - the storage was amazing in this one!
I'm glad that you finally had a chance to review this model. I am picking up my brand new 2024 Grand Design imagine aims 16 ML on Wednesday
A couple of things to note, the strip lights across the ceiling I wasn't a big fan when I first saw them, some who have them seem to like them but the big benefit is they come with a dimmer switch period versus the puck lights in the old models did not have dimmer switches
There are also motion sensor lights one as the first come in the trailer, and one at the end of the kitchen counter by the bathroom along with one on each side of the pass through
I also looked at the GoPros and I did not care for the nearly as much they just did not have very much storage. In from all of the trailers I looked at the Grand Design aim Series has amazing storage particularly 16 ml
Now on to the question of the sink I have been complaining about the sink from the day that Grand Design showed off the first model some of the models have a standard rectangular sink with a separate faucet, those are the ones with the kitchen across the front
There are a couple of people who have already done the modification to replace that sink and I plan to tackle that sometime later this summer I have complained directly to Grand Design many times that's my biggest pet peeve
Hi! Thanks for the info! It was a very nice camper :) Hope you keep us updated on your experience with it. That makes sense on those ceiling lights - and a dimmer is something that has been requested by many on the GeoPro's.
Agree on the storage - it was everywhere! We would never have to have anything sitting on a counter or hanging lol.
That sink was ridiculously small! So much of the camper was well done - it just seemed out of place (along with those vent fans!).
Thanks for the watch - appreciate! Happy Camping and let us know how it goes!
wholeheartedly agree on the vent fans also. I am having the dealer install a Maxx air fan in the kitchen area to replace the small 4 inch one
Great video!! Desi was awesome! Did the Imagine have the WeRV system like the GeoPro?? Our friends have a 2024 Grand Design Transcend and it doesn’t. Love that system, being able to monitor and control everything on my phone. I’ve always been impressed with GeoPro and how a lot of the equipment on it is top of the line! Keep up the great work!
Thank you - and Desi says thank you haha! I believe they have what is called "Compass Connect" which is similar. We do wish we had the WeRV but being a 2019 - we are still using the buttons on the control panel lol. Thanks for the watch!
We have a 2023 AIM 15RB, murphy bed and no slides. So not directly comparable to the 16ML, but a few general comments that are probably common to the AIM line.
First and foremost is towability. The GeoPro appears way more aerodynamic than the AIM (I've heard AIM trailers described as toasters on wheels). I find towing the AIM exhausting with all the buffeting from wind and semis.
Our pass through panel is oriented to the side rather than the front.
Sure wish there were more awning style windows. There was a downpour today and we had to close all but one window. Oh, and the AC is basically on or off. Both fan speed and temperature have a very narrow range of adjustment.
No issues with the pocket door so far, but we had a mishap with one of the glass panels covering the stove shattering.
Tank sizes and storage space is great. The floor plan is nearly perfect for us, and quite roomy for having no slides. North - South sleeping orientation was a must!
All in all we're quite happy with this camper, although the towing issues have us considering other options (fifth-wheel anyone?)
Ha! Toasters on wheels! We do like how easy the GeoPro is and really don't have an issue with the wind or semis. We did have a Class C prior to this and was exhausted after a half day on the road.
Really wish there were better AC options for these small campers. Ours is similar - constantly adjusting between freezing and too warm lol.
Good to know on the pocket door! Have seen the same issues on the stove with GP owners as well.
Those tank sizes are huge! Really nice for dry camping.
I think your model is similar to the GP 19FD (has a dinette?) which is roomy for no slide. We had considered that one if we decide to change. Do you like the murphy bed?
Oh my gosh - adorable Desi stole the show - he is so precious in his Jimmy Buffet garb. We love our Epro FDS. The only feature that would sway me in the least is the size of that gray tank for sure. But it is not significant enough to make me change. Honestly, it only takes an hour to go to hitch up and dump at the state parks we visit so it is no big deal.
Ha! Thank you :) He does love to perform lol. Yes - that gray tank size was significantly bigger lol. But, as long as we have a nearby bathhouse, we can easily off grid for a week so not enough to make us change either! Thank you for the watch - appreciate the continuted support!
@@WinesPinesandCanines Of course! Our adult kids and grandchildren live in Raleigh Durham area so we frequent Falls Lake campground - love it there. And we too have a Havenese - but he is not nearly the actor like Desi!😉
Have not stayed at Falls Lake but have driven through. It is a very nice campground! And those havis - they are funny little creatures. I have always said that Desi is just a human stuck in a dogs body. How old is your little guy?
Our little guy is about 10 - he was a rescue from a shelter in Baltimore City 6 years ago. He was so malnourished and neglected you couldn’t even tell his breed. After months of rehab we ran his dna and he is 75% havi and 25% yorkie so he is a little smaller. We had no idea - just wanted a small dog after years of golden retrievers. His life is now charmed and he LOVES camping. He is so good in the truck on travel days. His name is Wyatt - gotta have a big name for a 10 lb dog!😂 Your little one is such a sweet little ham😉. If you ever do a meet up some time please let us know particularly if near your area. Falls Lake is real lovely and well maintained.
Awww. Wyatt is a lucky little guy to have found you! It is so nice when they enjoy traveling and riding in the car. Desi rarely complains on the long days. Unless his water bowl in the back seat is empty - then he lets us know we have failed him lol. If you are going to be visiting your family in the area at some point let us know. Maybe we can do a meet up at Falls Lake!
I was wondering if you had looked at the Grand Design imagine XLS 17MKE Travel trailer? We got ours two years ago and absolutely love it. No problem with the pocket door. The docking section on my camper faces outward no turned sideways like the one your looking at.
We haven't but just took a look at the floorplan online. Great floorplan! That kitchen and sofa look really nice. How are you liking the murphy bed? With the docking station facing outward - does that block the storage from being a passthrough or is it in another storage bay?
@@WinesPinesandCanines We like the Murphy ed for two reasons. 1) The camper stays as a small compact camper so very easy towing and you can get into any camp spot. 2) The bed you only need for sleeping so when you put it away you have a very spacious living room with two couches. The docking station does face forward so this makes it very easy to use and read the labels. As for the pass through storage we have no problems because it goes all the way through. However on the docking side it is a little smaller because of the docking station.
We have thought about changing up to a murphy bed in the future if we switch up. Having a couch / dinette or 2 couches and a bed in a 20 ft camper is definitely a plus! Thanks for the info!
Nice review and it had me wondering if I the outside of the imagines distracted from looking closer at these. I could probably live with the bed but everything added together, the bed, the kitchen sink, and the shape of the unit was enough to make me pass. I was really interested in the geo pro 20 fks but after seeing them it in person, the interior styling seemed too cheap and small.
Thanks for the watch! Yes - the outside was not exciting lol and we definitely think they could do some upgrades there. For us - that sink would have to go and likely the sofa (and upgrade those vent fans). After that - the inside would be a great camper. But as we mentioned - for us - being able to travel with the smaller camper and be comfortable is enough to stay with the GeoPro.
Have heard this a few times on the 20FKS and we are going to have to go see one in person. Its the one floorplan we haven't been able to see and while the kitchen looks amazing - it just looks like it would be tight feeling. Appreciate the comment!
I love the AIM as well, comparing it to my Jayco micro 166fbs. My issues are similar to yours, couch is awkward/ uncomfortable, don’t like the kitchen sink. Another thing that you didn’t mention was the height. It stands taller by several inches. So more wind drag as well as lower overhang issues. I have owned an Imagine and loved it, it was just bigger than I wanted. I looked at Geo’s but they just seemed too entry level for my tastes ( netting, interior design ie color, finishing) . Thank you for the comparison.
Yeah, your comment, hit the nail on the head. Too much entry level on the Geo Pro. I was really interested in the 20 Fks until I saw it in person and I went with a Rockwood 2109 instead.
Great point on the height! We quickly mentioned in the stats that it is about a foot taller but you are correct - pulling that through wooded areas would definitely be challenging. And can definitely see your point on the netting /color in the Geo Pro. I know they have to do the netting in areas where the roof is arched (over the bed in the 19fbs) but would defintely be nice to have the doors. And our favorite design inside was the 2020-2022 years! Not as big a fan of the last few years colors. Thanks for the watch and the comment - appreciate!
@jackg7225 Have heard that a few times now on the 20FKS. We haven't seen one in person but might have to go a bit out of our way to take a look!
Greta clip thanks guys…. I have 2022 fbs 19. Could you plz send a link for that upgrade solar package. Thanks a million.
Thanks! Are you looking for the power package upgrade from Forest River? They have it on their website but unfortunately, they don't install on the 19fbs (think lack of room as it takes up quite a bit of space).
We did find this online (scroll down to features & options)
forestriverinc.com/rvs/rockwood-geo-pro
I'm looking at this exact model. Agreed, the kit sink is ridiculous! I have never had a slide in any camper I have had. I hear some bad things about them. Have you ever had any issues with yours? Thanks, Chris
Hi - thanks for the watch! Our slide (thankfully :)) has been fine. Its a 2019 so 5 years old and haven't had any issues. And even though we don't get out in it as often as we like, we are constantly opening and closing it to film or do projects. But, have heard of some issues during the covid years. I would say most people are happy with the slides, but unfortunately - some do have issues.
The AIM uses OSB in the construction which is a turn off while the Geo/E-pros use plywood which is a plus.(to me that is).. I do like how the AIM has a tankless water heater and double sided Azdel and they include delamination in their 3 year structure warranty... but recently Grand Design has been a turn off with the whole frame flex issues and their response to it.. yes, its not in the smaller trailers but I'm weary of any product that uses a lippert frame vs BAL Norco with huckbolts..
Hi - thanks for the watch! Did not know that they were using OSB in the floor (not mentioned online or in the brochures). Our GeoPro has it but Forest River went to the plywood in either the 2020 / 2021 years. Definitely a plus. Have never owned a Grand Design so can't speak to personal experience but always thought they had a good rep - sad if they aren't continuing that customer service.
@@WinesPinesandCanines They use OSB in the roof decking and I believe the subfloors... When you open the front pass through cargo, you'll see the aluminum frame attached to OSB vs Plywood on the Rockstaff or Flagwood... I saw this on the Geo/E-pros as well as the Micro/Mini lites.. and I know for sure GD uses pinch rolled process for their sidewalls vs Jayco and I believe Forest River uses the Vacuum Bonded process which is a much better process.... its a shame that I went to the Tampa Show Jan 2023 and Jan 2024 and the GD area was always packed with people.. they seemed to be the most popular and they are short changing people with the price of their rigs using cheaper materials and cheaper processes.... They are really turning me off now...
The AIM Series has the BAL frame with huckbolts
They are very popular campers but agree - osb would give us pause on buying a camper in the future. Ours is fine so far but am glad Rockwood went to plywood subfloor on the GP/EPros in a later year.
I'm not sure I could get excited about anything Grand design with the reports of not only the frame flex issues but more importantly the customer service,,,or lack of,,, and how they have delt with the issues.
The frame Flex issues are not on the small trailers
Hi Ken! Hope you are doing well!. Had heard something about the larger 5th wheels having some issues (just scrolling through UA-cam lol) but didn't realize that Grand Design had customer service issues. Sad if that is the case. Our GeoPro hasn't been perfect but have had good interactions with Forest River and they have been responsive if we have questions on the products. One of the reasons we aren't looking to change brands.
I wouldn’t consider a Grand Design. The company wasn’t forthcoming about the problems with their frames. Even though the problem was on their bigger trailers. If they were hiding and trying to cover up frame flex and broken frames. What are they hiding on their smaller trailers. I would stick with Rockwood.
Nice, but the East/West bed isn't ideal
Thanks for the watch - we know it isn't for everyone so wanted to mention how we make it work for us. With the quick mod we do - being able to use it as a king, while only taking up the space it does, makes it doable for us. Changing the sheets is a challenge but we started using the Quickzip and it is much easier. Only have to wrestle with it a few times a year haha.
I actually like an East-West bed. I ordered some of the quick zip Sheetz and ended up returning them because I didn't like the feel of the fabric or the colors
@sssophiesmom - curious - did you buy the cotton or the sateen ones? And did you buy the blue color? We have the cotton and do like them - don't think I would like the sateen. And we did get the blue but it was not the color I was expecting. Have lived with it lol.
The east west bed is worth it to have a shorter trailer.
@WinesPinesandCanines
I bought the sateen because I wanted the deep blue. I also bought the tan plaid replacement sheet and pillow case. I liked those but the color and feel of the sateen was not what I wanted
Then I bought a different brand off Amazon that was supposed to be teal and looked more like what I wanted. Looked like same zipper as the quick zip sheets so thought if I liked the Amazon ones I would see if the plaid would zip on the Amazon ones. It turned out that the Amazon set was similar sateen and color very close to the quick zip.
There was a beautiful deep bright purple I would have liked on Amazon but could not find a duvet cover to match.
I had also ordered a really inexpensive duvet cover and matching pillow cases in a pretty teal. Loved this and kept that and returned all the zip on sheets.
I have a set of flannel sheets that have cardinals on them and I will use that fitted sheet and then just the duvet. I have a summer weight down comforter. I have to check but I think there is matching sheets for the duvet I kept.
So frustrating though!!
This is the duvet I ended up with
Utopia Bedding Duvet Cover Queen... www.amazon.com/dp/B0B39FFJHF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
After washing it ended up lighter and brighter than the Pic on Amazon. Very pleased.
Tank numbers make no sense!
They are definitely the largest size that we have seen on these small campers!
@@WinesPinesandCanines I learned that if there are two grey water tanks, one kitchen and one bathroom that makes the overall numbers seem confusing.
Great Comparison video! And what a cute Pup Actor you've got there! 🤗
I'm torn between a
GD AiM 15RB and a
GeoPro 19FD, and Just Today, I was wishing I could see BOTH on the same lot or at least nearby and the Same Day! But there's not a huge selection near me... Have you reviewed either one of those Trailers yet? Love you Vids! Keep them coming!😊
@lauranewell5200 Hi! Thank you - he is a ham!! We haven't reviewed either of those specifically but did review the GP 19FDS. It is very similar to the 19FD just with a slide. We have looked at the 19FD in person though - very roomy for no slide. And it has a nice size bathroom. Plus, having a dinette, a couch and a bed all in one 20 ft trailer is a nice floorplan! And thank you for being a viewer - much appreciated!