2021 Grand Design Imagine XLS 22MLE Travel Trailer Tour 22 Feet (you won't believe the features 😳)
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2021
- I did a tour of the Grand Design Imagine XLS 22MLE 22 foot RV. It's made by Grand Design and this travel trailer RV is built really well with some amazing features that I haven't seen in a lot of other RVs and trailers, plus the storage is incredible. I'm so surprised by the quality of this Grand Design RV with its laminated aluminum outer exterior including a solid membrane roof with an 18 year warranty. I was blown away by my friends beautiful RV and I might just be looking at this for myself.
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Hi, I'm Amber and in May 2017 I started full time RV living. I started this nomadic journey after selling my house and all my belongings to pursue this crazy dream of traveling full time in an RV and creating incredible memories.
After 1 year of traveling, I sold my 26 foot Winnebago Class C RV for a more nimble Class B van on a Promaster 2500 chassis. Now in my 5th year of RVing in my camper van, I'm still loving this RV lifestyle and being a digital nomad. I almost always boondock in nature and really enjoy that off grid living.
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★ Travel Vlog Season 5, Episode 40: Grand Design 2021 22MLE travel trailer tour
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#granddesign #granddesign22mle #traveltrailer
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That's the best one you've seen lately as far as features. Price and availability is another thing though. That tire cover is baller status btw. 22ft is a good length and 4 season is worth it's weight in gold. "Look how deep that goes" - That's what she said.
Lol baller!!!
Hi Eric,4 season I would not want to stay in 1 during autumn never mind winter,you've had enough problems with ur slideout I would hope a friend would steer her away from them or atleast worn them,I don't really see the point if only lily and Amber r in 1 by themselves? or is Tara and jazz getting a new mummy !!!!!!!!
@@stum8374 🤦♂️
@@TravelingSolo it was tongue in cheek lol
Just like most of you "RV full timers" suggest to US... you need to rent a truck & a trailer for a full weekend & drive on Natl Forest roads, the Interstate with Semi's breezing by.... or, ask your friends to ket you drive their rig (while they are seated next to you) and Truly check it out b4 a major purchase. You need to FEEL it, back it up, hitch, the whole enchilada. Remember, you are FT & will drive in Rain, Snow, Hills, etc. I wish you the Best!! ❤
I’ve driven one before and also a 27 foot Penske truck with a flat bed trailer with my Honda Element on it from Texas to WA state through the Rockies. Backed up, hitched and unhitched. I think I would be okay doing this. The van is definitely easier but there are sacrifices with everything. Just have to decide if it’s worth it right?
@@AmberJBaldwin Absolutely!! 😁
YOU GO FOR IT! Follow your Heart Amber!! ❤
Yes its effort in many ways. But once you arrive you have a cozy well appointed home to enjoy. With all the comforts you love with you.
Very nice unit.
You will be good girl! Go for it!
This seems perfect for you. Maybe your friend will let you practice hookups, parking, etc. so that you can get a good idea of what it will be like when you’re on your own with a new trailer. I certainly understand wanting to get out of a van and into a camper. You’ve paid your dues. It’s probably time to move up to something more like a home.
What’s not to like? Beautifully laid out.
Just remember, these rigs are built with weekenders in mind. They may not stand up very well to full-time use. I do like the 4-season design if it truly is.
Grand Design seems to hold up well but your statement is true of all RVs. It’s a matter of finding one that is better quality.
This seems to be a good option for you. Fun to watch you tour a rig that is relevant to your search for a new home. I can see you in this one.
Thanks I agree. I like the size too b
This is perfect! This is also what I am looking for! Thanks for reviewing it! Safe travels!
This is the one I want. Buy this one. The windows in the kitchen in some of the Grand Designs are perfect for cooking and looking out. Good Luck
Thank you!!
You have impeccable taste Amber, I can see you and Lily enjoying life in this. Good luck in your endeavours, thanks for the tour.
That is the Perfect layout and size for one person and a fur baby! Love it!
Thanks b
This is the travel trailer I’ve been planning to buy for full time life! Love it!
Thanks for your review, Amber…keep up the great work!
This Grand Design 22MLE has made my top 3 of Travel Trailers I am interested in buying.
What do you love about it and what do you not like.
@@AmberJBaldwin I like it because of the floor plan. Not crazy about where the entrance door is.
I absolutely love the rear kitchen, there's a ton of room to use.
Bathroom is amazing, lots of space there also.
12 volt refrigerator is huge, I need that.
The length is not to big, I wanted something around 25 ft. and this isn't bad at all. The weight isn't to bad either. I'm thinking an Ford 150 with eco boost can pull it.
I really like the Grand Design brand, it's a quality product.
I am waiting on the market to slow before I make a purchase tho. ☺️
The Grand Design Imagine RV's are on the top of my list of choices...built well, underbelly is completely sealed, and they are so nice! This is the perfect rig for you imho!!! Thanks for the tour!! xoxo Cella & Sugar
I agree. Love all those good features.
@@AmberJBaldwin tons of storage, easy to tow, quality stove, the list goes on…
I am also a fan of Grand Design for multiple reasons, but would really love white or off white interior. So far, I have only seen Jayco (not the best reputation?) and Airstream (too expensive) with floor plans and decor I like.
What a great trailer! Thank you so much for showing it.
You’re so welcome.
Thanks for this! We are thinking about getting a trailer vs a van. This one might be a little bigger than we can haul. We just got a new RAV4 4WD and it can only pull 3800#. I am looking forward to your review on the 17'. This one is really great, I love the interior of this one. Especially like that it is all season. It sure has a great kitchen too. Overall the storage is especially great too.
I just picked this same camper last week here in Richmond Va. from General RV. Very happy with it and taking it out this weekend for the first time.
Love it. Pretty sure this will be my next one.
❤️. This is exactly the one we looked at. We loved it!!
What was your favorite thing about it?
@@AmberJBaldwin I loved the kitchen. I love windows for plants and there was plenty of room on the counter space. There is lots of room, everything wasn’t on top of each other. Like you could walk around the bed. There was a place to eat, also a place to relax. The shower was plenty big enough, I loved it as well. And tons of storage, you can never have enough storage while traveling. A lot of travel trailers don’t use the space wisely in my opinion but this was perfect in every way. ❤️ This would be perfect for you and Lily! I’m still traveling through you Amber. 😉
Love it! I have a 20 foot and its. I where as spacious or as fool of storage. It’s perfect for one person or two!
Looks very cute and cozy and I imagine something like this would feel nice to have the extra space to move about!
This is a great design. I like better than all the others you were looking at. Be aware of the weight of this trailer. It may not be meant for full timing. Investigate the structure underneath and how it is put together. Trailers bounce, for lack of a better term, more than you think. Your stuff inside will shift and sometimes end up on the floor. Despite the wonderful cabinet doors. Every day when you open the door it may be a surprise. No matter what anyone tells you.
I could totally see you in something that size. Love it!
Thanks. I’m kinda leaning that way too.
I absolutely love this floor plan! Thank you for sharing
You are so welcome!
It's really nice but I can't imagine liking my bed by the door fulltime. That would get old very fast for me. But only you know what's right for you. I would continue looking for similar size trailers with the bed not right in the door way (Murphy bed or no Murphy bed).
Same for me. I prefer the bed to be furthest from the door. But at least this one has curtains you can pull across to close off the "bedroom." ;-)
I like this for all the reasons you’ve mentioned. Two things that might cause me (not you) a bit of a challenge are the manual stabilizers vs having automatic and the steps into the RV. I’ve seen some designs where the steps come right down to the ground and slide back in…something I liked.
I can't blame you for wanting that as your Home...
& I know you will love having a pickup truck...
I would hate pulling it but...
You've lived super tiny for enough years....
So I'm sure you will learn to carefully tow it...
Lilly will still have her passenger seat in the truck...
( I'm glad there's just one slide )...
Go For It.... Good Luck...
Really nice!! I could see you in this one!
We've had a 2020 MLE since 12/2019, so were lucky to get it before the pandemic price hikes. We've had very good experiences with this TT, traveling on two long distance multi-week trips and many "gotta get out of the house or we'll go crazy" long weekend trips. We looked at a LOT of under 26' TTs before we saw this on GD's web site and knew right away we had found our camper. Bonus was to be able to continue using our Durango RT as a TV after upgrading from the RPod.
That's a nice trailer! Meyers is in the next town from me! When we get another trailer and probably a bigger truck, I am going to have a front hitch put on the truck (as well as a back hitch, of course). I've watched videos of trucks moving trailers with a front hitch and they are amazing! You can put the trailer anywhere! Thanks for the great video!
You’re so welcome.
I LOVE ❤️ it. Perfect size for you and Lily. Great tour. Question. When the slide is in… can you still access kitchen and bathroom? That seems important when traveling and I’ve hear some models have the bathroom blocked when slider is in. Can’t wait to see the 17 Foot.
Yup you can access bed and bath when the slide is in. I love that.
I love the lay out but really surprised that it has single pane windows for a 4 season camper. Most all 4 season campers i have seen have double pane windows. Maybe that is an option that they offer.
Great video. 👍👍👍
So nice!
Beautiful rig. So roomy inside. 😎
Love the layout of this one. I don’t think I have seen this layout before. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I wonder if you can get to the bathroom with the slide in??? But definitely think it’s a perfect layout
I really like this one too, good luck in making your choice,
Thanks Mildred.
This is my fav so far. 22ft seems reasonable.
Beautiful trailer! Great layout and not too big either!!!👌 I do think you will miss the ease of use and manoeuvrability of the van though 🤔 but Its what works for you at the end of the day! It’s all a compromise! Safe travels! X
Have fun and take care and take it easy and enjoy it
Liked this one the best thus far especially being a four season trailer.
This one has very nice cabinetry and a lot better build quality. Plus the enclosed tanks it’s nice to
I love that one. I almost bought that exact same model but ended up going another direction.
What did you get? Why did you decide against this one?
@@AmberJBaldwin Size was the main reason. I decided I wanted to go smaller. Bought a Flagstaff E-Pro 19QB. More of an "Off Road" Trailer. The Grand Design is a great trailer though. Great quality and I hear amazing customer service from the manufacturer.
Love that it is a 4 season rv. Very nice rv.
Would be more insulated then the van and give me more room for traveling in colder climates without worry.
Woop woop, love the wheel cover...I will have one someday ❤
Haha when are you getting on the road?
@@AmberJBaldwin, I've been working on the road since June but still in process of getting my travel trailer. I will send pictures to you on Instagram when I get set up.
That has some nice features. You should try to find one with a Murphy bed to compare. You can have a nice unit with two or three less feet to tow. Bed folds up with a sofa underneath for an extra sofa for visitors. I loved my 23.5 ft trailer but the backing into spots killed me ha ha.
Oh I do have another smaller review coming with the Murphy bed. Lol
I’ve been looking at the Rockwood Mini Lite 2511S. About the same length but the wardrobe space is amazing in it. But do I like the sofa and dinette in this one. Just a sofa in the Rockwood. You might want to take a look.
Thanks. I will. Btw are you in NY?
@@AmberJBaldwin No, still in Missouri. Headed east middle of September.
Very nice rig♥️ For me I prefer not to pull a travel trailer, I’ve had one in the past and they’re great when you’re stationary but I’m not great at the hook up/ unhook aspect any longer. I also once got myself jackknifed in a tight spot and couldn’t get out. ☺️Thankfully I wasn’t too far from home and my brother came to my rescue. Can you imagine that road you were on in Lake Placid pulling a trailer😬. Because I’ll always own a sticks and bricks home I don’t have the need to have everything I own in my rig so it’s easier for me to stay in a van. I’m still learning how to take only what I need when I travel, and I can’t seem to get the hang of minimalism. I’ve heard many say it’s a process and because I got my van right before the pandemic I haven’t traveled as much as I had hoped to be able to figure it all out. Now I’m preparing to move from the west coast to the east so the only traveling I’m doing is back and forth to accomplish the move. I’m sure it’ll all be worth it in the end but it’s stressful and exhausting currently. I’m hoping you’re able to stay in the east long enough to see all the fall colors. They’re gorgeous and we don’t get them here in So Cal. I’m looking forward to living in a true 4 season area. Stay safe and healthy and happy travels always to you and Lilly
Potable is correctly pronounced POE-tuh-bull. Thought you might want to know.
Beautiful trailer.I have a 45 foot Newell coach and I am ready to downsize to something smaller.
Great video Amber. Very stylish caravan. Heaps of storage, very spacious with lots of natural light. Caravans have improved heaps in the last 15 years. Do you have to seal gaps doors windows aircon when driving in the desert to keep the dust out?
Thanks for the tour. I appreciate you opening the drawers/doors. Some are misleading because of the depth.
I'm not crazy about the pull campers like this one being so high off the ground. Makes them top-heavy and I've seen several videos when wind has gotten under them and flipped the camper & tow vehicle. I prefer the ones that have fender wells which lowers the camper body quite a bit.
Nice unit! Perfect for you and Lily.
I kinda think so too.
I love it. I could live in it.
Like the layout of the trailer see yah hugs always
Great traiier!
It's perfect
Kinda like it too.
Love this trailer! Size and features are great and seems like a better option for you. Just think twice about slide-outs, especially since you are living in your RV. Between motor/mechanical issues and potential leaks, it might be a source of frustration for you.
I'm not sure of your exact plans, but if you got this camper trailer I'm thinking you should consider staying in one spot for longer at a time (if possible) vs moving everyday. I wouldn't want to be setting that up every night, but that's just me. It looks very nice and not too big.
Yup that’s exactly what will happen.
I Love it, 😇❤👍👍👍👍
Grand Design is the one for me. I really like the 17 MKE and the MLE.
Very nice trailer. My question is can you easily take this out boondocking or would you always have to be in an RV campsite. I would love to see the 17' version as well. thanks Amber!
Is stilll boondock mostly.
It’s cute. It would really change your lifestyle. The color scheme is nice!
Yup. I’m looking for a more home like feel, space, so yes there will be a sacrifice for sure.
@@AmberJBaldwin I love my little Scamp…..but it is really little! I’m going out for two weeks soon. So I’m strategically packing. I can imagine living in it full time. More power to you!
I agree with others' comments it looks like a good fit for you. One plus is it's fairly light at 6995 lbs, so you shouldn't need a big truck to tow it around. A reasonably equipped 1500 series should work. If I had a place to park it at home, I'd consider this one as well. Not too big, not too small.
Totally agree.
Jump on it. I think it’s your kind of rig. Table big enough for your working station. Love the recliner after a long hike relax and enjoy. Lilly would love it 😍
Amber, if you're ok with the length this is a great unit for full-time because unlike the 17MKE the bed is down full time. You've got comfortable seating, a table, great kitchen and bathroom plus more storage than you'll know what to do with!!!
It’s really really nice. That would be nice for you and your little dog. I would go with that size if you didn’t mind pulling it.
You and Lilly would look good in one of those. 😊
You did a great job! Focused on things that make a difference and good camera panning. Well done. We have this model and it is awesome.
Awesome, thank you!
I love this for you.
Kinda cool isn’t it?
Very nice 🙂
I like it
How is the space when the slide is in? Something to consider if you have to Walmart it or somewhere you can't pull a slide out.
Hi Amber and Lilly, What a Beautiful Rig so nice. I love this traveling home so nice. It is Beautiful. I like it. Take care be safe and God Bless us all. Lady GG 62 YEAR'S YOUNG WAITING ON TRAVELS. Happy Traveling. Gloria.
Thanks so much.
I REALLY liked this Grand Design Imagine XLS. I can see you with this one!
Me too. Kinda ticks all my boxes.
@@AmberJBaldwin Absolutely!
Beautiful RV. I would find the setup and take down too much of a pain in the rear. It definitely has a more home-like feel and perhaps after 5 years on the road being on the move constantly probably gets a bit old. Are you planning to buy some property to park a trailer on? Stay at campgrounds more often?
Maybe. Still deciding but I would still boondock as I do now mostly.
It is beautiful. You and Lilly will be stylin for sure. I can see you living in this. The only thing you will have to get a vehicle to pull it. Will you put your van up for sale or trade it in?
You can tell your friend is part-time! Looks like a nice solution for you.
Lol I think so too.
I hate walking into the bedroom. I would look for a trailer without any slide-outs because they are just something else that can go wrong. I really think that you should ask your friend to allow you to get the trailer ready, hook it on his truck and drive it and THEN park & unhook it and set it up. There are several of your videos where you are anxious about driving your small van in places or weather. How will you cope with a large truck and a 22 foot trailer behind? Also, how can you drive through those darling towns and pull a trailer????
Some of these places I drive I wouldn’t drive a trailer but instead unhook and take the truck. Some places you just can’t drive bigger rigs which is understandable.
I have been looking at the GD 17 MKE. Hard to find in stock, but I happened to see it a year ago at a dealer.
If you are not familiar with that option, check it out!
this would be perfect for you!!!!
I'm sure it's good quality but these travel trailers always look cheap to me......
This is a really nice RV, spacious, but would you be confined to RV campsites all of the time or could you boondock in it for a week or two if need be?
I’d still boondock for sure.
It looks a lot bigger from the outside but it’s beautiful and it would be perfect for you something I could see you in I just wonder how hard it would be to tow it would it be worth it
I already have a 23 ' Keystone. I am currently looking to upgrade to a solar flex system or a coachman apex nano. Glad that you stopped looking at 5th wheels. Too much for single . Stay Beautiful.
It was just a review on the bigger ones for those looking for something like that but also just to see what was out there as a comparison.
Space is nice seems perfect for campgrounds. State Parks etc. but you like to boondock. Would you ever leave that unhooked in a remote area while you went to town for post office, groceries or sight seeing trip. I would not. I would be afraid.
I’d still boondock. I have tons of RV friends with bigger rigs than this that boondock all the time. No biggie bum used to it. Plus clearance is actually better than the van.
Perfect size for you and Lily. Beautiful
I kinda think so too. Not too big and not too small.
Good luck on the search, you could use a bigger dining area/table to spread out on and work- the van table seems very small to do all that editing :)
Lol I agree. I’d love a dedicated work space. Still looking.
I just saw Matt's Rv video on the 17mle....
Besides being shorter to tow...
It's got a neat front real sofa that folds over to pull down a real murphy bed with Serta mattress...
There is a removable table in front of the slide out lounge seating so no separate eating booth...
I did like not seeing the bed when you walk in...
I think you must have the slide out on the 17MKE to put the bed down. That was a deal breaker for us. We're looking at the 22MLE instead.
You are probably right about the slide...
That's a problem with slides...
That there is usually some problem if they are in...
But Amber is just one person & usually she'd be set up with the slide out...
& If it's in... It'd probably be a short stop where she could rest on the sofa...
I own one a 2021 and love it perfect for 2 , had a couple small issues general rv was terrible in helping even though it was bought there I dealt with GD direct and was satisfied they were great in resolving my issues general was no all in all very satisfied with GD not so with general rv
Hi, Amber. Have you checked out any of the rear bath models. They have a open floor plan and tons of storage and a huge bathroom. Some I like are wildwood heritage glen hyperlyte 22rbhl, Dutchman Astoria 2203rb, Winnebago has a version as do a lot of other brands. Grand design has an ok version in the 22rbe. Check them out!
I’m hoping to get out on the road this fall and have been researching rv floor plans to the point of overload. Hard to find everything you want in the right size and price range. Hoping you find the perfect rig!!!
I’m always interested to see how it works with the slide in. Depending on where you are staying, you can’t always put the slide out.
For your safety, I would probably pass on the 17footer. I would rather have 2 axels and 4 tires incase of a blow out.
Hi Amber, 4 season but single pane windows and battery outside during winter !!!!
stu m 😊 Yup those things can be fixed. I would to lithium and solar and bring the batteries inside.
@@AmberJBaldwin Amber those things the owners can change but surely the manufacturer should b sued because those caravans can't b used all year round and so there misrepresenting those vans !
Be sure to order with heated tank warmers and a 12V fridge; Much rather be in a 5th Wheel if i were full timing size 26 to 29 foot Grand design Reflection Half ton models. Currently we have a new 19 ft Survey Legend TT and know for sure from towing experience. We would have a 5th wheel under 30ft as full timers. A fan of the cougar but don't like floor vents.
I recently saw the 17 foot review....there are a few big differences such as not being able to use the bed without putting out the slide which make it a concern for quick overnights. Also it is a Murphy bed which is convenient but you would have to make sure everything was tucked in because in the review video it looked super messy and unfinished. Catch-22...5 extra feet plus extra weight versus a little inconvenience. Myself as a single person I think I would put up with the inconvenience for the savings plus weight issue. Either way...you and your fur baby would really be "movin on up" in these RVs. Also I think in the 17 foot the gas cannisters are not contained versus the 22 foot.
I’ve had a travel trailer. Nice but definitely more work for you. Surprised it has manual jacks. Wouldn’t you want automatic jacks?
Automatic would be great but you can use a drill easily.
Thor Gemini 23TW RV....will be good
The 17MKE has made it to the top of my list recently but I think this one might be a bit better. Which trailer did you like best?
They’re really nice if you ain’t going to do much traveling going up hills and down hills and around curves windy days make sure that’s what you want before you buy something like that but it is beautiful good luck in your decision
Are you shure their is enough cupboards for you to open and close,hehe.