I own an imagine xls. 22rbe. It’s a 2024 model. I live in Indiana. So far it’s been to Oshkosh Wisconsin twice. Mammoth Cave Ky once. Gatlinburg TN once. Yellowstone National Park. Mackinac island once. Beaver trails Michigan once. Brown County state park once and 2 other local ish trips. The only issues I’ve had is the little strip of inlaid wood around the slide fell out. It wasn’t glued in from the factory. Easy fix. Also the solar controller was wired incorrectly.
Once again, thank you for the quality work you put out!!! I have a 2022 21BHE I bought used from a private seller… We have loved it!!! One issue I have had is that mine came with a GE A/C unit… The original owner had to do a warranty replacement once in October 2023, then I replaced it (under warranty) in September 2024, and now, it is doing the same thing… When I called Grand Design, they tell me to call GE… Which is normal for replacement of an appliances… Does anyone have experience with GD stepping in to help get another brand when you have replaced an appliance multiple times? What’s the best way to contact them? Do they even honor a warranty when if you are not the original owner?
Thank you! Grateful for the feedback. Nice to meet fellow 21BHE owners. On the warranty question, since it is outside the initial 1-year bumper to bumper, it is customary for GD to point you to the manufacturer of the AC since that 1-year timeframe has passed. If it was still in the 1-year then GD would be point of contact. Oftentimes some of the other components in the RV have 2 or 3-year warranties individually...sometimes even longer. If I understand correctly the GE air conditioners have a 2-year warranty from GE, so depending on the install date, it is quite possible that GE may cover parts or labor. I had a 2016 GD that had 2x Dometic ACs that both failed right around the 2-year mark and to my surprise Dometic stepped up and replaced both...one was even just outside the 2-years and I only had to cover labor on that one. So, all that to say maybe GE will cover yours. Likely they'll make you do it through an approved dealership or RV tech to get reimbursed. It could get tricky between the 2nd owner and fact it's been replaced already, but I think it's worth a call to GE to see what they say at least. I hope you can get at least some coverage from GE.
I’m debating between your GD Imagine and the Alliance Delta 281BH. Debating between both brands and also if slides or no slides. We are a family of 4 (2 little ones) and a dog. I’ve heard Grand Design quality has gone down since they were bought by Winnebago. I’ve seen some issues with frames, plumbing, counter top with the Imagine. I’m looking to get a gasser 3/4 like yours, since I recently sold my Cummins too many unknowns with these new Diesel trucks and I’m sick of dealing with the dealerships and their lack of help. Can the same spec trim GMC you have, be upgraded to a blacked out package like on the Rams night edition? Love the channel and how detailed/informative your reviews are.
you have to get the AT4 for a blacked out GMC, Chevy does though, it has sport appearance or Trail boss pkg in an LT if you want to stay mid trim, .....I have a 2024 GMC SLT 2500 just bought a few months ago guess you could do it piece by piece.....but expensive
Thank you, I appreciate the feedback! I hear you on the GD quality concerns...I think that's a common objection when Winnebago bought GD back around 2016. I had a 2016 Reflection made just before the acquisition and just me comparing the two seem to be same build quality as my 2024. It's my understanding that Winnebago mostly left GD to continue operating as they had been, and the founder is still the CEO...I think his leadership has helped keep their legacy. So I'd suggest a lot of the talk is hearsay and could equally be as much due to just growing and outputting higher qty. Really any brand is going to have issues here and there with humans on the assembly line, but GD and Alliance seem to be both great brands to work with, similar quality and customer service...different flavors in their offerings. I think one could argue the Delta is slightly more feature-packed and a small step up in some areas compared to the Imagine XLS (vs Imagine), but still close in a lot of respects. Anyway, Kirk is right about the blacked out trim on GMC. I've seen some buy the grille separate and try to do it after the fact, just expensive. It would be a nice option if GMC added a similar night edition to the lower trims. I hope all your planning goes smoothly...it can be daunting trying to figure it all out, especially with the $$ at stake. Don't hesitate to reach out again if you have questions down the line.
@ 🙏🏼 Thank you for taking the time to reply. I’m honestly pretty set on the GD Imagine XLS with no slides, I just want something simple, reliable and practicable. It impressed me a lot that you haven’t had to warranty anything in a year. What worries me more at the moment is truck situation. I’m a previous Ram owner 2500 std Output and a HO dually Cummins owner. I’m looking to simplify my life with a reliable and easy to maintain truck. I like the Rams but I want a bigger cab and they don’t seem to be updating it anytime soon. I don’t like the Ford gas engines, never been a fan due to previous trucks I’ve owned. I do like the GM L8T with no cylinder deactivation, the only thing I wish they would’ve added was port injection alongside the DI to keep the valves clean of buildup. My two biggest worries with GM trucks is the frames are waxed for rust and hearing a ton of issues with durability of the GM “Allison branded” 10-spd. It seems like no matter what truck we choose, they are plagued with problems and it truly sucks to pay so much money for dealing with issues we have no control.
I’m torn between a few bunkhouse models from Grand Design and Jayco. I’m reading mixed reviews on which brand is better quality. What are your thoughts? I also like that some Jayco models have Azdel walls. To my knowledge, Grand Design doesn’t use Azdel. Why wasn’t Azdel a bigger factor for you?
Thanks for watching. I hear you on the decision between different brands...it's tough. I've owned 1x Jayco (Pinnacle fifth wheel) and 2x Grand Design units including this one. I think from a quality stand point they're about the same. Some may tell you one is better than the other, but I think small differences here and there. My only gripe with Jayco is that their post-sale leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. I found they repeatedly made me jump through hoops and gave runaround, only to point me back to the dealer in the end instead of trying to help me get the part directly. That's kinda the traditional RV model, but GD and many other brands have transitioned to work direct with customers as it's just a lot more efficient. On the Azdel question...I think salesman often talk-up the Azdel advantages. The main situation where Azdel would be an advantage over luan is, if you have a leak on your RV perhaps along the roof membrane where it meets the sidewall and water is getting into the side wall causing the substrate to expand/contract and ultimately lead to delamination...the Azdel version would be less susceptible to delamination compared to luan. But, typically the Azdel is only on the outside half and not on the inside half...or not in the roof or floor. Plus, the leaks can still happen on units both with and without Azdel. Anyway, Azdel is certainly an advantage, but in my opinion it's overplayed by salesman, so I've owned units both with and without Azdel (my 6-figure Pinnacle had regular luan walls).
@@IDWIEwhen we purchased our travel trailer a few years ago it came down to GD or Jayco. We went Jayco and while I have no big complaints on our Jayco there’s some small things that drive me nuts like putty marks all over the walls. As mentioned though all manufacturers have their issues. I can also attest to Jayco’s poor or lacking customer service. But I’ve heard almost as many complaints about GD customer service too. My next RV will hopefully be a Brinkley.
not a fan of the interior colors on these....about to purchase and want to go lil bit bigger I went to RV dealer few weeks ago and walked into a reflection 5th wheel, tbh it felt really cheap....I am a builder for work so I notice everything...just seemed crazy expensive for cardboard box, I could see trim starting to fall off big gaps....just didn't seem like it would last...was bit shocked tbh....I want to travel and live full time, definetly dont want to working on it from day 1.....always heard GD customer service is top notch how were the discounts when you purchased, have heard should be shooting 20-30% off MSRP especially now with sales slowing down....does that seem about right since you have purchased multiple units?
I hear you. I would like to see more durability in the RV world in general. You may have already looked at others, but have you seen any of the ATC or InTech units? Limited floorplans there, but I get the vibe that the durability is a few steps up with both brands in some of the materials at least. About double the price too...always a give and take. It seemed like most dealers were offering 20-25% and a couple 30% off. I was willing to drive to get the max, so that's why I ended up at Cookeville RV.
@@AdventureRocks I havent but I will now you mentioned it, Connect too I believe....with the heavy discount it makes it less painful......GD 5th wheels have more "modern" look....I have 5th wheel pkg but like you want smaller and simple....just me and a dog so 30ft is fine
Thank you for the comment. And, sorry to hear about the trim issues. Durability is definitely a subject with RVs in general, especially affordable ones. I think expectations play a big role too. So far I've been very pleased my XLS, especially given the price point.
Agree great customer service
My 2023 Mallard rb210 has a fiberglass cap in the front. Hail storm punched a hole in it about 1/8 diameter, that cap is about as thick as a beer can!
I own an imagine xls. 22rbe. It’s a 2024 model. I live in Indiana. So far it’s been to Oshkosh Wisconsin twice. Mammoth Cave Ky once. Gatlinburg TN once. Yellowstone National Park. Mackinac island once. Beaver trails Michigan once. Brown County state park once and 2 other local ish trips. The only issues I’ve had is the little strip of inlaid wood around the slide fell out. It wasn’t glued in from the factory. Easy fix. Also the solar controller was wired incorrectly.
Thank you for watching. And, thank you for the first-hand feedback.
Once again, thank you for the quality work you put out!!!
I have a 2022 21BHE I bought used from a private seller… We have loved it!!!
One issue I have had is that mine came with a GE A/C unit… The original owner had to do a warranty replacement once in October 2023, then I replaced it (under warranty) in September 2024, and now, it is doing the same thing…
When I called Grand Design, they tell me to call GE… Which is normal for replacement of an appliances… Does anyone have experience with GD stepping in to help get another brand when you have replaced an appliance multiple times?
What’s the best way to contact them? Do they even honor a warranty when if you are not the original owner?
Thank you! Grateful for the feedback. Nice to meet fellow 21BHE owners. On the warranty question, since it is outside the initial 1-year bumper to bumper, it is customary for GD to point you to the manufacturer of the AC since that 1-year timeframe has passed. If it was still in the 1-year then GD would be point of contact. Oftentimes some of the other components in the RV have 2 or 3-year warranties individually...sometimes even longer. If I understand correctly the GE air conditioners have a 2-year warranty from GE, so depending on the install date, it is quite possible that GE may cover parts or labor. I had a 2016 GD that had 2x Dometic ACs that both failed right around the 2-year mark and to my surprise Dometic stepped up and replaced both...one was even just outside the 2-years and I only had to cover labor on that one. So, all that to say maybe GE will cover yours. Likely they'll make you do it through an approved dealership or RV tech to get reimbursed. It could get tricky between the 2nd owner and fact it's been replaced already, but I think it's worth a call to GE to see what they say at least. I hope you can get at least some coverage from GE.
I’m debating between your GD Imagine and the Alliance Delta 281BH. Debating between both brands and also if slides or no slides. We are a family of 4 (2 little ones) and a dog. I’ve heard Grand Design quality has gone down since they were bought by Winnebago. I’ve seen some issues with frames, plumbing, counter top with the Imagine. I’m looking to get a gasser 3/4 like yours, since I recently sold my Cummins too many unknowns with these new Diesel trucks and I’m sick of dealing with the dealerships and their lack of help.
Can the same spec trim GMC you have, be upgraded to a blacked out package like on the Rams night edition?
Love the channel and how detailed/informative your reviews are.
you have to get the AT4 for a blacked out GMC, Chevy does though, it has sport appearance or Trail boss pkg in an LT if you want to stay mid trim, .....I have a 2024 GMC SLT 2500 just bought a few months ago
guess you could do it piece by piece.....but expensive
Thank you, I appreciate the feedback! I hear you on the GD quality concerns...I think that's a common objection when Winnebago bought GD back around 2016. I had a 2016 Reflection made just before the acquisition and just me comparing the two seem to be same build quality as my 2024. It's my understanding that Winnebago mostly left GD to continue operating as they had been, and the founder is still the CEO...I think his leadership has helped keep their legacy. So I'd suggest a lot of the talk is hearsay and could equally be as much due to just growing and outputting higher qty. Really any brand is going to have issues here and there with humans on the assembly line, but GD and Alliance seem to be both great brands to work with, similar quality and customer service...different flavors in their offerings. I think one could argue the Delta is slightly more feature-packed and a small step up in some areas compared to the Imagine XLS (vs Imagine), but still close in a lot of respects.
Anyway, Kirk is right about the blacked out trim on GMC. I've seen some buy the grille separate and try to do it after the fact, just expensive. It would be a nice option if GMC added a similar night edition to the lower trims. I hope all your planning goes smoothly...it can be daunting trying to figure it all out, especially with the $$ at stake. Don't hesitate to reach out again if you have questions down the line.
@ 🙏🏼 Thank you for taking the time to reply. I’m honestly pretty set on the GD Imagine XLS with no slides, I just want something simple, reliable and practicable. It impressed me a lot that you haven’t had to warranty anything in a year. What worries me more at the moment is truck situation. I’m a previous Ram owner 2500 std Output and a HO dually Cummins owner. I’m looking to simplify my life with a reliable and easy to maintain truck. I like the Rams but I want a bigger cab and they don’t seem to be updating it anytime soon. I don’t like the Ford gas engines, never been a fan due to previous trucks I’ve owned. I do like the GM L8T with no cylinder deactivation, the only thing I wish they would’ve added was port injection alongside the DI to keep the valves clean of buildup. My two biggest worries with GM trucks is the frames are waxed for rust and hearing a ton of issues with durability of the GM “Allison branded” 10-spd. It seems like no matter what truck we choose, they are plagued with problems and it truly sucks to pay so much money for dealing with issues we have no control.
@@juansantiago1441 I hear you, always a give and take making the tough choices. If only we could pick and choose the best of ea and put together.
I’m torn between a few bunkhouse models from Grand Design and Jayco. I’m reading mixed reviews on which brand is better quality. What are your thoughts?
I also like that some Jayco models have Azdel walls. To my knowledge, Grand Design doesn’t use Azdel. Why wasn’t Azdel a bigger factor for you?
Thanks for watching. I hear you on the decision between different brands...it's tough. I've owned 1x Jayco (Pinnacle fifth wheel) and 2x Grand Design units including this one. I think from a quality stand point they're about the same. Some may tell you one is better than the other, but I think small differences here and there. My only gripe with Jayco is that their post-sale leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. I found they repeatedly made me jump through hoops and gave runaround, only to point me back to the dealer in the end instead of trying to help me get the part directly. That's kinda the traditional RV model, but GD and many other brands have transitioned to work direct with customers as it's just a lot more efficient.
On the Azdel question...I think salesman often talk-up the Azdel advantages. The main situation where Azdel would be an advantage over luan is, if you have a leak on your RV perhaps along the roof membrane where it meets the sidewall and water is getting into the side wall causing the substrate to expand/contract and ultimately lead to delamination...the Azdel version would be less susceptible to delamination compared to luan. But, typically the Azdel is only on the outside half and not on the inside half...or not in the roof or floor. Plus, the leaks can still happen on units both with and without Azdel. Anyway, Azdel is certainly an advantage, but in my opinion it's overplayed by salesman, so I've owned units both with and without Azdel (my 6-figure Pinnacle had regular luan walls).
@ Dude. That was a great reply. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to write that. It will be helpful to me. Great channel
@@IDWIEwhen we purchased our travel trailer a few years ago it came down to GD or Jayco. We went Jayco and while I have no big complaints on our Jayco there’s some small things that drive me nuts like putty marks all over the walls. As mentioned though all manufacturers have their issues. I can also attest to Jayco’s poor or lacking customer service. But I’ve heard almost as many complaints about GD customer service too. My next RV will hopefully be a Brinkley.
@ Thanks for your input. It’s too bad Brinkley doesn’t have bunkhouse models yet
not a fan of the interior colors on these....about to purchase and want to go lil bit bigger
I went to RV dealer few weeks ago and walked into a reflection 5th wheel, tbh it felt really cheap....I am a builder for work so I notice everything...just seemed crazy expensive for cardboard box, I could see trim starting to fall off big gaps....just didn't seem like it would last...was bit shocked tbh....I want to travel and live full time, definetly dont want to working on it from day 1.....always heard GD customer service is top notch
how were the discounts when you purchased, have heard should be shooting 20-30% off MSRP especially now with sales slowing down....does that seem about right since you have purchased multiple units?
I hear you. I would like to see more durability in the RV world in general. You may have already looked at others, but have you seen any of the ATC or InTech units? Limited floorplans there, but I get the vibe that the durability is a few steps up with both brands in some of the materials at least. About double the price too...always a give and take.
It seemed like most dealers were offering 20-25% and a couple 30% off. I was willing to drive to get the max, so that's why I ended up at Cookeville RV.
@@AdventureRocks I havent but I will now you mentioned it, Connect too I believe....with the heavy discount it makes it less painful......GD 5th wheels have more "modern" look....I have 5th wheel pkg but like you want smaller and simple....just me and a dog so 30ft is fine
I would give a GD a Quality rating of 3/20. I thought mine was pure junk. Some of the interior is just stapled in place (no adhesive)...
Thank you for the comment. And, sorry to hear about the trim issues. Durability is definitely a subject with RVs in general, especially affordable ones. I think expectations play a big role too. So far I've been very pleased my XLS, especially given the price point.