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Last Updated on October 7, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Unraveling the Excellence Of Grand Design RVs
Hello, RV enthusiasts! I’m excited to dive into the world of Grand Design RVs. In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll examine the latest models and the rich history, awards, and unique features that make Grand Design a standout player in the RV industry.
Key Takeaways:
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- Grand Design’s History & Growth: Established by industry veterans, Grand Design quickly became a standout in the RV world. It focused on customer service and building strong relationships with RV enthusiasts. Due to overwhelming demand, its production has expanded rapidly.
- Awards and Recognition: Grand Design has won the RVDA’s Circle of Quality Award for six consecutive years, and from 2015-2020, it received the Trailer Life Gold Award, showcasing its high customer satisfaction.
- Customer Service Excellence: Grand Design’s key differentiator is its customer-centric approach, which maintains constant communication with owners and fosters a sense of community.
- Build Quality and Warranty: Grand Design RVs feature robust construction with laminated walls, aluminum frames, and high insulation levels. The company offers a three-year limited structural warranty exceeding the industry standard.
- Diverse Product Range: Grand Design offers a variety of RVs, from entry-level travel trailers to luxury fifth wheels and toy haulers, catering to different budgets and needs.
- Acquisition by Winnebago: In 2016, Grand Design was acquired by Winnebago, further strengthening Winnebago’s market position while retaining Grand Design’s brand identity under the leadership of its founders.
Grand Design’s Remarkable Journey
Grand Design’s story is about determination, expertise, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Established just a decade ago by three industry veterans – Don Clark, Bill Fenech, and Ron Fenech – the company embarked on a mission to redefine the RV experience.
Having worked together in the RV industry for years, the founders identified a crucial need: to enhance customer service and community education. Grand Design’s core philosophy revolves around staying intimately connected with its customers and owners.
By actively seeking feedback and understanding the needs of their clientele, Grand Design has managed to forge a unique relationship with RV enthusiasts. Despite being a relatively young player in the industry, their recent accomplishment of rolling out the forty-thousandth towable RV is a testament to their rapid success.
Expanding its manufacturing facilities and increasing production capacity highlights the company’s growth and underscores the overwhelming demand for Grand Design RVs. The company has clearly struck a chord with consumers, and we’re here to explore just what makes its RVs so appealing.
Accolades and Recognition
Grand Design’s dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The RVDA, or Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association, annually bestows the Circle of Quality Award. Grand Design has secured this prestigious award for six consecutive years across all three of its fifth-wheel models. This accolade is significant, considering it comes from industry insiders – dealers.
However, the Trailer Life Gold Award is the true measure of customer satisfaction. From 2015 to 2020, Grand Design consistently claimed the top spot in the fifth-wheel category. What sets this award apart is that it’s based on direct input from RV owners, making it a genuine reflection of customer happiness.
Unpacking Grand Design’s Success
So, what sets Grand Design apart from other RV manufacturers? Let’s examine the key factors contributing to its success.
1. Customer Service Commitment
Grand Design’s unwavering commitment to customer service is a cornerstone of its success. Owner reports consistently emphasize the company’s proactive efforts to stay in contact, address concerns, and foster a sense of community among Grand Design RV owners. This personal touch is a rarity in the industry and undoubtedly contributes to their loyal customer base.
2. Build Quality Beyond Standards
Regarding build quality, Grand Design goes above and beyond industry standards. Employing laminated wall construction, aluminum frames, and rigorous foam insulation, their RVs boast impressive R-values in walls, floors, and ceilings. Even their standard models feature high insulation levels, and the Arctic package is available for those seeking extra protection against the elements.
3. Warranty Assurance
Grand Design’s commitment extends beyond the purchase with their warranty offerings. While a one-year full warranty is standard in the industry, Grand Design sets itself apart by including a three-year limited structural warranty. This comprehensive coverage provides buyers with added peace of mind, reflecting the company’s confidence in the durability of its products.
Why did Winnebago buy Grand Design?
The primary reason “Why did Winnebago buy Grand Design?” lies in Winnebago’s strategic expansion plan. In 2016, owing to its exponential growth, Grand Design was leading the market in the towable RV segment. Acquiring such a brand enabled Winnebago to strengthen its market position and broaden its product portfolio.
Winnebago secured a five-year employment agreement with Grand Design’s founder, Don Clark, as part of the acquisition process. This move ensured the brand’s continuity and stability, further enhancing Winnebago’s prospects in the RV industry.
Grand Design’s Product Line Overview
Travel Trailers
Transcend Explorer
Grand Design offers the Transcend Explorer for entry-level budgets. While it does not boast the same level of quality as its higher-end models, it still garners positive reviews, making it a viable option for budget-conscious buyers.
Imagine and Imagine XLS
The Imagine and Imagine XLS models move into the mid-price range. These travel trailers balance affordability and features, appealing to a broad spectrum of RV enthusiasts.
Reflection
Grand Design presents the Reflection in the upper tier of travel trailers. Known for its iconic status in the industry, the Reflection combines luxury and functionality, setting a high standard for travel trailers.
Momentum G-Class
For those seeking a unique travel trailer experience, Grand Design offers the Momentum G-Class toy hauler. This innovative addition to their lineup caters to individuals with a passion for adventure and the need to transport recreational vehicles.
Fifth Wheels
Reflection 150 Series
Grand Design’s prowess truly shines in the fifth-wheel segment, starting with the Reflection 150 Series. Tailored for lighter towing vehicles, this model provides a gateway to the world of fifth-wheel RVs.
Reflection
The Reflection, a flagship model, is an industry icon. Known for its superior design and construction, it sets the bar high for upper-mid-range fifth wheels.
Solitude
Stepping into the upper echelons of fifth wheels, the Solitude is a testament to Grand Design’s commitment to luxury and comfort. Owners of Solitude models overwhelmingly express satisfaction with the quality and features of these units.
Solitude S-Class
For those seeking a slightly more affordable option without compromising quality, the Solitude S-Class offers a compelling choice in the upper-mid-range fifth-wheel category.
Toy Haulers
Grand Design extends its excellence into the toy hauler category within the fifth-wheel segment. Let’s explore two notable options:
Momentum G-Class
The Momentum G-Class, a lighter and more affordable toy hauler, caters to adventurous spirits who seek versatility without breaking the bank.
Momentum M-Class
Stepping up to the M-Class, Grand Design offers a comprehensive toy hauler with all the desired features and niceties. While it comes at a higher price point, it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to providing top-tier options for every need.
Why Grand Design?
Build Construction
Grand Design’s laminated wall construction, aluminum frames, and rigid foam insulation place them a step above their competition. The commitment to quality construction ensures a durable and well-insulated RV, even in standard models.
Awards and Recognition
Receiving awards from both industry insiders and RV owners speaks volumes about Grand Design’s widespread appeal. The consistent recognition of their fifth-wheel models showcases the brand’s dedication to producing high-quality, customer-centric RVs.
Customer Service
The personal touch in customer service sets Grand Design apart. The company’s mission to stay connected with customers and address their needs contributes to a satisfied and loyal customer base.
Diverse Product Line
Grand Design’s extensive product line, catering to various budgets and preferences, ensures there’s a Grand Design RV for every type of RV enthusiast. The brand provides a comprehensive range of choices, from entry-level travel trailers to luxurious fifth wheels and even unique toy hauler options.
Warranty Assurance
This includes a three-year limited structural warranty that goes beyond the industry norm, reflecting Grand Design’s confidence in the durability of its products. This commitment to warranty coverage provides buyers with added confidence in their purchase.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Grand Design has earned its place as a top recommendation on my list of RV brands. While perfection may be an elusive standard in RV manufacturing, Grand Design’s consistent dedication to customer satisfaction, high build quality, and diverse product range make them a standout choice.
However, as with any RV brand, it’s essential to acknowledge that no manufacturer is flawless. The inherent variability in handcrafted RVs means that there can be variations between models and even individual units. Despite the accolades and positive reviews, Grand Design, like any other brand, is not immune to occasional imperfections.
It’s prudent to prioritize an RV inspection when considering a new or used Grand Design RV to ensure a seamless RV ownership experience.
This step may seem counterintuitive, especially considering Grand Design’s impressive track record and the numerous awards they’ve received. However, the truth is that even meticulous manufacturers can overlook certain details during the production process.
Obtaining an RV inspection is a proactive measure to identify potential issues or discrepancies in your chosen RV. It’s not about doubting the quality of Grand Design’s craftsmanship but recognizing the inherent complexities of hand-built recreational vehicles. The inspection process can unveil nuances that might have been missed during manufacturing.
One might wonder, “Why bother with an inspection when Grand Design has received so much acclaim?” The answer lies in the pragmatic approach to RV ownership. By conducting an inspection, you comprehensively understand your RV’s condition, ensuring it meets your expectations.
This step becomes particularly crucial when dealing with used RVs, where the wear and tear from previous ownership may warrant a closer look.
Here’s the silver lining: True to its commitment to customer service, Grand Design has consistently demonstrated a willingness to address issues promptly. Leveraging its one-year full warranty and three-year limited structural warranty, Grand Design is dedicated to resolving any concerns that may arise after your purchase.
This commitment is a key reason Grand Design continues to earn the trust and recommendation of seasoned RV enthusiasts.
While Grand Design may not be infallible, its approach to customer service and warranty support creates a safety net for buyers. The company’s overarching goal is to provide an exceptional ownership experience, and this commitment extends beyond the initial purchase to encompass the entire lifespan of your RV.
Grand Design on My Recommended List
Grand Design RVs regularly appear on my recommended list of brands and manufacturers. This endorsement does not result from any affiliation or financial arrangement with the company. Instead, it is rooted in a genuine belief in Grand Design’s mission and execution and the positive experiences shared by a multitude of RV owners.
As an RV inspector, I aim to guide prospective buyers toward brands that consistently deliver on their promises. Grand Design’s unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, impressive build quality, and diverse product range make it a reliable choice for RV enthusiasts.
To summarize, when considering Grand Design for travel trailers, fifth wheels, or toy haulers, it’s essential to appreciate the brand’s strengths and acknowledge the potential for minor variations in handcrafted units. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly Transcend Explorer or indulge in the luxury of a Solitude fifth wheel, Grand Design offers a spectrum of choices for diverse preferences.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to All About RV’s
Which RV has the highest resale value?
In answering the question of which RV has the highest resale value, it’s crucial to consider the impact of brand recognition on this aspect. Certain brands consistently demonstrate a strong ability to retain their value over time. Top among these are Jayco, Airstream, and Winnebago.
These brands have proven their superiority in design quality, durability, and customer satisfaction, significantly contributing to their high resale value. Therefore, prospective RV buyers aiming for a good return on investment should consider these brands.
Final Thoughts: Safe and Happy Travels
As we wrap up this extensive exploration of Grand Design RVs, I wish all RV enthusiasts safe and happy travels. The world of RVing is a thrilling journey, and the right RV can significantly enhance your experiences on the road.
Remember, the key to a satisfying RV ownership experience lies in choosing a reputable brand like Grand Design RVs and approaching the process with informed decision-making. Conducting an RV inspection, whether mandated by practical considerations or sheer peace of mind, is a proactive step that aligns with the ethos of responsible RV ownership.
As you embark on your RV adventures, may the road be smooth, the campsites welcoming, and the memories everlasting. Until next time, fellow RV enthusiasts – safe travels!
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