Grand Design’s new Foundation 42GD trailer has two-story deck

Grand Design’s new Foundation 42GD is designed as a destination-style trailer. It’s the first in Grand Design’s new Foundation line and leans heavily into residential comforts and outdoor living.

The first thing you’ll probably notice is a feature I’ve never seen on a towable: two stacked outdoor decks. (Yes, two!) They’re connected by a spiral staircase (another first, for me).

Those decks make Grand Design’s headlines, but the 42GD brings a lot more that matters to full-time RVers and folks who plan to park long-term. Just take a look!

Foundation 42GD’s standout features

Two stacked decks

The signature feature is its rear, two-level outdoor living area. Grand Design outfitted both decks with safety railings, composite marine-style decking, and a spiral stair connecting the levels.

The lower deck doubles as a secondary entrance while the upper deck serves as an observation and/or maintenance landing. It’s a unique setup that gives you separate zones for morning coffee, stargazing, or a rooftop look at slides and seals.

Residential scale and systems

The 42GD is built as a destination unit. It features heavy-duty triple axle running gear, a roomy open-plan kitchen with an extra-large island and breakfast bar. The kitchen is equipped with a full GE appliance suite (including dishwasher prep), and also boasts solid surface counters, soft-close cabinetry, and an interior loft that functions like a second living or bedroom area.

Grand Design equipped the Foundation 42GD with three Coleman-Mach AC units, a one-piece fiberglass roof, and generous fresh/gray/black water tanks.

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Numbers (what’s been reported so far)

Length and weight

The show unit measured about 48.6 feet overall. It rides on a heavy triple-axle chassis and has an initial gross vehicle weight rating of around 18,000 lbs. The unit’s cargo carrying capacity in the neighborhood of 3,100 lbs. has been cited.

Tanks and utilities

These include large fresh, gray, and black tanks plus dual 30-lb. LP bottles and washer/dryer prep.

Pricing and availability

Grand Design’s Foundation 42GD pricing and availability haven’t been announced yet. However, the company appears to be showing pre-production and demo units while gauging interest.

Videos and walk-throughs worth watching

Several RV media channels uploaded walk-throughs when Grand Design debuted the 42GD at dealer events recently. The video tours are useful because they show the actual living flow throughout the RV. Here’s my favorite video.

Best fit

The Foundation 42GD RV is best for full-time RVers who plan to park long-term. It would also work well for seasonal owners who want a home-like setup on private land or long-term sites.

The 42GD’s residential appliances, lofted sleeping/office space, washer/dryer prep, and expansive outdoor living make it ideal for people who want comfort, lots of storage, and the ability to host family and guests.

Think twice

If you move frequently, boondock regularly, or need something towable by a mid-sized truck, this isn’t the RV for you. The length, triple axle, heavy GVWR and destination-style intent mean it’s meant to stay parked more than it is meant to be on the road.

In addition, campsites with strict length or height limits and public campgrounds with narrow pads may limit where you can use the dual decks to full advantage.

How about you?

Would the Foundation 42GD RV work as a long-term permanent “home” for you? Tell us in the comments below.

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