In Part 2 of our RV back wall disaster series (read/watch Part 1 here), my wife, Ashley, and I dive deeper into the structural damage plaguing this 2022 Grand Design Reflection 31MB. The issues are more extensive than initially thought, affecting both the interior and exterior of the unit.
Investigating the structural issues
First, we explore the obvious structural damage to the unit, revealing problems both inside and outside.
The wall between two slide-outs moves over an inch when the slide-out is operated, indicating severe instability.
Detailing the damage
Metal shavings are found on the floor, suggesting wear and tear that could lead to further problems.
Batten moldings are coming loose, compromising the unit’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Rub marks from the refrigerator indicate misalignment and potential damage to interior components.
Stay tuned for Part 3
Don’t miss Part 3, where we’ll continue to document the repair process, expose the extent of the damage and work towards comprehensive repairs. Like and subscribe to stay updated on this ongoing series and more RV repair insights.
More from Dustin
Make sure you check out my website, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages. Join us in Grand Design RV Owners – In The RV Shop With Dustin.
##RVDT2431
Thank you, Dustin! 🙂 I forget, even though this is a 2022 model, is it still under warranty? The damage is so extensive and so apparently due to the poor production of this rig, is it likely that Grand Design will buy back the rig? Or give him a new and similar rig in exchange for his? Would the owner even want another Grand Design? 🤔😯🙁 This is remarkably bad! Thanks again, have a great weekend, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Neal…I was wondering about structural warranty as well. IIRC, GD just extended the warranties and to all who already have them, so perhaps there’s some hope for these owners. If not, it’s a lawsuit., IMO.
My wife & I were considering going back to a 5ver a couple years ago and after looking at numerous new GDs already falling apart on the dealer lots, we crossed them off the list. One salesman at a Texas dealer said “What do you expect? This unit came 1200 miles!” Well, yep…I expect a LOT more! 🙂
Perhaps it is my naivete, but after all the YouTube videos, iRV2 posts and discussions, and RV Travel comments, my impression is that a DP is most likely to be well-made. It still may have problems to iron out, but will be the closest to “right” when it leaves a dealer. You seem thoughtful and informed, what do you think, Mikal? Thank you! 🙂
Not necessarily, we stayed next to a couple that had a year old DP that had spent 5 months of the first year they owned it sitting at the dealership for repairs. Maybe they had the oddball, maybe not. I have little to no faith in the industry as a whole. Even the many high end units have the same a/c units, water heaters and refrigerators as the less expensive units.
Certainly so, Toolman. That is what pushed me to American Coach entry level (Revolution) for #1. It was pretty well made. Got it dialed-in in two years. About to get #2 (Newmar New Aire) there. Downside of #2 is lack of tag axle, so feels a bit squirrely. #1 had tag. Ultimately, they all are a risk. I hope to get the risk low. We’ll see. 🤔 Thanks again, have a great week, safe traveks, and safe stays! 🙂
Modern day RV’s are leaving a sour taste in a lot of people’s mouths anymore. This is what happens when corporate greed takes over instead of quality.
Dustin: Your approach to this problem reminds me of the NTSB and plane or train crash investigation. Great job! I hope you tried and did get a factory rep. out to personally see this mess – preferably the CEO of Grand Design. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and abilities to thoroughly inspect Rv’s.