We are victims of frame failure. First sign was a creaky floor in the bedroom. Screws worked their way out of the wood flooring and pushed up underneath the linoleum. The movement of the nose cap pushed screws out of the trim and seal piece on the underside of the front cap. We reseated screws, upgraded screws, resealed this at …
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We are victims of frame failure. First sign was a creaky floor in the bedroom. Screws worked their way out of the wood flooring and pushed up underneath the linoleum. The movement of the nose cap pushed screws out of the trim and seal piece on the underside of the front cap. We reseated screws, upgraded screws, resealed this at least 5 times and now use gorilla tape to avoid water intrusion. The underbelly has fallen down while traveling so we had to reinforce this ourselves. Our driver side bay door will fly open when traveling. It locks but the locks will not hold it closed when the rig starts to flex. We now gorilla tape the door every time we travel to avoid objects flying out of our bay into traffic. The partition between the wet bay and the storage bay has bent. Our front driver side jack is not straight, it points outward. There is rubbing of the shelving and trim in the bedroom. The board that has the slide rollers under the main bed has failed. We have pinched decals on the exterior of the nose cap. The pin box sinks up into nose cap when hitched up. We have a toy hauler however we do not haul any vehicles or toys in our rig. We have had to replace both back leaf springs due to them failing. The main lighting panel has been damaged in transit so that the exterior accent lights will no longer turn off. This is an electrical hazard as well as an annoyance to anyone that camps near us. The roof seal that attaches the roof membrane to the front cap is elevated and not flush. When traveling from TX to Indiana for our frame failure appointment, the roof membrane completely shredded and fell back over the air conditioner. We had to gorilla tape the remaining roof to make it the rest of the way. Grand Design is not issuing a recall yet. Our rig is dangerous for us and anyone on the road with us. Our rig is in the shop right now and we have the highest hopes that it is properly fixed, and we do not have to return like so many others are.
NHTSA ODI #11590944
Mileage unknown · May 18, 2024
StructureSuspension
There are hairline cracks in the frame / Axle hanger(s), throughout the entire inside floor there are drops / gaps when a level is put down of a minimum of 1/8" - showing symptoms of frame flex / failure. On the road, the trailer produces excessive sway, bounce, and movement at speeds of 45 mph and above to the point where contr…
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There are hairline cracks in the frame / Axle hanger(s), throughout the entire inside floor there are drops / gaps when a level is put down of a minimum of 1/8" - showing symptoms of frame flex / failure. On the road, the trailer produces excessive sway, bounce, and movement at speeds of 45 mph and above to the point where control has almost been lost on the roadway. It has been towed and tested with 3 different vehicles (2019 F250 Diesel, 2022 F450 Dually Diesel, and 2023 F250 Gas). documentation, video proof, Multiple witnesses, and different drivers all with over 7+ Years up to 30+ years' experience have tested this and have come up with the same results. Upgrades were made to both tow vehicle(s), Hitch(es), and trailer as suggested by Grand Design RV. Grand Design has stated after investigation that the axles on this unit were installed 5" out of the normal manufacturing of a Momentum 31G and there is a 1/2" difference between the driver's side front axle hanger and rear passenger side axle hanger. Trailer has been weighed multiple times with various loading procedures to make sure everything was evenly distributed side to side and front to rear. The trailer has not been overloaded yet the leaf springs were flat before upgraded to heavier weights. Tires have shown uneven wear patterns. Hitches have been set up in various positions per manufactures requests without any success. Grand Design has not taken responsibility nor attempted to fix the issues with the unit even with the proof submitted to them. Instead, they have been combative, dismissive, and try to bully their way out of their responsibilities. I've invested my own funds over the course of 3 years to attempt at rectifying the issue with no success. My family will not even travel in the same vehicle as me because they fear for their safety as I do as well as the safety of everyone on the roadway. This, however, does not concern Grand Design as they've unprofessionally stated to me consistently.
NHTSA ODI #11589433
Mileage unknown · May 12, 2024
StructureSuspension
Frame flexing issues. Storage compartment doors opening while towing and loosing belongings.
NHTSA ODI #11588312
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2024
StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other
In february 2023 we noticed several internal (sawdust, exposed finish nails, floor noises, broken trim, pinched wall coverings) and external (multiple locked doors opening in transit)signs that our RV frame was experiencing excessive flexing, more than what is expected and necessary for a nearly 42' metal vehicle frame. The fra…
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In february 2023 we noticed several internal (sawdust, exposed finish nails, floor noises, broken trim, pinched wall coverings) and external (multiple locked doors opening in transit)signs that our RV frame was experiencing excessive flexing, more than what is expected and necessary for a nearly 42' metal vehicle frame. The frame has since failed, the suspension is underrated for the weight of the vehicle. The manufacturers UVW and GVWR sticker knowingly contained incorrect OEM information with proof from a CAT scale leading to me as the owner believing the vehicle could have been loaded with more OEM item weight from the manufacturer than what was accounted for and annotated. Despite understanding the allowable weights and keeping this RV well under the advertised GVWR, the 6 separate leafsprings of the suspension are all flattened. The upper deck frame failed under normal on-road (and very little) use. A 2024 TSB was issued on my RV for "upper deck flex". .5" of movement at the pin box was the "within limits" passing grade. My unloaded and empty RV's measurement taken by an authorized service center by the manufacturer in keeping with the TSB, measured 1.5" of flex at the pin box. This failure was so great it led to the manufacturer instructing the Service center to not move it or release it to me out of safety concerns. It has been at the service center since 4/10/2024 ti present without any instruction or communication from the manufacturer on how to proceed either under warranty or otherwise.
NHTSA ODI #11584593
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2024
SuspensionUnknown Or Other
Frame failure causing the vehicle to be unsafe to tow given the failure is in the PIN area. If the PIN box fails that could cause a catastrophic accident resulting in great harm or death to the driving public. Grand Design has failed to take full ownership of this issue with 100's of their large 5th wheel. On inspection welds…
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Frame failure causing the vehicle to be unsafe to tow given the failure is in the PIN area. If the PIN box fails that could cause a catastrophic accident resulting in great harm or death to the driving public. Grand Design has failed to take full ownership of this issue with 100's of their large 5th wheel. On inspection welds are weak or missing leading to these RV's becoming unsafe to tow down the road. While GD has approved some work to remediate the broken welds, it's minimum effort and not a full fix. It will still be unsafe to tow with root cause in their upper deck walls not being addressed.
NHTSA ODI #11575860
Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2023
Suspension
This is in addition to safety report #11540112. While further inspecting the trailer, the right rear shackle bolt was also found to be broken in half. The spring was still on, but it was probably working its way out, which would have cause the same failure as the left side, in the original report.
NHTSA ODI #11542237
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2023
Suspension
Left rear wet bolt sheared mid-bolt at the hole where the grease comes out to grease the sleeve in the spring eye. Spring was sliding side to side, causing the shackle hanger to bend and the spring to detach from the shackle. I have Summo springs on the trailer, and the one on the left rear took the weight of the trailer, and ma…
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Left rear wet bolt sheared mid-bolt at the hole where the grease comes out to grease the sleeve in the spring eye. Spring was sliding side to side, causing the shackle hanger to bend and the spring to detach from the shackle. I have Summo springs on the trailer, and the one on the left rear took the weight of the trailer, and may have prevented further issue's. This occurred on the freeway at approximately 65 mph. Safety concern would be uncontrolled axle due to the spring holding the axle not being attached to the frame, and possible uncontrolled swaying.
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Momentum and 2022-2024 Solitude Fifth Wheel trailers. The U-bolt may become loose due to inadequate preload and preload losses, causing the axle to move out of position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An axle that moves out of position can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the axle attachment components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2026. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910054. This recall supersedes NHTSA Recalls 23V490 and 24V193.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension:rear:springs:leaf Spring ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, Leaf Spring To Axle
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Momentum and 2022-2024 Solitude Fifth Wheel trailers. The U-bolt may become loose due to inadequate preload and preload losses, causing the axle to move out of position.
Consequence: An axle that moves out of position can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the axle attachment components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2026. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910054. This recall supersedes NHTSA Recalls 23V490 and 24V193.
Suspension:front:springs:leaf Spring ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, Leaf Spring To Axle
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Momentum and 2022-2024 Solitude Fifth Wheel trailers. The U-bolt may become loose due to inadequate preload and preload losses, causing the axle to move out of position.
Consequence: An axle that moves out of position can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the axle attachment components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2026. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910054. This recall supersedes NHTSA Recalls 23V490 and 24V193.
Grand Design RV, LLC. (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Momentum and Solitude fifth wheels, equipped with certain CURT 7000 and 8000 lb axles. The U-bolts may have been improperly tightened, which can cause the axle to move out of position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An axle that moves out of position can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the U-bolts, as necessary. Any damaged components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2023. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910039.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension:rear:springs:leaf Spring ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, Leaf Spring To Axle
Grand Design RV, LLC. (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Momentum and Solitude fifth wheels, equipped with certain CURT 7000 and 8000 lb axles. The U-bolts may have been improperly tightened, which can cause the axle to move out of position.
Consequence: An axle that moves out of position can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the U-bolts, as necessary. Any damaged components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2023. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910039.
Suspension:front:springs:leaf Spring ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, Leaf Spring To Axle
Grand Design RV, LLC. (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Momentum and Solitude fifth wheels, equipped with certain CURT 7000 and 8000 lb axles. The U-bolts may have been improperly tightened, which can cause the axle to move out of position.
Consequence: An axle that moves out of position can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the U-bolts, as necessary. Any damaged components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2023. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910039.
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Momentum, Solitude, and Reflection recreational vehicles. A 110-volt wire in the refrigerator cabinet may be improperly secured, which could result in the wire contacting the refrigerator cooling unit, causing an electrical arc.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical arc increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace any damaged wiring, and properly secure the wires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 21, 2022. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910026.
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Imagine, Transcend, and Momentum travel trailers. The LP regulator that controls the LP gas pressure may fail, allowing excessive gas pressure that causes the appliance flame to increase.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Excessive gas pressure and a larger than intended appliance flame can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the LP regulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910023.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
PE24029 · Frame Flex On Grand Design Fifth Wheel Recreational Trailers
Opened Oct 9, 2024 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Structure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received twenty-three complaints alleging excessive frame flex on model year 2017-2023 Grand Design fifth wheel recreational trailers, models Momentum and Solitude. Twenty-two of the complaints allege that excessive frame flex resulted in a cargo or entry door opening while in transit, some with objects lost on roadways, while six complaints also state that slideouts extended out partially. ODI has been in contact with both Grand Design and Lippert, the frame manufacturer. Grand Design believes that some frame flex, generally considered to be vertical movement in the upper deck area of the fifth wheel, is normal. However, Grand Design has developed a technical service bulletin (TSB), to evaluate concerns of excessive frame flex, defined as vertical movement greater than 3/8 inch. Per Grand Design, the frame flex is only occurring in the upper deck area of the fifth wheel and is resulting in cosmetic defects such as moving sidewalls, damage to cabinets, binding doors, etc. However, Lippert believes that the effects of frame flex may also extend back to the front axle of the trailer.While Lippert provides frames for multiple trailer manufacturers, the majority of complaints are for these Grand Design products. Cargo and entry doors that open and slideouts that extend while in transit increase the risk of injury or a crash. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to determine whether an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety exists. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
2021 Grand Design Momentum Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year