2023 GRAND DESIGN MOMENTUM Structure Problems

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum. The contact stated that the trailer was shifting on the frame. The contact stated that the welds, bolts, and frame were fractured, and while driving, the frame flexed unexpectedly. The trailer was taken to the local dealer, but the diagnosis was not provided. The trailer was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

The front of our grand design momentum fifth wheel camper has sustained some structural failure. Our bedroom slide will no longer stay closed when driving down the road. Our storage doors will also open every now and then when we encounter rough bumps or rough roads. We began to notice some small damage inside the front bedroom of the unit as well. The camper has been untowable for nearly 6 months, with no help from the manufacturer. Even though the have issued an extended warranty for like issues.

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that the RV had experienced structural failures with the upper deck bedroom and upper deck bathroom. The contact stated that the RV failure was caused by the frame flex, which caused the floors in the bedroom and upper bathroom to squeak and sag while walking on the floor. The contact also stated that the failure had caused the seal around the bedroom window to become defective. The RV was taken to an RV dealer for repair. The contact sent several letters to the manufacturer about the failure. The contact received a response from the manufacturer that a response from the dealer was needed to proceed with any repair of the vehicle. The contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin: 24-001, which the contact linked to the failure. The RV was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that the RV had experienced structural failures in the upper deck bedroom. The contact stated that the RV failure was caused by lag bolts that had backed out and become unsecured. The contact stated that the bedroom nightstand moved and pulled away from the bedroom wall due to the structural failure. The manufacturer and dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The RV was not yet repaired. The contact was informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 24-001; which addressed the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Overview: This complaint is being submitted in response to alarming and persistent structural failures experienced in our 2023 Grand Design Momentum fifth wheel RV, purchased new in January 2023 from Lazydays RV in Tampa, FL. Despite receiving a factory service bulletin (TSB) and subsequent repairs under warranty, our unit has continued to exhibit excessive frame flex, wall and floor deformation, compromised slide operations, and related structural issues. The failures not only impact the unit’s functionality and safety but raise concerns about a broader systemic issue with the frame design and manufacturing integrity of Grand Design RVs. Our documented repair history and recurring defects suggest these problems stem from substandard frame construction and flex-related design flaws, rather than isolated workmanship errors. Final Remarks: We are not the only owners reporting these failures. Online forums and recent class action filings against Grand Design point to a concerning trend of recurring frame failures that the company appears unwilling or unable to resolve comprehensively. As consumers, we have exhausted all reasonable efforts to seek a resolution through the manufacturer and authorized third-party repair channels. It is our belief that these ongoing frame flex problems represent a safety hazard and require urgent federal oversight and regulatory action to ensure no further units are sold with such defects. We welcome a physical inspection of our unit by NHTSA representatives in the Richmond, Virginia area at your earliest convenience

This RV has experienced ongoing water intrusion due to faulty manufacturer-installed plumbing fittings and hoses, which allowed leaks into the interior. Moisture has reached electrical wiring, creating a serious fire hazard and contributing to unsafe living conditions. Essential components—including the furnace, refrigerator, and water heater—have proven unreliable or unusable throughout the ownership period. Mold growth has appeared due to the persistent damp environment. This has caused health issues, including respiratory difficulties, headaches, brain fog, and fatigue, with heightened risk due to a pre-existing asthma condition. Structural issues include misaligned exterior doors that fail to seal properly and loud creaking/popping noises during hitching, suggesting possible frame or chassis integrity problems. Equipment failures include a non-functional center awning, persistent sewer odor (suggesting a failed ventilation system), and malfunctioning A/C and heating units. Despite multiple inspections and documented findings from Grand Design–approved technicians, the manufacturer has offered only limited, pre-approved repairs that fail to address root causes. These problems severely impact the safety and habitability of the RV, which is used as a full-time residence. The manufacturer has declined a full inspection, replacement, or buyback. No warning lamps appeared, but symptoms began shortly after purchase and have worsened. The RV remains available for inspection. We request a formal investigation into possible safety standard violations.

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that while the trailer was parked at a campground, he became aware of gaps in the front body panel. Additionally, the pin box and front landing gear were not leveled with the ground and the primary bedroom had excessive frame flex. The trailer was taken to the dealer, where the front body panel was disassembled, and the bolts replaced. The failure persisted, and the trailer was taken to Great American RV Super Stores (12167 Interchange Dr, Grand Bay, AL 36541), where it was discovered that the front body panel and frame bolts were the incorrect size and the bolts were replaced with larger bolts. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

Mileage: 12,000

The upper deck portion of the 5th wheel frame has been moving independently of the walls which is commonly referred to as "frame flex" or "frame failure", as evidenced by the following: a gap between the wall and floor in the bedroom above the upper deck, pin box receding into the trailer, loose, bent, and missing lag bolts which connect the upper deck to the frame, irregular slide operation in the bedroom above the upper deck, man doors in the trailer being out of square, cargo doors opening during travel, separation of the seam between the filon and "nose", squeaky flooring in the bedroom above the upper deck. The manufacturer has offered to transport the trailer to their manufacturing facility and perform what they are calling a "super" inspection if we agree to sign a release and non-disclosure agreement. The structural components of the trailer are covered by a 5 year warranty which should not require a release and NDA. The trailer is not safe and would be irresponsible to use in its current condition. The "super inspection" repair scope is vague, and the required legal agreement should not be required because the trailer is within the warranty period. The trailer spent almost 10 months at an authorized repair facility. The work done at the repair facility did not resolve or fully and correctly address the frame related issues. The repair facility has in its possession approx 400 pictures of the work performed on our trailer which they will not release to us. The work orders associated with the work done during the 10 months that the trailer was in the repair facility are vague and do not detail what was or was not done.

We were driving through a mountain range and the trailer brakes went out on Trailer. Had to us exhaust brake to slow trailer down and stop. We could have crashed putting my family of 4 at high risk as well as others on the road. This was an extremely scary trip with no trailer braking. Our inverter and battery switch caught fire during a camping trip 8/12/24. My family was put in harm's way with the possibility of the trailer going up in flames! Called Grand Design. They immediately made a ticket for a technician to come replace inverter and other wiring. Grand Design told us we were NOT to use our trailer until all fixed. Grand Design flew a technician out 8/20/24 to replace inverter. Technician held up the inverter to us, it was melted. He said this was completely Grand Design's fault. Also was told by technician to take trailer in for frame flex issues as well from recall by Grand Design. The frame flex was real. We had issues with our slides as well as the body looking crooked on the frame. The RV service center Grand Design sent us to found that there were ZERO lag bolts installed holding the body on the frame. The front corner of trailer was leaking due to the roof failing. Grand Design called for replacement of all cabinetry in front area as well as replace entire roof. This frame flex could have had detrimental outcomes due to the frame not being bolted down. All components that failed have been fixed by a certified rv service center. We have not used the trailer as we picked it up one week ago. We are nervous to use the trailer with all the issues we had. There was no warning to any of these failures.

We are showing many signs of excessive frame flex/failure in our 2023 Grand Design Momentum 397THS. Our baggage/storage doors do not properly fit nor lock. The RV was in the shop from Jan-May 2023 to address this. Had the doors replaced and resealed. They still are not flush with the RV, still barely latch, and have popped open while driving. While in the shop, they addressed but "could not duplicate" the underbelly continuously filling with water when it rains. Excessive amounts of water that saturate all of the insulation-- causing us to drive with extra weight until we can stop and replace it all. Not sure where the water even comes from. Our filon around the hitch is seperating. Our pinch molding on both sides completely falls out. The screws holding front cap to roof popped out, sealant broken. There is wall separation in the lower deck. This causes excess rubbing of the walls, popping trim pieces off, and dust left after any movement of the RV. There is loud creaking and popping as we lift our RV off of our truck. The lag bolts are unscrewing themselves from the frame in the upper deck. Slide in the upper deck is digging into the flooring, leaving indentations, while in transit. Floor creaking in upper deck. Our electrical wiring for our running lights/turn signals/brake lights, as well as our leveling system wires were zip tied to the spindle of our slide. This caused the wires to wrap around over and over and slice themselves apart. In turn causing ALL of those systems to fail-- no running lights, no turn signals, no brake lights, and our jacks would not go down.

My RV's frame has compromised integrity. During transit, it flexes beyond the allowable range specified by the manufacturer. The inspected frame is available for further evaluation upon request. The flexing of the frame poses a significant safety risk, resulting in cargo doors opening unintentionally and RV slide rooms shifting to the open position while the vehicle is in tow. Furthermore, during my inspection and the subsequent assessment by the authorized service center, I identified multiple critical issues: lag bolts connecting the unit's walls to the frame were found to be missing, loose, and bent. There were also instances where holes existed in the frame without lag bolts. Additionally, cracks were observed in several welds, welded metal reinforcement tabs were broken, and there were indications of torn or sheared metal. Strained and moving parts were also noted, indicated by rust formation and an accumulation of metal shavings throughout the kingpin area. Consequently, the structural integrity of the kingpin, which connects the RV to the tow vehicle during transit, remains to be determined. The manufacturer-authorized service center has confirmed all issues above. Service center technicians, a manufacturer representative, and I inspected the vehicle using Grand Design Technical Service Bulletin 24-001 as the inspection criteria. January 24 - June 24 I observed an accumulation of sawdust in various locations within the RV. This was accompanied by the disintegration of cabinetry. Cabinet doors detached from their frames, trim separated from the walls, and cabinetry began detaching from both the wall and floor. Side tables had contact marks from contact with outer walls during transit. The aluminum garage door surround had cracked welds at three corners. Pantry shelves were dislodged, and cabinets above the coffee bar showed separation at the corners. Trim over the upper deck frame rail detached.

Purchased new June 2023 in Tuscon AZ. No issues until underbelly filled with water and had to be serviced in Albuquerque NM. Issue was not resolved with water pump replacement. Towed to Homerville OH not knowing water leak still exists and where frame flex was discovered. Man doors, propane tank doors, and basement doors randomly open while in tow and stationery. The seal for nose cone and felon broken and screws missing that secure nose to the chasse. May 2024, Grand Design picked up and towed the 5th wheel back to factory for frame flex repairs. A gusset "kit" was added, welded to existing frame. Door locks were adjusted, front man door replaced, one basement door replaced as it was water damaged, and is again. There were missing/never installed lag bolts for upper deck side walls. It is documented the lag bolts were replaced with larger ones and missing ones were added. Rear man door adjusted however still does not close from inside. There are huge gaps along door frames you can see daylight through. On Oct. 5, 2024, we towed the 5th wheel 10 miles to a winter location. When lowering and hitching up there was a very loud metal snapping, explosive sound came from the frame when the weight was put back onto the suspension. It was so very loud it made my heart skip a beat. It was like a cannon ball struck the metal frame. Definitely metal popping and snapping. As of today, Nov 21, 2024, the man door in garage is inoperable, the floors creek from nose to interior door to garage. The floors seem bowed. The front man door randomly opens when people or the dog walk past it on the inside. The basement doors randomly open and are water damaged. The slide in bedroom {holds the bed} is tilted and falling out of the wall. Air leaks all around the slide as if the frame is twisted. Grand Design states an SRT can be here in a couple of months. We are parked on an oversized level concrete pad. I feel the mixed metal the frame is made of didn't hold the welds. Not safe to tow.

The main and nautilus doors to the camper will not stay closed during travel. This usually happens with 10 miles or less and I have to stop to close them.

I was made aware of Grand Design’s Technical Service Bulletin 24-001 concerning issues with undersized and/or missing lag screws possibly be on some models of their fifth wheel campers. I was able to determine that our Momentum 381MS had the undersized 3/8” lag screws used in the construction of our camper. I made an appointment with Campers Inn in Jeffersonville, IN and took it in. I was notified by them on 8-5-24 that there were also 4 missing lag screws. They also told me there were broken welds on the frame. I went there on 8-6-24 and took pictures of the frame and a lag screws. In addition to this, on the only trip we have made with the camper we had issues of both walk through entrance doors coming open while traveling. The entrance door into the garage door came open twice and the door into the main area came open once. I was made aware of this by other motorists.

The dealership has declared frame failure and failure of the pin box flexing up to 3-4 inches just picking it up with a forklift. Lag bolts are missing and/or backed out. Dealer has deemed it not safe for use. They will not move it out of their bay. Fist signs were wall separation throughout the RV. Doors not closing because door opening was out of square. Floor squeaking in multiple location. Center Island moves and squeaking. Abnormal wear on middle axle tires. Unusual pop from passenger level leg that shakes the rig. Excessive creaking underway.

Upon returning from a most recent trip we started to notice significant floor noise, moving interior cabinetry, and a cracked front cap on our 2023 Grand Design Momentum 395MS-R. We were instructed by Grand Design to take our unit to our dealer for inspection and servicing. During the time at the dealer, an SRT from Grand Design was on site and was actually the one to perform the inspection and supposed repairs. The only work done was a few sets of measurements, which Grand Design originally provided conflicting information on and the addition of larger lag bolts in a certain easily accessible area of our unit. There is a documented TSB 24-001 that has been dispersed for owners and the exact process detailed in this TSB was not in any way followed by the SRT during the inspection and remedy of our unit. This is the exact response we are receiving when questioning this specific part, "SRT didn’t feel he needed to tear the whole front apart because measurements were within tolerance. He mentioned that it really wasn’t necessary to compromise the seal on the front filon." According to the SRT, the measurements are in spec, however we have not been able to obtain the actual official measurements from the SRT on the TSB. We fear at this point our unit is compromised and being covered up by the manufacturer. This issue is known and has been expressed by many. Countless models are in the dealer warranty centers being worked on for the identical issues where a shortcut or mistake was made in the manufacturing process leaving hundreds if not thousands of consumers with units they are questioning to be road worthy. We deserve better handling of the issues and honestly a nationwide recall of all units falling within the model and year range. I would like to have my specific case addressed and escalated along with a better answer from the company to consumers on how exactly this is going to be handled and resolved. These units can not be deemed road worthy!!!! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR

We have a brand new 2023 Grand Design Momentum 5th wheel. Had her for 9 months. Taken only 2 trips thus far. I have a structural stress fractures on the corner of my closet slide (approx 4”), caulking around the front cap has been pulled away, both sides of our bedroom upper cabinets have about 3” cracks on the bottom along the wall from frame flex / failure. It’s difficult to close our main door. Often times it requires us to slam once or twice to get the door to close. All this is due to frame flex. I have spoken to Grand Design and they are sending a mobile SRT tech to my trailer to inspect and provide immediate repairs and deem the trailer safe to travel so I can take trailer to an authorized Grand Design dealer in New Orleans to fix our trailer.