2021 GRAND DESIGN REFLECTION

STRUCTURE

This is a Fifth wheel RV a 2021 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS. The Steel "I" Beam frame is developing cracks in the I Beam in the area of the spring hangers for the axles. This is yet to actually case an accident but may very well lead to one if the cracking worsens and the frame fails. Frame failure at highway speed is an obvious concern. This is something I believe is caused by defective parts made by LCI (Lippert) Corp. and used by Grand Design. This frame failure is not uncommon and based on my continuing research is happening on hundreds if not thousands of these RV's. Raising awareness and requiring Grand Design to recall and repair / replace these defective frames is the ultimate goal. Please zoom in on the pictures to see one of the cracks in the frame.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This is a Fifth wheel RV a 2021 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS. The Steel "I" Beam frame is developing cracks in the I Beam in the area of the spring hangers for the axles. This is yet to actually case an accident but may very well lead to one if the cracking worsens and the frame fails. Frame failure at highway speed is an obvious concern. This is something I believe is caused by defective parts made by LCI (Lippert) Corp. and used by Grand Design. This frame failure is not uncommon and based on my continuing research is happening on hundreds if not thousands of these RV's. Raising awareness and requiring Grand Design to recall and repair / replace these defective frames is the ultimate goal. Please zoom in on the pictures to see one of the cracks in the frame.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The upper right front side of the fifth wheel trailer is separating from the trailer frame in the pin box area. The structure of the trailer seems to not be properly connected to the frame or there is flex in the frame that is causing the structure to detach. Recently after having it inspected by a dealer, bolts and welds in the structure were broken and stripped resulting in the frame not being properly attached to the structure. The unit was taken to a dealer and repairs were made at the owner's expense. Broken and stripped out bolts were replaced/repaired and broken welds were also fixed. Grand Design has released a Technical Service Bulletin that covers fifth wheel models Solitude and Momentum that have this same issues but that Technical Service Bulletin does not cover Reflection models. The same issue that is plaguing the Solitude and Momentum models is affecting the Reflection model, but is not included to be repaired under the Technical Service Bulletin.

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:INTEGRATED JACK/LEVELER/STABILIZER

1. DETACHED REAR WALL The interior screws on the back wall tore a horizontal hole (approx 1/2 inch), and interior cabinetry joints are pulling apart. I looked outside to see if there were any signs that were indicative of rear wall separation. The Reflection 150 has an underbelly covering, so mostly the structure/frame is not readily viewable. However, investigating outside I found the black skirt wrinkled/buckled on the rear/drivers side. Upon googling, this is apparent indication of rear wall brackets broken/rear wall detached. 2. iFAME CRACKS ABOVE AXLES While investigating, I found severe iFrame cracks on both drivers side and passenger side. I contacted Grand Design who referred me to Lippert, who suggested we use a Lippert agent. 2 Florida local agents declined to get involved, so i returned to the dealer where i purchased the RV - 500 miles away in Georgia, after an email & phone consult. After 5 weeks, they said they would rather not do the job, and after 2 weeks prompting, Lippert agreed to schedule a 'courtesy inspection' - a month out. The dealer that inspected the RV stated that they thought the floor is subsiding & they think it is related to frame issues, but could not be sure without a more thorough inspection (but would need to remove under belly). 3. BROKEN LEAF SPRING In April 2023 we replaced all the leaf springs when we had one fail on the road.

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

1. DETACHED REAR WALL The interior screws on the back wall tore a horizontal hole (approx 1/2 inch), and interior cabinetry joints are pulling apart. I looked outside to see if there were any signs that were indicative of rear wall separation. The Reflection 150 has an underbelly covering, so mostly the structure/frame is not readily viewable. However, investigating outside I found the black skirt wrinkled/buckled on the rear/drivers side. Upon googling, this is apparent indication of rear wall brackets broken/rear wall detached. 2. iFAME CRACKS ABOVE AXLES While investigating, I found severe iFrame cracks on both drivers side and passenger side. I contacted Grand Design who referred me to Lippert, who suggested we use a Lippert agent. 2 Florida local agents declined to get involved, so i returned to the dealer where i purchased the RV - 500 miles away in Georgia, after an email & phone consult. After 5 weeks, they said they would rather not do the job, and after 2 weeks prompting, Lippert agreed to schedule a 'courtesy inspection' - a month out. The dealer that inspected the RV stated that they thought the floor is subsiding & they think it is related to frame issues, but could not be sure without a more thorough inspection (but would need to remove under belly). 3. BROKEN LEAF SPRING In April 2023 we replaced all the leaf springs when we had one fail on the road.

STRUCTURE

1. DETACHED REAR WALL The interior screws on the back wall tore a horizontal hole (approx 1/2 inch), and interior cabinetry joints are pulling apart. I looked outside to see if there were any signs that were indicative of rear wall separation. The Reflection 150 has an underbelly covering, so mostly the structure/frame is not readily viewable. However, investigating outside I found the black skirt wrinkled/buckled on the rear/drivers side. Upon googling, this is apparent indication of rear wall brackets broken/rear wall detached. 2. iFAME CRACKS ABOVE AXLES While investigating, I found severe iFrame cracks on both drivers side and passenger side. I contacted Grand Design who referred me to Lippert, who suggested we use a Lippert agent. 2 Florida local agents declined to get involved, so i returned to the dealer where i purchased the RV - 500 miles away in Georgia, after an email & phone consult. After 5 weeks, they said they would rather not do the job, and after 2 weeks prompting, Lippert agreed to schedule a 'courtesy inspection' - a month out. The dealer that inspected the RV stated that they thought the floor is subsiding & they think it is related to frame issues, but could not be sure without a more thorough inspection (but would need to remove under belly). 3. BROKEN LEAF SPRING In April 2023 we replaced all the leaf springs when we had one fail on the road.

STRUCTURE

I purchased a 2021 Grand Design Reflection 28BH fifth wheel in December 2024. Within the first year, I faced multiple warranty issues, including a $5,000 slide-out repair I had to cover out of pocket. Last summer, Grand Design’s CEO, Don Clark, stated in an email that the frame warranty had been extended to five years. However, my RV soon developed serious structural issues. The pin box and surrounding areas creaked and popped when hitching and unhitching. Stress cracks formed on the fiberglass front cap and above the main slide-out. The upper deck floor became spongy and creaky. The shower made excessive noise when walking near it. Cabinet doors in the bedroom opened while driving, and lag screws in the upper deck stripped out of the wall. Concerned for my safety, I took my RV to Busted Knuckle RV & Trailer Repair, a certified repair center, and filed a warranty claim with Grand Design. Their inspection revealed severe damage, including missing and stripped lag screws, a broken pin box, failing sill plates, broken floor supports, and multiple cracked or missing welds. The repair shop filed a claim, expecting coverage under the five-year frame warranty. To my disappointment, Grand Design denied the claim, stating the issues were “within spec.” They only covered six hours of labor for the inspection and refused repairs. Grand Design issued TSB 24-001 for Solitude and Momentum models but won’t acknowledge the same defects in Reflection models. With my RV unsafe to tow, I had no choice but to pay $5,400 out of pocket for partial repairs. Completing the remaining work is estimated at over $17,000. Despite their claimed five-year frame warranty, Grand Design refuses to cover these failures. Others face similar denials, making this a pattern of neglect. I am extremely disappointed in Grand Design’s failure to honor its commitments. I urge them to take responsibility, stand behind their product, and do the right thing.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I purchased a 2021 Grand Design Reflection 28BH fifth wheel in December 2024. Within the first year, I faced multiple warranty issues, including a $5,000 slide-out repair I had to cover out of pocket. Last summer, Grand Design’s CEO, Don Clark, stated in an email that the frame warranty had been extended to five years. However, my RV soon developed serious structural issues. The pin box and surrounding areas creaked and popped when hitching and unhitching. Stress cracks formed on the fiberglass front cap and above the main slide-out. The upper deck floor became spongy and creaky. The shower made excessive noise when walking near it. Cabinet doors in the bedroom opened while driving, and lag screws in the upper deck stripped out of the wall. Concerned for my safety, I took my RV to Busted Knuckle RV & Trailer Repair, a certified repair center, and filed a warranty claim with Grand Design. Their inspection revealed severe damage, including missing and stripped lag screws, a broken pin box, failing sill plates, broken floor supports, and multiple cracked or missing welds. The repair shop filed a claim, expecting coverage under the five-year frame warranty. To my disappointment, Grand Design denied the claim, stating the issues were “within spec.” They only covered six hours of labor for the inspection and refused repairs. Grand Design issued TSB 24-001 for Solitude and Momentum models but won’t acknowledge the same defects in Reflection models. With my RV unsafe to tow, I had no choice but to pay $5,400 out of pocket for partial repairs. Completing the remaining work is estimated at over $17,000. Despite their claimed five-year frame warranty, Grand Design refuses to cover these failures. Others face similar denials, making this a pattern of neglect. I am extremely disappointed in Grand Design’s failure to honor its commitments. I urge them to take responsibility, stand behind their product, and do the right thing.

STRUCTURE:BODY

While towing this 5th wheel camper we observed vertical motion between the truck and camper body. We had a mobile service technician expose the front frame and inspect, he found 3 frame cracks. We have an appointment with Grand Design on June 9, 2025 for their inspection & repair.

STRUCTURE

2021 Grand Design Reflection 268bh Slide out opens about 1" - 2" during transport Rear wall separating from back main frame (1"-2") Wall pulling away from roof at the front of RV Outriggers bent in the back of RV (2)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2021 Grand Design Reflection 268bh Slide out opens about 1" - 2" during transport Rear wall separating from back main frame (1"-2") Wall pulling away from roof at the front of RV Outriggers bent in the back of RV (2)

STRUCTURE:BODY

Excessive front nose cap/upper deck movement during travel (bouncing), suspect welds holding the riser wall and upper deck may be broken. Bottom flange of I-beam buckled over two foot span. Both diver and passenger side walls have pulled away from structural support. Floor dropped on both sides (bowing). Living room floor has slope to the back left since I purchased it new. Kingpin or pin box is not centered and shifted to where philon trim hung up on pin box. Passenger side wall appears to have shifted forward during transport. Bedroom doors no longer align with the jam/catch. Decal on passenger wall where the wall meets the front cap are distorted suggesting frame flex. Grand Design Service Response Team welded an 8 foot bead along the upper I-beam to "adjust" camber however when SRT performed measurements to diagnose he found the passenger side camber to be within spec yet he performed the camber adjustment to this side anyway by welding an 8 foot bead as well. Extended floor joists are bent down. In light of all these issues we feel towing this rig would be a danger to my family's lives as well as any other life on the road around us. Currently the pin box alone has excessive movement.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Excessive front nose cap/upper deck movement during travel (bouncing), suspect welds holding the riser wall and upper deck may be broken. Bottom flange of I-beam buckled over two foot span. Both diver and passenger side walls have pulled away from structural support. Floor dropped on both sides (bowing). Living room floor has slope to the back left since I purchased it new. Kingpin or pin box is not centered and shifted to where philon trim hung up on pin box. Passenger side wall appears to have shifted forward during transport. Bedroom doors no longer align with the jam/catch. Decal on passenger wall where the wall meets the front cap are distorted suggesting frame flex. Grand Design Service Response Team welded an 8 foot bead along the upper I-beam to "adjust" camber however when SRT performed measurements to diagnose he found the passenger side camber to be within spec yet he performed the camber adjustment to this side anyway by welding an 8 foot bead as well. Extended floor joists are bent down. In light of all these issues we feel towing this rig would be a danger to my family's lives as well as any other life on the road around us. Currently the pin box alone has excessive movement.

STRUCTURE

We are experiencing a serious frame issue on our 2021 GD Reflection 367BHS 5th wheel. We normally do not unhitch when overnight boondocking. Last evening we noticed that the floor in front of the bedroom closet seemed to rise up slightly. Didn't think much of it until we noticed at the next campground that the hallway wall by the bedroom door moved up about an inch and the bedroom door was jammed and would not open. Once we unhitched and put the weight on the landing gear the hallway wall moved back into position as did the bedroom floor and the bedroom door was again free to open. After hitching back up, taking the weight off the landing gear, and investigating further, we noticed that the entire frame had separated in the compartment where the propane is on the passenger side of the RV. On a recommendation I was told to check the bolts behind the bedroom dresser that secure the sides to the frame and they were snapped off. Frame flex is a know issue by the manufacture for the past year or so.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We are experiencing a serious frame issue on our 2021 GD Reflection 367BHS 5th wheel. We normally do not unhitch when overnight boondocking. Last evening we noticed that the floor in front of the bedroom closet seemed to rise up slightly. Didn't think much of it until we noticed at the next campground that the hallway wall by the bedroom door moved up about an inch and the bedroom door was jammed and would not open. Once we unhitched and put the weight on the landing gear the hallway wall moved back into position as did the bedroom floor and the bedroom door was again free to open. After hitching back up, taking the weight off the landing gear, and investigating further, we noticed that the entire frame had separated in the compartment where the propane is on the passenger side of the RV. On a recommendation I was told to check the bolts behind the bedroom dresser that secure the sides to the frame and they were snapped off. Frame flex is a know issue by the manufacture for the past year or so.