2024 Grand Design Imagine

Faulty panel wiring but everything works on shore and truck power. Called Grand Design (case #00996054) and was told it was a bad LiFEPO4 battery . I open the distribution panel and the schematic shows I should have 2 red wires (one to converter and the other to the battery) but I only have 1. Solution: Issue was in the original wiring from the factory. I called GD again and tech noticed the red wire was there but incorrectly connected to the DC fuse panel side (essentially bypassing the converter) as "battery disconnect." For my sanity I spent $165, not reimburseable per GD, and had a RV service tech come out and confirm the wiring was now correct and was told once I got a new battery everything will work as intended. I purchased new smart LiFePO4 and now all 12V equipment works as it should both on and off shore power. In conclusion, I've had no battery power once both the OEM and replacement LiFePO4 batteries went dead because they were "NEVER/EVER" being charged since the batteries were "NOT CONNECTED". This meant the battery disconnect never functioned from the beginning and when the RV battery disconnect is switched to "off," it severs the connection between the battery and the RV's 12-volt DC system and therefore the battery will not power appliances or charge when connected to shore power. By connecting an RV battery directly to the 12V DC panel (bypassing the converter) means the battery becomes the sole power source for all 12-volt appliances. Issues: Limited power duration--12V items will run until the battery drains, which can happen in a few hours/days depending on usage. No automatic charging--The battery will not be recharged, as the converter is not in the loop. Once the battery dies, you will lose all 12V power. Safety risk--The battery is likely connected to the panel without a battery disconnect switch or proper fuses, creating a potential fire hazard if a short occurs.

NHTSA ID

11731911

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

Purchased brand new 2024 Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE on Feb 8, 2025. Have taken trailer out twice for three days in the local area to perform operational testing of the travel trailer before traveling outside of the area. Dust caps on bearing axle came loose so took trailer in for inspection. Repair shop found that all hubs were empty of grease and castle nuts were loose, hubs have extensive heat discoloration as well as bearing play, travel trailer will need new bearings, hugs and bearing races. This is a brand-new trailer, and this could have ended in catastrophic consequences causing a serious or fatal accident. When purchasing a new travel trailer the assumption is made that the axles should be quality inspected and good to operate. I have now read on group forums that this has happened to others. This needs looked into asap.

NHTSA ID

11650805

Incident

Mar 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Grand Design Imagine. The contact stated that while removing the spare tire secured under the RV, the contact noticed that the spare tire crank assembly wire attaching the spare tire to the RV had frayed. The contact was concerned that the frayed wire could cause the spare tire to detach while driving. The RV was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

NHTSA ID

11623407

Incident

Nov 3, 2024

Mileage

1,000 mi

In September 2023, we purchased our 2024 Grand Design Imagine AIM RB travel trailer. We started receiving trailer brake warnings on our truck immediately after purchasing the camper and brought it back to the dealership. The service technicians assured us that there were no issues with the brakes. In January 2024, the brakes locked up and started burning while we were driving on [XXX] in the Phoenix metro area. We had the camper towed to an authorized service dealer in Surprise, AZ, where the brakes were replaced and a switch was installed to prevent the solar panels from overloading the battery. The brakes continued to be an issue despite being sent on our way with assurances that the brakes were working. While traveling, we realized that our brakes were not functioning and were cold to the touch even after using them during travel. In February, we heard loud, metallic clanking from the right side of the brakes and returned to a dealership in Tucson, Arizona, for repair . The service manager shared that the right brake was burned up and pieces had broken off inside the drum. They replaced the brakes so that we could safely move on. Traveling from Tucson, Arizona, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, we again discovered that the right side brake was not functioning so we found a storage facility and put the trailer into storage so we could travel safely. We again contacted Grand Design and schedule service for the brakes for May 2024. Again, the service department replaced the brakes and assured us that the issue was resolved. It was not. Traveling from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to our home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, we found that the brakes on the right side of the trailer were not working and were cold to the touch. Travelling without functioning brakes represents a serious risk to our safety as well as the safety of other travelers. We still have no resolution from Grand Design. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11619026

Incident

May 20, 2024