2017 Grand Design Momentum

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.

Based on internet craze of and symptoms of Frame Flex | Frame Failure on Grand Design Momentum 5th wheels I had my unit measured for Fram Flex by Grand Design at the GD East Coast Rally. According to their measurements at that time I was 1/16 inch away from needing to be concerned regarding frame flex. After the fact in reading Lippert Components Incorporated (LCI) measuring instructions Grand Design did NOT measure my unit per LCI's instructions. After much thought and continued symptoms of frame flex we decided to incur personal expenses and took our unit to Affinity RV group of Goshen Indiana to have an independent frame inspection completed. Affinity RV measured our unit following Lippert measuring instructions and confirmed Frame Flex. They are adding gussets and other assorted items to correct this Grand Design manufacturing defect.

NHTSA ID

11630779

Incident

Nov 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that the exterior storage doors failed to close properly. The contact stated that the generator doors almost detached, and the front rubber trim hold was detaching. The RV was towed to the dealer, where several repairs were performed; however, the frame continued to fracture. The dealer advised the contact to park the RV. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11608008

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

This is a 43 foot fifth wheel RV. The frame near the front of the RV is showing signs of "frame-flex," or frame cracking. The attached pictures illustrate where the walls are shifting and creating wear marks; this is consistent with other RV owners experiences the same problem. This issue could contribute in further frame cracking that may result in significant property damage or even death. I plan to report this issue today to the manufacturer, Grand Design.

NHTSA ID

11591491

Incident

May 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V038000 (Equipment). The local dealer was contacted but declined to service the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no additional assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO DEALER IN THE STATE ABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL AS A SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED.

NHTSA ID

11464073

Incident

Jan 28, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GRAND DESIGN MOMENTUM RV EQUIPPED WITH FTS TIRES, TIRE LINE: WESTLAKE, TIRE SIZE: ST235/80/R16 N/A, DOT NUMBER: JUMR2CT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. AFTER EACH FAILURE, THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT, OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE WAS 3,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE FOR THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,200.

NHTSA ID

11355172

Incident

Jun 30, 2020

Mileage

3,000 mi

THE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY LIPPERT COMPONENTS INC ON THIS RV AND MANY OTHER RV'S HAVE AN ISSUE KNOWN BY THE MAUFACTURER RELATED TO AXLE GREASE LEAKING PAST THE INNER LIP SEAL. THE EXCESS LEAKING GREASE CONTAMINATES THE BRAKE PAD AND DRUM CONTACT SURFACES RESULTING IN SEVERLY DIMINISHED BRAKING ABILITY, WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT IN EMERGENCY STOPPING SITUATIONS.

NHTSA ID

11204463

Incident

Apr 27, 2019

Mileage

6,000 mi

LEAF SPRINGS BROKEN, CUTTING WIRE TO ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKES. TWO LEAF SPRING FAILURES, ONE AT 11 MONTHS SINCE PURCHASE, SECOND FAILURE AT 13 MONTHS. BOTH FAILURES WHILE MOVING.

NHTSA ID

11115609

Incident

Apr 5, 2018

Mileage

11,000 mi

I PURCHASED A NEW GRAND DESIGN MOMENTUM 350M AT HOLIDAY WORLD KATY, TEXAS. AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF THE CAMPING TRAILER & CHECKING HOOK-UP TO TRUCK, LIGHTS & BRAKES IN THE PARKING LOT, I TOWED THE 350M ABOUT 50 MILES ACROSS HOUSTON. I WAS QUITE CONCERNED WITH THE POOR BRAKING QUALITY OF THE CAMPING TRAILER, EVEN AFTER INCREASING THE TRUCK BRAKE CONTROLLER GAIN TO 9.5 (OF POSSIBLE 10). I THOUGHT MAYBE THE BRAKES NEEDED MORE 'BREAK-IN TIME' SO A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I SLOWLY TOWED THE CAMPING TRAILER 400 MILES TO MY HOME IN S. TEXAS. I BECAME VERY CONCERNED WITH THE BRAKING QUALITY OF THE 350M AND CONSIDERED IT A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. ONCE HOME, I WOULD NOT TOW THE UNIT ANY FURTHER WITHOUT MAKING SERIOUS IMPROVEMENT TO THE TRAILERS BRAKING CAPABILITY. AFTER JOINING GRAND DESIGN OWNER FORUMS WE REALIZED THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS ALSO HAD BRAKING ISSUES. I HAD A CERTIFIED MECHANIC PULL WHEELS & HUBS. LIKE MANY OTHER OWNERS, ALL 4 ELECTRIC/MAGNETIC BRAKES (DRUMS, MAGNETS, SHOES & ALL INSIDE THE DRUMS) WERE COATED WITH A HEAVY FILM OF GREASE. UNDERSTANDABLE WHY THE 350M & LIPPERT'S SELF ADJUSTING, ELECTRIC, MAGNETIC BRAKE SYSTEM WAS EXHIBITING VERY POOR QUALITY, UNSAFE BRAKING CAPABILITY. LIPPERT (LCI) SEMI-ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE IN JANUARY 2017 BUT WOULD NOT ADMIT ANY FAULT ON THEIR BEHALF. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THEIR BRAKE SYSTEM THAT NEEDS ATTENTION FROM THE NHTSA BEFORE THERE IS A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ATTACHED IS A PICTURE SHOWING SOME OF THE GREASE CONTAMINATION UPON REMOVING THE WHEEL HUB FROM THE AXLE. THESE BRAKES DEPEND ON THE MAGNETIC FORCE AGAINST THE ROTATING HUB TO 'APPLY BRAKE SHOE PRESSURE TO THE DRUM'. UNDERSTANDABLE WHY THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK EFFECTIVELY WITH A GREASE FILM ON THE MAGNET, ALL INSIDE THE DRUM AREA & ALSO ON BRAKE SHOES. SHAMEFUL WHY A LARGE COMPANY LIKE LIPPERT WILL NOT "OWN UP" TO & CORRECT THE PROBLEM ! CAN THE NHTSA HELP ?

NHTSA ID

11000307

Incident

May 12, 2017

Mileage

75 mi

Customer Satisfaction Program released to have a protective heat shield installed behind convection microwave on units identified below to address concerns with excessive heat buildup.

The fuel gauges may be wired incorrectly. As a result, the interior fuel gauge does not function properly.