2023 Grand Design Momentum Problems

In 2023 we purchased this RV. Recently, we discovered that the cargo carrying capacity is incorrect by about 900 pounds, subject to Recall 23V-428. Grand Design knew of this defect before the rig was sold; however, they didn’t remove the vehicle from the dealers lot, nor were we ever contacted by Grand Design. Grand Design knew of the issue in June 2023, and we purchased our rig in July 2023. We also have had the rig in for repairs for broken leaf spring supports and now they’ve done some welding on our frame because of frame flex issues.

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the entry side doors unexpectedly opened. Additionally, the slides of the trailer occasionally unexpectedly extend without operator input. The contact stated that the front frame of the RV was cracked. The RV was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with structural failure of the front frame. The contact was not informed whether the frame could be repaired or needed to be replaced. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

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.

There is a serious electrical issue with the Grand Design Momentum 397ths. There are twenty-three electric outlets throughout the RV. Two are located outside. Two more are dedicated to microwave and electric fireplace. The two for microwave and fireplace are on their own breakers. All other twenty-one outlets are on just ONE 15 amp breaker. Typically there is a maximum of eight outlets per 15 amp breaker or a maximum of 10 amps on one breaker to avoid tripping the breaker. The outlet located on the side of the bathroom vanity under the sink in bathroom located in garage is not a GFCI although labeled as such. There are two GFCI outlets located in the front bathroom and the outlet beside the stove. In April of 2024 Grand Design took the RV from OH to Elkhart IN for repairs and address service bulletins for frame failure. I reported the issue at that time. I was informed the wiring of the outlets are wired according to specs and therefore no changes could be made. There is room for another breaker in the breaker box. We have been living in our RV full time and the breaker has tripped no less than six times per week. This constant overload is only leading to a fire hazards. This is yet another issue and example of potentially life threatening the RV industries refuse to make right.

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the entry side doors unexpectedly opened. Additionally, the slides of the trailer occasionally unexpectedly extend without operator input. The contact stated that the front frame of the RV was cracked. The RV was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with structural failure of the front frame. The contact was not informed whether the frame could be repaired or needed to be replaced. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

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.

In 2023 we purchased this RV. Recently, we discovered that the cargo carrying capacity is incorrect by about 900 pounds, subject to Recall 23V-428. Grand Design knew of this defect before the rig was sold; however, they didn’t remove the vehicle from the dealers lot, nor were we ever contacted by Grand Design. Grand Design knew of the issue in June 2023, and we purchased our rig in July 2023. We also have had the rig in for repairs for broken leaf spring supports and now they’ve done some welding on our frame because of frame flex issues.

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.

Front of 5th wheel movement caused by excessive frame failure, inspection shows 1/2" out of compliance. Lag screws around interior upper deck backed out and have to be tightened regularly, soft spot in floor between bathroom and upper deck bedroom. Additional body screws needed in garage area to hold skin in place. Front jacks angled.

For the safety of others I would like to report a potential issue with 2023 Grand Design Momentum 5th wheel trailer where the wheel will separate from the axle. This happened recently on September 15th @ 1:30pm while heading west bound on 1-80 just east of Sidney, NE. We heard a clunk, thinking it was a blowout I checked the rear view mirror only see the tire (drivers side rear) rolling away from the vehicle. We immediately pulled over to the side of the interstate and further inspection found the disc rotor hub/spindle missing from the ale. My understanding is this can only occur if the castle nut that holds the hub on the axle is missing. Further, the castle nut is locked in place by a cotter pin. Both the castle nut and cotter pin were missing. I found some parts remnants by the side of the road. (disc brake pad, broken rotor, brake caliper piston) While investigating the issue further in an attempt to understand what happened, I ran across a recall for a very similar issue NHTSA 23V-455 Curt Axle Grease Zerk.

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum hauled by a 2022 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the trailer brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over onto the side of the highway and was able to bring the trailer to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The trailer was taken to a local dealer and was inspected. The contact was advised that the trailer no longer had brake pads. The trailer was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.