Narrowed it down to 2

So are there any potential issues with the fridge being in the slide that I should be aware of?

DutchmenSport wrote:
Just by looking at the floor plan of the 2 models, I'd pick the Grand Design. With the slides in, you cannot access the bathroom on the Forest River. Bathroom is accessible with the slide in on the Grand Design.

Lack of access to the bathroom when traveling is a 100% deal breaker for us. Something to think about.....

They both have two doors and about the same bath access, unless I saw the wrong floor plans. I, too want access to the bath and fridge with the slide in and I want to be able to walk all the way thru as well without going outside to the other door.

Just by looking at the floor plan of the 2 models, I'd pick the Grand Design. With the slides in, you cannot access the bathroom on the Forest River. Bathroom is accessible with the slide in on the Grand Design.

Lack of access to the bathroom when traveling is a 100% deal breaker for us. Something to think about.....

I have a Surveyor and love it. They are not a top end trailer but you get a lot for your money. Right now Azdel is more of a marketing buzz word. Not all of the walls in a Surveyor (or most trailers) are made with Azdel. I would buy another if I was in the market, although my first choice would be a Lance. With 60 or more product lines Forest River is bound to have some bad reviews. Keep in mind that more people post negative reviews than positive. As stated, all brands (even the very best) will have problems. I've looked at the GD and they look very nice. I am also one who does not like the frig. in the slide out.

Sandia Man wrote:
No doubt Forest River RV issues are prevalent on the web, with so many divisions, brands, and models they are bound to have more written about them online. Grand Design RVs have just as many issues since all major RV manufacturers push them down the line and out the door as quickly as humanly possible.

Exactly. Between Forest River and Thor they hold over 80% market share or more. Grand Design is working for the crumbs of the remaining 20 or so percent and doing a good job of it.

OP The GD 2500RL turned me off for one reason, fridge in the slide, and the tacky LED interior lighting, looked like a cathouse. Well two reasons one easily corrected with a pair of dikes. Take a look at the Wildwood Heritage Glen Hyperlite 26RLHL.
Never been very impressed with Surveyor

No doubt Forest River RV issues are prevalent on the web, with so many divisions, brands, and models they are bound to have more written about them online. Grand Design RVs have just as many issues since all major RV manufacturers push them down the line and out the door as quickly as humanly possible. I have heard and read that they do have great customer service as it pertains to warranty issues, although the dealer you purchase your rig from has a lot to do with getting it right. Good luck, hope whatever brand you purchase delivers on all your expectations, there is bound to be issues which makes purchasing from a dealer with good customer service after the sale of paramount significance.

Wow.. there are a lot of posts with 'grand design' in them.

Both will have an issue or two. Buy the one you like most inside.

Honestly you'll find problems and praises with both trailers. It's the same with any trailer. I'm not biggest fan of FR trailers but I don't hate them either. However I never owned a Surveyor. I had a Salem and the fit and finish left a lot to be desired. Other than that it was a solid trailer. It's a cr*p shoot. Azdel construction is a plus, at least I think it is.

If they are at the same dealer you only have to decide between trailers. If they are at different dealerships then consider the dealerships to. Chances are you'll have to deal with them at least once in the first year. I had to with both our last two trailers. Both were new and they were both bought from the same dealership. That wasn't planned it just worked out that way. They did good both times.