Grand Design Imagine

[wtmtnhiker]

Hi all,
I have committed to purchase a 2018 Imagine 2600RB by private sale. I've been reading allot about spring issues on some Grand Designs but most of what I'm seeing is with the Reflection model 5th wheel. To those of you who may have knowledge of this trailer. Should the springs/axles be a concern for me? Anything else that has been a pattern failure that I should be concerned with and check out? Overall how has your experience been with your Grand Design trailer if there is anyone out there with one. Thanks.

[TurnThePage]

Every time I've needed a this or that, including replacement springs, I was able to find them locally. In this case, have them custom manufactured locally at competitive pricing. Spokane is not that big of a city.

[DB_Cooper]

Grand Design knows about the axle issue on the Imagine trailers that came with a 2-3/8" diameter axle that are rated for 3500lb. If you are still under warranty they will replace them with 3" diameter axles of the same rating. You can check the sticker on the axle or call Grand Design and give them your VIN.

And yes it is a Grand Design issue even though the axles are made by Dexter or Lippert. The manufacture is responsible for their sub-vendors. Good Luck.

[Huntindog]

When it comes to TT selection, I concern myself primarily with the things that would be difficult or impossible to change. A weak frame comes to mind. Floorplan is another.

Axles and springs are not on the list at all.

In fact if I was looking at a unit that was perfect in every way except the axles, springs, and tires.... I would buy it and then address those issues.

[goducks10]

Check the axles to see if they're 3500# and 3" dia. GD was putting 3500# and 2-3/4" axles on many of the Imagines back then.
Also look at your CCC sticker. Many early Imagines had CCC's of only 950#-1100#'s +/-.

Latter on GD started installing 4400# axles on units that came with 3500# axles to get the CCC higher.

[Second_Chance]

wtmtnhiker wrote:
Do you know where upgraded springs etc can be sourced?

The MOR/ryde suspension components can be ordered directly from MOR/ryde, I believe. I don't think they sell springs, but I'm pretty sure they can direct you to a source. You might also check with eTrailer.com and see what they can do for you.

Rob

[wtmtnhiker]

Lantley wrote:
THis is not a Gran Design issue but simply an issue where all RV manufacturers are failing the consumer. They engineer and assemble to minimal standards and suffer lots of failures across all brands. I do like Gran Design but this is simply an area where GD is no better than anyone else. They are all building/assembling the same junk using the same questionable components and techniques.
You will have to step up to a Mor Ryde independent suspension if you are really looking for something more substantial than the basic run of the mill stuff.

Do you know a good place to source the Mor Ryde parts. I had that on my Carriage Cameo 5th wheel and it was very durable.

[Lantley]

THis is not a Gran Design issue but simply an issue where all RV manufacturers are failing the consumer. They engineer and assemble to minimal standards and suffer lots of failures across all brands. I do like Gran Design but this is simply an area where GD is no better than anyone else. They are all building/assembling the same junk using the same questionable components and techniques.
You will have to step up to a Mor Ryde independent suspension if you are really looking for something more substantial than the basic run of the mill stuff.

[wtmtnhiker]

Second Chance wrote:
Springs and axles are a general concern on any towable RV with either Lippert or Dexter undercarriages. This is because the springs are made in China with Chinese steel. In addition, manufacturers don't always take into consideration the side-to-side differences in weight (i.e. one side being 500 - 800 lbs. heavier than the other because of appliances, etc.). You're seeing more issues with the Reflection series than with the Imagine trailers because the Reflections are just heavier units. The fact is that solid axles and leaf springs are 150 year old technology... at least. Those who have had issues or have been preemptive about it have swapped out the springs for ones made in the U.S. with U.S. steel taking into consideration weight differences between the sides. They also often replace/upgrade other suspension components such as shackles and install wet bolts and the like.

Do you know where upgraded springs etc can be sourced?

Bottom line, I wouldn't let these concerns stop me from buying an Imagine if there's one that is a good floor plan for you and fits your needs. GD's customer service is excellent (from personal experience). We've been full-time in our Reflection for over four years and 40K miles and are happy with it. We did replace the old-tech suspension with the MOR/ryde independent suspension and disk brakes - not a necessity for those not full-timing or putting on a lot of miles.

Rob

[Second_Chance]

Springs and axles are a general concern on any towable RV with either Lippert or Dexter undercarriages. This is because the springs are made in China with Chinese steel. In addition, manufacturers don't always take into consideration the side-to-side differences in weight (i.e. one side being 500 - 800 lbs. heavier than the other because of appliances, etc.). You're seeing more issues with the Reflection series than with the Imagine trailers because the Reflections are just heavier units. The fact is that solid axles and leaf springs are 150 year old technology... at least. Those who have had issues or have been preemptive about it have swapped out the springs for ones made in the U.S. with U.S. steel taking into consideration weight differences between the sides. They also often replace/upgrade other suspension components such as shackles and install wet bolts and the like.

Bottom line, I wouldn't let these concerns stop me from buying an Imagine if there's one that is a good floor plan for you and fits your needs. GD's customer service is excellent (from personal experience). We've been full-time in our Reflection for over four years and 40K miles and are happy with it. We did replace the old-tech suspension with the MOR/ryde independent suspension and disk brakes - not a necessity for those not full-timing or putting on a lot of miles.

Rob

[Huntindog]

wtmtnhiker wrote:
Hi all,
I have committed to purchase a 2018 Imagine 2600RB by private sale. I've been reading allot about spring issues on some Grand Designs but most of what I'm seeing is with the Reflection model 5th wheel. To those of you who may have knowledge of this trailer. Should the springs/axles be a concern for me? Anything else that has been a pattern failure that I should be concerned with and check out? Overall how has your experience been with your Grand Design trailer if there is anyone out there with one. Thanks.

95% of the TTs out there use the same springs.
Yes they sometimes fail. But they are cheap and easy to replace. If it happens to you, I recommend replacing them with the next weight heavier spring.