2020 Grand Design Momentum problems

STRUCTURE

I'm submitting this report on our RV because we are discovering we very likely have an issue with the frame which is causing over flexing when it is being towed. This has caused damage inside the RV where the trim and cabinetry are damaging the walls due to more movement than should be occurring. We have notified the manufacturer, Grand Design, for guidance as we've read this could be caused by broken welds in the frame. They requested we send them photos which we have but are still waiting for information back from them. At this point we are concerned that the RV may not be safe to use until we can discuss in more detail the issues we are having and how they can't be fixed if possible. We are aware this is a known issue with this particular model RV. We were told about a TSB that suggested we check to see if the bolts were loose in the front of the unit where the wall and frame meet. We did this and they were loose so we had them replaced with the suggested larger size bolts listed in the TSB. After this was done we monitored the walls to see if we were still getting movement on the walls based on marks we made after the bolt were replaced and unfortunately we still did. Our understanding is the whole front panel of the RV has to be removed so the welds can be inspected and determined if any are broken or compromised and then determine if they can be repaired. Before doing this we want Grand Design to send us information on what to look for. Unfortunately our RV is over the 5 year extended frame warranty they provided so we don't think they will cover the costs although I think there should be compensation if it is determined the frame they used in manufacturing this RV was not strong enough to handle the weight.

NHTSA complaint #11745588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My Momentum 5th wheel is experiencing frame flex and wall separation . This condition is causing damage to the interior side wall adjacent to cabinets in the bedroom wall. Frame and or wall assembly is excessively moving in transport and during hooking and unhooking from the unit. Unit will be inspected in the near future by a Grand Design authorized service agents. The condition is further degrading the safety of the unit with each use in transit.

NHTSA complaint #11731307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Our camper has frame flex. We opened a claim in October 2025 with Grand Design. Received a letter stating they would cover any repairs. It's been in the shop now for over a month and they keep telling us the claim is "in review". Our upper deck frame is cracked/broken, our walls are separating, the door opens when we are traveling down the road. The roof is falling apart, bubbled and cracking. Side walls are cracked. We've sent pictures, the shop has sent pictures and we are getting no answers. The newest they are telling us is that it's now out of warranty. The camper isn't safe to tow and they aren't fixing it or providing the shop with details on how to fix it.

NHTSA complaint #11731344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

My Momentum 5th wheel is experiencing frame flex and wall separation . This condition is causing damage to the interior side wall adjacent to cabinets in the bedroom wall. Frame and or wall assembly is excessively moving in transport and during hooking and unhooking from the unit. Unit will be inspected in the near future by a Grand Design authorized service agents. The condition is further degrading the safety of the unit with each use in transit.

NHTSA complaint #11731307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that while the RV was parked, the contact heard an abnormally loud popping sound coming from behind the sleeping cabinets at the camping ground. The contact performed an inspection and noticed that the 110-volt electrical wires in the RV had shifted during travel and were touching the subframe of the RV. The contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the RV, and the refrigerator circuit braker then tripped. No warning lights were illuminated. The RV was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed electrical wiring system and junction box. The contact was informed that the wiring system and the junction box needed to be replaced, and the wires needed to be re-routed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

NHTSA complaint #11702463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

The contact owns a 2020 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that while the RV was parked, the contact heard an abnormally loud popping sound coming from behind the sleeping cabinets at the camping ground. The contact performed an inspection and noticed that the 110-volt electrical wires in the RV had shifted during travel and were touching the subframe of the RV. The contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the RV, and the refrigerator circuit braker then tripped. No warning lights were illuminated. The RV was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed electrical wiring system and junction box. The contact was informed that the wiring system and the junction box needed to be replaced, and the wires needed to be re-routed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

NHTSA complaint #11702463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2020 Grand Design Momentum. The contact stated that upon hitching the trailer to the vehicle and driving, the entire frame of the trailer was flexing. The contact stated that the failure caused the laundry room door to fail to latch because the attached wall was damaged. The contact stated that the internal trim screws had become loosened, and the trims were detaching. The contact stated that the front side of the frame, underneath the fifth wheel, was cracked on both the passenger's and driver's sides and had significantly fractured and detached on one side. The RV was taken to Bailey's Towing & Auto Body, where it was determined that the frame was flexing excessively. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE24029 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #11697120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2020 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that while in the process of lubricating the wet bolts of the RV, the contact noticed that the rear-most bolts were missing, and the springs were rubbing against the frame. The mobile technician performed a temporary repair at the residence. The RV was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer determined that the spring brackets needed to be straightened and reinforced and needed to be welded inside the brackets. The wet bolts and axle U-bolts and attachments needed to be replaced, the passenger's side and driver's side rear-most tires needed to be replaced. The dealer filed a warranty claim with the manufacturer; however, the claim was denied because the suspension was not covered under the frame warranty coverage. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE24029 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #11696640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET

The contact owns a 2020 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that while in the process of lubricating the wet bolts of the RV, the contact noticed that the rear-most bolts were missing, and the springs were rubbing against the frame. The mobile technician performed a temporary repair at the residence. The RV was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer determined that the spring brackets needed to be straightened and reinforced and needed to be welded inside the brackets. The wet bolts and axle U-bolts and attachments needed to be replaced, the passenger's side and driver's side rear-most tires needed to be replaced. The dealer filed a warranty claim with the manufacturer; however, the claim was denied because the suspension was not covered under the frame warranty coverage. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE24029 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #11696640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

Issues with: - original drum breaks failed due to incorrect wiring, requiring 100% assembly replacement. - front wall separation - trim and cabinets moving and separating from walls - missing and broken lag bolts - front weather stripping separated from front cap - excessive sawdust under cabinets after any travel - wallpaper wear showing excessive movement of front bed overhead cabinets during travel - floor joists separating from upper floor - slides opening during travel - leaf spring hangers bending and twisting, and breaking off - spare tire mount failed during highway travel, and spare tire fell off on highway - contacted manufacturer to report in 2024 and they indicated we should self-replace the missing and damaged lag bolts with larger 1/2 inch ones. This was done, and they continue to back out on every trip whether 5 miles or 500 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11665612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Issues with: - original drum breaks failed due to incorrect wiring, requiring 100% assembly replacement. - front wall separation - trim and cabinets moving and separating from walls - missing and broken lag bolts - front weather stripping separated from front cap - excessive sawdust under cabinets after any travel - wallpaper wear showing excessive movement of front bed overhead cabinets during travel - floor joists separating from upper floor - slides opening during travel - leaf spring hangers bending and twisting, and breaking off - spare tire mount failed during highway travel, and spare tire fell off on highway - contacted manufacturer to report in 2024 and they indicated we should self-replace the missing and damaged lag bolts with larger 1/2 inch ones. This was done, and they continue to back out on every trip whether 5 miles or 500 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11665612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:SPARE TIRE MOUNT/RACK

Issues with: - original drum breaks failed due to incorrect wiring, requiring 100% assembly replacement. - front wall separation - trim and cabinets moving and separating from walls - missing and broken lag bolts - front weather stripping separated from front cap - excessive sawdust under cabinets after any travel - wallpaper wear showing excessive movement of front bed overhead cabinets during travel - floor joists separating from upper floor - slides opening during travel - leaf spring hangers bending and twisting, and breaking off - spare tire mount failed during highway travel, and spare tire fell off on highway - contacted manufacturer to report in 2024 and they indicated we should self-replace the missing and damaged lag bolts with larger 1/2 inch ones. This was done, and they continue to back out on every trip whether 5 miles or 500 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11665612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The frame of my trailer sustained damage due to flexing from poor design. I was lucky and noticed some loud noises when transitioning weight to the king pin on the truck. A lot of creaking and groaning. Because of all of these noises and what I had read online, I had the trailer inspected. The inspection found the frame moving within the structure when the weight transitions from the stabilizers to the king pin. Additional damage was a crack in the structure that holds the wall to the frame and many bent gussets that are designed to give the structure strength. This design is substandard. I understand the whole thing is designed to work as a whole to provide strength, but there are weak areas in this design. First is the use of lag bolts into a soft wood as a method of connecting the frame to the wall structure. This needs to be into metal or aluminum allowing the use of bolts and a thread locking compound to prevent loosening. Lag bolts into wood on a structure designed to withstand dynamic movement of towing is inadequate. This will always loosen over time transferring the load to other areas of the structure and the damage many are seeing. My trailer has been repaired, but I'm not sure if the new gussets and additional lag bolts will be enough because they are still using wood as a structural component. My trailer is a 2020 and the 5 year warranty will expire in September. I'm not sure where I will be after that when the next repair comes. I don't have a lot of pictures because I was out of town when they did the inspection. You can see the break in the wall support showing that the wall was moving after is separated from the frame. The pictures show how this bent the gussets that are designed to give the structure support. Like I said, I saw this problem online and asked for in inspection before I had real problems. If I had waited, the damage would've been much worse.

NHTSA complaint #11663007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The frame of my trailer sustained damage due to flexing from poor design. I was lucky and noticed some loud noises when transitioning weight to the king pin on the truck. A lot of creaking and groaning. Because of all of these noises and what I had read online, I had the trailer inspected. The inspection found the frame moving within the structure when the weight transitions from the stabilizers to the king pin. Additional damage was a crack in the structure that holds the wall to the frame and many bent gussets that are designed to give the structure strength. This design is substandard. I understand the whole thing is designed to work as a whole to provide strength, but there are weak areas in this design. First is the use of lag bolts into a soft wood as a method of connecting the frame to the wall structure. This needs to be into metal or aluminum allowing the use of bolts and a thread locking compound to prevent loosening. Lag bolts into wood on a structure designed to withstand dynamic movement of towing is inadequate. This will always loosen over time transferring the load to other areas of the structure and the damage many are seeing. My trailer has been repaired, but I'm not sure if the new gussets and additional lag bolts will be enough because they are still using wood as a structural component. My trailer is a 2020 and the 5 year warranty will expire in September. I'm not sure where I will be after that when the next repair comes. I don't have a lot of pictures because I was out of town when they did the inspection. You can see the break in the wall support showing that the wall was moving after is separated from the frame. The pictures show how this bent the gussets that are designed to give the structure support. Like I said, I saw this problem online and asked for in inspection before I had real problems. If I had waited, the damage would've been much worse.

NHTSA complaint #11663007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Frame issues with the gooseneck area of the RV. We've got lots of movement with the RV in these areas where it connects with the towing vehicle. We have had lots of movement in the front nose area of the RV causing substantial movement evidenced by interior and exterior cracks and noises when pulling. We have taken the RV to a repair facility and the manufacturer has denied making repairs to make the RV safe.

NHTSA complaint #11650645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

Frame issues with the gooseneck area of the RV. We've got lots of movement with the RV in these areas where it connects with the towing vehicle. We have had lots of movement in the front nose area of the RV causing substantial movement evidenced by interior and exterior cracks and noises when pulling. We have taken the RV to a repair facility and the manufacturer has denied making repairs to make the RV safe.

NHTSA complaint #11650645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

The vehicle is experiencing severe frame flex causing the 2 passenger side entry doors to open while traveling down the highway in addition to rubbing the interior cabinetry against the side walls of the interior and causing the furnishings to be damaged. When the doors are wide open items can easily fly out of the vehicle while traveling making my personal items projectile hazards. The vehicle has been diagnosed for frame issues by an authorized repair facility "Busted Knuckle RV" in Las Vegas Nevada. Grand Designs did not authorize the repair facility to perform the necessary inspection work and Informed the shop that I would be liable for the cost of the initial tear down inspection that can average $5,000.00 The unit has had saw dust and rub marks on the interior since we first purchased the unit and transported it from Texas to our home in Arizona. We were not sure what caused this rubbing of the furniture on the interior and were later informed that this is caused by extreme frame flex or failure. The pinch style moldings that cover the seams on the front cap of the rv have loosened while driving and flap in the wind while traveling down the highway, I have since been forced to apply silicone to keep these in place. This style of molding is designed to stay in place without having to apply any adhesive to them. The doors have opened while on the highway on several occasions causing great concern considering we only use the vehicle approximately 6 trips per year.

NHTSA complaint #11648150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The vehicle is experiencing severe frame flex causing the 2 passenger side entry doors to open while traveling down the highway in addition to rubbing the interior cabinetry against the side walls of the interior and causing the furnishings to be damaged. When the doors are wide open items can easily fly out of the vehicle while traveling making my personal items projectile hazards. The vehicle has been diagnosed for frame issues by an authorized repair facility "Busted Knuckle RV" in Las Vegas Nevada. Grand Designs did not authorize the repair facility to perform the necessary inspection work and Informed the shop that I would be liable for the cost of the initial tear down inspection that can average $5,000.00 The unit has had saw dust and rub marks on the interior since we first purchased the unit and transported it from Texas to our home in Arizona. We were not sure what caused this rubbing of the furniture on the interior and were later informed that this is caused by extreme frame flex or failure. The pinch style moldings that cover the seams on the front cap of the rv have loosened while driving and flap in the wind while traveling down the highway, I have since been forced to apply silicone to keep these in place. This style of molding is designed to stay in place without having to apply any adhesive to them. The doors have opened while on the highway on several occasions causing great concern considering we only use the vehicle approximately 6 trips per year.

NHTSA complaint #11648150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Roof Membrane separating from nose cap, nose cap separating from roof membrane. 5th wheel pin box sinking up into rv upper deck when lowering onto the truck. Cargo and main doors open during transport. Sawdust on dresser in nose of the RV. Lag Screws unscrewing and/or loose in the upper deck. Stress fractures in fiberglass on the cap of RV. Pinch molding coming loose from underside of 5th Wheel skin. Screws backing out and/or breaking underneath the upper deck nose cap. Insulation underneath the front of the RV is falling off. Back Patio bubbling. Rear axle leaf springs bolt and bushings coming out during transport. Screws on top of the upper deck by rain gutters keep coming loose.

NHTSA complaint #11634643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

Roof Membrane separating from nose cap, nose cap separating from roof membrane. 5th wheel pin box sinking up into rv upper deck when lowering onto the truck. Cargo and main doors open during transport. Sawdust on dresser in nose of the RV. Lag Screws unscrewing and/or loose in the upper deck. Stress fractures in fiberglass on the cap of RV. Pinch molding coming loose from underside of 5th Wheel skin. Screws backing out and/or breaking underneath the upper deck nose cap. Insulation underneath the front of the RV is falling off. Back Patio bubbling. Rear axle leaf springs bolt and bushings coming out during transport. Screws on top of the upper deck by rain gutters keep coming loose.

NHTSA complaint #11634643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Roof Membrane separating from nose cap, nose cap separating from roof membrane. 5th wheel pin box sinking up into rv upper deck when lowering onto the truck. Cargo and main doors open during transport. Sawdust on dresser in nose of the RV. Lag Screws unscrewing and/or loose in the upper deck. Stress fractures in fiberglass on the cap of RV. Pinch molding coming loose from underside of 5th Wheel skin. Screws backing out and/or breaking underneath the upper deck nose cap. Insulation underneath the front of the RV is falling off. Back Patio bubbling. Rear axle leaf springs bolt and bushings coming out during transport. Screws on top of the upper deck by rain gutters keep coming loose.

NHTSA complaint #11634643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

On walk through rear awning flew off in slight breeze, took 4 years to get repaired with covid and parts availability, could have just as easily came off on the road, had two 3/4'' screws holding it on and into skin, not frame. Upon looking at bedroom night tables gap at front cap found rub marks on wallcovering and sawdust from rubbing/flexing cabinets from perceived frame flex. back garage man door would open by itself while traveling if deadbolt not used , front man door sticks and screen door has to be opened separately with considerable force. Will be opening a claim for flex frame with Grand Design

NHTSA complaint #11630639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

On walk through rear awning flew off in slight breeze, took 4 years to get repaired with covid and parts availability, could have just as easily came off on the road, had two 3/4'' screws holding it on and into skin, not frame. Upon looking at bedroom night tables gap at front cap found rub marks on wallcovering and sawdust from rubbing/flexing cabinets from perceived frame flex. back garage man door would open by itself while traveling if deadbolt not used , front man door sticks and screen door has to be opened separately with considerable force. Will be opening a claim for flex frame with Grand Design

NHTSA complaint #11630639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2020 Grand Design 395M I am writing this with concerns over possible Frame or Structure issues in our unit, the following is a list of objects of concern. 1.Screws attaching underside of nose cap to upper deck breaking 2.Wall next to stairs entering the upper deck showing signs of movement and wearing on wallpaper. 3.Support uprights on left and right side between night stands and upper cabinets are moving and wearing on wall. 4.After a day of travel sawdust is appearing on tops of nightstands. 5.Wallpaper and wall wear on right side of bedroom floor behind entry door near carpet that covers lag screws. 6.Excessive creaking coming from bedroom slide wall when coupling and uncoupling from tow vehicle. 7.Exterior entrance door will not stay closed unless deadbolted (including cargo door) doors have opened during travel. 8.Interior door jams are widening. 9.Pin box is sinking into frame when put in load position on vehicle (suspect frame failure)

NHTSA complaint #11630352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

2020 Grand Design 395M I am writing this with concerns over possible Frame or Structure issues in our unit, the following is a list of objects of concern. 1.Screws attaching underside of nose cap to upper deck breaking 2.Wall next to stairs entering the upper deck showing signs of movement and wearing on wallpaper. 3.Support uprights on left and right side between night stands and upper cabinets are moving and wearing on wall. 4.After a day of travel sawdust is appearing on tops of nightstands. 5.Wallpaper and wall wear on right side of bedroom floor behind entry door near carpet that covers lag screws. 6.Excessive creaking coming from bedroom slide wall when coupling and uncoupling from tow vehicle. 7.Exterior entrance door will not stay closed unless deadbolted (including cargo door) doors have opened during travel. 8.Interior door jams are widening. 9.Pin box is sinking into frame when put in load position on vehicle (suspect frame failure)

NHTSA complaint #11630352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.