2022 Grand Design, Imagine XLS 17MKE review by Jurgen's Journeys and RV life.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ต.ค. 2024
- The 2022 Grand Design, Imagine XLS 17MKE is the perfect couples trailer if you like a 21ft camping trailer with lots of bells and whistles, in addition to ample kitchen space, a big bathroom, and theater seating. Light enough to pull with a 1/2 ton truck, and rated for 4 seasons, this camping trailer could be my next camper. Check it out and then leave me your opinion below.
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We just bought one with the dinette (had to order it)! Tried it out a week ago for a one nighter. We love it!
That’s great to hear! Congratulations! How do you like the Murphy bed?
That’s a dandy one. Looking for one now. Thanks for the great video.
I thank you, Vincent. Good luck with your search.
Getting ready to buy one
Best wishes!
Nice rig!! Looks like it's made for you all. The couches are spacious!
Thank you. I think I could be very comfortable in that trailer. I love the 4 seasons construction. Maybe someday …
I bought one of the first 2022's to come out. I ordered it direct from the Indiana factory in May 2021. It was completed on June 15th 2021 and shipped to us in Oregon. It arrived July 1st. This is my fourth trailer and when my wife and I retired, we down sized to this 17MKE. Since we are west coast with ample of BLM ground and free camping, we boondock at least 90% of the time. I did add two solar panels to the roof (200 watts). The main point is that we are on gravel and dirt roads quiet often. This leads to the only major complaint. The refrigerator, being on the very back end, gets an excessive amount of bounce and rattle. The refrigerator broke down in the very first week of use. The thermo-coupler rattled to pieces and the coupler fuse blew. I don't think there is any other place to engineer the floor plan and place the refer closer to the axles. Don't get me wrong, I "L-O-V-E" this trailer and would buy it again in a heart beat. I think I will put up with an occasional refrigerator break down. I will say that every since they fixed the refer, it has not broke again. Must have been a manufacture defect. Grand Design paid 100% of the repair.
That’s very interesting and good to know. Thanks so much for your take on this model. Best wishes and God bless you as you travel.
I love the look of it.. looks like lot's of room..it was nice to see you again.. stay safe out there ❤️❤️
Thank you! You too! I know ... it's been a while.
We bought the same trailer a few months ago - couldn’t be happier!
I'm not surprised to hear that. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you so much for showing the rv with the slide IN! It's important and yet hardly anyone ever takes the time to do it. Much appreciated!
You’re very welcome. And thank you for commenting. Hardly anyone takes time to do that.
That is a gorgeous trailer, Jurgen!! Love the kitchen especially! I sure like the idea of no ducts on the floor. The are always in the middle of the floor and get filled with dirt. I bet it has a hefty price tag too.lol!
You’re right about that. More than I want to pay 💰. Maybe in a few years … thanks for watching, my friend.
My wife and I just bought this trailer today! It'll be 2 weeks before we take delivery but I'm watching every video I can get my hands on about it until I see it firsthand 😊
Thanks!!
Congratulations!🎈🎉🍾🎊
Best wishes to you on your new purchase. Let me know how you like after you use it for a while.
Thanks,
Jurgen
I'm with you on the size. I also agree with about a four season trailer. I do wish ours was four season. Love the Murphy bed. That's a must for us. Gotta love the dual axles too, something many smaller trailers don't have. That's a very impressive trailer. It's loaded for a 17 footer. I like it a lot. Are you considering buying it?
As much as I do like it, the price is like that of trucks right now. I think I’ll wait to see if the market will stay at this ridiculous level or if supply will catch up to demand in a couple years. Thanks for watching and for your support. You guys take care.
I hear you. I was looking at trucks not long and decided my truck was just fine, lol. :)
@@BluWaveOdyssey 👍
Good review. Thanks. debating between Rockwood and Grand Design. Airstream is where I started, but have concluded that the cost of entry is too high. This 17 MKE with that wonderful kitchen, storage, and Grand Design quality may win the day.
Good luck to you, my friend. I love the layout and size. I hope the quality is still there too. Best wishes and merry Christmas to you and yours. I hope the new year finds you CAMPING!!!
That is an amazing camper. Always enjoy your video’s . God Bless my friend!!!
Hi my friend 😃. God has certainly blessed us already. I decided to be thankful for what I have and not buy this new model. It costs too much anyway 😂. My Sue is not well enough to travel much either. Hopefully you and yours are well these day. Thanks for your support by watching and till next time God bless you.
My first RV was a 20ft 1989 Wilderness Travel trailer and it’s a great size. The new ones have definitely come along way. I would definitely upgrade if it suits your needs. You only live once. Safe travels amigo.
Thank you Sir! Yes they have. Our first was an 18ft 1991 Sunline. They were made in Pa by Amish craftsmen. That was our preferred brand until we bought our current Winnebago, which we really love. At these current prices, I guess we’ll wait a few more years to trade again.
Thanks so much for sharing your comment and thoughts. Take care my friend and I’ll see you later on “YourTube”👍
Hiya honey! Good to see you out and about! I've sat here trying to find something I didn't like about that camper, and I CAN'T...so I've decided to let you buy it. Those tank sizes grabbed me right away, too. The fridge and counter space is just short of magnificent, and my - what a luxurious bathroom. What's the MSRP on that baby? Over or under 50k?
Wonderful review, Jurgen! Sue's gonna love it! ~💜
Well hello! Yeah, Sue lets me out once in a while, Lol.
I'm the same way. The only thing I found that I didn't like too much was the lack of windows. Of course, with all the cabinets and stuff, there isn't any room for more windows. The MSRP is around $37k, and I will want to wait a few more years before I give up our Minnie. Right now, Sue can't travel anyway. But it's always fun to look, and who knows ... But I do love this floor-plan, the size, and the features. Thanks so much for watching and leaving your thoughts. You take care, my friend, and have a great weekend!
That is a nice unit I hope that you get it
Yes, I like it a lot, but this might not be the year for me to buy one. Prices are CRAZY! Thanks for watching and letting me know that you did.
Hard to call it a 4 season RV if it doesn't have thermal pane windows...
I’m thinking it’s more about keeping the plumbing warm. Even those expensive Lance trailers don’t talk about their R ratings. How much difference do the windows really make? Not that much in my opinion.
@@JurgensJourneys I'm sure you are correct. I guess back in the day, before the invention of thermal pane windows, homes in the great white north had regular single pane glass... I do love that camper and seriously considering buying one for my future fulltime nomadic adventures.
@@doctorkayak
I’m hoping to do the same someday. Best wishes and thanks for your support.
We just got a Grand Design 5th wheel. LOVE it! Not only 4 season ready, but durable enough for full timing... e.g. Changing Lanes channel. Mfg. says all models, large or small, built the same. I believe it, quality really good IMO.
That is awesome! Thanks for this input!
This is the trailer I intend to buy. It's got everything I want in a couples trailer.
I like it too. Best wishes for you Kevin.
Great presentation… you may also want to look at he RPod 195 or 196…. We really enjoy our 195 which is 22ft, albeit not a four seasons rig
Thank you. I’ll be sure to do that. I appreciate your comment.
My wife and I saw this trailer at an RV show recently. I’m seriously thinking about getting one.
That’s great! I still like the fixed bed in mine because I don’t need the extra seats. I don’t know how a mattress like that sleeps either. Not to discourage you though. I appreciate your comment very much, and wish you God’s blessings and guidance in whatever you chose. I have found that any decision I made that was in God’s will, ALWAYS turned out to be the best one.
@@JurgensJourneys Amen Brother!
I love it
It is a great camper! Thanks for leaving your comment.
That's a pretty nice rig! I like the little kitchen area. I think if we were to do something different in the future, we would probably do a van build. Or maybe a short skoolie. I just really like builds. But if I was going to go with a manufactured rv, I would for sure want something small. Maybe even smaller than this. Just so much easier to park a small trailer. Can get into places those big boys can't.
You’re right 👍. This is no longer than my van 🚐 and I can fit in any double-length parking space like at Walmart. I’m not going to spend what they are asking for this trailer though. I have thought about doing a build too. That would be fun 🤩. Thanks for watching and stay safe.
@@JurgensJourneys Oh you totally should do a build. That would be very awesome to watch!!
We also like that trailer and want to get to a dealership to look it over.
I haven't found a trailer this size that I like more. I hope they continue to produce this layout, because I am going to wait a few more years before I sell my Minnie. I want to see where prices go and what the used market will be in two or three years. Thanks for letting me know that you watched. What did you like the most about this trailer?
@@JurgensJourneys I like the counter space and all the storage in the kitchen area.
@@kimroe9282
Yeah … that’s the thing my wife liked the most when she saw this video.
Love the Grand Designs. 👍
I can see why. I was impressed.
So we did get this camper and have been out in it three times. We are loving this thing and the flexibility it gives you is awesome. Did you make a decision on one yet?
Yes I did. It is too expensive, considering the one I have is still like new and paid for. Also I’m not too fond of the Murphy bed. It’s still a great trailer, and I’m glad you love it. Thanks for commenting.
@@JurgensJourneys We bought it after watching your video. We downsized from a 30' TT and really don't notice it having any less space. Murphy bed is great for that. Ours has the 12v refrigerator and 165w solar panel.
@@timbenware7893 That's awesome! I bet it tows like a dream too, especially after having a 30". I love that size, and it is very roomy for it's size. I could probably get used to the Murphy bed. It adds a lot of floor space and seating.
What about dining/eating?
Thank you for asking. That’s a good question that I failed to address. There is a removable table the is useful for dining.
He showed you... the table placed in the fold up mattress can be used for dining. And it's perfect for a couple's trailer. Who needs a table when you can get duel recliners facing the TV with cup holders? ;-)
You can order one with a dinette rather than the theatre seating. That's what we did. We love it with the dinette!
@@CoryMatthew87 Me, that's who!
This doesn't have the swiveling Lagun table that mounts to the recliner couch like previous models? Great video by the way.
No. I think it’s a freestanding table that folds up and could been used outside also. Thanks for watching 👍.
A salesman told me today that GD discontinued the other table because of complaints that it was a little wobbly.
I’ve looked at the 17mke and it really is a nice camper, however.. the only thing i don’t like is you can’t use the Murphy bed with the slide in. Now the 22RBE, you can access everything with the slide in or out.
I agree with you. I have to have full access for traveling. That’s why I decided to just keep my Winnebago, which is about the same size but has full access. Thanks so much for sharing your take on this one.
Great video Jurgen. Super nice trailer. If we were getting a trailer that would serve every need we have. May could use some more solar.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree. It’s well equipped. It’s just the cost that bothers me. That’s just the times we’re living in. God bless you.
We just bought this trailer and waiting for delivery.Did you buy it and if so how’s it going?
No. Right now they seem to be way overpriced. I still like mine, since it’s paid for. lol
Best wishes with your new one. I’m sure you will love it.
Amazing want to see more on this one
Yes, I really like this trailer. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for this video! We've decided to downsize our 30' 5th wheel and are currently traveling with it in GA. We've seen this model in our online searches but, our FL dealerships don't have them in stock. Found a GA dealership that does. Stopping on the way home to FL to do a walk thru. Going to be a shocker going from 30' to 22' I'm thinking. Lol The msrp is more than we paid for our 5th wheel 10yrs ago! :-/
I hear that! I'm working on a review on a Imagine XLS 22RBE that's a little bigger and sells for the same price. Have you checked it out? My review will be out in a week or so. Best wishes as you try to find the right one. Jurgen.
We are in the market. Still trying to figure out what we want. lol It's so hard. That is a very nice rig. Grand Design makes a solid product for sure. I also agree on the 4 seasons. You sound excited. Is this the one? Are you taking it home? Come on us viewers want to know. Very good idea showing it with the slide in. That is a must for us to be able to use it. I like it. I will be interested to see if it gets a new home. lol Great seeing a video man. Always look forward to them.
No. I didn’t take it home. As much as I like it, it’s too much money in my opinion. My 7 year old trailer cost me exactly half as much, new. This is not THAT MUCH better. I am thinking about waiting a few more years before I retire Chase. We used to trade every 10 years. Gunner is getting old too, but have you seen truck prices lately!!!? Oh well I’m getting old too 😂. Sue reminded me of our meeting this time last year. If she gets to where she can travel again, I would love to see you and your family and Tennessee. I can only hope. You guys stay healthy and take care of each other. God bless you both.
Hey there friend long time no see
There was no mention about the size of the Murphy bed! Can a 6'3" person sleep on it without having their feet dangling out in the open?
That’s a good question. You might have to call an RV dealer, or get in touch with a Grand Design representative to find the answer. Sorry I can’t answer this question. I will be sure to include this information in the next review that I do. Thanks for watching though.
It's a RV queen. So its shorter than normal queen
How much is the imagine 17 MKE? It might be better to go up to the imagined lake 22MLE for the differents.
Spell check
You’re absolutely right. As it turns out, they were selling for about the same price. Thanks for your comment.
thats our choice.... it checks all the boxes.😎
I like it a lot too. Thanks for commenting.
well done video. Kinda nice not to have the used car salesman persona on a walk-through :)
Thanks so much! I’m with you. I like to look at campers without the salesperson.
Like it been looking we have an rpod like tohave an allseason
This might be roomier than an R-pod ... Probably weighs a bit more too though. Thanks a lot for leaving me your comment, and good luck in your search for a 4 seasons trailer.
We too had an Rpod and moved up yo this trailer. We love this trailer! I have a video on my channel as to why we upgraded.
I’ve got this trailer. One of the first ones when they changed over from the normal bed to Murphy bed. I wish the trailer was about a foot longer between the slide and the bed. You can’t use the bed with the slide in. Also my trailer has a max GVW of 5695 and the new ones have 6395 with no changes. Yet Grand design won’t up the gvw on mine so I can legally carry more. If I knew that they were going to upgrade the gvw I would have waited.
It’s a nice trailer but between my dealer and Grand Design I doubt I’ll be buying another trailer of this brand. Stay safe!
Thanks, Bill!
I didn’t know that about the Murphy bed. I agree that a foot more, so you could use the bed would be better. I don’t understand about the GVW change. Personally I’m not a fan of the Murphy bed, mainly because I’ve never had one, and I tend to keep my trailers longer than the life of a mattress. I’m not sure about the comfort of it or the replacement of it.
Maybe by the time I actually buy one, a similar model will have a fixed bed. Anyway I appreciate your input and thanks for your support.
I have studied this floor plan to see what could be done to use the M bed with the slide in. Nothing on this model but would certainly encourage GD to create a narrower slide (remove the center of the theater seat)and this would allow the bed to fold out, with the slide in. The door could be moved towards the rear also.
These two items have their issues as it would be tight to get around that side of the bed, but this would only be in circumstances where the slide is not allowed and moving the door would cause the counter to be shortened. But there is a solution to that too. A flip up counter.
What do say GD, is your design team up for that?
@@SkipToomaloo Thanks for your thoughts on this. Grand Design should think about your ideas.