We have a 2021 Transcend 265BH (and love it!) -- as for the over-the-bed storage, we got some soft-sided baskets which work very well for holding additional clothes, hats, etc. There is a little lip on the front of that "cubby" area which keeps the baskets in place during travel with no issues.
Lol! Love that R&D comment! I have to be honest I'm glad you're getting the opportunity to review Grand Design products and share your comments. Always appreciate them - good or bad!
move the towel holder to the pocket door then give us more storage near the sink for medicine cabinets (more like a wall of storage with the mirror and sink on the left side 👍
This one grew on me as you went through it. The more I saw, the more I like. I would stick a peeper window in the front door. More light. Ii like the kitchen. Like the walk through bath layout. Like the pocket door. Don’t know why they are not used more often. Good quick stop pooper access. I like the doors are color coordinated with the siding. I like the way the steps retract into their own storage area under the floor. Makes for a cleaner road mode profile. When kids are gone, the rear bunks could be yanked and the rear giving area enlarged. Or remove the top or bottom bunk and make a loft or office space. Oh, on this unit, put some wheels with a little more bing on them to brighten up the dark Addams family manor look on the outside. One reason I consider peeper windows important on the side doors is safety and security. Always take a peep through the window before you open the door to check the surrounding area. Plus your able to scan the area as desired or needed.
It really grew on me as well. I’ve seen layouts kind of like this before, but really spending time in one and picking up at finer details you learn to appreciate it
I'd yank the bunks and tiny cabinet and move a sofa bed up there with a TV. Just in case I ever need somewhere for someone to spend a night. Maybe a small PC desk for my laptop with the TV and sofa. I wish the floor wasn't raised. lol. Personally I love Addams Family/Munsters colors. I even have 2 black cats. The kitchen sink and stove kill it for us. I don't like the layout. I'd rather have the sink under the window and a space between the two. I know I would hip bap the stove controls. Washing dishes if I put them to dry in the corner. I'd have to lean over the stove.
Me and my wife bought the 2024 265bh and love it. The only thing I wish it had was some sort of tall cabinet for brooms etc. other than that it’s perfect for us.
I bought a 200mk last year, build quality was outstanding. It's a tight trailer, no drafts even at 110 outside the A/C works great without being overtaxed. I did put foam boad in the kitchen skylight and over my big south facing slide window
The walkthrough bathroom is great. It makes it so spacious. Cubes are great for storage in the open shelving or any storage area to keep items from sliding around. :)
Where you recorded this video in Eldridge Iowa. The now Bish’s, formerly Terry Frazer RV, is where we bought our 2014 Cougar. It was a toss up between it and a GD Reflection. We had ZERO issues after purchase so they do excellent PDI because we all know there is no perfectly built campers.
Just saw the 2024 with the theater seating in lieu of the dinette. Very cool! So open. The dinettes are typically so uncomfortable to sit at for a long time. Plus, we only use a dinette for briefly eating a meal. With the theater seating, they give you a folding table or we eat outside.
Hey Josh Great video, I came upon it as my trailer, same model you show here, is in the shop for some trim work and I needed to verify the A/C so I can order my RV Airflow Kit. A couple of things I thought would be of interest is, as you mentioned, pulling this with a 1/2 ton is cutting it close. I am currently pulling this with my 2017 Lincoln Navigator utilizing a Blue Ox weight distribution hitch. We have to be sure when loading and distribute the weight on or in front of the axle's to reduce sway, of course keeping the tow vehicle at 55 MPH. Trust me, my first few trips saw my brown knuckles turn white! LOL. Unfortunately, because my Navigator has an electric suspension, I cannot beef up the rear with air bags or any other options to bring the front of the vehicle down a bit. There is some sag but again it's all about weight distribution but this is better pulled with a 3/4 ton truck. All in all, this is a great concept and design. We are first time RV'ers and we definitely went through a lot of lessons learned the first few trips. One thing I wish Grand Design would've done is add better lighting to the exterior. You can see it in your video that all it has under the awning is a thin light strip. Good thing is that there are plenty of LED light options to get creative but this would've been a nice final touch. We opted for the theater seating option and all in all are pretty satisfied with this unit. Our kids are young and I can see them enjoying this for years to come.
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate insights like this from REAL owners I hope you continue to hang around and share some comments on things you see as we roll more videos out!
@prabagosatx is your navigator the short wheelbase or the long wheelbase? Also what tow package came on your navigator? I have a short wheelbase 2018 expedition with the heavy duty tow package
Great video as always Josh! My wife and I were patiently waiting to see if you'd do a walkthrough of this unit! I must admit the "SMASH THAT LIKE BUTTON" actually had me minimize the video and smash it haha. Keep up the good work!
Cool layout for those bunks. Great trailer. Tyfs Josh. All I could think of, when you were talking about the weather, is; somethiing like "having more fun than a tornado in a trailer park". A bit on the nose, yes, but still made me chuckle, with that Larry the cable guy voice in my head. Lol
I love this one. I prefer that the bedroom door does not have a window. Gives me much more privacy. I do want the livingroom door to have a window with a black out shade.
My wife and I have been watching your videos for a little while now,,,,,Love em! I hate that they are dropping doors for cabinets just to save a few bucks. A small door is preferable to no door. It makes them seem cheaper built. Also I don't understand the upswing doors, not a big fan. Thanks for all you do! I wish we could have found this channel before we bought our TT( Kodiak 20QB), It would have saved me A LOT of gas looking around checking floor plans. Keep it up!
Hey Josh! We have the 2022 265BH and LOVE IT! we opted for the Theater Seating so the grands can all sit with us to enjoy a movie or two. We only have one USB in the bedroom, and we don't have the solar monitor in the wet bay area.
Love it! Even in a park setting, this works well! My mother who has a walker would easily be able to maneuver through the unit, and the bathroom too. Will have to add this one to my top 3. How the heck am I going to choose!?
We have a Grand Design Imagine 2150 that has the same mid bath. It is AMAZING! Huge doors, plenty of room for drying off. Sliding doors are never in the way. It’s the bathroom space of a 40’ fifth wheel.
I really liked this model when shopping some time ago, my wife elected to go with the bigger 297qb. @10:07 we pretty much use the space above the bed for hoodies, jackets, extra towels and blankets.
if this had frameless windows and a mini outdoor kitchen and a upgraded exterior (laminate) i would've seriously considered this that floor plan is beautiful the fridge on a 12v for the capacity would also be nice and ditch the oven
There is a "Twenty Twenty Two Limited Edition" with the laminate siding. They are hard to come by. You can convert the rear trunk into an outdoor kitchen of sorts. That Furrion oven is bigger than your standard RV range oven, but I agree. A convection microwave would suit us just fine.
If this had those features it would cost as much as the Cougar 30bh that he mentioned in the video. This hits a good price point and gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Like David Thornton said, the rear trunk has an outlet so you can easily mount a fridge back there if you want, and there is a quick connect lp connection. Sadly it's in front of the axles near the front door, so you'd either need a long lp hose, or you'd need to run a permanent line to the rear.
We have this model and I replaced the front window with the AP Products thin shade window. It took less than 30mins to swap the windows. We're still debating whether or not to put one upfront, but that's going to require cutting a hole in a perfectly good door.
We have a split bathroom and love it. So much more space to change in. Nice floor plan. Could make an offer lice where the bunks are. If they could fix the refrigerator being blocked in travel mode! Swap the door opening side?
GD finally giving a way to remove that "Plaid" from sight. LoL. I've seen this one once before. Love the concept with those rugrat racks. Don't personally need them, but it's done very well in this model.
We don't have this Floorplan in the Transcend but as for the storage shelf above the bed. We'll I have such great storage which I haven't filled all up yet I don't need that shelf for storage so I put decorative items there after we're parked not in transit of course. Grand design does a great job in utilizing space for storage. We could have chosen fiberglass over stick and tin but we loved the Floorplan in our 240ml and couldn't be happier. It doesn't even feel like a more entry level Thanks Josh for all you do and your videos.
That 240ML is amazing Actually overall.. I think these Transcends are threatening to become my favorite stick and tin series. Their floor plan lineup and execution is just stellar
We have a 2021 Transcend 247BH. There's a lot to love about these things. The siding is actually thicker than standard, and looks great compared to the classic stick and tin looks. There's also an already installed RV Airflow system, so the air conditioner works AWESOME!! As far as the shelf above the bed, we use it for transportation only, and maybe stashing a hoodie or something quick, nothing long term.
To get it shorter would you be OK if the rear bunks slide forward and occupied the rear seating space? Like if the bottom bunk acted like a seat during the day and top flipped up? That's the only way I could see shortening this up
I wonder if those vertical cabinet doors are the same size? Could maybe get an extra one and mount it horizontally opening to the top with struts or fold down with a good latch.
My neighbors used to tow a 32 footer with a half ton truck. It’s possible. Maybe not ideal depending how often and how far you tow, but with the proper tow rating, you’d be surprised.
I really like this layout. However, road-mode may be a deal breaker. With three kids, we need to make quick stops for bathroom usage. While you can gain entry through the master bedroom, we also like to utilize a single stop say for bathroom break and then lunch in which we would then utilize the refrigerator. I wouldn’t want to extend the slide as some of the stops are at rest stops next to semi-trucks which may limit the room. Possibly move the frig to the other side of the kitchen and put a pantry where the refrigerator is making it accessible in road mode.
And that's why I take the extra time to show them closed up. I know it's not always ideal for folks but for this kind of money I think you deserve to know what you're getting
Like the floor plan,could use a little more cargo capacity say 2,000 LBS. maybe. Another trailer that might compare to it is the Outdoors RV Back country 28 DBS.
Didn’t Cougar have the rear bunks like that a few years ago on an experimental floorplan? They made it with a rear sofa and a rear dinette with a mobile bench.
I was actually looking at this for myself and my wife for when my kids spend time with us. The one big down side is the thermostat behind the slide out and how it needs to be fully out to use the thermostat
I guess I understand that but I also don’t think this was really intended to be significantly used without the slider open. But I see what you’re saying
Nice but I disagree the windowless door will work. A window in the door with a shade would provide privacy and at the same give another look out on your camp side (which is lacking on this rig).
I've seen that vehicle towing larger rigs though that doesn't mean it was smart lol There's a LOT of expedition configurations available but I believe the absolute max capacity ones top out at 9k tow rating which is sufficient. Where I get concerned is the payload rating with a vehicle full of people. I also worry about the length of this one pushing you around In flatland southern michigan you'd likely be ok but in mountains or windy areas like Iowa where this was recorded I could see it being a problem
I know KZ and Cherokee made a model like this. Do you know of any others? We are heading to the Novi trailer show looking to purchase and trying to do our research.
The two doors helps with my concerns on road mode bathroom access for over nights. Also , I can’t get over how this and my attainable dream trailer the reflection 28BH spoil a cooking lover like me with counter space for miles lol
I had the 245rl . It's the same version minus the rear bunks. I have a 2012 tundra 5.7. The weight isn't bad but that length will get ya. Coming out of the mountains, High winds and semi trucks made for some butt puckering driving.
Theres a dealer near me that has several '22's of this model that theyve discounted the list price $10k on down to $36k. I said I wasnt in the market on a previous comment but Im REALLY liking this model. We are ready for a bigger trailer and since this dealer has so much excess older inventory what could be a reasonable offer to go in at?
Hi Josh, when you say everyone is starting to copy this one -- who else?? I found Avenger and East to West. Anyone else? This is my dream layout for my family of 4.
bunk beds..... if it was Jayco you would say the dangler weight limit, but you did not mention the weight rating on this unit, its a small thing but information some like to hear, it is a nice unit.
The 261 is a standard rear bath rear bunk model with the bath on the driver side. Thus only one entry door, questionable bathroom access when in travel mode (although we could manage it in our previous rockwood with a similar layout). A similar floorplan to the 261 is also made in the imagine line. This floor plan isn't available in the imagine line, which makes it kinda special. They do have a 150 series 268bh 5th wheel that is similar, but costs twice as much.
I've heard the advise that when you go to buy your trailer, you should be looking for your *next* trailer. i'm wondering if that is good advice. the wife and I really want to get a trailer. I'm looking at this and thinking "this is perfect for our family and fits every need we have.." But it's longer than I was anticipating getting as a first trailer. by a good 10ft or so. i'mf wondering if you'd suggest, to a first-timer, get the smaller trailer that you know you'll be trading in eventually while you get use d to it, or get the trailer that works for your needs and learn on it?
@@JoshtheRVNerd oh it totally was. But like here. This is the perfect rv. But the one I’ve been looking at is like the wolf pup 17jg because it’s short and I’ve never towed before. Is it better to start with a short trailer that doesn’t work quite right. Or just get the longer one and learn on it
I can tell you that our first trailer was a 24' jayco that we really liked and towed easy with my F150, but it was pretty cramped. I was new to towing so I didn't' want anything over 25'. We upgraded that to a 26' Rockwood with a slide and murphy bed and even though it was 1k lb heavier it still pulled good, but we were very close to hitting payload limits. Plus, my wife couldn't stand the murphy bed even though it made the floorplan super spacious during the day. Thus we ended up upgrading the truck to a 3/4 ton so that we could pull something this size, and eventually landed on this exact model. If I had it to do all over again, I would have bought the 3/4 ton originally, and got the floor plan she really wanted on day 1. The towing anxiety is going to be there either way, but something this size is going to be more difficult to learn on with tailswing on turns and learning to back into spots. If you do decide to get a smaller trailer to just test out the camping life, then buy a used one and expect to lose some money when you begin the trade shuffle!
Legit LOL for the "Ripoff and Duplicate" line This trailer looks great - really wonder if my F150 could tow it comfortably. Might be pushing it once you weigh the camper down with supplies.
What’s the floor plan on this? I understand a bunkhouse but how should I search for these that bunks are perpendicular to road? Anything shorter 1/2T in this arrangement?
I just purchased a 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 crew cab short bed. It has the tow package. My truck specs: GVWR - 7000 GCWR- 14500 RGAWR- 3800 CURB - 5185 Max Payload - 1815 Trailer weight: Conventional TWR - 9000 Max Tongue - 900 Will my tuck be suited for this travel trailer. If not, I also interested in the Rockwood 2509s. Will it work for the 2509S? Thank you for everything you do.
I would have taken out the bunks and the sofa and made an office for working remotely. Not sure where the furnace was located as I only saw one heater vent.
Maybe on the spare tire! We're looking at some Nerdmerch at some point! Regarding 2nd A/C: Looks like that's offered only on their 297QB and 321BH models with private 2nd sleeping quarters
@@JoshtheRVNerd that would be a no go for me without a second AC. We camp at the beach a lot and it’s like an oven up in the nose without a second unit. That’s why our new one has a second AC. I will start saving for Nerdmerch!!!
Is there a layout like this with the couch and dinette switched? I think that would be better. Just my opinion. UPDATE: Watch the video before commenting, lol
Absolutely not. Solar does not directly power large devices like that. Solar charges the batteries. A powerful inverter off the batteries may allow the use of larger appliances but that quickly becomes a most costly install
@@JoshtheRVNerd Well there’s an inverter in there . The electric stuff in it all says 35 watt so how much does the air conditioner on top use? I’m confused ?
