Are you in the search for a shiny new RV? If so, you’ve probably heard of two big names in the game: Airstream and Grand Design. But how do these two brands stack up against each other?
Key Takeaways
Airstream, owned by Thor, is a highly respected RV brand with a long history in the industry, producing both motorized and non-motorized RVs. Meanwhile, Grand Design is a newer but well-liked RV brand that specializes in non-motorized RVs, earning a reputation for top-notch customer support.
In this article, we’re going to dive into the nitty-gritty details and explore the differences between Airstream and Grand Design. So sit tight and get ready for a wild ride as we break it all down.
Brief Company Overview of Airstream?
Airstream, Inc. is a manufacturer of luxury travel trailers and touring coaches based in Jackson Center, Ohio, United States. Airstream was founded in 1931 and the company has been owned by Thor Industries, Inc. since 1980.
Thor Industries is a publicly traded company that is one of the largest RV manufacturers in the world, with multiple brands under its umbrella.
Recommended Read: Most Popular RV Brands In The Market
Brief Company Overview of Grand Design?
Grand Design RV is a manufacturer of recreational vehicles based in Middlebury, Indiana, United States. It was founded in 2012 and in 2016, Grand Design RV was acquired by Winnebago Industries, a manufacturer of motorhomes and towable RVs. Winnebago is
Before its acquisition, Grand Design had quickly become one of the fastest-growing RV manufacturers in the industry, with a reputation for high-quality products and excellent customer service. Its innovative designs and attention to detail had earned it a loyal following among RV enthusiasts.
Winnebago’s acquisition of Grand Design was seen as a strategic move to expand the company’s product line and gain access to a new segment of the RV market.
However, some in the RV community are concerned about the acquisition. They highlighted that after Winnebago bought Grand Design, there are changes to window sizes, couches, and other parts of the RV. [Source]
RV Types Offered By Both RV Brands
| RV Type: | Airstream: | Grand Design: |
| Motorized | Touring Coaches | |
| Non-Motorized | Travel Trailers | Travel Trailers |
| Non-Motorized | Toy Haulers | |
| Non-Motorized | Fifth Wheels |
Airstream vs. Grand Design: Complete Brand Comparison
| Comparison Points: | Airstream: | Grand Design: |
| Founded | 1931 | 2012 |
| Company Support | Average | Better |
| Maintenance | More | Average |
| Build Quality And Design | Decent | Good |
| Cost | More | Less |
Maintenance And Problems: Airstream vs. Grand Design
Being an Airstream RV owner is a true labor of love, and it requires more maintenance than your average camper. But the end results are totally worth the effort.
If you want to maintain the iconic shiny and new appearance of an Airstream, you’ve got to be diligent about washing and waxing it regularly. Plus, it’s crucial to keep the aluminum exterior in excellent condition. Be careful not to use a pressure washer too close to the trailer, or you might end up with unwanted dents and leaks in the rivets.
Although Airstream RVs are known for their durability and longevity, they’re not invincible. Over time, common problems like leaks, floor rot, scratches, and dents can be a real headache for owners, especially if you need to find replacement parts for an older model. If you’re thinking about buying a used Airstream, keep this in mind.
Despite the challenges, Airstreams are adored by their owners for their unique style, exceptional craftsmanship, and undeniable charm.
Grand Design RVs may be well-regarded, but they’re not without their own set of problems. The most common issues owners face include water leaks, busted appliances, shoddy wiring, and screws that won’t stay put. Overall, with both RV brands, expect at least average level of maintenance.
Build Quality: Airstream vs. Grand Design
Airstream trailers can be pretty pricey compared to other RVs out there, but that’s because they use top-notch materials in the manufacturing process. These components are higher quality than what you’d find in most other RVs, which means Airstream trailers tend to last longer and hold up better over time.
But let’s get real, no RV is flawless. Even Airstreams have their issues, just like any other brand. We already talked about the maintenance needs and problems earlier. So while Airstreams are well-constructed in general, they’re not exactly the epitome of perfection.
That being said, if you’re willing to fork over the dough and you’re into the retro-cool style of an Airstream, chances are you’ll be pretty satisfied with your purchase. Just don’t expect it to be without any flaws.
When it comes to building RVs, Grand Design has a pretty solid rep. They’re known for crafting travel trailers with construction quality that’s better than your average camper. In fact, we think Grand Design makes RVs that are a cut above the rest.
Customer Support: Airstream vs. Grand Design
There’s a real mixed bag of opinions when it comes to Airstream’s customer support. Some folks give them props for being quick to respond, but then there are others who straight up had a bad time.
When it comes to customer support, Grand Design takes the cake. People rave about how quickly they respond to customer needs and how awesome their service is. Even though Winnebago bought Grand Design in 2016, users still have great things to say about their customer service. It seems like the acquisition didn’t affect their top-notch service one bit! [Source]
Cost: Airstream vs. Grand Design
Airstream RVs are usually more expensive than Grand Design RVs. But of course, the prices and the differences can vary depending on the model and the condition of the chosen RV.
For instance, the cost of a used 2022 Grand Design Travel Trailer is only $24,750. On the other hand, the cost of a used 2017 Airstream Travel Trailer turns out to be $69,800.
Pros and Cons Of Airstream
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Appealing styles and design | Costly than other RVs |
| Impressive floor plans | Average customer service |
Pros and Cons of Grand Design
| Pros: | Cons: |
| RVs available at a cheaper cost | Only towable RVs available |
| Better overall customer support | Doesn’t have a long history in the industry |
What Do Redditors Think About Airstream And Grand Design?
Reddit users’ views on Airstreams are diverse. While some users hold the view that Airstreams are a good investment due to their durable nature, others criticize the quality of newer RVs.
Moreover, a few users express their concerns over the limited space and design of Airstreams for longer journeys and suggest visiting an RV show to evaluate various brands and models. Ultimately, the decision to buy an Airstream should be based on personal preferences and requirements.
The general consensus of Redditors about the Grand Design RV is pretty mixed. Some users acknowledge some good aspects of Grand Design RVs, like their use of standard or good brand components and well-thought-out design. But on the other hand, few users highlighted that they had a negative experience because of multiple issues and quality control problems.
[Sources: Reddit Posts – 1, 2]
Final Verdict – Which Brand Is Better For You?
If you’re in the market for an RV that’s both stylish and reputable, Airstream is a great choice. They’ve been around for years, producing top-quality RVs that are sure to turn heads on the road.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who values customer support and solid construction, Grand Design is the way to go. They’ve built a strong reputation for being there for their customers when they need it most, and their RVs are constructed with care and precision.
It’s important to keep in mind that no matter which brand you choose, there will always be some maintenance and repair needs to address. But by doing your research and considering your needs and priorities, you can find the perfect RV for you.
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right fit and making memories that will last a lifetime.
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