Have you been looking for a high quality travel trailer but aren’t sure which option is best for you? Every type of camper has its own unique features, floor plan, and is used in different ways by different RVers. With so many travel trailers available and so much information to sift through, it can be hard to make a final decision about what you need.
At Bish’s we have helped thousands of RVers find their perfect travel trailer. We want to get you the information you need to pick the right camper for you!
Grand Design’s Imagine is a popular travel trailer option. Here I’ll explain the different Imagine brands, floor plans, prices, features, pros, and cons. This way you can determine for yourself if this is the right camper for you, or if you need something different for the outdoor adventures you have ahead.
What is Grand Design?
Grand Design is an RV manufacturer who has been building RVs for just over a decade. They build high-quality campers and strive for incredible customer service. They’ve earned them one of the best reputations in the RV industry.
What is an Imagine Travel Trailer?
The Imagine is Grand Design’s midprofile travel trailer. It’s considered one of the best midprofile campers on the market today. It has an aluminum frame and fiberglass sides, the different floor plans are between 29’ and 37’ and weigh from 7,850 lbs. to 10,200 lbs.
See the 2023 Imagine lineup with Josh the RV Nerd:
What are the Grand Design Imagine XLS and the Imagine AIM?
The XLS and AIM campers were created for RVers who want the quality and features of an Imagine camper, but have a truck that can only handle a smaller RV.
Sometimes towing restrictions keep an RVer from purchasing a camper they love. To solve this, Grand Design created these two trailers that include the quality and features of an Imagine camper with more towing options.
Imagine XLS models start just under 5,000 lbs. and weigh up to 6,400 lbs. This camper is meant to fit most medium trucks and larger SUVs. The Imagine XLS 25BHE even won RV News’ 2023 Lightweight Travel Trailer of the Year Award.
Imagine AIM is a lightweight camper that can be towed by a typical mid-size SUV. Floor plans for this camper start under 3,600 lbs. to just over 4,000 lbs. See a walkthrough of an Imagine AIM trailer from Josh the RV Nerd.
The Grand Design Imagine AIM won RV Business’s 2023 Top RV Debut award, RVPro’s Best New Model award for 2023 RVs, and RV News’ 2023 Lightweight Travel Trailer of the Year Award!
See a full list of Grand Design RV’s Awards.
What Does a Grand Design Imagine Cost?
A new Imagine will be listed online for $50,849 – $65,451 MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price).
Because of agreements with the manufacturer, dealers can’t list new Grand Design RVs for less than MSRP. Find a dealership that sells Grand Design RVs and ask for their sale price – it’s likely lower!
The no-pressure RV outfitters at Bish’s would love to give you our sale price – reach out anytime!
FYI, you may find a new Imagine listed for less than MSRP if it’s a new camper that is one year older than the newest models. For example, in March 2023, our Bish’s RV location in Davenport, Iowa has a 2022 Grand Design Imagine 2500RL listed for $39,900 – well under the $54,141 MSRP value.
A used Imagine camper will cost anywhere from $15,000 to $60,000, depending on its year, make, model, condition, etc.
A New Imagine XLS is listed from $40,898 to $55,000 MSRP. You can usually find one priced around $45,000.
Used Imagine XLS campers can cost up to $44,000, again depending on its year, make, model, condition, etc.
A new Imagine AIM costs from $32,000 to $45,000 MSRP.
Since this model was released in late 2022 there aren’t currently many used Imagine AIM models for sale, but they’ll likely depreciate 20% or so in the first year after leaving the lot.
Grand Design Imagine Standard Features
- Imagine Peace of Mind Package
- Aluminum entry steps
- Universal docking station
- On-Demand tankless water heater
- Black tank flush
- Spare tire and carrier
- Nitrogen filled radial tires
- Front rock guard
- Aluminum rims
- Premium window treatments
- Residential cabinetry
- 6” breakaway cable
- Dedicated sewer hose carrier
- Accessory hitch receiver
- Exterior cooking griddle w/ metal pullout drawer
- 6’ coiled breakaway cable
- Oversized holding tanks
- Conventional microwave
- Imagine Ultimate Power Package
- Electric Awning w/ LED Light
- LED Interior Lighting
- Motion Sensor Entry and Pass Thru Lighting (LED)
- Bluetooth Stereo
- High Definition LED TV
- Detachable Marine Grade Power Cord
- Ducted AC System
- 30 AMP Service
- Power Tongue Jack
- Compass Connect
- Tire Linc TPMS Prep
- Exterior Cable Hookup
- Imagine Arctic 4-Seasons Protection Package
- 25K BTU High Capacity Furnace
- Heated and Enclosed Underbelly
- Designated Heat Duct to Subfloor
- High Density Roof Insulation w/ Attic Vent
- Moisture Barrier Floor Enclosure
- Residential (Ductless) Heating System Throughout
- Double Insulated Roof and Front Cap (R-40)
- Heated and Enclosed Dump Valves
- Imagine Solar Package
- 165W Roof Mounted Solar Panel
- 25 Amp Charge Controller
- 12V Refrigerator
- GDRV Roadside Assistance
- Goodyear tires
- RVIA Seal
- Fireplace (only comes standard with 2670MK, 2970RL, & 3100RD)
- 50 amp Service – Wired & Framed for a 2nd A/C (optional if applicable)
- On models 2670MK and larger
Grand Design Imagine Optional Features
- Booth Dinette (comes standard on most models)
- Free Standing Table and Chairs (comes standard on 3100RD, otherwise optional)
- Theater Seating IPO Tri-Fold Sofa
- Winterization (Mandatory on builds from October 1 – April 1)
- CSA Certification
- State Seals
Imagine XLS Standard Features
- Imagine XLS Peace of Mind Package
- Aluminum entry steps
- Universal docking station
- On-Demand tankless water heater
- Black tank flush
- Spare tire and carrier
- Nitrogen filled radial tires
- Front rock guard
- Aluminum rims
- Premium window treatments
- Residential cabinetry
- 6” breakaway cable
- Dedicated sewer hose carrier
- Accessory hitch receiver
- Exterior cooking griddle w/ metal pullout drawer
- 6’ coiled breakaway cable
- Oversized holding tanks
- Conventional microwave
- Imagine XLS Ultimate Power Package
- Electric Awning w/ LED Light
- LED Interior Lighting
- Motion Sensor Entry and Pass Thru Lighting (LED)
- Bluetooth Stereo
- High Definition LED TV
- Detachable Marine Grade Power Cord
- Ducted AC System
- 30 AMP Service
- Power Tongue Jack
- Compass Connect
- Tire Linc TPMS Prep
- Exterior Cable Hookup
- Imagine XLS Arctic 4-Seasons Protection Package
- 25K BTU High Capacity Furnace
- Heated and Enclosed Underbelly
- Designated Heat Duct to Subfloor
- High Density Roof Insulation w/ Attic Vent
- Moisture Barrier Floor Enclosure
- Residential (Ductless) Heating System Throughout
- Double Insulated Roof and Front Cap (R-40)
- Heated and Enclosed Dump Valves
- Imagine XLS Solar Package
- 165W Roof Mounted Solar Panel
- Roof Mmounted MC4 Quick Connect Plugs
- 25 Amp Solar Charge Controller
- 12V 10 cu ft. Fridge
- GDRV Roadside Assistance
- Goodyear tires
- RVIA Seal
- Booth Dinette (standard on most models)
Imagine XLS Optional Features
- Theater Dinette IPO Tri-Fold Sofa (standard on 22RBE)
- Winterization (Mandatory on builds from October 1 – April 1)
- CSA Certification
- State Seals
Imagine AIM Standard Features
- Imagine AIM Peace of Mind Package
- Aluminum entry steps
- Universal docking station
- On-Demand tankless water heater
- Black tank flush
- Spare tire and carrier
- Nitrogen filled radial tires
- Front rock guard
- Aluminum rims
- Premium window treatments
- Residential cabinetry
- 6” breakaway cable
- Dedicated sewer hose carrier
- Accessory hitch receiver
- Exterior cooking griddle w/ metal pullout drawer
- 6’ coiled breakaway cable
- Oversized holding tanks
- Conventional microwave
- Imagine AIM Ultimate Power Package
- Electric Awning w/ LED Light
- LED Interior Lighting
- Motion Sensor Entry and Pass Thru Lighting (LED)
- Bluetooth Stereo
- High Definition LED TV
- Detachable Marine Grade Power Cord
- Ducted AC System
- 30 AMP Service
- Power Tongue Jack
- Compass Connect
- Tire Linc TPMS Prep
- Exterior Cable Hookup
- Imagine AIM Arctic 4-Seasons Protection Package
- 25K BTU High Capacity Furnace
- Heated and Enclosed Underbelly
- Designated Heat Duct to Subfloor
- High Density Roof Insulation w/ Attic Vent
- Moisture Barrier Floor Enclosure
- Residential (Ductless) Heating System Throughout
- Double Insulated Roof and Front Cap (R-40)
- Heated and Enclosed Dump Valves
- Imagine AIM Solar Package
- 200W Roof Mounted Solar Panel
- Roof Mounted Quick Connect Plugs
- 30 Amp Charge Controller
- 12V Fridge
- GDRV Roadside Assistance
- RVIA Seal
Imagine AIM Optional Features
- Imagine AIM Package
- Untamed Terrain 235/75R15 Tire Assembly
- Winterization (Mandatory on builds from October 1 – April 1)
- CSA Certification
- State Seals
Is the Grand Design Imagine Right for You?
The Imagine, Imagine XLS, and Imagine AIM aren’t right for every RVer. We want you to know the benefits and weaknesses of these campers so you can decide for yourself if one is a good fit for you.
Pros of Imagine Travel Trailers:
Fiberglass:
Fiberglass siding is more durable than aluminum siding. This will protect your camper better from the elements like rain, snow, and hail. Some people also prefer the sleek look of fiberglass sided exteriors.
Grand Design Quality:
Grand Design RVs are all built using high quality materials and great construction processes, with customer satisfaction in mind. If you’d like, you can read more about Grand Design’s construction quality.
You’ll also find that Grand Design has one of the best customer reputations in the RV industry because of this quality and their focus on customer service. It’s best to hear it directly from RVers who own a Grand Design RV.
Visit the Grand Design Owners Forum to see what RV owners have to say about the manufacturer.
Extended Season Camping:
Every Grand Design Imagine is tested in rigorous temperatures (from 15 to 100 degrees Farenheit) to ensure that Imagine campers can function well and be comfortable for campers in times and places where the weather is not-so-nice.
The Imagine includes a high-performance, high efficiency furnace that delivers maximum heating power throughout the entire camper when temperatures drop.
The heated underbelly includes suspended tanks and enclosed dump valves. A designated heat duct runs through the subfloor to provide residual heat to the tanks and underbelly.
For warmer temperatures, the roof includes an attic vent to provide extra airflow when the weather is nice.
Towing Options:
The Imagine variations mean you can still own and tow an Imagine, even with a smaller tow vehicle. With the Imagine, Imagine XLS, and Imagine AIM product lines, there is a Grand Design Imagine suitable for most RVers looking to tow a travel trailer.
Cons of Imagine Travel Trailers:
Grand Design Imagine Price:
Grand Design RVs are more expensive than the average camper. But, with Grand Design you get what you pay for. Here you’ll pay for a quality product that will hold up for years to come.
Grand Design Imagine Availability:
Only certain dealerships carry Grand Design RVs. They also aren’t sold by multiple dealerships in the same area.
Grand Design does not partner with any Internet-only dealerships, so if you’re looking to buy a Grand Design RV, outside of buying from a private seller selling their used Grand Design Imagine you will need to work with a partnered dealership. Find a Grand Design dealer near you.
Most Popular Imagine Floor Plans
Travel Trailers Like the Imagine
If you aren’t certain about the Grand Design Imagine, or would like to compare it to similar travel trailers, you should check out the following comparable brands:
If you’re looking to spend less money, but still wanting to view quality-built travel trailers, you may also consider these popular options:
- Crossroads Sunset Trail
- Grand Design Transcend Xplor
- Jayco Jay Flight (read a review of the Jay Flight)
- Keystone Hideout
- Winnebago Micro Minnie
So Now What?
Now that you have learned about the Grand Design Imagine travel trailers, you know what the different Grand Design Imagine campers are, what they cost, their pros and cons, and their features so you can decide if the Imagine is something you could see yourself camping in or if you want something different.
Many Bish’s dealers sell Imagine Travel Trailers. You can check out our inventory to see if we have the right camper for you.
You can also make an appointment to see an Imagine with one of our no-pressure RV Outfitters.
Want to read more? Learn here about the costs of owning an RV.
