When I first started researching travel trailers and fifth wheels, one of the most common questions I kept coming across was “who owns Grand Design RV?” It’s a fair question—after all, when you’re investing in a major purchase like an RV, you want to know the people and company behind the brand. The short answer: Grand Design RV has been owned by Winnebago Industries since late 2016, but the story goes deeper than that. Let’s break down the history, ownership details, and why this matters for RV buyers today.
What Is Grand Design RV Known For?
Grand Design RV was founded in 2012 by Don Clark, Ron Fenech, and Bill Fenech—industry veterans who had already made their mark in RV manufacturing. Their mission was simple: build RVs with superior quality and customer service.
In less than a decade, the company became one of the fastest-growing RV manufacturers in North America. Grand Design is especially known for:
- Rigorous pre-delivery inspections—each RV goes through more than 300 checks before leaving the factory.
- Extended warranties compared to many competitors.
- Popular models like the Reflection, Solitude, Momentum, and Imagine lines.
The company also emphasizes community, building a loyal following of RV owners who proudly share their experiences at rallies and online forums.
So, Who Owns Grand Design RV Today?
Grand Design RV is a wholly owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO), a company with over 65 years of experience in outdoor lifestyle products. In October 2016, Grand Design RV was acquired for approximately $500 million. This was a major move in the RV world. Winnebago, an iconic brand long associated with motorhomes, wanted to expand more aggressively into the towable RV market. Buying Grand Design gave them an instant foothold with a fast-growing, high-quality brand.
Despite the acquisition, Grand Design continues to operate as a distinct brand under the Winnebago umbrella. Don Clark, one of the original founders, still serves as CEO, helping maintain the company’s original culture and customer-first approach.
Why Did Winnebago Buy Grand Design RV?
From a business perspective, the purchase was strategic:
- Towable growth: At the time, towable RVs (travel trailers and fifth wheels) were outpacing motorhomes in sales growth.
- Brand reputation: Grand Design had quickly earned a reputation for quality and customer service.
- Complementary lineup: The acquisition allowed Winnebago to offer a broader portfolio—motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels—all under its corporate umbrella.
This move helped Winnebago diversify and compete more effectively with giants like Thor Industries and Forest River.
What Has Changed Since the Acquisition?
Many RV owners wonder whether the Winnebago takeover changed Grand Design’s quality or customer experience. Here’s what has remained consistent and what has evolved:
- Same leadership: Don Clark and the original team continued running day-to-day operations.
- Production growth: In 2023, Grand Design celebrated building its 250,000th RV, a milestone achieved faster than many older brands.
- Better resources: Backed by Winnebago’s financial strength, Grand Design has been able to expand its facilities and maintain high standards in design and warranty support.
For customers, the ownership change meant more stability, not less.
How Does Grand Design Compare to Other RV Brands?
If you’re shopping for an RV, knowing who owns Grand Design RV also helps you understand how it fits into the bigger industry picture.
- Versus Forest River (owned by Berkshire Hathaway): Grand Design markets itself as more customer-focused with tighter quality control.
- Versus Thor Industries brands: Thor is massive, owning Airstream, Jayco, and Keystone. Grand Design, though smaller, has built loyalty by emphasizing craftsmanship and service.
- Versus Winnebago’s motorhome line: While Winnebago still leads in motorhomes, Grand Design is the crown jewel of its towable RV division.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Design RV
1. Is Grand Design still family-owned?
No. Grand Design RV is no longer family-owned—it was sold to Winnebago Industries in 2016. However, the original CEO, Don Clark, continues to lead the company, which helps preserve its founding values.
2. Where are Grand Design RVs manufactured?
All Grand Design RVs are built in Middlebury, Indiana, which is widely considered the heart of the RV industry. The company operates multiple state-of-the-art production facilities there.
3. Did quality drop after Winnebago bought Grand Design?
Most owners and industry reviewers agree that quality has remained strong. In fact, with Winnebago’s backing, Grand Design has been able to scale while keeping its inspection processes and warranties intact.
4. What types of RVs does Grand Design make?
Grand Design specializes in towable RVs, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. Popular models include the Imagine (lightweight travel trailer), Reflection (mid-size fifth wheel), Solitude (luxury fifth wheel), and Momentum (toy hauler).
Final Thoughts: Why Ownership Matters for RV Buyers
So, back to the main question: who owns Grand Design RV? The answer is clear—Winnebago Industries has owned the brand since 2016. But the bigger takeaway is this: Grand Design hasn’t lost its original DNA. The leadership team stayed intact, the focus on customer service never wavered, and with Winnebago’s resources, the company has only grown stronger.
If you’re considering a Grand Design RV, knowing who owns the brand should give you confidence. You’re not only buying from one of the fastest-growing RV companies in the U.S., but also from a name backed by one of the most established manufacturers in the world. And if you’ve also been curious about who owns Keystone RV or other leading names in the industry, understanding these ownership structures can help you make more informed decisions when comparing brands.
For many RV shoppers, that combination of innovation and stability is exactly what makes Grand Design worth a closer look.
