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.
Who Owns Grand Design RV Today?
If you’re searching for who owns Grand Design, the answer is straightforward. Grand Design RV is owned by Winnebago Industries. The acquisition brought Grand Design under one of the most established RV manufacturers in the United States.
Winnebago Industries owns Grand Design as a separate operating brand, meaning Grand Design maintains its design philosophy while benefiting from Winnebago’s resources. This brand ownership structure allows Grand Design to focus on innovation while leveraging large-scale manufacturing expertise.
Why Did Winnebago Buy Grand Design RV?
Many buyers ask when did Winnebago industries buy Grand Design, and the timeline matters. Winnebago Industries acquired Grand Design RV in 2016, just four years after Grand Design was founded.
The acquisition happened because Grand Design showed rapid growth in the travel trailer and fifth-wheel market. Rather than changing the brand, Winnebago preserved its leadership team and production approach, which helped maintain customer trust.
Brand Ownership and Brand History of Grand Design RV
Understanding brand ownership and brand history helps buyers evaluate long-term reliability. Grand Design RV was founded in 2012 by former RV industry executives who wanted to improve quality control and customer service.
Before Winnebago’s acquisition, Grand Design was backed by private equity firm Summit Partners, which helped scale operations. This history explains why Grand Design combines startup innovation with corporate stability.
Who Makes Grand Design RVs?
A common question is who makes Grand Design RVs. Grand Design RVs are built by Grand Design RV LLC, which operates as a subsidiary of Winnebago Industries.
Although Winnebago owns the brand, Grand Design maintains its own production standards, engineering teams, and quality checks. This separation is one reason many buyers feel Grand Design RVs differ from traditional Winnebago models.
Where Are Winnebagos Made?
Buyers often ask where are Winnebagos made, especially when comparing brands. Most Winnebago and Grand Design RVs are manufactured in Indiana, the center of U.S. RV production.
Indiana’s RV manufacturing ecosystem allows access to skilled labor, suppliers, and quality control systems. This geographic advantage contributes to consistent build quality across Grand Design campers and trailers.
Grand Design Travel Trailer and 5th Wheel Lineup
Grand Design is best known for its travel trailers and fifth wheels. Popular categories include:
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Grand Design travel trailer models for families and couples
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Grand Design 5th wheel units for full-time RV living
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Lightweight Grand Design campers for easier towing
These Grand Design trailers focus on interior livability, insulation, and customer-friendly layouts, which helps explain their strong reputation.
Grand Design RV Lawsuit: What Buyers Should Know
Search data shows interest in Grand Design RV lawsuit, and transparency matters. Like most large RV manufacturers, Grand Design has faced isolated customer complaints and legal disputes, typically related to warranty or repair issues.
There is no widespread or brand-threatening lawsuit affecting Grand Design RV ownership or production. Addressing this openly helps buyers make informed decisions without unnecessary concern.
Is Grand Design a Good RV?
So, is Grand Design a good RV? For many buyers, yes. Grand Design consistently ranks well for:
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Build quality
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Floorplan design
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Customer support
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Warranty responsiveness
While no RV brand is perfect, Grand Design’s balance of innovation and corporate backing makes it a strong choice for both new and experienced RV owners.
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).
5. Who makes Grand Design RVs?
Grand Design RVs are manufactured by Grand Design RV LLC, a subsidiary of Winnebago Industries.
6. Who owns Winnebago?
Winnebago Industries is a publicly traded company owned by shareholders.
7. Where are Winnebagos made?
Most Winnebago and Grand Design RVs are built in Indiana, USA.
8. Is Grand Design a good RV?
Grand Design is widely considered a reliable RV brand with strong customer satisfaction.
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.
