Destination Trailers Level Up with the Grand Design Foundation 42GD
The luxury RV maker enters the fast-growing park model market for the first time.
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Grand Design
Ever since it was first founded back in 2012, Grand Design has fostered a reputation for building some of the most luxurious and high-quality RVs on the market. Until somewhat recently, the brand exclusively focused on towables, producing some of the best travel trailers and fifth-wheels the industry had to offer. Then, in 2024, the company expanded into the motorized space by introducing its Lineage line of Class B and C coaches. Now, with the introduction of the Grand Design Foundation 42GD, the company is branching out into the rapidly growing destination trailer market for the first time.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
An Elevated Experience
Grand Design customers always expect an elevated experience from the brand, but the Foundation 42GD takes those expectations to new levels. That’s because this model’s signature feature is a two-story rear patio that includes a traditional deck plus an elevated observation platform suspended overhead. The two decks are linked via a spiral staircase that is tightly integrated into the design.
To say the Foundation’s porch is unlike anything we’ve seen in an RV of any kind before would be an understatement. While neither deck is overly large, they do provide plenty of room for owners and their guests to relax outside. The observation platform sits well above the ground, which is sure to make it a popular gathering point, with elevated views of the surrounding landscape. It feels especially nice for watching sunsets at the end of a busy day, and adding a telescope for evening stargazing would be icing on the cake.
We recently had the chance to see this novel feature at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa. The deck felt incredibly well made, and while the spiral staircase was a little narrow, it was safe and easy to climb up and down. Standing on the observation deck was a lot of fun and will undoubtedly be a highlight for owners of this destination trailer.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
A Beautiful Interior
As impressive as the deck is, the interior of the Foundation 42GD is just as exciting. Grand Design gave the rig a bright, modern, and spacious interior filled with plenty of features and amenities. For instance, stepping off the porch through a sliding door, owners are immediately greeted by a warm and welcoming living room space that includes a large L-shaped couch. That plush lounge converts into a bed to accommodate extra guests in a pinch. Opposite the sofa is a 55” smart TV and a fireplace, with hidden storage located behind. A ceiling fan helps keep the air circulating, and large windows allow plenty of natural light inside.
Adjacent to the living room is a spectacular island kitchen that comes equipped with a residential refrigerator, a four-burner stove, microwave, and a stainless steel sink. The Foundation 42GD even comes with a dishwasher, pull-out trash drawer, and a dedicated electronics drawer for simultaneously recharging your gadgets while also giving you time to disconnect from them for a while. Two barstools help make the island a gathering point for meals, snacks, and socializing.
Next comes a spacious bathroom complete with porcelain toilet, a stainless steel sink, and a medicine cabinet. The shower is also noteworthy both for its size and design. The space rivals those found in an upscale hotel or even some homes, with a three-stage water filtration system and brass plumbing ensuring a high quality experience throughout the entire trailer.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Room for the Whole Family
The primary bedroom is just as comfortable and accommodating as you would expect from a Grand Design RV. That starts with a massive king-size bed, but extends to a telescoping TV and a second fireplace, that add additional luxury to the space. Large windows continue the trend of allowing lots of natural light into the room, with blackout shades providing privacy when needed. Washer/dryer prep is another nice touch, as is the closet space that makes staying neat and organized a breeze.
A second bedroom is located in a lofted area that is accessed by a staircase found between the kitchen and bathroom. While the loft has a low ceiling that makes it most accommodating to kids, it is still accessible to adults without feeling overly claustrophobic. This space includes a queen-size mattress, several storage cabinets, and another TV. It even has a table with a foot nook that makes it surprisingly useful for a variety of purposes.
With the two bedrooms and the couch that converts to a bed, the Grand Design Foundation 42GD comfortably sleeps six. The trailer’s open design and unique patio make it ideal for hosting weekend getaways or even extended stays. It even comes with Starlink prep for those who need to get some work done while away, making it a swanky cabin or second home for those looking for a regular escape.
Photo Credit: Grand Design
A Great Foundation
The all-new Grand Design Foundation 42GD should start shipping this spring with an MSRP that starts at $136,566. If the company follows the same playbook that it did with the Lineage line of coaches, other floor plans are likely to follow. But this model is an impressive and fun first entry into the destination trailer space, and we can’t wait to see what else is on the drawing board.
For more information on the Grand Design Foundation 42GD, visit the company’s website. Hopefully, it will be updated with more information on this exciting new model soon.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
