Grand Design Image vs Transcend Travel Trailer?

[RLundin]

Looking at getting our first Travel Trailer and seem to like the Image 22MLE and Transcend 200MK or 221RB. Can someone help me understand the difference between the Image and Transcend besides the wall construction (nice stick-tin vs Gel/Fiberglass)?

Construction quality (besides walls)?
Alliances?
Cabinets/Furniture?
Kitchen?
Bathroom?
Cooling/heating?
etc

Thank You!

[Ynot4me2]

Welcome to the forum.
There a bit of difference between the 2 lines. Fit and finish is different, the Imagine has a metal frame as oppose to wood. Closed and heated underbelly for extend camping in below freezing. Better insulation to list a few.

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[NB Canada]

One difference is the fridge so decide what works best there for you
Interestingly the less expensive Transcend actually has hardwood cabinets and the imagine has fake wood


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

[rootusrootus]

99% of the difference is the stick 'n tin construction versus fiberglass and aluminum. Quality of construction is similarly bad, finish materials seem pretty decent to be honest, all considered. Appliances are likely identical (Furrion, Furrion, everywhere!). Imagine interiors seem to generally be lighter in color, Transcend is darker wood. A lot of the surface treatments are identical as far as I can tell (e.g. countertops, seat cushions). Imagine goes for a more elegant design, if that's your thing (e.g. handles on the fridge doors, stylish handles on the cabinetry, things like that).

I looked at both and chose based 99% on floorplan. And I kinda wanted a stick n' tin this time because I've never owned one. LOL. I'm overall happy with my trailer, it hasn't had any glaring problems. The floorplan really fits our needs quite well. I don't think you could go wrong with either one.

Closed and heated underbelly for extend camping in below freezing. Better insulation to list a few.

The Transcend trailers also have heated & enclosed underbelly.

GD gets credit, IMO, for this -- Transcend is clearly the budget line, based solely on the stick n' tin construction, but they didn't really skimp on the details. It doesn't make you feel like you settled for it.

[RLundin]

Other than looks, what was difference does the wall construction end up impacting the trailer (Transcend vs Imagine)?

[NB Canada]

Other than looks, what was difference does the wall construction end up impacting the trailer (Transcend vs Imagine)?

Nothing imo
No data to back it up but likely the aluminum welded frame is more rigid than a wood construction but I doubt it makes a difference

In my area the single most popular trailer is the aluminum Jayco Jayflight They didn’t become this by being inferior

I wouldn’t personally care what the skin was made of

Storage is my biggest want and Imagine wins imo


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

[rootusrootus]

Other than looks, what was difference does the wall construction end up impacting the trailer (Transcend vs Imagine)?

Having owned both kinds of construction, I don't notice a difference in functionality.

I am not sure if there are storage differences between the two. My Transcend does not have any empty spaces AFAICT. I did decide to sacrifice my outdoor kitchen, though, because we primarily boondock -- I don't want to cook anything greasy right next to the trailer, and the dorm fridge they put there only works on 120V. I repurposed the fridge as a beer fridge in my garage, instead. Took out the little two-burner cooktop. Now I use that area for storage for my griddle, propane firepit, toolbox, and other odds & ends.