Decision to make, 2025 Imagine XLS 22MLE VS 23LDE for my truck specifications.

[phalconfixer]

Not sure what Ford has, but a lot of the newer GM trucks have an "anti-sway" feature. Works with the traction control and anti lock brakes to detect sway and apply the brakes to negate it. Wondered why I needed rear brake pads at 65,000 miles when the front ones were still at 70%.

I also wondered about the rear brake wear on our GMC 1500. We did get 80,000 miles on the rear brakes, front brakes still at 7mm. I think you made a point to consider about the anti sway, although I haven't felt any rear brake engagement.

Jim

 

[AndreBeaule]

Welcome! We had a 2022 22MLE for 1.5 years (purchased June 2021), then opted to get a 2023 23LDE (purchased Jan 2023). At the time we purchased the 22MLE, the LDE wasn't released yet and had we known it was coming we would have waited.

We liked the MLE very much. The main issues were; we didn't like the door being at the foot of the bed. Not fun getting up in the middle of the night and stepping on the front rug and having sand stick to your feet. Walking into the front door and always having the bed right there. I go out the door early in the morning with my coffee and wife is still in bed, right there. Very small bathroom, less than 2' square in front of toilet, cabinet, and shower. Makes it difficult for a tall or wide person to get dressed after a shower. I had to face the shower otherwise, I there wasn't enough room to get my pants on.

The LDE is a bit longer, vastly larger bathroom, bedroom separation, larger sofa. Heavier with same suspension so you lose cargo carrying capacity. Personally, I wouldn't go back to the MLE after having the LDE.

Regarding towing, the LDE is significantly heavier on the tongue, mainly due to the fact that the shower and toilet are in front of the axles, whereas the tanks are all behind the axles on the MLE. The fresh water on the LDE is over and slightly behind the rear axle and the galley is at the very back. But assuming you use the bathroom while traveling you will almost always have something in those tanks. I installed an off-grid system with 4 - 280AH batteries. The tongue weight was higher than stated on our paperwork before we loaded anything. With the things I've added, we're running nearly 17% on the tongue. On this trip to Alaska for the summer we recently found that the A-frame is now distorted and cracked (that will be a separate post at some point). Not saying you'll have the issue, just a point to consider your trucks payload and potential tongue weight of the LDE vs MLE.

Most likely you'll be very happy with whichever model you choose. Have fun exploring them and with your purchase!

I read that the Images xls series frames have changed in 2025. If my memory is correct, the new frame is a bolted frame. Changed from Lippert to BAL. BAL Norco box frames instead of welded I beam frames from Lippert.

Stay safe.

 

[redfernclan]

I also wondered about the rear brake wear on our GMC 1500. We did get 80,000 miles on the rear brakes, front brakes still at 7mm. I think you made a point to consider about the anti sway, although I haven't felt any rear brake engagement.

Jim

I never felt mine working either, but the pad wear shows it was sure doing something.

 

[Mackey]

Hello everyone.
We are looking into buying either a GD Imagine XLS 22MLE or a 23LDE. We would like to have MLE and LDE owners input to help us choose the right RV. I just changed my truck for a new 2023 Ford F150 Lariat Supercrew cab, 6 1/2 feet box with 5.0L engine with Max tow package and 3.73 differential. Attached are my trucks capacity numbers from Ford's towing calculator, which is linked to the truck's VIN, so theses numbers are directly linked to all the options for my truck.

We are leaning more for the 23LDE because (kitchen a little bigger, closed bedroom for more privacy when bringing our grand kids, larger seating on the couch). Since the RV is not yet purchased, we don’t want to make a costly mistake.

Will we be fine and safe and have a nice travel experience with my pickup?

Thank you in advance for all of your inputs.

Andre

Hello, we just purchased a 2023 23LDE and are pulling it with a 2022 Ram 5.7 Hemi half ton with no issues. The dealer gave us an Equal-izer WDH which works great! We really like the LDE for the same reasons that you mentioned.

 

[MtnGuy]

The tongue weight on my 2024 23MLE was listed as 704 lbs from the factory, 760 lbs. coming back from picking it up from the dealer, and 900 lbs. ready to camp. With the OPs (listed, not actual ??) figures, he is going to probably be over the GVW rating of his truck once he adds passengers and cargo.

The Andersen WDH is OK for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks with small trailers, but IMHO not for 1/2 ton trucks. I have never seen any post where the full weight of the front axle has been returned back there with a trailer attached.

 

[Mike_Z]

The tongue weight on my 2024 23MLE was listed as 704 lbs from the factory, 760 lbs. coming back from picking it up from the dealer, and 900 lbs. ready to camp. With the OPs (listed, not actual ??) figures, he is going to probably be over the GVW rating of his truck once he adds passengers and cargo.

The Andersen WDH is OK for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks with small trailers, but IMHO not for 1/2 ton trucks. I have never seen any post where the full weight of the front axle has been returned back there with a trailer attached.

Do you mean you have not seen front axle weight restored with the Anderson or with any hitch?

 

[MtnGuy]

Do you mean you have not seen front axle weight restored with the Anderson or with any hitch?

I have never used the Andersen hitch, but I have also never seen anyone ever prove they have restored their front axle weight with the Andersen by CAT scales or fender measurements. I am on multiple RV forums, and when other members ask about the weight transfer, most Andersen users say they have not scaled their units. The 1s that have scaled their units have never gotten their front axle weights back. The geometry is just not there.

Other conventional hitches can easily get the weights back, with the problem being you could actually get too much weight on the front axle if not set up correctly and using the correct weighted bars.

I considered the Andersen Hitch when setting up my F350 and Imagine, and it would have probably worked well. The Super Duty manual directs owners to only get 1/2 of the lost weight back on the front axle. My F150 manual stated to get most of the lost weight back, the reason probably being it was a lighter truck and the rear end was not meant to carry as much weight.

 

[Mike_Z]

I have never used the Andersen hitch, but I have also never seen anyone ever prove they have restored their front axle weight with the Andersen by CAT scales or fender measurements. I am on multiple RV forums, and when other members ask about the weight transfer, most Andersen users say they have not scaled their units. The 1s that have scaled their units have never gotten their front axle weights back. The geometry is just not there.

Other conventional hitches can easily get the weights back, with the problem being you could actually get too much weight on the front axle if not set up correctly and using the correct weighted bars.

I considered the Andersen Hitch when setting up my F350 and Imagine, and it would have probably worked well. The Super Duty manual directs owners to only get 1/2 of the lost weight back on the front axle. My F150 manual stated to get most of the lost weight back, the reason probably being it was a lighter truck and the rear end was not meant to carry as much weight.

Gotcha. Thanks for adding that! I am actually able to get my front axle weight literally dead on with the Hensley.

 

[Terry and Debbie]

Hello everyone.
We are looking into buying either a GD Imagine XLS 22MLE or a 23LDE. We would like to have MLE and LDE owners input to help us choose the right RV. I just changed my truck for a new 2023 Ford F150 Lariat Supercrew cab, 6 1/2 feet box with 5.0L engine with Max tow package and 3.73 differential. Attached are my trucks capacity numbers from Ford's towing calculator, which is linked to the truck's VIN, so theses numbers are directly linked to all the options for my truck.

We are leaning more for the 23LDE because (kitchen a little bigger, closed bedroom for more privacy when bringing our grand kids, larger seating on the couch). Since the RV is not yet purchased, we don’t want to make a costly mistake.

Will we be fine and safe and have a nice travel experience with my pickup?

Thank you in advance for all of your inputs.

Andre

We have the 22 MLE and love it. Tow it with a 2018 tundra limited. We feel very safe. My wife liked the open area without the closed bedroom
Like that the whole unit is accessible with the slide in
Able to sit in the recliner and use the table at the same time
I’m taking it to the cat scales next week on our trip to manatee springs just to have peace of mind on our weights
Doing 62 on the interstate 1800 rpm’s just a little wiggle when the semi goes by not to puckering
Either unit you choose be ready to have a blast

 

[Riverbug]

We have the 22 MLE and love it. Tow it with a 2018 tundra limited. We feel very safe. My wife liked the open area without the closed bedroom
Like that the whole unit is accessible with the slide in
Able to sit in the recliner and use the table at the same time
I’m taking it to the cat scales next week on our trip to manatee springs just to have peace of mind on our weights
Doing 62 on the interstate 1800 rpm’s just a little wiggle when the semi goes by not to puckering
Either unit you choose be ready to have a blast

Just FYI in case you haven't looked. If you use the couch while the slide is in you may want to prop the front of the slide with wedges. We started using tree felling wedges as they are brightly colored so we wouldn't forget them in place and fit perfectly to hold the slide up before sitting on the couch. You might find that after a while the slide rests directly on the floor otherwise. Totally up to you, but thought I would mention...

 

[MtnGuy]

Just FYI in case you haven't looked. If you use the couch while the slide is in you may want to prop the front of the slide with wedges. We started using tree felling wedges as they are brightly colored so we wouldn't forget them in place and fit perfectly to hold the slide up before sitting on the couch. You might find that after a while the slide rests directly on the floor otherwise. Totally up to you, but thought I would mention...

We do the same with door wedges. But I like the idea of the tree felling wedges.....the door wedges are a bit spongy.

 

[dfish]

Andre:

As we're both soon to buy, and in the spirit of helping, allow me to share these thoughts: The root is this: Regardless of the RAS, the Anderson is not a great choice. On the surface it's shows compelling ease of use, but if anything Mtnguy has understated the issues w/the thing. I've spend considerable time on this, including doing a very deep dive into the exact math of weight transfer, and my thoughts of my final four amounted to this:

Anderson: (I love the weight/ease of use, but it just doesn't perform for anybody that actually needs a WD hitch)

1. Weight transfer issues: Best for a light trailer and/or with an oversized TV.
2. Friction based anti-sway: Effective - until it's not. Then that stiction is working against a return to in-trail. This, and any friction based AS, is a better fit for something with electronic anti-sway built in the trailer. (which can be added to the 23LDE, but does not come w/it today)
3. The darling of the first time-buyer. But try to find anybody that's actually transferred any weight with it. The physics just aren't there: The Elastomer/polymer is too short of travel, working in an inefficient direction, and with too little leverage. Friction AS works OK though.

P-Pride et all: (just to heavy and cumbersome)

1. Great hitch. I don't begrudge the cost too much for it's performance is unmatched.
2. Yea, it's too heavy and hook-up/disconnect can be an issue.

3) Camco TR-3 (my #2 choice)

1. Friction based AS, but not crazy heavy, considered very quiet, does a solid job of weight transfer, and relatively easy to hook up. For a trailer w/electronic anti-sway this would be a solid choice.

4) Blue-Ox Sway Pro: (I already bought one)

1. In that it's in tension both in weight transfer and in AS, it's naturally self-centering. It also increases the return to trail forces as sway increases. This "active" centering is attractive for any trailer WO/electronic AS and would be fine w/it as well.
2. The clear favorite of the Airstream community (as is the P-pride), it's light enough, easy to connect, quiet, and effective.
3. It might, maybe, allow a tiny bit of walk around for it lacks the self-centering (and the noise and grease) of something like the Dual Cam.

Obviously you know what's best for you, but since we're using similar trucks and looking at the same trailers I figured I'd at least offer some thoughts.

FWIW, where I'm at:
TV: '22 150 KR Screw LB, PB w/max tow (you know about the axle recall, yes?
RV Finalists:
23LDE, RK234, 2529RG


Best of luck to you!

-d

 

[UGADawgs]

We switched from having both the Eaz-Lift ReCurve R6 and RAS HD for two years to only the Andersen WDH for the last year and it has been so much better for towing/sway/etc.

TV: 2021 Powerboost 157wb
TT: 2021 2250rk (very similar to the 23LDE)

 

[dfish]

Regrettably the time limits for editing are a bit short, so I wasn't able to correct a few things in my post above. Now that time permits allow me to clarify this:

"It (The Blue Ox) might, maybe, allow a tiny bit of walk around for it lacks the self-centering (and the noise and grease) of something like the Dual Cam".

I could have worded this better. The Sway Pro obviously self-centers, but the Dual Cam has a cup in the tension (trunion) bars at their end that making something of a detent that aledgedly holds the trailer in trail quite well relative to wind gusts like passing semi's and etc..

 

[Riverbug]

We switched from having both the Eaz-Lift ReCurve R6 and RAS HD for two years to only the Andersen WDH for the last year and it has been so much better for towing/sway/etc.

TV: 2021 Powerboost 157wb
TT: 2021 2250rk (very similar to the 23LDE)

Curious what your door sticker payload is on the Powerboost?

 

[dfish]

Rvr, if it helps:

PB's are heavy. A heavily loaded one will be 1000 or so, one w/minimal trim and no add-ons can be close to 15. My KR stickers at 1350 (as I recall) but it's heavier than that IRL.

Of course the argument Anderson user will give, right after the admit they haven't weighed anything, is that the the hitch is so light they don't have as much need to transfer weight. Not my cup of tea, but then I'll probably be a touch over payload rating myself so I'm a poor one to argue.

 

[UGADawgs]

Curious what your door sticker payload is on the Powerboost?

1523

 

[J_Man]

Hello everyone.
We are looking into buying either a GD Imagine XLS 22MLE or a 23LDE. We would like to have MLE and LDE owners input to help us choose the right RV. I just changed my truck for a new 2023 Ford F150 Lariat Supercrew cab, 6 1/2 feet box with 5.0L engine with Max tow package and 3.73 differential. Attached are my trucks capacity numbers from Ford's towing calculator, which is linked to the truck's VIN, so theses numbers are directly linked to all the options for my truck.

We are leaning more for the 23LDE because (kitchen a little bigger, closed bedroom for more privacy when bringing our grand kids, larger seating on the couch). Since the RV is not yet purchased, we don’t want to make a costly mistake.

Will we be fine and safe and have a nice travel experience with my pickup?

Thank you in advance for all of your inputs.

Andre

Andre,

We have a 2025 XLS 22MLE and I was towing it with an F150 King Ranch with towing package and a blue ox stabilizer hitch system.

I’ve towed larger travel trailers into the Rocky Mountains so I had an idea how it should handle.

6-months later we upgraded to an F250.

The F150 engine / transmission was fine, but the trailer was never as stable at highway speeds as it should be… and towing this small TT was WORK.

I believe the 3/4-ton has solved the highway stability problem.

Best wishes with your new camper!


J_Man

 

[RV2600RB]

Hello everyone.
We are looking into buying either a GD Imagine XLS 22MLE or a 23LDE. We would like to have MLE and LDE owners input to help us choose the right RV. I just changed my truck for a new 2023 Ford F150 Lariat Supercrew cab, 6 1/2 feet box with 5.0L engine with Max tow package and 3.73 differential. Attached are my trucks capacity numbers from Ford's towing calculator, which is linked to the truck's VIN, so theses numbers are directly linked to all the options for my truck.

We are leaning more for the 23LDE because (kitchen a little bigger, closed bedroom for more privacy when bringing our grand kids, larger seating on the couch). Since the RV is not yet purchased, we don’t want to make a costly mistake.

Will we be fine and safe and have a nice travel experience with my pickup?

Thank you in advance for all of your inputs.

Andre

Pick whichever one YOU want.
Not what the internet says.
YMMV