New Floorplan Discussion: Imagine XLS - 25DBE

New England Weekender

Advanced Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2024
Messages
71
Location
New England region
For reference: https://www.granddesignrv.com/travel-trailers/imagine-xls/25dbe


I bought this 2024 model about a month ago and have been playing around with it since. Figuring the best locations to keep items, store gear, run through all the features, etc. There are some quirky things about it and also some pretty neat features too. Has anyone else bought this new floorplan model and want to discuss? I'm all for sharing tips/tricks.

Or if anyone else is currently looking at the 25DBE, fire away! Our first trip is this weekend, but we already have 2 more trips booked for the summer and possibly a 4th or a 5th trip coming as well. We're excited to use it and I've gotten so much out of this forum already, if I can help anyone else, I'm happy to.

There are no stupid questions. Lol.
 
Yes, we bought it and in general really love it. The motion sensor lights go off when they shouldn't (I'll likely cover with tape). The dinette is good for two people, not sure how you'd use it for more than that. We don't really think we'll need the bedroom door (to the outside), I can get int and out of the bedroom with the slide in. Love the built-in griddle, the theater seats, the separate bedroom, the bunks, the exterior cable / outlet, the pantry door. We added a Halo backup/side view cameras and I did some organizing in the pass-through storage (command strip hangers for broom storage, a 3-d print to store sway bars). What's your likes and dislikes?
 
We just bought this, but we don’t get it for another week. Wondering if it’s hard for a kid to get to the top bunk without a ladder. I don’t think climbing on the couch is an option because that would ruin it, but there isn’t really room for a ladder either from what I can remember.
 
Yes, we bought it and in general really love it. The motion sensor lights go off when they shouldn't (I'll likely cover with tape). The dinette is good for two people, not sure how you'd use it for more than that. We don't really think we'll need the bedroom door (to the outside), I can get int and out of the bedroom with the slide in. Love the built-in griddle, the theater seats, the separate bedroom, the bunks, the exterior cable / outlet, the pantry door. We added a Halo backup/side view cameras and I did some organizing in the pass-through storage (command strip hangers for broom storage, a 3-d print to store sway bars). What's your likes and dislikes?

Thanks. Very fair pros and cons. Here are a few of mine off the top of my head.

Pros:
1. The storage under the Queen bed.
2. Heavy duty "diamond plate" grip floor in the pass-through storage.
3. Outdoor kitchen in general.
4. Multiple spray port locations in opposite corners.
5. Despite the small footprint, the kitchen has ample storage with the full height pantry.
6. Love the solar panel to run the 12v fridge. I do wish it also ran the outdoor mini fridge as well.

CONS:
1. Some models come with a compartment above the rear bumper storage, I've seen 24"x36" a lot. I understand the outside kitchen probably takes that space but this model feels like it desperately needs a second location besides the pass through.
2. Despite all the cabinet space, we've found zero places to put our small countertop sized air fryer. It's smaller than most but about 1" too tall for the two shelves in the pantry and it's a 1" too wide for any of the upper cabinets. It also won't fit laying down on the side in any of the drawers under the range or sink. It also won't fit in the cabs over the couch or any of the drawers by the master or above the head. This leaves 3 options for a relatively small counter top appliance. Floor of the pantry, under the dinette, under the bed. Probably nitpicking but it seems like this shouldn't have been an issue.
3. The shelf above the microwave and space above the Outside kitchen are pretty small height wise. I want to say one of them is only 4" tall. Most totes won't fit in either space so not really sure what to do with either area. Maybe just paper towel spare rolls or something like that?
4. The Hot/Cold handles of the spray port by the hookups is directly in the way of accessing the water "in" port. I bought a 90 to offset the hose but it's still somewhat in the way so I roll an extra foot of hose inside the compartment and access the port fitting from the side. This is just someone in engineering not using their head but I do like having access to hot and cold at this port.
5. I know it's a TT and storage in general is limited but I have seen units that have a shallow compartment by the rear gray/black tank. 1' deep, 1' tall and maybe 3' wide. Perfect for flex hoses, fittings, sidewinders, disposable gloves, etc. I wish this had anything back there by the tanks.
6. This one may be my lack of TT experience but I don't love the 2 gray tanks. My family will mostly be at campgrounds and I think a single tank would have been simpler vs re-routing the same hose or running a Wye setup before it enters the ground.

I would say my cons are by no means deal breakers either. We love this model and unit and recognize no unit is going to be perfect.

One quick question for you. Do you know if this particular griddle needs to be seasoned before it's first use or is this the non-stick type that will be good to go?
 
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We just bought this, but we don’t get it for another week. Wondering if it’s hard for a kid to get to the top bunk without a ladder. I don’t think climbing on the couch is an option because that would ruin it, but there isn’t really room for a ladder either from what I can remember.

My kids are 4 and 2 so we're a bit early before we'll let either use the top bunk. You're spot on though. It's clear the only access point is by climbing all over the theater seats and boosting up so that near side armrest is going to take a beating. We asked our sales rep about a ladder and was told GD eliminated them over liability issues. Kind of a frustrating answer but I suppose it makes sense. Someone falls off the ladder in the middle of the night or gets a leg caught in a rung and goes down, it's too common to sue nowadays.
 
My kids are 4 and 2 so we're a bit early before we'll let either use the top bunk. You're spot on though. It's clear the only access point is by climbing all over the theater seats and boosting up so that near side armrest is going to take a beating. We asked our sales rep about a ladder and was told GD eliminated them over liability issues. Kind of a frustrating answer but I suppose it makes sense. Someone falls off the ladder in the middle of the night or gets a leg caught in a rung and goes down, it's too common to sue nowadays.

We picked up our camper this week, and our 11 and 9 year olds haven’t had an issue getting into the top bunk. Even though we don’t want our 3 year old to go up there, he has to keep up with his older siblings. So, he figured out how to climb up there but of course he steps on the top of the couch. Oh well, at least he is only about 35 pounds now. So, we’ll see how long the couch lasts!

I’m working on figuring out some shoe storage ideas. There seems to be some space behind the couch for maybe a skinny and long container. Will have to see if there is something that could fit back there. Taking it out this weekend. Looking forward to the start of camping season.
 
Please if you are taking it out for your maiden voyage, have the furnance checked. Ours failed on our first trip and found out it was due to a bad circuit board. Was told these have been recalled now. Otherwise, bring a space heater or two just in case!
 
We just bought this, but we don’t get it for another week. Wondering if it’s hard for a kid to get to the top bunk without a ladder. I don’t think climbing on the couch is an option because that would ruin it, but there isn’t really room for a ladder either from what I can remember.
Hi,
I own a 2024 25dbe. I am 175 lbs and I bought a ladder and use it and it works well, thought I have to move it once I'm up or down, unless I totally want to squeeze past it to get to the bathroom at night. I bought an aluminum ladder with small hooks on amazon. quality was just fine.
 
My kids are 4 and 2 so we're a bit early before we'll let either use the top bunk. You're spot on though. It's clear the only access point is by climbing all over the theater seats and boosting up so that near side armrest is going to take a beating. We asked our sales rep about a ladder and was told GD eliminated them over liability issues. Kind of a frustrating answer but I suppose it makes sense. Someone falls off the ladder in the middle of the night or gets a leg caught in a rung and goes down, it's too common to sue nowadays.
 

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