Versatility Built In: Grand Design’s Momentum Toy Hauler

Extraordinary versatility.

That’s what developers at Grand Design RV hoped to accomplish when they conceived the latest iteration of the Momentum toy hauler. Judging by reviews and industry accolades, they achieved just that. Chase Booth, product manager for the Momentum series, says toy hauler buyers aren’t always looking for a rig to transport their ATVs or motorcycles. The new garage design gives customers options.

“The toy hauler of the past was rugged, with more aggressive interiors,” Booth says. “Maybe you don’t have side-by-sides, and maybe in the future you will want to have such a thing, but right now you are using it as a camping fifth wheel or travel trailer. Maybe you are using it full time. They are intended to be used all the time if you want to.”

A primary feature helping Grand Design achieve that desirable versatility is the new LiftSuite system. The exclusive addition was derived from a close relationship with longtime vendor Lippert, which has been supplying a P2K motorized Murphy bed for use over the cab in motorhomes for years. Booth says Grand Design wanted to see if the concept could be applied to toy hauler garages.

“We wanted to find out how we could use this in a toy hauler to make it great. Side-by-sides keep getting longer and wider. Toys in general are getting wider. It’s not as big a deal for us with our models that have garages separate from the living portion of the unit. It’s pretty easy for us to get width in those models. We have to make sure we are giving customers as much width as possible.”

However, achieving that extra space in garages more directly connected to the living area required some ingenuity.

“What we wanted to do is take that P2K bed lift, which utilized an onboard motor and a belt system and works independently from anything on the bottom,” Booth says. “It provides a very clean look. We were able to integrate the lighting above. It offers a much brighter feel in the back. When you want to bring the bed down, it’s push-button. It comes right down and doesn’t take a lot of time.” The bed is capable of holding up to 800 pounds.

Maximized natural light in the garage is another great feature, Booth says.

“One of the other cool things — using one track on the bed lift allows us to put these giant windows back in the garage. No other brand is doing that.”

The garage area is equipped with plenty of electrical outlets for appliances. It also features integrated lighting for added brightness. Light fixtures are installed under the bed so that they shine directly down when the bed is raised. The lights are standard on all Momentum fifth wheels.

The LiftSuite helps Grand Design provide customers the flexibility to use the toy hauler space as living space, such as a bedroom or office, when it’s not carrying kayaks or e-bikes. When used to transport toys, the conversion is easy. The LiftSuite allows Grand Design to capitalize on this growing trend.

Booth reports that sales with units containing LiftSuite have been strong. Customers have been impressed after seeing how the bed operates quickly and efficiently.

Built for a Broad Market of RV Lifestyles

Toy hauler customers run the demographic gamut these days.

“We have a lot of young families who are packing it all up and using that space. When they take the toys out, they convert [it] into a bunkroom or some even make it their master bedroom. We are seeing that with a lot of folks who come to our rallies. We recently held a rally in Coldwater, Michigan. There are a lot of folks full-timing in a Momentum. There are a lot of retired folks who like that this is a more versatile product.”

Grand Design worked with MORryde to build the benches for the garage, which add to the versatility. They can be used as a chair, a bench seat or a bar top, which can be used to set up a buffet. Everything can fold flat against the wall.

Another improvement involves the rear door, which Booth describes as a three-season door that is sturdier, with a better locking mechanism.

“It feels more like a storm door,” he says.

Momentum has been a toy hauler in various forms since it debuted in 2013. Booth says Momentum features more of a traditional build, with MSRPs ranging from the high $30,000s to more than $200,000.

“We have fifth wheel models that go from 36 feet all the way up to 48 feet that can have full body paint and independent suspension. Momentum started as a fifth wheel. It offered a more versatile-type product with garages in the back, generators and fuel stations. It took off. In the last few years, our Mav product has seen success from a travel trailer standpoint.”

Momentum’s diverse product offerings have allowed it to achieve market success, Booth says.

“Because of our overall look, our overall product offering, we are able to grab an incredibly broad market,” he says. “We have been the No. 1-selling fifth wheel toy hauler for quite some time. In the last year and a half, we have been the No. 1-selling travel trailer as well. I like to think that we are where we are because of what we are offering from a product layout and product feature standpoint, and our customer service.”

Around 250 dealers offer Momentum models — a good number, Booth says.

“Grand Design is not a company that tries to plant dealers everywhere. Our dealer network is very important to us. We want to make sure they have an opportunity to run a fair business and not complete with ourselves. We build strong relationships with our dealers.”

Design Trends & Smart Upgrades

Interior colors are evolving with regularity, currently trending lighter. Colors have segued from a deep rich brown to something closer to maple and tan. Painted cabinets are more common. Grand Design strives to follow residential housing decor trends. On the exterior, Momentum offers nine full-body colors.

Grand Design has several upgrades and tweaks in the works for Momentum that will be revealed this summer. Chief among them is a new system to control Wi-Fi cellular and internet, called OmniPrep.

“We are trying to make sure if customers hook up a Starlink or have boosted Wi-Fi, we will have features inside that make it easy for them to adapt to whatever they need. This is a very competitive area, and we try to make sure we are staying ahead. This will be a better-connected coach.”

New floorplans will be released in all of Momentum’s segments by late summer. A new side patio will also be available.

“We try to keep our ears to the ground with our customers, and we try to react incredibly quick. Our product development teams are constantly grinding to do what’s best for our customers.”

In spite of the current political and financial landscape that lends uncertainty to the economy, Booth says Grand Design is seeing relatively strong retail activity. He is optimistic about the second half of 2025. That is fueled in part by Grand Design’s emphasis on innovation.

“No one has a crystal ball, but we feel pretty good about this year,” he says. “Our travel trailer market share is hovering around 27%, and our fifth wheel market share is over 19%. It’s pretty awesome.”