Grand Design Foundation 42GD: An Honest Look at the 'Condo on Wheels'

Thinking about ditching the house for an RV? The Grand Design Foundation 42GD blurs the lines between travel trailer and tiny home, but is it REALLY a good fit for full-time living? In this brutally honest review, we'll break down the Foundation 42GD's unique features, potential pitfalls, and whether it's worth the investment if you're planning to settle down on a permanent site. Let's dive into Changing Lanes' deep dive and see if this rig is ready for realistic full-time RV living.

What is the Grand Design Foundation 42GD?

The Grand Design Foundation 42GD isn't your typical weekend getaway RV. As Matt Eppers, the product manager for the Foundation line, explains, it's designed for folks who are buying or renting a permanent site and want a more residential feel. This destination model, stretching nearly 49 feet with its rear patio, boasts features you won't find in your average travel trailer, like a residential kitchen suite and optional washer/dryer prep. The Foundation aims to be a hybrid – still technically a travel trailer certified by RVIA, but with many of the comforts of a park model or even a small condo.

Despite its residential aspirations, the Foundation 42GD still has RV tanks. This is a key difference from park models, which often lack tanks altogether. According to Changing Lanes, you'll still need to manage those tanks like you would in any other RV. This means NO leaving the black tank valve open unless you want a "poo pyramid" situation. "What will happen if you do that is every time you flush the toilet with solids in it, those solids will hit the bottom of that tank, the liquid will drain away and the solids will stay," warns Changing Lanes. The poo will stay there and just get harder and solidify and be like concrete in your tank and very difficult to get out.

Key Features for the Long Haul

One of the biggest draws of the Foundation 42GD is its residential-inspired features. The kitchen, for example, comes equipped with a full GE appliance suite, including a residential dishwasher with a sanitation cycle. This is a HUGE win for anyone who hates doing dishes on the road (or, in this case, at their permanent site). There's also a pull-out pantry with adjustable shelves, an electronics drawer to hide countertop clutter, and a residential refrigerator. "When I'm camping, doing the dishes is part of what I don't enjoy doing," Matt Eppers admits, and the Foundation aims to solve that problem.

The living area boasts a large L-shaped sofa with ultra leather fabric that pulls out into a trundle bed. While it is nice to have a guest space, it also opens up to create an even better lounging space. Storage is another key focus, with a dedicated vacuum prep slot (or broom storage) and plenty of drawers and cabinets throughout the unit. The Foundation also has nice window views but offers power motorized shades for privacy and keeping cool on hot days.

Don't forget the bathroom! The Foundation comes with a full fiberglass shower with great head height, a porcelain RV toilet, solid surface countertops, and a huge medicine cabinet for your toiletries.

The Rear Observation Deck: Gimmick or Game-Changer?

The Foundation 42GD's most eye-catching feature is undoubtedly the rear lofted observation deck. This elevated space offers a unique perspective on your surroundings. Chad from Changing Lanes mentions, "You get up here, you can see everything." Whether you want to enjoy lake views, stargaze, or simply see over your neighbor's rigs, the deck provides a different kind of outdoor living functionality. But it is worth the climb? For some, this might be an amazing feature, but for others, it could be useless or even dangerous.

The deck is constructed with a composite floor, making it impervious to water and maintenance-free. It also features underlit handles for nighttime visibility. Up top, you'll find cup holders and enough space for bistro tables or sun chairs. The deck does add several feet to the unit's total length, so remember that when planning where you'll park it.

Potential Pitfalls and Considerations

Despite its many appealing features, the Foundation 42GD isn't without its drawbacks. First and foremost, at 48'6" long and 13'6" tall, this is NOT an RV you'll be casually towing from site to site. It's designed for permanent placement, and moving it would be a major undertaking. Be mindful of this and if moving is important, this RV is not for you.

Another key consideration is the tank situation. While the Foundation has large, robust tanks, you'll still need to manage them properly. Changing Lanes emphasizes the importance of keeping the black tank valve closed to prevent the dreaded poo pyramid. They also suggest using a black tank treatment like Liquified to break down solids and eliminate odors. For those wanting a truly residential plumbing experience, they mention a black tank bypass valve kit from MORryde, which allows you to bypass the tank altogether, but it requires permanent installation and has some caveats.

Is the Foundation 42GD Right for You?

The Grand Design Foundation 42GD is an interesting option for RVers looking to transition to a more permanent lifestyle. It offers a blend of RV functionality and residential comfort, with unique features like the rear observation deck and a full kitchen suite. However, it's essential to be realistic about its limitations. This is NOT a travel trailer for frequent moves, and you'll still need to deal with RV tanks and plumbing.

If you're planning to buy or rent a permanent site and want a "condo on wheels" with some unique perks, the Foundation 42GD is worth considering. But do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and be honest with yourself about your needs and expectations. As Changing Lanes says, it's all about finding the right fit for your individual lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

• The Grand Design Foundation 42GD is designed for permanent or semi-permanent RV sites. It is not ideal for frequent travel.
• It features residential appliances, including a dishwasher, refrigerator, and optional washer/dryer.
• The rear observation deck offers a unique outdoor living space.
• You still need to manage RV tanks and plumbing, including the black tank.
• Consider a black tank bypass valve kit for a more residential plumbing experience.
• At 48'6" long and 13'6" tall, maneuverability is limited.

Ultimately, the Grand Design Foundation 42GD offers an intriguing blend of RV and residential living. To get an in-depth view of the features and benefits, be sure to watch the full video from Changing Lanes!