Cool Toy Hauler!
Text and photos by Norm Rosen
We had the pleasure of visiting Can-Am RV Centre in London, Ontario, to check out the 2020 Grand Design Momentum 21G – a compact toy hauler that is small enough to be easily towed by a half-ton pickup or a full-size SUV, yet large enough to accommodate up to six adults.
This unique approach to the toy hauler concept features a rear “garage” area that can transport your favourite gear – motorcycles, snowmobiles, an ATV, canoe, kayaks – the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
While there are several manufacturers competing for your attention in the toy hauler market, Grand Design RV has a unique approach to filling your needs – in the words of the company founder, Don Clark, “we strive for nothing less than customers for life!”
The Grand Design RV models have distinguished themselves by offering more features per dollar than the competition, with a manufacturing and dealership team that are focused on delivering the best possible RV at a realistic price and covering it with a three-year structural warranty that is the best in the business.
This corporate philosophy can be seen in every aspect of the Grand Design RV line – excellence in design, precise construction, and quality materials are the foundation of the business for this manufacturer, which has, in just seven years, grown to become one of the largest travel trailer and fifth wheel manufacturers in the world.
Construction
The Momentum 21G features laminated aluminum framed sidewalls, slide room roof, rear ramp door and slide room. Insulation in the walls, roof, and slide room is R7; the insulation in the ramp door is R12. The floor is 1” marine grade OSB with R30 insulation. The roof is a 5” radius wood frame construction with R40 insulation and one-piece TPO membrane that carries a 12-year warranty. The gel coat fibreglass exterior is very durable and easy to maintain.
RV Systems and Components
The Momentum 21G is outfitted with a range of standard equipment that exceeds what you might expect in a trailer of this size and type.
The convenience components start with a power tongue jack, twin 20 lb. LP tanks (with cover), magnetic storage and entry door latches, radius entry door, and a 19’ power awning with LED accent lighting.
As a toy hauler, it is good to see oversized fresh, grey, and black water tank capacities, as well as a high capacity water pump and black tank flush. The easy access low point drain valve is very handy, and the fresh water drain valve is extra large at 1 ½”. The battery disconnect switch is standard as well, and the trailer has accent lighting that illuminates the area under the unit – a very useful feature for active outdoor enthusiasts who stow gear under the trailer.
The trailer also features a folding roof ladder, backup camera prep, and solar prep with 10-guage wiring and MC4 universal connectors. There is a full-size spare tire and carrier.
Interior Design and Build Quality
While the Momentum 21G is one of the smaller models in the Grand Design RV line, it certainly benefits from the excellence in design and workmanship that is inherent in every unit produced by the company.
We were very impressed with the way the Grand Design RV team combined the recreational elements with the residential features of this trailer. While the rear “garage” and ramp are key to the versatility of this toy hauler, the arrangement of the seating and sleeping accommodations in the rear of the unit lends itself to trackside convenience… but it also creates a spectacular front “porch” when the ramp is in the “patio” configuration, and this gives the trailer a very pleasant appeal that will be the talk of the campground.
The garage area has been very well designed, with a raised floor that sits above the wheel wells to provide full-width interior space for your gear. At the rear of the unit, two Happijac rollover sofas can be used with the pedestal table for dinette seating, they can be converted into bunks, they can be folded up to provide maximum “garage” space, or they can be removed entirely. Above the sofas a bunk bed can be lowered from the ceiling to provide sleeping accommodation for your crew.
We can see many RV families selecting this unit for use as an all-purpose travel trailer, in addition to those who will choose the Momentum G-class as a toy hauler. For those who plan to carry their motorized toys, the “Garage Package” option set includes a full-sized rear ramp that becomes the rear wall of the trailer, and a set of 2,500 lb. capacity tie downs anchored into the chassis of the trailer. The package includes a 30-gallon fuel station with an interior and exterior gauge.
In the Galley
With the capacity to carry up to six adults, the galley plays a very important role in this trailer. The Grand Design RV engineers have placed the fully equipped galley in the garage area, and provided a stainless-steel sink with sink covers, large residential style countertop, microwave, 3-burner range with oven, and a stainless-steel double-door refrigerator. The appliances are upgraded models with stainless steel accent trim. The glass range cover fits flush with the countertop to increase your food preparation area, and lifts to serve as a splash guard when the range is in use.
Comfort and Convenience
On the residential side of the ledger, this trailer embodies all of the creature comforts you need, in a very compact package. The interior appointments are excellent quality, with cabinetry featuring solid hardwood drawer fronts, solid core stiles, and ball bearing drawer glides. The cabinet construction is pre-drilled and screwed for precise fit and long-term durability. The residential style furniture is significantly upgraded from the typical RV styles, giving this toy hauler an upscale appeal. In the heat of summer, you will enjoy the 15K main A/C unit with “race track ducting”.
In the evening, the ambiance inside the trailer is very attractive with under counter and above cabinet accent lighting. During the day, large panoramic windows provide excellent views of your surroundings. These windows are 80 per cent tint radius safety glass, and they are fitted with night shades for privacy and to effectively block exterior light.
Entertaining in and around the trailer is one of the pleasures of the RV experience. We were particularly impressed with the Rockford Fosgate interior speaker package with powered sub woofers, and the Rockford Fosgate exterior speakers. These components far exceed the performance of typical RV standard equipment.
In the Bedroom
The front master bedroom features a queen-size bed with very comfortable mattress, residential bedspread, dual nightstands, and a large backlighted mirror. There are two bedside outlets and two USB charging outlets (with one more in the galley and one in the entertainment centre). The bedroom is pre-wired for TV and cable.
In a trailer of this size, the master bedroom design is always a challenge. Grand Design RV engineers have maximized the space available in this area by nestling the headboard into a slide-out and using the front cap area for closet space. The result is a very comfortable living area that is quite a bit larger than you would imagine.
In the Bathroom
The Momentum 21G has a very clever bathroom design, with access from the master bedroom as well as from the “garage” and living room area. There is a residential-style walk-in shower, a vanity with mirrored medicine cabinet, a skylight over the shower, and a power roof vent.
Options
Among the popular options offered for the Momentum 21G, the most popular choices include an upgrade that transforms the ramp into a rear aluminum deck system with a rear power awning, and an Onan 4KW generator. For use in Canada, we recommend ordering the unit wit the optional winterization package. To really enjoy boondocking, there is an optional solar package that includes a Solitude Solar System 300W solar panel, controller, and 1000W inverter.
The “Luxury Interior Package” gives you an upgraded stainless-steel sink with pull-down sprayer faucet, motion sensor LED exterior storage compartment and entry step lighting, Bluetooth stereo/DVD player, and HD LED TV.
The “Exterior Option Package” includes fibreglass front cap with custom paint, 48” LED front cap accent lighting, and Diamond Plate front rock guard. This package also includes 15” aluminum rims with nitrogen filled radial tires, a universal docking station, triple aluminum tread entry steps, and a “walk on roof”. Construction and RV system upgrades in the package include 30-amp service, a quick recovery water heater, black water tank flush, and a detachable marine grade power cord with LED light.
The “Insulation Package” includes 30K BTU high capacity furnace, cabinet mounted heat ducts, high density roof insulation with attic vent, heated and enclosed underbelly with suspended tanks and heated and enclosed dump valves, double insulated (R40) roof and front cap, and moisture barrier floor enclosure.
Please consult your dealer for option pricing.
The Bottom Line
Thinking about moving up to a Grand Design RV? Take a look at the Grand Design RV Owners Facebook group and you will see why this relatively new company has skyrocketed to the top of the industry.
SPECIFICATIONS
Grand Design RV Momentum 21G
Overall Length: 26’1”
Height: 12’1”
Dry weight: 6370 lbs.
GVWR: 9495 lbs.
Hitch weight: 920 lbs.
Axle rating: 5200 lbs.
Fresh water: 100 gal.
Grey water: 74 gal.
Black water: 39 gal.
Furnace: 30,000 BTU
LP capacity: 40 lbs.
Awning: 19’
MSRP as tested: $64.995
Many thanks to the team at Can-Am RV Centre in London, Ontario, for their assistance with this road test feature.
