The design of the emergency exit handle/latch on my 2021 Imagine 22MLE is a complete failure. 1) Instead of using a single piece latch handle, it uses a plastic end where it catches the lock. In the very tight space between the bed and the latch, the plastic end caught on my pants and broke off, so it could no longer be latched closed. A makeshift fix was to use zip ties to hold it closed, making the emergency exit unusable. This being a life safety feature, it could lead to fatality in the event exiting the window was necessary. 2) The zip ties held fine, but on route 90 in NY at 70mph, the tiny screws (1/4" sheet metal) holding the latch mechanism to the window pulled out, allowing the window to flap loose 180 degrees. As a second makeshift, I duck taped the window closed. In addition to still not having and working emergency exit, I expect, had I not seen the window flapping in my mirror, it would have come off, potentially hitting another vehicle, the likely result being an accident.
This is the second time absurdly inadequate fasteners from the factory have led to component failure. When the 1/4" flat head screw (wrong type in addition to wholly inadequate thread engagement) caused my window shade over the dinette to fall off, it was an inconvenience. When the shoddy design of the emergency exit failed it was a potential fatality. Grand Design should be ashamed.
See Photos.
This is the second time absurdly inadequate fasteners from the factory have led to component failure. When the 1/4" flat head screw (wrong type in addition to wholly inadequate thread engagement) caused my window shade over the dinette to fall off, it was an inconvenience. When the shoddy design of the emergency exit failed it was a potential fatality. Grand Design should be ashamed.
See Photos.
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