2017 Grand Design Momentum 397TH Review
The Grand Design Momentum takes Toy Haulers to the next level. Part garage and part luxury trailer, you don’t need to compromise one for the other.
The Momentum 397TH is built on a 101” wide-body chassis, allowing for a roomy garage, deeper sliderooms and a spacious living area. Its sidewalls, slideroom endwalls and roof and ramp door are all welded aluminum frame and laminated with rigid foam insulation. It has a six-point hydraulic leveling system and 7000-pound axles with self-leveling brakes.
Three separate power patio awnings mean you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors even when it’s raining: together, they provide 26’ of coverage. You can opt for an exterior entertainment center with TV and DVD to maximize your time outdoors.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2017 Keystone Raptor 362TS Toy Hauler
Thanks to a radiant foil barrier in the floor, the Momentum 397TH garage is more insulated than most toy haulers. Like all Grand Design Momentum toy haulers, the 397TH has a ‘FAST Ramp’ garage door for easy one-person operation: the ramp door stays at the height you open it to and moves up or down with the slightest pressure.
The garage is more than just storage space for your toys, however. Inside the garage, you get a removable carpet kit, two fold-up couches, a bathroom with shower, and a stereo entertainment system DVD and and LED television. When the couches are folded, there’s 92” of clearance. There’s also an in-floor storage box. Optional garage features include ramp door patio steps with handrail, a pair of patio lounge chairs and an electric bunk system.
A door-side exterior spray port to simplify clean-up of your outdoor toys and the central vacuum system and washer/dryer prep inside the Momentum 397TH make it easy to keep your home spotless.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2017 Coachmen Adrenaline 26CB
Once you step inside, it won’t take you long to forget you’re inside an RV. The Momentum 397TH is gilded with a bevy of residential features that make it feel like a true home.
The inner chef in you will be inspired by the spacious kitchen, and with an island providing all-sides access for your sous-chefs, you won’t feel crowded. The solid surface countertops and sink covers, under-mounted stainless steel sink, and residential faucet all add to the home-like feel. The three-burner stainless steel range with flush-mounted cover and a 22” oven allows you to really do it up for family meals and the convection microwave oven has you covered for a quick reheat. The full-sized 18-cubic-foot refrigerator can be loaded with all the food you need for a few days’ worth of outdoor adventures.
The dinette, with its wall-mounted no-pedestal table and four chairs, works equally well as a place for a family meal or a poker night hangout. However, if card games aren’t your thing, get comfy in front of the fireplace and LED TV in one of the two theatre chairs. Let the heat and massage options soothe your hard-working (and hard-playing) muscles. If you’d prefer more lounging space, there’s the option of upgrading to a five-seat super sofa in place of the dinette and theater chairs.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2017 Thor Outlaw 37BG
After a day of adventures and unwinding, it will be a treat to retire to this master bedroom. Residential-style headboard, memory foam mattress, and individually operated overhead reading lights will make it hard to resist crawling into bed early every night. A full walk-in closet and underbed storage means there’s plenty of space to tuck everything away out of sight. Bedside outlets and TV prep that’s set-up for satellite give you the option to amp up this master suite into another entertainment zone if you wish.
The pocket door on the elegant ensuite master bath is a great space-saving feature. Inside, there’s a roomy one-piece fiberglass shower with glass door, seat and skylight. Both the toilet and vessel-bowl sink are porcelain, adding to the sense of home and luxury.
The Grand Design Momentum 397TH starts at $107,622. For more information, visit http://www.granddesignrv.com/.
