First Look: Exclusive Tour of Grand Design's Debut Class B Van

Grand Design, a company known for their quality travel trailers and fifth wheels, has made an exciting leap into the Class B van market. I recently came across an exclusive walkthrough of their first-ever Class B offering - the Lineage LVT1 - and it's packed with innovative features that deserve attention from van life enthusiasts and RV aficionados alike.

The Big Picture: What Makes This Launch Special

The Grand Design Lineage LVT1 is built on a 2026 Ford Transit. It is the company’s first Class B van. It costs about $190,000, so it is not the cheapest, but it brings the same quality Grand Design is known for.

Grand Design worked hard to make this van. Stefan, the product manager, said they spent a full year on it. They had a special team of engineers and builders working in a huge 130,000 square foot building. Before showing it to the public, they built test models and checked how long the parts would last. They also tested how strong it was to make sure it met their standards.

Exterior Features That Stand Out

Rugged Capability

The Lineage LVT1 isn't just designed for paved campgrounds. It comes with several upgrades that enhance its off-road capabilities:

• -BFG Goodridge KO2 all-terrain tires

• -Upgraded aluminum wheels

• -Custom suspension with replaced front springs and Falcon shocks in the rear

• -Custom flares that add significant interior space

• -Upgraded "Raptor-style" grill with integrated lights

The van successfully tackled challenging Jeep trails in Moab, Utah during the video tour, proving its off-road worthiness isn't just for show.

Impressive Power Setup

The power system on this van is genuinely impressive:

• -A whopping 1,020 watts of solar power (300W on the pop-top and 720W integrated into the awning)

• -Victron power management system

• -Remote inverter switch

• -The awning-integrated solar is particularly clever, allowing you to generate significant power while also creating shade

Thoughtful Exterior Details

Several small but significant exterior features caught my attention:

• -Shore power connection hidden in the plastic molding rather than on the body

• -Rhino-lined lower plastics for durability

• -Under-side lighting beneath the flares for security and visibility

• -Rear tire carrier with ladder access to the roof

• -Pre-wired Starlink mount on the roof

• -Tow package rated for 6,700 pounds

Interior Storage and Accessibility

While the video transcript didn't cover the entire interior, it highlighted some smart storage solutions:

• -Large garage space accessible from the rear door

• -All-metal storage drawer perfect for wet gear

• -Bungee cord organization system for flexible storage

• -Dimmable LED lighting in the garage area

Pop-Top and Sleeping Arrangements

The Lineage features a pop-top design that serves multiple purposes:

• -Increases the interior height when parked

• -Provides additional sleeping space

• -Houses a 300W flexible solar panel

• -Contributes to the van's distinctive look

Technical Specifications

For those who love the numbers:

• -Overall length: 19 feet

• -Height with pop-top: 10 feet 2 inches

• -GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 9,950 pounds

• -Chassis: 2026 Ford Transit

Innovative Features

A few features mentioned stand out as particularly innovative:

• -The skylight above the windshield that "changes the whole look of the entire van"

• -The wind-sensing awning that automatically retracts in high winds

• -The massive solar capacity for a vehicle this size

• -Custom body flares that significantly increase interior space

Conclusion: A Promising Entry Into the Class B Market

Grand Design’s first Class B van is built for more than standard travel. It offers off road capability, strong power options, and smart use of space. At around $190,000, it pairs Ford Transit reliability with Grand Design quality, making it worth a look for van life travelers.