The Imagine XLS 17MKE with dinette is one of the most versatile and comfortable travel trailers from Grand Design, designed for couples or small families who love the open road but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or quality. Compact in size yet big on features, this model offers a smart layout, modern design, and a cozy dinette area that makes it feel like home. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended cross-country trip, the Imagine XLS 17MKE delivers a perfect blend of functionality and luxury that suits a wide range of travelers.
Overview of the Imagine XLS 17MKE
The Imagine XLS 17MKE is part of Grand Design’s lightweight XLS series, which focuses on making travel trailers easier to tow without compromising on living space or durability. With a dry weight of around 4,700 pounds and a length of approximately 22 feet, it’s suitable for many mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks. Despite its compact footprint, this model includes many high-end features found in larger RVs, such as a queen-sized Murphy bed, a full bathroom, a spacious kitchen, and a functional dinette setup.
The addition of a dinette makes this floor plan especially appealing to campers who enjoy having a dedicated space for meals, games, or remote work. It adds versatility to the interior, allowing you to transform the living area easily depending on your needs during the trip.
Interior Design and Comfort
Stepping inside the Imagine XLS 17MKE, you’ll immediately notice the open layout and bright, modern décor. Grand Design uses light-colored cabinetry, large windows, and LED lighting to make the interior feel airy and spacious. The vinyl flooring is durable and easy to clean-perfect for campers who often track in dirt or sand from their adventures.
Murphy Bed with Comfort in Mind
One of the most clever design choices in the 17MKE is the Murphy bed system. During the day, it folds up against the wall to reveal a comfortable sofa, expanding the living area. At night, you can easily lower the bed to create a cozy sleeping space with a residential-style mattress. This design makes it possible to enjoy both a lounge and sleeping area without wasting precious square footage.
The Dinette Setup
The Imagine XLS 17MKE with dinette configuration offers a welcoming dining space that can comfortably seat two to four people. Positioned near a window, it provides a nice view of the outdoors while you enjoy your meals. The dinette table can often be converted into an additional sleeping area for guests or kids, making the floor plan flexible for different travel situations. This dual functionality is one of the reasons many campers choose this model over others in the same size range.
Kitchen Features and Functionality
The kitchen in the Imagine XLS 17MKE is well-equipped for cooking on the road. It includes a two-burner cooktop, microwave, refrigerator, and a stainless-steel sink with a high-rise faucet. The solid-surface countertops provide enough prep space for easy meal preparation. Upper and lower cabinets offer plenty of storage for pots, pans, and dry goods. The layout allows you to cook comfortably without feeling cramped, which is impressive for a trailer of this size.
- Two-burner LP gas range with glass cover
- Microwave oven for quick meals
- 6 cubic-foot refrigerator (gas/electric)
- Overhead cabinets for storage
- LED-lit workspace for better visibility
These features make it possible to cook anything from a simple breakfast to a full dinner after a day of exploring. Combined with the dinette, the kitchen setup turns the trailer into a true mini-home on wheels.
Bathroom and Utility Areas
Another impressive aspect of the Imagine XLS 17MKE is its full rear bathroom. Unlike some smaller RVs that compromise on bathroom space, this model provides a roomy setup with a full shower, foot-flush toilet, vanity sink, and medicine cabinet. The shower has a skylight, giving the space extra height and natural light. This design enhances comfort and practicality, making long trips more enjoyable and convenient.
Storage and Utility
Despite its compact size, storage in the Imagine XLS 17MKE is abundant. You’ll find overhead cabinets, under-bed compartments, and an exterior pass-through storage area that’s ideal for camping gear, outdoor chairs, or tools. The unit also includes several 110V and USB outlets for charging devices, ensuring you can stay connected even when you’re off-grid.
Additionally, the trailer features a 43-gallon freshwater tank, 45-gallon grey water tank, and a 37-gallon black water tank, allowing you to camp for several days without needing hookups. These tank capacities make the 17MKE an excellent choice for both campground stays and boondocking adventures.
Entertainment and Technology
Grand Design has equipped the Imagine XLS 17MKE with modern entertainment and comfort features that enhance the overall experience. Most models include an LED TV on a swivel mount, a Bluetooth stereo system with indoor and outdoor speakers, and multiple USB charging ports. The climate control system features both air conditioning and a furnace, ensuring you stay comfortable in any season.
Many owners appreciate how these modern conveniences blend seamlessly into the design without feeling intrusive. The entertainment setup is perfect for relaxing evenings indoors, whether you’re watching a movie or listening to your favorite playlist while enjoying dinner at the dinette.
Exterior Design and Build Quality
The Imagine XLS 17MKE’s exterior reflects Grand Design’s commitment to durability and craftsmanship. The trailer features a fully laminated fiberglass exterior with aluminum framing, which provides both strength and lightweight towing performance. The front cap is aerodynamic, helping to reduce wind drag and improve fuel efficiency when towing.
- Power tongue jack for easy hitching
- Large pass-through storage compartment
- Power awning with LED lighting
- All-terrain tires with aluminum rims
- Rear ladder and backup camera prep
These exterior features not only improve functionality but also enhance the overall camping experience. The power awning creates a shaded outdoor living space, ideal for setting up chairs or enjoying a meal outside.
Towing and Performance
The Imagine XLS 17MKE was built with ease of towing in mind. Its lightweight frame and balanced design make it stable on the road. With a hitch weight of approximately 480 pounds and a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of around 5,995 pounds, many mid-size SUVs can handle towing it comfortably. The trailer includes electric brakes and Dexter torsion axles for smoother handling and improved safety.
Owners often report that the 17MKE tows smoothly, even on longer trips. Its manageable size also makes it easier to maneuver into campsites, which is a big advantage for travelers who visit national parks or smaller campgrounds with limited space.
Living Experience and Practicality
When you combine the dinette, Murphy bed, and well-planned kitchen, the Imagine XLS 17MKE creates a space that feels surprisingly roomy and livable. The dinette area becomes a central hub for eating, working, or simply relaxing with a cup of coffee while enjoying the view from the window. The open floor plan allows you to move comfortably between areas without feeling cramped.
This model is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families who want a balance between mobility and comfort. Its compact size means it can go to places larger RVs can’t, yet it still provides the essential amenities that make life on the road enjoyable. From weekend trips to months-long journeys, the Imagine XLS 17MKE can adapt to different travel styles easily.
Why Choose the Imagine XLS 17MKE with Dinette?
The Imagine XLS 17MKE with dinette stands out in its category because it combines thoughtful design with Grand Design’s reputation for quality. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, towable trailer that doesn’t skimp on comfort. The Murphy bed maximizes living space, the dinette adds versatility, and the modern kitchen and bathroom make it a pleasure to use daily.
- Lightweight yet durable construction
- Flexible interior layout with convertible dinette
- Full bathroom and functional kitchen
- Modern design and high-quality finishes
- Easy to tow and maintain
The Imagine XLS 17MKE with dinette is proof that good things come in small packages. It offers all the essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience while maintaining a manageable size for towing and storage. With its clever use of space, cozy dining area, and premium amenities, this travel trailer appeals to both first-time RV owners and seasoned adventurers. Whether you’re parked by a serene lake or exploring mountain trails, the Imagine XLS 17MKE delivers a home-like comfort wherever the road takes you.