EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   
    We  consent  to  the  reference  to our  firm  under  the  captions "Summary
Consolidated Financial Information," "Selected Consolidated Financial Data"  and
"Experts"  and  to  the use  of  our reports  on  Great Dane  Holdings  Inc. and
subsidiaries dated February 14, 1995, except for Note A, as to which the date is
March 27, 1995, in the Registration Statement  (Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1  No.
33-56595)  and related  Prospectus of  Great Dane  Holdings Inc.  dated April 5,
1995.
    

                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP

   
Kalamazoo, Michigan
March 29, 1995