American Coach-American Tradition RV Exposed: Slide-Outs, Electrical, Water Leaks, Service Delays

Introduction and Reputation Snapshot

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The American Coach-American Tradition is a luxury diesel-pusher motorhome historically positioned as a flagship coach within the American Coach lineup (under REV Group, which also owns Fleetwood RV and Holiday Rambler). Marketed for high-end materials, sophisticated electronics, and premium chassis options, the Tradition carries a premium price tag—and, according to numerous public owner accounts, it can carry premium risks. What follows synthesizes patterns from consumer reviews, forums, BBB complaints, YouTube owner testimonials, and recall databases to help shoppers understand where things most often go wrong and how to protect themselves before signing a contract.

As you read, keep in mind that individual experiences vary. That said, across multiple public sources, owners frequently report significant service delays, quality-control misses on delivery, recurring electrical and slide-out problems, and lengthy waits for parts. We link to reputable places where you can verify and investigate further in real time.

Unfiltered Owner Feedback: Where to Look Before You Buy

Before committing, study owner reports from multiple platforms. Diversify your sources to account for bias or isolated cases.

• YouTube search: American Coach-American Tradition Problems — filter for 1–2 star experiences and detailed walk-throughs of defects.
• Google search: American Coach-American Tradition Problems — scan recent results for year-specific issues and service backlogs.
• BBB search: American Coach-American Tradition — look for patterns in warranty denials, long repair times, and communication gaps.
• Reddit r/RVLiving: American Coach-American Tradition Problems, r/GoRVing, and r/rvs — good for owner-to-owner troubleshooting and candid assessments.
• NHTSA Recalls for American Coach-American Tradition — check for safety recalls by year and VIN.
• RVInsider: American Coach-American Tradition Problems — scan for repeat themes by model year.
• Google search: American Coach-American Tradition Facebook Groups — join multiple owner groups for unfiltered, real-time feedback.
• Liz Amazing’s channel highlights systemic RV industry issues — search her channel for any coverage on American Coach-American Tradition or comparable luxury diesel pushers.

Have you owned or shopped a Tradition recently? What did you encounter? Add your voice in the comments.

Before You Buy: Independent Inspection is Your Leverage

We strongly urge buyers to arrange a third-party RV inspection prior to purchase—new or used. This is your best leverage to catch miswired systems, hidden water intrusion, malfunctioning slides, and chassis issues before money changes hands.

• Hire an NRVIA-certified or equivalent inspector. Search: RV Inspectors near me.
• Make the sale contingent on inspection findings. If you sign and take delivery first, dealers may push you to the back of the service line. Some owners report weeks-to-months stuck at the dealer waiting for parts, canceling trips, and absorbing rental costs.
• Insist on a thorough road test (braking, steering, ride quality), full-slide operation under load, generator/shore power transitions, and water-system pressure/leak checks.
• Document everything with photos and a written punch list. Require repairs before delivery or negotiate a price reduction/extended warranty coverage in writing.

If you’re in a hurry, at minimum schedule a same-day independent review: find local RV inspectors. Consider keeping the inspector for post-delivery re-checks as well.

For context on pitfalls to watch out for across brands, see industry advocates like Liz Amazing exposing systemic quality issues and apply those checklists to any Tradition you’re considering.

Patterns of Complaints and Risk Areas

Build Quality, Fit and Finish

Despite luxury positioning, numerous public accounts describe significant fit-and-finish problems on delivery and within the first months of ownership. Reports include cabinet doors misaligned, trim falling off, loose fasteners in the coach and engine bay, and misfit bay doors compromising weather seals. Some owners report discovering wood shavings, wiring debris, and adhesive residue left behind in compartments, suggesting rushed assembly and poor quality control.

• Cabinetry and soft goods: squeaks, rubbing, and early wear on hinges; veneer lifting in high-humidity zones; loose or under-torqued screws backing out.
• Bay doors and seals: misaligned latches allow dust and moisture intrusion, leading to corrosion in storage compartments.
• Entry door alignment: wind noise and water entry in heavy rain; some owners report repeated dealer adjustments.

Research similar experiences: Google: American Coach-American Tradition Fit and Finish Problems, YouTube owner walk-throughs, and BBB complaints involving workmanship.

Slide-Out Failures and Alignment (Full-Wall and Bedroom Slides)

Full-wall slides and multi-slide systems are a hallmark of the Tradition but also a frequent trouble spot. Owners report racking (out-of-square motion), grinding sounds, motors or controllers failing, and slide toppers tearing or pooling water. A misaligned slide can tear seals, invite leaks, and jam mid-operation—ruining a trip and requiring specialized service bays.

• Controller fault codes: intermittent resets or “timing out,” requiring manual re-sync procedures many owners aren’t taught.
• Seal wear and water ingress: worn wiper seals and bulb seals around slide openings; water trails found in cabinets under slides.
• Structural stress: owners suspect flex in walls/floors contributing to difficult slide movements over time.

See owner narratives via Reddit slide problem threads and Google: Slide-Out Issues. For DIY checks, consider Liz Amazing’s maintenance and inspection tips (search her channel for “slide” guidance).

Water Intrusion: Roof, Windows, and Wet Bay

Water intrusion is a costly, insidious risk that can devalue a high-end coach faster than any cosmetic flaw. Reports include roof seam failures at front and rear caps, window frame leaks, and wet bay plumbing leaks saturating subfloor materials. Owners also describe water entering around through-wall penetrations when sealant was sparsely applied at the factory.

• Roof-to-cap seams: gaps or premature sealant cracking; recommend borescope or moisture meter during inspection.
• Windshield frame seepage: some owners report streaking and dampness after storms or during washing—signaling potential bonding or gasket issues.
• Wet bay: PEX fittings and drain connections occasionally drip under pressure; a slow leak can rot wood substrates and invite mold.

Research further: Google: Tradition Water Leaks, RVInsider: Water Damage reports, and Reddit leak threads. If you’ve experienced water ingress, would you outline where it originated in your coach?

Electrical and Multiplex System Gremlins

High-end coaches rely on multiplex wiring systems and central control modules for lighting, HVAC, slides, awnings, and tank monitoring. Owners frequently report intermittent module failures, touchscreen blackouts, lights stuck on or off, inverters misconfigured from day one, and poorly crimped ground connections that cause hunting diagnostics. In some cases, these issues strand owners if slides or steps won’t operate.

• Inverter-charger setup: misprogrammed units causing poor battery charging and 120V instability on shore/generator transitions.
• Battery management: parasitic draws draining house batteries; inaccurate state-of-charge readings.
• Control panel anomalies: random reboots, communication losses to subsystems.

Cross-check similar reports: Electrical Problems search, YouTube electrical issues, and forum archives at RVForums.com and RVForum.net (use each site’s search for “American Coach American Tradition electrical”).

HVAC and Hydronic Heating (Aqua-Hot) Problems

Hydronic heating and continuous hot water are marquee features, but owners report fuel nozzle clogs, circulation pump failures, sensor faults, and diesel burner ignition problems—especially after storage. For rooftop air conditioners, complaints include poor duct sealing, thermostat calibration issues, and loud operation that undercuts the luxury experience.

• Aqua-Hot: tiny leaks at hose clamps, worn impellers, soot buildup requiring professional service.
• AC ducting: crimped or leaky ducts reducing cooling performance, especially in full-wall slide floorplans.

Verify community feedback: Aqua-Hot Problems search, Good Sam community: HVAC threads, and RVInsider HVAC issues.

Chassis, Steering, and Braking Issues (Freightliner/Cummins configurations)

Chassis-related complaints include wander at highway speeds, steering play, vibration, and occasional braking anomalies. On diesel models with emissions equipment, DEF sensor failures and related derates can strand a coach in limp mode far from service. Owners also report air suspension leaks, ride-height sensor issues, and occasional alignment problems causing uneven tire wear.

• DEF and emissions: sensor and SCR-related faults triggering engine derate; parts availability can extend downtime.
• Steering and tracking: alignment required early in ownership; some install aftermarket steering stabilizers.
• Air system: compressor cycling frequently, air leaks traced to fittings or valves.

Investigate recalls and tech bulletins: NHTSA recall search (Tradition) and community discussions at Reddit chassis problem threads.

Leveling Jacks and Air-Level Systems

Multiple owner accounts cite hydraulic jack leaks, slow retraction, error codes on uneven surfaces, and cracked footpads. Air-level systems sometimes fail to maintain pressure overnight, causing the coach to list by morning—concerning but also a diagnostic challenge with many potential leak points.

• Hydraulic fluid leaks: staining in storage bays; seals that weep under heavy use.
• Sensor calibration: level sensors out of tolerance leading to persistent error messages.

Further reading: Leveling Jack Problems search and relevant forum archives (use onsite search) at RVUSA Forum.

Paint, Gelcoat, and Windshield Bonding

Luxury paint schemes add value, but owners occasionally report clearcoat checking, rock chip vulnerability at lower valances, and spider cracks at stress points. Windshield “popping” or seepage can appear after rough roads or temperature swings if bonding or frame tolerances are marginal.

• Front cap and corners: hairline cracks at seams; verify with close inspection in bright light.
• Windshield: look for slight gaps, creaks, or water trails after washing.

Research: Paint Problems search and Windshield issue threads. If you’ve had paint or windshield repairs on a Tradition, would you describe what fixed it?

Service Delays, Warranty Disputes, and Parts Backorders

One of the most consistent themes is not just defects—but how long it can take to get them fixed. Owners describe weeks to months awaiting authorization or parts, with some coaches stuck at dealers over prime camping season. Complaints often cite poor communication, shifting timelines, and disagreements over whether defects are “warranty” or “maintenance.” Luxury coaches also require specialty service bays, limiting options and increasing wait times.

• Backordered components: multiplex modules, slide parts, and custom trim reported as long-lead items.
• Dealer vs. factory: uncertainty about where repairs should be performed; buyers sometimes have to drive long distances to factory centers.
• Loaner policies: rare for motorhomes; owners bear the cost of alternative lodging or trip cancellations.

Verify patterns via BBB complaint summaries, Google: Warranty Complaints, and community threads in Reddit service delay discussions. Also check owner reports on PissedConsumer (search “American Coach American Tradition” on the site).

Generator, Solar, and Battery Systems

Onan generator hiccups (surging, fault codes under load), undersized factory solar packages for real-world boondocking, and rapidly degrading flooded batteries are noted by some owners. Miswired transfer switches and marginal cable crimps occasionally surface in inspections, leading to intermittent power loss.

• Load testing and wiring checks: essential in pre-buy inspections for coaches with high inverter loads.
• Solar claims vs. reality: marketing packages that won’t sustain HVAC or heavy 120V appliances off-grid without major upgrades.

Learn more through YouTube electrical troubleshooting videos and Good Sam generator problem threads.

Weight, Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC), and Towing Claims

Luxury builds add weight, sometimes leaving less CCC than buyers expect—especially with full fuel, water, and passengers aboard. If towing a heavy toad, confirm real-world GCWR margins. Owners occasionally learn too late that filling fresh water and diesel reduces CCC below safe margins for gear and upgrades.

• Weigh at all four corners: distribution matters for handling and tire safety.
• Verify hitch rating vs. GCWR: do not assume maximum because the brochure says so.

Study community guidance: CCC Problems search, plus owner forums like RVForums (use onsite search for “Tradition CCC”).

Cost of Ownership and Depreciation

High purchase price meets luxury maintenance costs. Hydronic systems, custom paint, advanced electronics, and diesel chassis components are expensive to diagnose and repair. When combined with long repair queues, owners can experience significant “downtime cost.” Depreciation can be steep if early water or electrical issues are documented in the coach’s history.

• Pre-purchase cost modeling: budget for inspections, post-delivery punch list repair days, and extended warranties.
• Resale considerations: detailed maintenance records and third-party inspections help preserve value.

Explore owner feedback: Ownership Costs search and RVInsider reviews. If you’ve tracked your annual maintenance spend, would you share your ballpark figures to help others?

Safety Recalls and Manufacturer Responses

Safety recalls can involve chassis suppliers (e.g., Freightliner, Cummins) and coach builders (American Coach). Check by model year and VIN at NHTSA’s recall portal for American Coach-American Tradition. Some common recall themes in diesel pushers across the industry include fuel line or rail leaks, steering component torque issues, brake line routing, and electrical shorts. Outcomes vary: some owners report swift fixes; others cite parts delays.

To validate the latest information, pair NHTSA checks with owner reports on YouTube recall experiences, Google recall search, and the BBB complaint database for follow-up timeliness.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumers should be aware of protections and potential remedies when defects or delays occur:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (U.S.): requires clear written warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty terms. If a warrantor can’t repair within a reasonable number of attempts or time, consumers may have remedies.
• State “Lemon Laws” and Motor Vehicle Warranties: Many states cover motorhomes differently than passenger cars; often the chassis is covered under lemon law, while the “house” portion may be excluded or treated differently. Consult a local attorney familiar with RV cases.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) implied warranties: fitness for a particular purpose and merchantability may apply in some states unless properly disclaimed.
• FTC oversight: Misrepresentations in advertising and sales practices may draw scrutiny. Keep detailed records of promises and written communications.
• NHTSA reporting: Consumers can file safety complaints to prompt investigations and recalls.

Document everything: dates, service orders, photos, and correspondence. If warranty service stalls or is denied, consider talking to a consumer protection attorney. Search for firms experienced in RV warranty disputes in your state. Also, peer communities can provide references: Reddit threads on warranty complaints and BBB complaint summaries.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Defects and service failures in a Class A diesel-pusher carry tangible safety and financial risks:

• Operational safety: Slide or door malfunctions can trap occupants or compromise egress. Steering/alignment issues and brake anomalies impact control, especially at highway speeds and in crosswinds.
• Electrical risks: Miswired components, overheating connections, or faulty inverters may pose fire hazards. Multiplex failures can disable critical systems, increasing risk if they occur during travel.
• Water intrusion: Beyond mold and rot, water in electrical bays can corrode terminals, causing shorts and unpredictable failures.
• Financial exposure: Extended service delays lead to lost use, travel disruptions, and added lodging costs. Water damage and electrical problems can cause steep depreciation, even after repairs.

In a coach at this price point, these risks erode the fundamental value proposition. That’s why a pre-purchase inspection, followed by a thorough shakedown period near the selling dealer, is essential. Schedule professional checks: RV Inspectors near me. For additional consumer context and checklists, consider researching creators who spotlight RV quality issues, such as Liz Amazing’s educational videos.

Any Signs of Improvement?

Manufacturers periodically update floorplans, materials, and component vendors. Some owners of newer Traditions report fewer problems versus older model years, crediting incremental QC improvements and better dealer PDI (pre-delivery inspection) processes. Likewise, certain recalls have been addressed promptly when parts were available. However, the weight of public reporting still leans toward recurring quality-control misses and slow after-sale support compared to buyer expectations at this luxury tier.

If you own a recent model year and have seen improvements or persistent issues, could you share a brief summary for fellow shoppers?

Actionable Pre-Delivery Checklist for Shoppers

• Conduct an independent inspection (structure, moisture, electrical, chassis). Require a written report.
• Demand a full operational demo: run every slide, awning, jack, and the generator repeatedly. Cycle HVAC and Aqua-Hot from cold start. Confirm inverter-charger settings and battery health.
• Water test: pressurize the system, open every faucet, flush toilets, inspect wet bay, and run a spray test around roof seams, slide seals, windows, and the windshield.
• Road test: highway speeds, braking, lane changes, hill climbs, and crosswinds if possible. Check for wandering or vibrations.
• Documentation: insist on a complete punch list and written commitment to fix before delivery or within a defined timeline with penalties or concessions.
• Support plan: ask for parts ETA in writing for any backorders and clarify where warranty work will be performed.

Verifiable Research Links for Deep Dives

• YouTube: American Coach-American Tradition Problems
• Google: American Coach-American Tradition Complaints
• BBB: American Coach-American Tradition
• NHTSA Recalls: American Coach-American Tradition
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Problems search
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Issues search
• Reddit r/rvs: Problems search
• RVInsider: Owner problems and reviews
• Good Sam Community: Problems search
• Find Facebook owner groups via Google (join multiple groups for broad coverage).

Already own a Tradition? Tell readers what you wish you knew before buying.

Balanced Perspective: Who Is This Coach Right For?

Buyers with the time, patience, and budget for meticulous pre-delivery inspection, immediate punch list resolution, and ongoing maintenance may still find the American Coach-American Tradition appealing for its layouts, luxury features, and road presence. Owners experienced in diesel maintenance and electrical troubleshooting can mitigate some risks. However, for first-time Class A buyers or those with limited flexibility for service downtime, the well-documented issues—particularly around QC misses and long repair timelines—pose material obstacles.

Final Verdict

Based on aggregated public feedback, the American Coach-American Tradition remains a luxury coach that, too often, struggles to meet luxury reliability expectations. The most consistent red flags center on slide-out reliability, electrical/multiplex bugs, water intrusion vulnerabilities, and slow after-sale support. These aren’t merely inconveniences; they can derail travel plans and impose substantial repair and opportunity costs.

Recommendation: Unless your pre-purchase independent inspection is exceptionally clean and the seller commits in writing to timely resolution of any punch list items, we do not recommend choosing the American Coach-American Tradition at this time. Consider cross-shopping other brands and models with stronger recent owner reliability records and faster service support.

If you disagree or had a notably positive ownership experience, would you share your story so shoppers get a full picture?

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