Chinook-Concourse RV Exposed: Leaks, E-Series Recalls, Parts Shortages & Service Delays
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Chinook-Concourse
Location: Yakima, WA
Contact Info:
• info@chinookrv.com
• Main (574) 966-0290
Official Report ID: 1018
Introduction: What You’re Really Buying With a Chinook Concourse
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Chinook Concourse is a compact, luxury-class motorhome originally built on the Ford E-Series chassis with a one-piece fiberglass “monocoque” shell. Produced primarily in the 1990s and early 2000s by the now-defunct Chinook RV (later reborn under different ownership building different models), the Concourse earned a reputation for high-end fit-and-finish for its era. Yet today, virtually all Concourse units are older, high-mileage used motorhomes, and owner reports show a consistent pattern of age-related failures, parts scarcity, service delays, and safety considerations that shoppers must weigh carefully.
Below, we prioritize recent and historical issues documented by owners, technicians, consumer forums, and public databases. If you own or have owned a Concourse, your input helps other shoppers—What was your experience like?
Where to Research Owner Feedback and Recalls Before You Shop
- Join Chinook Concourse-focused Facebook groups (Google search link) to read unfiltered owner threads, parts sources, and repair diaries.
- YouTube search: Chinook Concourse Problems for walk-throughs, failure demos, repair how-tos, and road-test critiques.
- Google search: Chinook Concourse Problems to quickly see issue clusters and common complaints.
- BBB search: Chinook Concourse for warranty or service disputes. Consider also searching “Chinook RV.”
- Reddit—owner threads and tech help:
- NHTSA recalls search for Chinook Concourse for coach- and chassis-related safety notices.
- RVInsider owner reviews: Chinook Concourse Problems
- Good Sam Community threads: Chinook Concourse Problems
- Forums with deep archives (use onsite search):
- RVForums.com — search “Chinook Concourse Problems.”
- RVForum.net — search “Chinook Concourse water leaks,” “electrical,” “generator,” etc.
- RVUSA Forum — in the header search, enter “Chinook Concourse Problems.”
- PissedConsumer — use the site search for “Chinook Concourse” or “Chinook RV” to find longform complaints.
Independent consumer creators have pushed the RV industry toward more transparency. For broad buyer education, see Liz Amazing’s investigative RV videos and search her channel for the model you’re considering.
Pre‑Purchase Reality Check: Get a Third‑Party Inspection
Don’t skip this: Arrange a third‑party RV inspection before you sign. This is your strongest leverage to prevent expensive future repairs and trip‑ruining downtime. Once a dealer or private seller has your money, you may be pushed to the back of the line if problems surface—owners routinely report canceled camping plans while their coach sits for weeks or months awaiting parts or shop time. Find qualified inspectors near you: RV Inspectors near me.
If you’ve experienced service delays or inspection surprises on a Concourse, add your story for other shoppers.
Chinook Concourse Background and Reputation—Then and Now
When new, the Concourse stood out for its one-piece molded fiberglass body, premium interiors, and compact footprint. These coaches were marketed as the “sports car of motorhomes.” Decades later, most remaining units are 20–30 years old. The original manufacturer closed; the brand’s later revival did not continue the Concourse line, and owners commonly report limited factory support and difficult parts sourcing.
Because age can mask issues during short test drives, tread carefully: scan owner reports across platforms like Google for Chinook Concourse Issues and YouTube problem searches before making an offer. Also review chassis recalls and known Ford E‑Series patterns via NHTSA.
Patterns of Problems Reported by Owners and Shops
Water Intrusion, Sealant Failure, and Window Leaks
(Serious Concern)
Despite the Concourse’s monocoque fiberglass shell, owners frequently report water ingress through roof penetrations, seam interfaces (especially around skylights and vents), cargo doors, and window frames. Window seal degradation and delaminating butyl can allow water to wick into wall cavities and under floors. Symptoms include soft spots along entry steps, musty odors, bubbling vinyl, and stained headliner. Given age, many coaches need a full re‑seal: re-bedding windows, re-caulking roof fixtures, and replacing compromised trim gaskets.
- Research threads and photo walkthroughs: Chinook Concourse Water Leaks
- Owner videos: YouTube search “Chinook Concourse water leak”
- Forum repairs: use site search on RVForum.net and RVForums.com.
Aging Electrical Systems, Converters, and Wiring Gremlins
(Moderate Concern)
Original power converters (e.g., older Magnetek/Parallax units), brittle wiring, and undersized grounds create parasitic draws, flickering lights, charging problems, and nuisance GFCI trips. Battery isolators and solenoids often fail, causing house/start battery cross‑charging issues. Owners describe chasing intermittent faults behind cabinets and under the coach, and ultimately replacing converters with modern multi‑stage chargers and rewiring battery banks. These are common upgrades in older motorhomes but still a cost to factor into purchase price.
- Owner accounts: Chinook Concourse Electrical Problems
- Community solutions: Good Sam: Electrical Issues
- Video diagnostics: Converter upgrade videos
Generator Reliability (Onan MicroLite/Quiet series)
(Moderate Concern)
Many Concourse units carry older Onan generators with varnished carburetors, brittle fuel lines, failing control boards, and cracked exhaust hangers. Long sit times lead to hard starting, surging under load, or tripping on A/C start. Owners report cleaning or replacing carbs, soft lines, fuel pumps, and performing frequency/voltage adjustments. Some opt for full replacements versus chasing part-by-part failures.
- Search examples: Chinook Concourse generator problems
- Forum fixes: use onsite search at RVUSA Forum and RVForum.net.
Refrigerator Recalls and LP System Risks
(Serious Concern)
A number of Concourses were equipped with Dometic or Norcold absorption fridges implicated in historical fire-risk recalls. Owners should verify recall compliance, install recall kits, and consider replacing aging absorption units with 12V compressor fridges for safety and performance. Additionally, LP systems on decades-old coaches can develop leaks at regulators, pigtails, and flare fittings; rubber lines become brittle and tanks may be past re-cert windows.
- Check safety notices: NHTSA recalls: Chinook Concourse
- Owner reports: Concourse refrigerator recall
- LP leak threads: Propane leak discussions
Chassis Issues: Ford E‑Series Known Problems
(Serious Concern)
The Concourse typically rides on Ford E‑350/E‑450 chassis from the 1990s–early 2000s. Commonly reported issues on those platforms include:
- Spark plug “blowout” on certain 2‑valve Triton engines, leading to sudden loss of power and costly repairs.
- Ford cruise-control deactivation switch and brake-related fire risks from historical recalls.
- Airbag and seatbelt recalls on various E‑Series model years.
- Wandering/handling complaints; worn sway-bar bushings, steering components, and alignment challenges.
- Brake line corrosion in rust-belt vehicles; caliper sticking after long storage.
Inspect documentation and run the VIN through recall checks. Ask for evidence of torque check/repair on spark plugs, steering/suspension maintenance, and fresh brake hoses/lines where appropriate.
- Safety database: NHTSA: Concourse/E‑Series recalls
- Community threads: r/rvs: handling and chassis issues
Weight, Tires, and Braking Performance
(Serious Concern)
The Concourse marketed performance and luxury in a compact footprint, but several owner reports note limited cargo carrying capacity once water, fuel, and passengers are aboard. Overloading magnifies braking distance, tire heat, and suspension wear. Given the age of most units, tires may be out-of-date by DOT code even if tread appears fine—blowouts can be catastrophic on fiberglass coaches. Owners also cite marginal braking when descending grades if rotors/pads are aged or undersized for load.
- Research experiences: Overweight/CCC concerns
- Tire age checks and blowout stories: YouTube tire blowouts
Gelcoat Crazing, Stress Cracks, and Exterior Seams
(Moderate Concern)
While the monocoque body resists traditional delamination, many owners report gelcoat hairline cracks, UV chalking, and stress crazing—especially around ladder mounts, roof racks, and window corners. These are often cosmetic but can become water-entry points if not addressed. Repairs range from cosmetic compounding and clearcoat to localized fiberglass fixes.
- Photo examples: Fiberglass cracks and crazing
Entry Door, Storage Doors, and Hardware Wear
(Moderate Concern)
Reports include misaligned entry doors, weak gas struts, compromised seals on rear cargo doors, and failing latches. Aside from water ingress risk, security can be impacted. With the original OEM closed, some hardware is non-standard; owners retrofit marine-grade latches, fabricate gaskets, or source salvage parts.
- Owner fixes: Door seal problems
- Forum sourcing: search “Chinook latches” on RVForums.com
Plumbing Leaks, Tank Odor, and Aged Fittings
(Moderate Concern)
With age, P‑traps dry out during storage, leading to tank odor intrusion. Plastic fittings and faucets can crack; water pumps grow noisy or fail. Hidden slow leaks under the galley and bath are not unusual. Black tank venting or roof vent cap failures can aggravate odor issues. Budget for fresh PEX or upgraded fittings during renovation.
- DIY repairs: Plumbing leak videos
- Community diagnostics: Reddit: Plumbing problems
HVAC: Roof A/C Start Failures and Furnace Issues
(Moderate Concern)
Owners frequently report older roof A/Cs tripping generators on startup (hard-start kit often helps). Furnaces may short-cycle due to failing sail switches or limit switches. Thermostat replacements and duct cleaning are routine in this age class.
- Common fixes: A/C and furnace troubleshooting
- Video guides: A/C hard-start kits
Interior: Cabinetry Loosening and Upholstery Deterioration
(Moderate Concern)
Some Concourses exhibit loosening cabinet fasteners and squeaks due to years of vibration; owners replace with better hardware and add substructure support. Original upholstery, foam, and window treatments are often at end-of-life, with peeling faux leather and sun-faded fabrics common. These are livability issues that also hint at how the coach was stored and maintained.
- Owner photos and upgrades: Interior problems and refits
Service Delays and Parts Scarcity
(Serious Concern)
Because the original manufacturer is gone and the revived brand does not maintain a deep catalog for the Concourse era, certain trim parts, windows, and custom fiberglass elements can be hard to source. Owners frequently wait weeks or months for specialty items or resort to fabrication. Service centers often prioritize newer units under warranty; multiple reports describe months‑long downtime for older coaches, especially during peak season.
- Search summaries: Parts availability issues
- Community workarounds: Reddit: sourcing parts
How Much Of This Is “Normal for Age” vs. Model-Specific?
Some problems—tired tires, generator varnish, brittle seals—are common to any 20–30‑year‑old RV. However, the Concourse’s unique molded body and brand history create distinct risks:
- Limited OEM support for model‑specific trim and windows.
- Higher expectations and asking prices versus similarly aged Class B+/C competitors; owners often feel repairs are more painful given the premium the Concourse commands.
- Unique exterior components (e.g., rear cargo doors, ladder bosses) where replacements may require custom solutions.
If you’ve had to fabricate parts or wait months for a Concourse-specific component, what did it cost you in time and money?
Warranty, Resale, and Cost Realities
Out-of-Warranty Exposure
(Serious Concern)
Almost all Concourse units are far beyond any original warranty. Even if a dealer offers a service contract, read it closely; exclusions for preexisting conditions and “wear and tear” can leave owners paying out‑of‑pocket. BBB complaints across the RV industry frequently center on denied claims and long repair queues; see the BBB search for Chinook Concourse and broaden to “Chinook RV.”
Resale and Depreciation
(Moderate Concern)
While some collectors prize the Concourse for its historic build quality, buyers are increasingly cautious due to parts scarcity and age. Units without documented resealing, chassis maintenance, and electrical modernization often sit longer or fetch steep discounts. Scrutinize asking prices against forthcoming repairs (generator overhaul, tires, brake lines, re-caulking, fridge replacement).
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Depending on how and where you buy, the following may apply:
- Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act: If a dealer sells you an extended service contract or “warranty,” it must be honored as written; deceptive terms or improper denials can trigger remedies. Keep detailed records of defects and repair attempts.
- State UDAP statutes (Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices): Misrepresenting condition (e.g., concealing water damage) or advertising false features can violate state consumer laws; consult your state’s AG guidance.
- Lemon laws: Usually limited or inapplicable to used RVs sold “as‑is,” but some states have used‑vehicle warranty rules for dealer sales. Verify local statutes before purchase.
- Safety compliance: If an unfixed recall later causes an incident, liability exposure can extend to sellers who failed to disclose. Run the VIN through NHTSA and insist on documentation of recall remedies.
- FTC Used Car Rule analogs and state RV disclosure laws: Dealers often must disclose known defects. “As‑is” does not legalize fraud or concealment.
If your dealer dismissed safety complaints or denied reasonable warranty claims on a Concourse, would you outline the timeline and outcome?
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
- Fire risk: Absorption refrigerator recalls and Ford brake/cruise‑switch recalls are serious safety hazards if unresolved. LP leaks amplify risk in confined interiors.
- Crash/handling risk: Overweight conditions, old tires, and worn suspension/steering components can extend stopping distances and reduce control, especially in crosswinds or emergency maneuvers.
- Health risk: Water intrusion can cause mold, leading to respiratory irritation; tank-vent failures drive noxious odors into living spaces.
- Financial risk: Scarce parts and long shop queues elevate downtime costs (missed trips, storage fees) and may force expensive custom fabrication. Electrical modernization and re-sealing can run into thousands.
For comprehensive consumer education on risk assessment and pre-purchase planning, consider browsing consumer protection tips from Liz Amazing and search her channel for “Chinook Concourse” or similar models.
Practical Inspection and Negotiation Checklist
- Water ingress: Moisture meter around every window, skylight, roof rack, ladder bolts, and cargo doors. Inspect headliner and under-floor compartments.
- Chassis and safety: Check NHTSA recall history by VIN; verify spark plug service on Triton engines; inspect brake lines for corrosion; test ABS and airbags (as applicable).
- Tires and weight: Verify DOT dates; weigh the coach (full fuel/water) to compare with GVWR/GAWR; inspect suspension bushings and shocks.
- Electrical: Load test batteries; verify converter output; test GFCI circuits; check parasitic draw; examine grounds and main lugs.
- LP and appliances: Conduct a pressure drop test; sniff test with detector; verify fridge model/recall kit; test furnace and water heater cycles.
- Generator: Cold start, then full A/C load; check for surging and proper output frequency/voltage; inspect fuel/spark/exhaust.
- Documentation: Service logs, proof of resealing, proof of recall remedies, and receipts for upgrades (tires, brakes, converter, fridge).
- Negotiation: Convert your inspection findings into a detailed punch list. Price adjustments should reflect parts lead times and your risk of trip cancellations.
Need help lining up a professional? Try: Search for RV Inspectors near you. For buyer strategy explainers, see Liz Amazing’s channel and search for inspection and negotiation content.
What Owners Say: Sentiment Snapshot
Owners who love their Concourse praise the driving dynamics for a small motorhome and the classic Chinook build. But a large share of public reporting concentrates on aging systems and service friction:
- Leaks and resealing: Threads and videos abound documenting window reseals and roof fixture failures; see YouTube leak fixes and Google results.
- Electrical headaches: Battery isolator failures, converter replacements, and GFCI issues are frequent topics on Good Sam and RVInsider.
- Chassis maintenance: Reddit and forums detail E‑Series recall checks, spark plug threads, and alignment/handling solutions; see r/rvs search results.
- Parts availability and downtime: Google and forum searches surface long waits and fabrication stories; browse parts availability threads.
If you’ve paid out-of-pocket for repeat fixes on the same system, would you share the total cost and resolution?
Service and Dealer Dynamics: Why Delays Happen
Multiple owner reports describe a cycle: dealer or shop intake, diagnostic queue, parts on backorder, and the RV effectively unavailable for a season. Older specialty models often get slotted behind newer warranty jobs. That’s why a pre‑purchase inspection—and a firm, written post‑sale service plan if buying from a dealer—are so critical.
You can also mitigate downtime by building a relationship with mobile RV techs in your area. Search: RV inspectors and mobile techs near me.
Marketing vs. Reality: Features That Don’t Age Gracefully
- Premium upholstery and finishes: Once a selling point, these often need full replacement today due to UV and wear.
- Entertainment systems: Original CRTs and wired audio, if still present, are obsolete and may require cabinetry mods to modernize.
- Solar and charging: Early factory solar is undersized by modern standards; rewiring and new controllers are common upgrades.
Shoppers sometimes balk at paying a premium for a Concourse, then immediately funding major modernization. Cross‑shop total cost of ownership. For objective buyer education across brands, browse Liz Amazing’s consumer guides and search her channel for model‑specific checklists.
Accountability and Manufacturer Responses
As a legacy model from a closed manufacturer, there’s no centralized factory “response” to current owner complaints. Some owners report success contacting the revived Chinook brand for general guidance, but most solutions come from the community and third‑party suppliers. That said, numerous safety recalls on the Ford chassis and on major appliances (fridges) have been issued and resolved when owners follow through—another reason to verify recall compliance by VIN with NHTSA.
If you’ve received official support or recall remediation on your Concourse, what documentation did you get, and was it effective?
Bottom Line for Shoppers
- Budget for catch‑up maintenance: Tires, brakes, seals, battery system, and generator service are likely due unless recently completed and documented.
- Confirm safety compliance: Run VIN recall checks (E‑Series and appliances). Fire risks and brake/switch issues are non‑negotiable.
- Negotiate using facts: A formal inspection report and parts lead times are leverage to reduce price—or to walk away.
- Expect longer service times: Have a backup plan for travel because older specialty models can sit in line at shops during peak season.
Still on the fence? Compare reported issues across competing models on YouTube, Google, and forum archives before deciding.
Summary Recommendation
Given the concentration of age‑related failures, parts scarcity, service delays, and safety recall diligence required, we cannot broadly recommend the Chinook Concourse to typical buyers seeking a trouble‑free, ready‑to‑camp coach. Exception: a meticulously documented example that has been resealed, updated electrically, refreshed mechanically (tires/brakes/suspension), and verified for all recalls could be a niche buy for enthusiasts willing to maintain a legacy coach. Otherwise, consider newer models or alternative brands with stronger support and parts availability.
If you disagree—or have a Concourse success story that bucks these trends—share your experience below so shoppers see the full picture.
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