Coachmen-Encore RV Exposed: Leaks, Slide Failures, Electrical Gremlins & Service Delays

Introduction: What Shoppers Should Know About the Coachmen Encore

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Coachmen Encore is a gas Class A motorhome built by Coachmen RV (a Forest River brand) on the Ford F-53 chassis. Marketed for family-friendly floorplans and residential amenities at a mid-market price, the Encore has gained attention for spacious layouts and feature lists that look impressive on paper. However, owner-reported experiences paint a more complicated picture: while some buyers enjoy their units after sorting early issues, many accounts across reviews, forums, and complaint boards describe recurring defects, long repair queues, quality control lapses, and unresolved service frustrations that can turn travel plans upside down.

Before diving in, a quick resource tip: independent investigators and consumer advocates like Liz Amazing are increasingly shining a light on RV quality. See her channel here and search for the model you’re considering: Liz Amazing’s YouTube reports on RV build quality.

Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback and Evidence

These sources can help you validate any claim you read here. Use the exact links below to search for Coachmen Encore discussions, complaints, and recalls:

• Google search: Coachmen Encore Problems
• YouTube search: Coachmen Encore Problems (and check investigative creators; also see Liz Amazing exposing RV industry issues)
• BBB search: Coachmen Encore (look for patterns in complaints and dealer responses)
• NHTSA recalls: Coachmen Encore (scan both Coachmen and Ford F-53 chassis items)
• Reddit community threads:
  • r/rvs: Coachmen Encore Problems
  • r/RVLiving: Coachmen Encore Problems
  • r/GoRVing: Coachmen Encore Problems
• RVInsider search: Coachmen Encore Problems
• Good Sam Community search: Coachmen Encore Problems
• Google: Coachmen Encore Facebook Groups (join multiple groups to compare owner experiences)
• Forums: RVForums.com, RVForum.net, and RVUSA Forum (use each site’s search for “Coachmen Encore Problems”)
• PissedConsumer main directory (search “Coachmen Encore” once on site)

Have you owned an Encore? What happened with your unit?

Before You Buy: Get a Third-Party RV Inspection (Your Best Leverage)

We strongly recommend hiring an independent, NRVIA-certified RV inspector before you sign anything. This is your only real leverage point—dealers are far more responsive to repair lists discovered prior to delivery, when they still need your signature and payment. Once they have your money and you drive away, many owners report sliding down the priority list, with rigs sitting for weeks or months awaiting parts or technician time. An inspector can pressure test the plumbing, moisture-map the walls and roof, test all 120V/12V systems, verify slide and leveling performance, and document defects in a professional report that the dealer must address to close the deal.

• Use this search to find certified pros near you: RV Inspectors near me
• Require written proof that punch-list items were corrected before you take possession.
• Schedule a final walk-through to confirm repairs; do not accept “we’ll fix it after delivery.”

If you’ve navigated this already with an Encore, tell us what your inspection found.

Patterns of Reported Problems on the Coachmen Encore

Water Intrusion: Roof, Front Cap, Slide Toppers, and Sidewall Seams

A recurring theme in owner reports involves water intrusion—especially around roof penetrations, front and rear cap transitions, slide-room perimeter seals, and awning/slide-toppers. Multiple reviewers describe discovering soft subfloors or stained ceiling panels within the first months of ownership, often after heavy rain. Some specifically mention poorly applied lap sealant and gaps along the cap-to-roof seam. Door and window frames are another entry point when factory-applied butyl tape is thin or missing in areas.

• Suggested research: YouTube owner walkthroughs on Coachmen Encore leak issues, Google: Coachmen Encore Water Leak Problems, Good Sam threads: water leaks
• Forum experiences often detail resealing entire roof perimeters soon after delivery. See: RVInsider search: water leaks on Coachmen Encore

Unchecked moisture intrusion can cause delamination (bubbling of fiberglass skin), mold, and structural rot. Owners who discover early leaks frequently face long service queues and argue over whether damage is “warranty-covered” or “maintenance-related,” a distinction that leads to conflict and out-of-pocket repairs.

Slide-Room Operation: Alignment, Toppers, and Seal Failures

Reports describe slide rooms grating, binding, or leaving large exterior gaps that permit water and dust ingress. Slide toppers have been noted tearing in mild wind or trapping water that channels into the coach. Owners also mention uneven floor gaps and scuffing, attributed to alignment and travel-stop misadjustments off the line.

• Research threads: Reddit r/rvs: slide problems, Google: Coachmen Encore Slide-out Problems
• Watch for case studies and fixes: YouTube: Encore slide issues

Because slide mechanisms and toppers are often third-party components, warranty responsibility can be split among Coachmen, the dealer, and the component maker—leading to finger-pointing and delays.

Electrical and 12V/120V System Defects: Inverters, Breakers, and Wiring

Electrical gremlins are frequently cited: tripping breakers under light load, miswired outlets, GFCIs that won’t reset, DC fuse blowouts, unstable inverter behavior, and parasitic battery drains that leave the rig dead after a few days in storage. Owners also report poorly crimped connections and inconsistent labeling in the distribution panel.

• Evidence sources: Google: Coachmen Encore Electrical Problems, RVInsider: electrical complaints, Good Sam: 12V/120V threads
• Safety recalls for electrical faults may appear here: NHTSA recall search: Coachmen Encore

In some accounts, owners replace OEM batteries and inverters early, then chase wiring errors discovered by independent technicians. Miswired or overloaded circuits are a fire risk.

Chassis and Handling: Ford F-53 Ride Quality, Steering Wander, and Braking Feel

Like many gas Class A coaches on the Ford F-53 chassis, the Encore is frequently described as fatiguing to drive without suspension upgrades. Owners cite steering wander, porpoising, sway in crosswinds and passing trucks, and vagueness on centerline—leading many to add steering stabilizers, upgraded shocks, SumoSprings/air-assist, track bars, and alignment work. Brake feel and pedal travel are another complaint category, especially on grades or in stop-and-go traffic.

• Owner experiences: YouTube: F-53 handling with Coachmen Encore, Google: F-53 sway/handling – Coachmen Encore
• Check recalls (Ford F-53 related may appear in Encore searches): NHTSA: Coachmen Encore

While many of these upgrades are common in gas Class A ownership, the cost is nontrivial and should be budgeted if ride and handling are priorities.

HVAC Performance and Ducting

Several owners report roof A/C units struggling in hot climates, with poor duct sealing causing cool air to bleed into the attic space rather than into the living area. Other issues include thermostat miscalibration, undersized returns, and uneven temperature distribution between rooms.

• See experiences: Google: Coachmen Encore A/C Problems, Good Sam: HVAC discussions

In some cases, owners remove roof registers to tape/seal ducts and gain several degrees of performance—a fix that points to quality control rather than component failure.

Generator Performance and Exhaust Management

On-board generators (typically Onan) are described stalling under load, fault-coding unexpectedly, or carbon monoxide alarms activating due to exhaust migration under certain wind conditions. Frequent dealer responses include carburetor cleaning, fuel filter replacement, and exhaust tip routing changes.

• Owner accounts: YouTube: Coachmen Encore generator issues, Google: Encore generator problems

Generator failures diminish boondocking and travel reliability, and CO concerns are safety-critical; ensure detector functionality and proper exhaust routing.

Plumbing, Tanks, and Sensor Reliability

Water pump cycling, PEX fittings leaking at crimp collars, shower pans flexing or cracking, and grey/black tank sensors reading incorrectly are common owner grievances. Several describe water intrusion from loose faucet connections during travel, saturating cabinets or subfloors.

• Research: Google: Coachmen Encore plumbing problems, RVInsider: plumbing complaints

Many resolve tank-level inaccuracies with aftermarket sensor systems; actual leaks and fixture failures should be addressed under warranty promptly to prevent secondary damage.

Fit, Finish, and Materials: Cabinetry, Trim, and Furniture

Owners report loose screws backing out of cabinetry, trim popping off, uneven cabinet doors, and visible staple holes. Upholstery premature wear or “peel” appears in multiple accounts across various brands during the 2020–2022 period; reports specific to the Encore suggest vinyl delamination and seam failures in high-use seating.

• Evidence: Google: Coachmen Encore fit and finish problems, Reddit r/RVLiving: quality issues

While cosmetic, these items are persistence indicators of QC problems that also correlate with hidden issues elsewhere in the build.

Awning and Exterior Hardware

Accounts include awning arms drifting, wind-sensor failures, and fabric tearing prematurely. Some owners note that fasteners were installed without proper sealant, leading to both water ingress and hardware loosening over time.

• See: YouTube: awning problems on Coachmen Encore, Good Sam: awning issues

Confirm awning function during PDI and inspect fastener sealing at delivery.

Propane System: Regulators, Leaks, and Appliance Issues

Across the industry, LP regulators and fittings have been part of various recalls and owner complaints. Encore owners have reported gas odors, furnace or water heater flame-out, and regulator failures sending insufficient or excessive pressure. Whether tied to a specific batch or component supplier, these issues require immediate professional diagnosis.

• Check recall landscape: NHTSA: Coachmen Encore
• Owner accounts: Google: Encore propane regulator problems

Always use leak detection solution on LP joints and verify detector functionality.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) and Towing Claims

Some buyers discover that real-world cargo capacity is lower than expected once full fuel, water, passengers, and dealer-installed options are accounted for. Overloading risks tire blowouts, brake fade, and structural stress. Similarly, published hitch ratings may not reflect the actual available towing margin once gross combined weight rating (GCWR) limits are applied to your loaded coach.

• Learn how to weigh and calculate: Google: Encore CCC problems, Reddit r/GoRVing: weight issues

Demand a weight ticket for your exact unit or take it to a CAT Scale before finalizing the purchase. If the dealer declines, consider that a red flag. If you’ve run into CCC surprises, add your story for other shoppers.

Warranty Claims, Service Delays, and Communication Breakdowns

Perhaps the loudest complaint category: long waits for parts, months-long service backlogs, and disputes over what is “customer maintenance” versus “factory defect.” Some owners report units parked at dealers for an entire season, with multiple cancelled campsites and family plans derailed. Others say problems were dismissed until they worsened past warranty coverage. BBB complaints often detail these scenarios.

• Investigate patterns: BBB search: Coachmen Encore, Google: Encore warranty complaints
• Owner threads: Reddit r/rvs: warranty problems, RVInsider: warranty complaints

This is why a professional pre-delivery inspection is critical—leverage exists before signing. Search again if you need help finding an inspector: RV Inspectors near me.

Pricing, Options, and Expectations Versus Reality

Buyers often cite feeling “sold” on residential features that later disappoint due to performance issues (e.g., AC unable to hold setpoint), noise (generator or road), or small but cumulative cost-cutting choices (thin cabinet veneers, hollow-core doors). Several accounts describe premium option bundles whose real-world utility doesn’t match the brochure hype.

• Owner experiences: YouTube: Coachmen Encore complaints, Google: Coachmen Encore issues

Expect to spend time and money dialing in the unit after delivery; be realistic about “out of the box” readiness.

Notable Recalls and Safety Signals

RV recall activity fluctuates year to year and spans both the coach builder (Coachmen) and component suppliers (Ford, LP system, awning assemblies, wiring harnesses). Always run a VIN through the official lookup and check frequently for updates.

• NHTSA recall lookup: Coachmen Encore (filter by your model year; monitor open campaigns)
• Search recall discussions by owners: Google: Coachmen Encore recall, Reddit: recall threads

For broader industry context and investigative commentary, see Liz Amazing’s reporting on systemic RV defects and search her channel for your target model.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumer complaints about the Encore often touch on warranty coverage disputes, misrepresentations during the sale, and safety defects. Depending on your jurisdiction, several laws and regulators may be relevant:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (US): Prohibits deceptive warranty terms and requires manufacturers to honor written warranties. Keep meticulous records of defects, service appointments, and communications.
• State Lemon Laws: Motorhome coverage varies by state; some states treat the chassis and “house” systems differently. If repeated repair attempts fail for a substantial defect within the lemon-law period, you may qualify for repurchase or replacement. Consult a lawyer experienced in RV lemon claims.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Implied warranty of merchantability may apply to RV sales in many states; a coach must be fit for ordinary use.
• FTC (Deceptive Practices): If marketing claims (e.g., towing, “four-season” insulation, or “residential comfort”) are materially misleading, complaints can be made to the FTC and state Attorneys General.
• NHTSA: Safety-related defects (brakes, steering, fuel or LP leaks, fire hazards) should be reported. Enough complaints can trigger investigations and recalls.

Document every interaction. If a dealer delays or refuses reasonable warranty service, send a certified letter to the dealer and manufacturer summarizing the defect, dates, and requested remedy. Consider mediation programs or small claims as leverage for non-safety defects, and consult counsel for safety-critical failures. Also consider filing with the BBB and your state AG. Research precedent and complaint volumes here: BBB: Coachmen Encore and owner complaint threads on Reddit r/rvs.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Based on the patterns above, Encore owners face a twofold risk profile:

• Safety Risks: Water intrusion can compromise structural integrity and lead to hidden mold. Electrical miswires or overloaded circuits can cause fires. LP system faults, generator exhaust migration, and chassis handling issues present immediate safety concerns. Delayed recall responsiveness or difficulty in scheduling service elevates risk because known hazards linger unresolved.
• Financial Risks: Early roof resealing, slide alignment, suspension upgrades, and furniture replacement add thousands to the purchase price. Extended service delays can cause loss of use and sunk costs for cancelled trips. Out-of-warranty disputes—especially for “wear and tear” and “maintenance” claims—can shift major repair costs to the owner.

Because Class A units are complex and involve multiple suppliers, responsibility can fragment between Coachmen, the dealer, and component makers. The owner becomes both project manager and advocate. This makes a thorough PDI and strong documentation practices non-negotiable. If you’ve had to manage a prolonged repair on an Encore, what helped you get resolution?

Have There Been Improvements?

Some buyers of later model years report fewer cosmetic defects and better dealership pre-delivery inspections, and Ford’s newer 7.3L V8 platform is generally praised for drivability compared to older powertrains. Owners also note that diligent resealing and preventive maintenance can stabilize an Encore after the first year of ownership. Additionally, certain recalls are resolved efficiently when parts are in stock.

That said, the scale and repetition of leak, slide, electrical, and service-delay reports indicate that quality variance remains a real risk. Buyers should assume they will need to budget time for shakedown repairs, invest in ride/handling upgrades if sensitive to driving dynamics, and be prepared to push for warranty fulfillment.

Buyer’s Action Checklist (Pre-Delivery and First 90 Days)

• Hire a third-party inspector: Book early: RV Inspectors near me
• Water test the coach: Pressurize plumbing and soak the roof, cap seams, slide tops, and windows for 30–45 minutes; inspect with a moisture meter inside.
• Operate every slide repeatedly: Listen for binding, verify seal compression, and check toppers for pooling or tears.
• Electrical check: Test all outlets with a plug-in tester, trip and reset GFCIs, run the inverter under load, verify converter charging rates, and check 12V fuse labeling.
• LP safety: Perform a leak check at every accessible joint and verify detector/alarm function.
• Chassis and handling: Demand a highway test drive with crosswinds if possible; negotiate for alignment or stabilizer upgrades if the coach wanders.
• CCC verification: Weigh the actual coach (preferably four-corner) before you accept delivery; verify that your intended cargo and tow vehicle fit within GVWR/GCWR.
• Generator and HVAC: Run A/Cs to temperature on shore and generator power in heat of day; test the generator under heavy loads for at least an hour.
• Document everything: Video your PDI; create a punch list and require fixes in writing prior to final payment.
• Join owner communities: Compare notes and fixes: Coachmen Encore Facebook groups (Google search), YouTube owner reports, and forums listed above.

If you’ve developed your own PDI template for the Encore, could you share a copy with other shoppers?

Owner Sentiment: Themes Seen Across Multiple Platforms

• Early shakedown defects are common: Many owners needed multiple service visits in the first months.
• Leak prevention is critical: Even minor water intrusion can escalate quickly; resealing often becomes a regular ritual.
• Service delays are costly: Loss of use (missed trips) is a major frustration. BBB and forum posts echo this across model years.
• Aftermarket fixes improve usability: Suspension upgrades, better batteries/inverters, and duct sealing often make the Encore livable, but add cost.
• Information is power: Owners who studied forums, watched investigative channels, and hired inspectors had better outcomes. For industry context, see Liz Amazing’s independent consumer guides and search her channel for the model you’re eyeing.

Citations and Quick-Access Research Links

• Google: Coachmen Encore Problems
• YouTube: Coachmen Encore Problems
• BBB: Coachmen Encore
• NHTSA: Coachmen Encore recall lookup
• Reddit r/rvs: Coachmen Encore Problems
• RVInsider: Coachmen Encore Problems
• Good Sam: Coachmen Encore Problems
• Google: Coachmen Encore Facebook Groups
• RVForums.com (search for Coachmen Encore)
• RVForum.net (search onsite)

Final Take and Buyer Advisory

The Coachmen Encore offers attractive floorplans and a compelling spec sheet for the price category, but a large volume of publicly reported issues—water intrusion, slide alignment and sealing, electrical faults, LP and generator concerns, uneven fit/finish, and protracted warranty/service timelines—raises real caution flags. Some units settle after an initial repair cycle and owner-driven tweaks; others remain in and out of service for long stretches, draining time and budget.

Based on the weight of owner-reported problems and the financial risks tied to service delays, we do not recommend the Coachmen Encore for shoppers who want a low-drama, ready-to-roll purchase. If you proceed, make a third-party inspection a condition of sale, or consider cross-shopping other brands/models with stronger track records on leak prevention, electrical QC, and post-sale support.

Have an Encore story—good or bad—that could help other buyers? Add your experience to our community record.