Coachmen-Freedom Express Select Plus RV Exposed: Leaks, QC Failures & Costly Warranty Delays

Introduction: What Shoppers Should Know About the Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Coachmen Freedom Express line, including the “Select” and “Select Plus” variants, sits in the lightweight travel trailer segment marketed for towability and value. Coachmen is a Forest River brand, and the Freedom Express badge is widely distributed through large dealer networks, including special trims and retailer-specific packages. The “Select Plus” configuration has been positioned as a value-forward option with popular features bundled at an attractive price point.

Across owner forums, review sites, and complaint databases, however, a consistent theme appears: many buyers praise the floorplans and initial amenities, but a significant number report defects and quality shortfalls surfacing quickly after delivery. These issues cluster around water management (roof and seals, slide-outs), electrical and propane systems, fit and finish, and chronic warranty and parts delays. Patterns of premature failures and lengthy service times have led to financial losses for some owners and canceled camping plans for others.

Before diving into the details, here are essential community and research resources to verify claims and gather unfiltered owner feedback:

• Owner communities and groups: Join several Facebook groups focused on Freedom Express and “Select/Select Plus” ownership for candid experiences and photos. Use this Google search to find active groups: Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus Facebook Groups
• YouTube owner reviews and repairs: Search model-specific problems and walkthroughs on YouTube: YouTube results for Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus Problems
• Google complaints sweep: Scan broader complaints, dealer reviews, and patterns: Google results for Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus Problems
• BBB: See how issues are handled and the manufacturer’s responses: BBB listings for Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus
• Reddit: Community threads in r/RVLiving, r/GoRVing, and r/rvs often capture real repair timelines and photos:
  • r/RVLiving search
  • r/GoRVing search
  • r/rvs search
• RVInsider owner reviews: RVInsider search for Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus
• Good Sam forum: Good Sam Community discussions
• NHTSA recalls database: Check safety recalls and campaign details: NHTSA for Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus
• PissedConsumer: Use the site’s search to look up “Coachmen Freedom Express” and “Select Plus”: PissedConsumer main reviews directory (enter your model in the search bar)
• Independent forums: Search within:
  • RVForums.com
  • RVForum.net
  • RVUSA forum (use the forum search for “Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus Problems”)

Also note: content creators have been pivotal in exposing systemic RV quality issues. See Liz Amazing’s investigative videos on RV quality and search her channel for the exact model you’re considering. She breaks down owner pitfalls, warranty traps, and inspection strategies in practical terms for first-time and veteran buyers alike.

Why a Third-Party Inspection Is Non-Negotiable

Before you sign anything, insist on a thorough, independent inspection by a certified RV inspector—ideally before final payment and before you take possession. This is your strongest leverage to force the dealer to remediate defects immediately. Once you drive off the lot, countless owners report slipping to “the back of the line” for warranty work, with rigs parked at the dealership for weeks or months waiting on parts and approval. Use this search to find local professionals: RV Inspectors near me.

• Ask for a multi-hour, punch-list inspection covering roof, seals, frame, slide-outs, electrical/propane systems, and every appliance under load.
• Schedule a multi-day shakedown on site (water on, slides in/out, ACs, furnace, water heater, tanks full/empty) and do not accept “that’s normal” explanations for leaks, misaligned doors, or recurring error codes.
• Get all defects documented in writing, with parts ordered before delivery—and verify ETAs.

Have you experienced dealer delays after purchase? Tell other shoppers in the comments.

Patterns of Structural and Water Management Issues

Roof, Sealant, and Front Cap Leaks

Across multiple model years of the Freedom Express family (including Select and Select Plus configurations), owners report roof and front cap leaks within months of ownership. Typical narratives include visible staining at the front bedroom ceiling, soft spots under the front window or cap transition, and sealant failures around roof fixtures (vents, AC, antenna). While Coachmen often touts Azdel composite sidewalls (which resist rot), the roof and wood substructures can still take on water, leading to swollen cabinetry, delaminated luan in the roof deck, and persistent odors.

• Leak detection often occurs only during rain or when traveling in storms; water can wick forward and appear far from the actual breach.
• Owners describe repeated “reseal and send” service visits where dealers apply more lap sealant without addressing root causes like misaligned moldings or gaps under trim tape.
• Prolonged drying and mold risk make this financially and health-wise consequential.

Research leak threads and repair walkthroughs here: Google: Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus Water Leaks, and YouTube examples here: YouTube: Select Plus leak repairs. Also review general patterns on Good Sam Community and Reddit: Freedom Express leaks.

For a practical inspection checklist, see industry commentary from creators like search Liz Amazing’s channel for leak and seal guidance.

Slide-Out System Alignment and Floor Rot

Reports include slide-outs that arrive out of square, tear wiper seals, or pool water on the slide roof. Even small misalignments can allow water to intrude and run under the flooring, increasing the risk of soft subfloors. Some Freedom Express owners describe repeated dealer adjustments that do not hold, and damaged seal skirts after a few uses.

• Watch for uneven gaps top-to-bottom, torn bulb seals, and trim pulling away at corners.
• Floor swelling near slide travel paths suggests water ingress or over-tight sliders scraping finished surfaces.
• Use a bright flashlight and check under-flange areas during a hard rain or water test.

Review similar owner threads: Google: Select Plus Slide-Out Problems, YouTube: Slide adjustment issues, and site-wide experiences on RVInsider: Coachmen Freedom Express Problems.

Wall and Floor Construction: Azdel Claims vs. Real-World Leaks

Coachmen promotes Azdel composite walls to reduce rot and delamination. While this can be beneficial, owners report that it does not eliminate water damage to wood subfloors, cabinets, and ceiling structures, nor does it stop adhesive bond failures if moisture penetrates seams. Several accounts cite floor soft spots near entry doors and galley areas allegedly stemming from minor but chronic leaks.

Comparative owner experiences: Google: Freedom Express Azdel issues and broader research threads on RVForums.com and RVForum.net.

Have you encountered floor soft spots or seam failures? Add your experience to the thread.

Running Gear, Weight Ratings, and Towing Safety

Axle, Tire Capacity, and Blowouts

Owners in the Freedom Express community have reported premature tire wear, blowouts, and axle alignment issues. Even on “ultra-lite” frames, a loaded trailer with full tanks can run close to or over axle and tire capacities if the rig is optioned near its GVWR. Tire failures at highway speed are a safety hazard and can shred wheel wells and underbelly coroplast, leading to thousands in secondary damage.

• Confirm axle tags, tire load ratings, and proper inflation with a calibrated gauge; verify with CAT-scale weights when fully loaded.
• Some rigs reportedly arrive with suspect alignment or uneven spring hangers, causing cupping or inner-edge wear within the first thousand miles.
• Upgrade tires to a higher load index and consider metal valve stems when feasible.

Owner discussions and photo evidence: Google: Select Plus tire blowouts, community posts on Reddit: Axle problems, and video examples on YouTube: axle alignment.

Tongue Weight, Sway, and Payload Mismatch

Another recurring theme is unexpectedly heavy tongue weights once fully loaded with propane, batteries, and cargo, creating marginal safety margins for half-ton tow vehicles. If buyers pick a floorplan with a forward pass-through or front bedroom storage, tongue-heavy loading can exacerbate sway or overload the vehicle’s payload rating.

• Use an actual tongue-scale reading and compare to your tow vehicle’s payload sticker and receiver rating.
• Weight distribution hitches are necessary but not a cure-all; improper setup can worsen handling.

Safety-focused threads: Good Sam: towing problems and broader model discussions: Google: Select Plus sway issues.

Electrical and Propane System Defects

12V Power, Converters, and Parasitic Draws

Buyers report intermittent 12V outages, failed converters, and dead batteries shortly after delivery. Common points include poorly crimped connections, loose grounds, incorrectly wired battery disconnects, and undersized wiring to loads like the tongue jack.

• Symptoms: lights dimming under load, GFCIs tripping, slide motors slowing or stopping mid-travel, erratic tank sensors, or furnace failing to ignite due to low voltage.
• Inspect the converter brand/model, verify charge voltages at the battery, and tighten major lugs with a torque screwdriver; request warranty replacement for faulty converters.

Owners’ troubleshooting videos: YouTube: Freedom Express electrical problems; community reports: Reddit r/RVLiving search; model review snapshots: RVInsider Freedom Express issues.

Furnace, AC Ducting, and Thermostat Behavior

HVAC grievances include weak airflow to rear bunks or bedrooms, cold or hot spots due to kinked ducts, and thermostats that short-cycle. In some cases, roof AC units are reported to struggle in high humidity or above ~90°F, with owners adding secondary fans or duct mods.

• Under-spec’d or poorly routed ducts are inconvenient and costly to remedy after purchase.
• Check temperature differentials in all zones during a sustained run at the dealership prior to closing.

See widespread owner tips and fixes: Google: Freedom Express HVAC Problems and video walkthroughs on YouTube: AC not cooling.

Propane Appliances: Water Heater and Stove Ignition

Owners cite intermittent ignition on water heaters and furnaces, often traced to low 12V voltage, dirty igniters, or regulator issues. Some report gas leaks at fittings that were loose at delivery—an urgent safety concern that should be ruled out before camping.

• Insist the dealer performs a full LP leak-down test and documents results.
• Carry leak-detection spray and check fittings after towing.

Browse similar cases: Google: Freedom Express propane problems and community threads on Reddit: water heater issues.

For watchdog insights into warranty pitfalls, see Liz’s deep dives into RV warranty pitfalls and search her channel for your exact model.

Interior Fit, Finish, and Plumbing

Cabinetry, Doors, and Hardware Failures

Multiple owners describe doors out of square, drawers that won’t stay shut in transit, and trim detaching due to minimal fasteners or insufficient adhesive. Screws backing out and veneer chipping are frequent within the first season, often requiring owners to undertake DIY fixes while waiting for dealer appointments.

• Inspect every hinge and latch. A 10-minute “slam test” on-site can reveal weak latches and misalignment.
• Demand correction before final payment; cosmetic issues are harder to push through warranty later.

Examples and photos: Google: interior quality issues and general owner reviews: RVInsider: Freedom Express Problems.

Plumbing Leaks, Tank Sensors, and Valve Problems

Reports of PEX connections weeping, loose sink drains, and shower pan leaks appear across the Freedom Express lineup. Black and gray tank sensors are frequently inaccurate after minimal use, and some owners report stuck or leaking dump valves that require costly service to access behind coroplast panels.

• Do a pressure test and run full tanks during your pre-delivery inspection; check for drops in pressure and visible drips.
• Confirm all fittings under sinks and behind the shower access are tight; many owners find hand-tightened connections from the factory.

Explore similar complaints: Google: tank sensor problems, Reddit: plumbing leaks, and video walkthroughs: YouTube: plumbing leaks.

Appliances: Fridge, Microwave, and Water Heater Reliability

Owners report refrigerator performance issues (both absorption and 12V compressor units), microwaves tripping breakers, and water heaters throwing error codes. While many component failures are vendor-related, the burden of arranging warranty service falls on the owner, and parts backlogs can strand a new trailer at the dealer for weeks.

For a snapshot of recurring appliance failures and resolutions: Google: appliance problems and user reports on Good Sam Community.

Experienced one of these failures? Report your warranty outcome.

Warranty Service, Parts Delays, and Dealer Experience

Lengthy Repair Queues and Parts Availability

One of the most consistent pain points for Freedom Express owners—especially in the first year—is the warranty experience. Complaints include slow responses, parts delays, and dealers requiring the RV to sit on-site for weeks awaiting authorization or components. This leads to canceled trips and out-of-pocket expenses for storage, lost campsite reservations, and alternative lodging.

• Owners should document everything and escalate to the manufacturer if the dealer is non-responsive. Keep a timeline and all emails.
• Consider mobile RV technicians for out-of-warranty or time-sensitive fixes; faster labor can sometimes be reimbursed by extended warranties if pre-approved.

Scan patterns of dealer feedback (1-star clusters can be revealing) via Google: warranty complaints, manufacturer response trends via BBB search for Coachmen Freedom Express, and owner narratives on Reddit: warranty experiences.

Additionally, content creators like Liz Amazing have documented systemic issues around dealer backlogs and owner recourse—search her channel for practical escalation strategies.

“Select Plus” Packages: Value Claims vs. Real Delivery

Overpriced Options and Entry-Level Components

Retailer-specific “Select” packages are marketed as delivering big value through bundled features. Owner feedback suggests some bundles include entry-level components (awnings, jacks, entertainment gear) that fail early or feel flimsy compared to aftermarket alternatives, undermining the perceived value. Several buyers report paying a premium for “must-have” packages only to replace those items under warranty or at their own cost within the first season.

• Price out aftermarket alternatives for items like power tongue jacks, backup cameras, and TVs to assess the true value of bundled options.
• Ask for component brand and model numbers in writing for every “Select Plus” feature before you agree to pricing.

Compare buyer impressions: Google: Select Plus package problems and general Freedom Express shopping threads on Reddit: buying advice.

Considering a unit now? Protect yourself with a pre-delivery inspection: find certified RV inspectors near you.

Recalls and Safety Notices

NHTSA Recalls Affecting Freedom Express Models

Forest River (Coachmen’s parent) issues periodic recalls across brands for items like propane regulators, axle or brake components, fire safety alarms, or electrical harness routing. Freedom Express configurations may be covered by such campaigns. It is essential to search by VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site and verify remedy completion.

• Check recalls before purchase and confirm the dealer has completed all remedies.
• Owners report delays scheduling recall work due to parts availability—plan ahead in peak season.

Search official recall data here: NHTSA: Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus. Also review wider “Freedom Express” recall mentions via Google: Freedom Express recall.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Warranty Rights, Lemon Laws, and FTC Oversight

Based on owner complaints about repeated failures and prolonged repair times, there are potential legal ramifications if warranty obligations are not met. Key frameworks:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal): Requires clear warranty terms and timely, effective repairs. Repeated failed repair attempts or unreasonably long wait times can trigger remedies.
• State Lemon Laws: Coverage varies, but some states apply lemon protections to RVs or their “motor” components; others rely on breach-of-warranty or consumer protection statutes.
• FTC and state AGs: Advertising claims about durability, towability, or “four-season” performance must be truthful. Misrepresentations can draw regulatory scrutiny.
• NHTSA: Safety-related defects must be remedied under recall; delays or inadequate remedies can escalate into enforcement actions.

If you face repeated failures or excessive downtime, consult an attorney experienced in RV warranty cases. Document every defect, day out of service, and communication. File complaints with your state Attorney General or the FTC if claims appear deceptive. Owners have successfully leveraged small claims and mediation to recover out-of-pocket costs in some scenarios. For a complaints overview, start with the BBB search on Coachmen Freedom Express and publicly documented experiences on Google complaints results.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Safety Hazards from Reported Defects

While many issues are fixable, the combination of reported defects and delayed service can create meaningful safety risks:

• Water intrusion: Can lead to hidden rot, weakened subfloors, and mold exposure—compromising structural integrity and health.
• Axle/tire and alignment issues: Blowouts may cause loss of control and significant underbelly damage.
• Electrical/propane faults: Risks include fire or gas leaks; loose fittings or miswired circuits must be ruled out before camping.
• HVAC failures in extreme weather: Can create unsafe interior temperatures, particularly for children or pets.

Impact on finances is also clear: out-of-service periods mean lost reservations, towing and storage costs, and potentially rapid depreciation if the RV acquires a reputation for defects in resale circles. Be sure to perform a rigorous pre-purchase inspection and consider a mobile PDI if the dealer refuses extended on-lot testing. Use this locator: RV Inspectors near me.

Have you encountered safety-critical defects on your unit? Post your repair timeline.

Owner Checklists: How to Vet a Freedom Express Select Plus Before You Buy

Quick-Hit PDI Targets (On the Lot)

• Roof and seals: Inspect every seam, especially front cap transitions, roof fixtures, and slide roofs. Water test with hose while someone checks inside.
• Slide operation: Run in/out repeatedly. Check gaps, seal integrity, and floor clearance. Listen for binding.
• Electrical system: Meter battery voltage, confirm converter charging. Test slides and jacks with shore power off to gauge 12V health.
• Propane system: Insist on a pressure/leak-down test. Fire every appliance (stove, oven, water heater, furnace).
• Plumbing: Fill fresh tank, pressurize, and look for leaks under sinks and behind access panels. Test shower pans for flex and drainage.
• HVAC: Achieve a steady temperature drop with AC on a hot day; run furnace until all ducts produce heat.
• Running gear: Verify axle ratings, tire date codes and load ratings; inspect spring hangers and alignment if possible.
• Fit and finish: Slam-test doors, latches, and drawers; check for misalignment or screws backing out.

Once you’ve made a shortlist of units, triangulate what you found with owner evidence on:
YouTube,
Reddit,
BBB, and
RVInsider. If you’ve learned a hard lesson on PDI, share your experience below.

Balanced Notes and Any Reported Improvements

To maintain objectivity: some owners report positive experiences after initial punch-list items are resolved and praise the Freedom Express floorplans, storage solutions, and Azdel usage in sidewalls. Additionally, when recalls are issued, Forest River typically identifies VIN ranges and dealers can complete remedies at no charge. A number of owners also report satisfactory dealer PDIs when they insist on multi-hour inspections and refuse to accept “cosmetic-only” assurances for misaligned doors or seals. Nonetheless, consistent themes across public sources show persistent quality control gaps at delivery and during the first season that potential buyers should weigh heavily.

For ongoing consumer advocacy and how to escalate problems respectfully and effectively, explore videos from creators like Liz Amazing—then specifically search her channel for your floorplan or “Freedom Express” to see owner case studies and checklists.

Where to Verify and Deep-Dive

• YouTube: Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus Problems
• Google: broad complaints and dealer reviews
• BBB: manufacturer/dealer responses
• Reddit r/RVLiving: owner threads
• Reddit r/GoRVing: buying and setup questions
• Reddit r/rvs: maintenance and repairs
• NHTSA: recall lookups
• RVInsider: crowdsourced reviews
• Good Sam Community: technical threads
• PissedConsumer (search for “Coachmen Freedom Express”)

If you’ve owned a Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus, your lived experience can help others shop smarter—what went right, what went wrong, and how the manufacturer or dealer responded. Have a story? Share it below.

Bottom Line and Recommendation

After synthesizing public complaints, owner forums, video reports, and recall data sources, a clear risk profile emerges for the Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus and its close siblings in the Freedom Express line. The most consequential issues relate to water intrusion (roof, caps, slides), running-gear integrity (axle alignment, tire capacity), electrical and propane reliability, and a warranty ecosystem that can leave new buyers stranded with an unusable RV during peak season. While some owners end up satisfied—especially those who conduct rigorous pre-delivery inspections and push dealers to complete a detailed punch-list—the probability of early failures and lengthy service delays appears materially higher than consumers expect for the price.

Therefore, shoppers considering the Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus should:

• Budget time and money for a third-party inspection and extended on-site shakedown.
• Demand full documentation of component brands/models in any “Select Plus” package and evaluate the value versus aftermarket alternatives.
• Scale the tow vehicle conservatively with verified weights, not brochure numbers.
• Build a contingency plan for warranty delays (e.g., access to a mobile tech, travel insurance for cancellations, flexible trip planning).

Given the concentration of verifiable complaints around leaks, component failures, and service delays, we do not recommend the Coachmen Freedom Express Select Plus for buyers unwilling to invest substantial time in pre-delivery inspections, ongoing maintenance diligence, and potential warranty advocacy. If you prioritize reliability over floorplan or price, consider comparing alternative brands and models with stronger quality control track records before committing.