Eclipse Recreational Vehicles-Eclipse RV Exposed: Leaks, Axle Failures, Service Delays, Recalls

(Serious Concern)

Independent pre-purchase inspections are your only real leverage before you sign. Owners repeatedly report that once money changes hands, the dealer’s service queue can stretch for weeks or months, especially during peak season. Multiple first-hand accounts describe cancelled camping trips and brand-new rigs stuck at the dealership for months awaiting parts or authorization.

• Hire a certified third-party RV inspector to perform a detailed systems, frame, roof, and moisture inspection before taking possession. If the seller resists, consider that a red flag.
• Make acceptance contingent on inspection with written punch-list repairs completed before delivery.
• Find local options: Search for RV Inspectors near me.

For context on why this step matters, compare owner complaints across platforms: YouTube complaint compilations for Eclipse Recreational Vehicles—Eclipse and Google search: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles—Eclipse Issues.

(Serious Concern)

Among the most consequential reports are frame weld quality, axle alignment, and suspension component failures. Owners of Eclipse-branded towables (including units sold as “Eclipse” by dealers) have alleged premature tire wear (indicative of misalignment), bent axles, and under-specced shackles and equalizers. In toy haulers, the risk intensifies when loaded near capacity.

• Symptoms: scalloped tire tread within a few hundred miles, excessive heat on one hub, uneven ride height, or loud suspension clunks.
• Owner-reported outcomes: emergency roadside tire replacements, cracked leaf springs, and frame reinforcement after purchase.
• Verification sources: Scan discussions and video walk-throughs:
  Reddit r/rvs threads,
  YouTube search: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles—Eclipse axle problems, and
  BBB complaints.

Safety note: Any frame or axle anomaly can escalate to a highway safety hazard. Verify recalls and TSBs: NHTSA recalls search for Eclipse Recreational Vehicles—Eclipse.

(Serious Concern)

Water intrusion is one of the most common and expensive issues reported with towables across the market, and Eclipse-branded units are no exception. Owners frequently cite poorly sealed roof fixtures, under-taped seams, misaligned slide room seals, and caulking gaps around storage doors and windows. Water can wick into the OSB subfloor and wall cavities, leading to soft floors, delamination, and mold.

• Typical scenarios: A new owner reports brown water stains around ceiling vents after the first rain; another discovers a spongy bathroom floor three months in.
• Cost risk: Extensive water damage repairs often exceed what warranty will cover if classified as “maintenance.”
• Cross-check: Search aggregated owner experiences on
  Google: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles—Eclipse Water Leaks and
  RVInsider.

Inspection tip: Demand a moisture meter sweep of all corners, slide floors, and roof transitions before you sign. If buying used, pay for a pressure (SealTech) test.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners describe loose 12V grounds, incorrectly crimped connectors, miswired outlets, and converter/charger failures. Some report GFCI outlets tripping repeatedly or 12V loads (water pump, slides) cutting out under moderate demand. Poor wire routing behind distribution panels is also cited.

• Safety consequence: Miswiring risks fire, shock, or damage to appliances. Always test polarity and GFCI function on delivery.
• Evidence sources:
  YouTube: electrical problems,
  Good Sam threads.
• Mitigation: Have an inspector remove the distribution panel cover and check torque/labeling. Verify converter output and battery health under load.

(Moderate Concern)

Common complaints include loose PEX fittings, leaking tank fittings, sensors stuck reading full/empty, and inadequate access to fix hidden connections. In colder climates, owners report freeze damage when “all-season” marketing overpromised and underdelivered.

• Typical owner reports: Damp underbelly coroplast, slow leaks under kitchen sinks, and shower pan flexing that cracks seals.
• Where to verify:
  Google: Plumbing Problems,
  Reddit r/RVLiving.
• Inspection: Pressure-test lines and run every faucet/toilet while observing for drips. Confirm access panels to critical fittings.

(Moderate Concern)

Misaligned slide rooms that scrape floors, door latches that don’t catch, loose fascia trim, and insufficiently secured furniture are frequently cited in early ownership. An off-square slide can also worsen water intrusion.

• Owner-cited examples: Brand-new units delivered with trim separating on transport; slide toppers trapping water due to pitch issues.
• Evidence:
  RVInsider reports for Eclipse Recreational Vehicles—Eclipse and
  YouTube: slide problems.
• Mitigation: Cycle each slide multiple times at delivery, check squareness and seals with a bright light test, and inspect the floor under rollers.

(Moderate Concern)

Reports include underperforming A/C in hot climates, noisy furnaces, refrigerator cooling issues on propane, and water heater ignition faults. These problems are often vendor-component related but become an owner burden when dealer appointment backlogs stretch weeks.

• Evidence:
  Good Sam: A/C problems,
  YouTube: refrigerator issues.
• Prevention: Duct balancing, adding reflective insulation, and testing LP pressure during PDI help. Ensure appliance serial numbers are registered for vendor warranty support.

(Serious Concern)

Many Eclipse-branded rigs in circulation are toy haulers. Owner complaints involve ramp door water leaks, delaminating garage floors, compromised tie-downs, and fuel station malfunctions. Improper ramp-top seal and hinge fasteners can allow water ingress that wicks into flooring.

• Where to verify:
  Google: Toy Hauler Problems and
  YouTube: ramp door leaks.
• Inspection: Hose-test around the ramp, check cam locks, ensure a continuous compression of the perimeter seal, and inspect for flex in the garage floor.

(Serious Concern)

Several owners across brands with similar build profiles report units arriving with reduced cargo carrying capacity (CCC) compared to brochure claims—after options and dealer add-ons. For toy haulers, filling water tanks and loading motorcycles can easily exceed axle ratings if CCC is marginal.

• Action: Verify the yellow sticker on the door for actual CCC, then weigh the unit scale-ready (with propane, batteries, and your options installed) on a CAT scale before your first trip.
• Evidence threads:
  Reddit r/GoRVing: Weight Problems and
  Google: Cargo Carrying Capacity.

(Serious Concern)

A recurring frustration among Eclipse owners is prolonged service timelines: long waits for dealer appointments, delays in factory approvals, and parts backorders. Owners recount months of lost use during peak season while new rigs sit at the dealer. Some report difficulty getting coverage when issues are categorized as “maintenance.”

• Example narratives: 1-star reviews describing repeated trips for the same unresolved leak; units awaiting slide components for weeks; dealers deferring structural concerns to the manufacturer.
• Cross-reference:
  BBB complaint search,
  Google: Warranty Complaints, and
  YouTube: dealer service experiences.

(Serious Concern)

Recalls ebb and flow by model year and supplier. Towable RVs across the industry commonly see recalls for axle hubs, LP regulators, tires, and fire suppression system routing. Owners should run their VIN through the official database to confirm open recalls or service campaigns:

• NHTSA official recall search for Eclipse Recreational Vehicles—Eclipse
• Also scan video and forum discussions: YouTube recall mentions and Good Sam: recall discussions.

Pay attention to recall completion documentation when buying used; incomplete recalls can affect safety and insurance coverage.

(Serious Concern)

If Eclipse Recreational Vehicles—Eclipse owners experience repeated unresolved defects, potential legal exposure arises for the manufacturer and selling dealer. Consider the following frameworks:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (Federal): Governs written warranties; prohibits tying arrangements; requires manufacturers to honor written warranties. If a “reasonable number of repair attempts” fails to fix a defect, owners may pursue remedies.
• State Lemon Laws: Coverage varies; many states treat towable RVs differently than motorized units. Even where lemon laws exclude trailers, owners may seek relief under Magnuson-Moss or state consumer protection statutes for deceptive practices.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Implied warranties of merchantability/fitness may apply unless validly disclaimed. Misrepresentations in advertising or sales can trigger remedies under state unfair trade practices acts.
• FTC oversight: The FTC addresses deceptive advertising and warranty violations; owners can file complaints documenting patterns of noncompliance.
• NHTSA defect investigations: Safety-related defects can be reported via SaferCar; sufficient volume can trigger investigation and recalls.

Document everything: dated photos, service orders, texts/emails with dealers, and travel losses. If you’re facing repeated failures, consult a consumer attorney familiar with RV warranty cases.

(Serious Concern)

Based on aggregated complaints and forum narratives, the principal risks to buyers of Eclipse Recreational Vehicles—Eclipse are:

• High-cost structural damage from water intrusion leading to delamination, soft subfloors, and mold. These are rarely “quick fixes” and can total a trailer’s value if widespread.
• On-road safety hazards from axle misalignment, tire blowouts, or suspension failures—particularly dangerous when towing at highway speed.
• Electrical fire/shock risks from miswiring or loose connections—mitigated by thorough PDI and corrective rework.
• Loss of use due to extended warranty repair backlogs. Even a few peak-season months without your rig can negate the value of a full year’s camping plans.
• Depreciation and resale impact when a unit’s service history shows repeated structural or leak repairs, which savvy buyers avoid.

For a consumer-focused overview of how to recognize these red flags on any RV lot, you can learn from independent watchdog creators—search the channel here: Liz Amazing’s RV consumer protection videos.

(Moderate Concern)

Scanning 1-star and 2-star reviews across Google, BBB, and forums reveals repeating themes:

• “Beautiful on the lot, disappointing on the road.” Early trips expose leaks, wiring issues, and trim failures that weren’t obvious at delivery.
• “Warranty ping-pong.” Dealers blaming the factory and vice versa, particularly for structural or water-related claims.
• “Parts purgatory.” Extended waits for common components (slide motors, seals, appliance boards).
• “Weight surprise.” Realized payload constraints after loading typical gear and toys.

Corroborate these patterns by scanning: BBB complaint listings, Google: complaints, and YouTube owner reviews.