Eclipse Recreational Vehicles RV Exposed: Toy Hauler Leaks, Axle/Frame Flaws & Warranty Delays

Introduction: What shoppers should know about Eclipse Recreational Vehicles

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Eclipse Recreational Vehicles (often branded as “Eclipse RV” or “Eclipse Recreational Vehicles, Inc.”) is a West Coast RV manufacturer best known for toy haulers aimed at off-road, desert, and motorsports enthusiasts. Founded in the early 2000s and operating out of Southern California, Eclipse has built a reputation for eye-catching floorplans and cargo-focused amenities. At the same time, owner reports frequently cite quality control inconsistencies, water intrusion, suspension and axle alignment troubles, and challenges obtaining timely warranty service. This investigative report consolidates recent and historical consumer experiences, complaints, recalls, and forum discussions so buyers can assess risk before they sign.

Current and historical product lines (verify the latest lineup with the manufacturer and dealer):

• Attitude (travel trailer and fifth-wheel toy haulers; multiple trim levels such as Pro-Lite/Wide-Lite variants)
• Stellar (travel trailer and fifth-wheel toy haulers)
• Legacy/discontinued lines reported by owners over the years: Milan, Evolution (availability varies by model year)

Eclipse Recreational Vehicles is generally understood as an independent manufacturer, not a subsidiary of a larger RV conglomerate; however, shoppers should always confirm ownership and brand affiliations at the time of purchase.

Tip: RV consumer watchdog content creators are increasingly exposing systemic RV quality and service problems across the industry. Consider searching for Eclipse RV topics on channels like Liz Amazing’s RV consumer advocacy channel and browse videos analyzing RV buying risks and inspections.

Unfiltered owner feedback: where to research before you buy

• Facebook owner groups (indirect link): Join multiple Eclipse- and Attitude/Stellar-focused groups for real-world maintenance, leak, and warranty threads. Use this Google search to find them: Search Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Facebook groups.
• YouTube owner reviews and teardown videos: YouTube search: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Problems.
• Google reviews for dealers and the manufacturer: Patterns of 1-star reviews often spotlight the same defects and service delays: Google search: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Problems.
• Better Business Bureau complaints: Complaint narratives can reveal repeated warranty and service issues: BBB search: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles.
• Reddit communities (owner-to-owner): r/rvs, r/RVLiving, r/GoRVing.
• Owner review aggregators: See model-by-model experiences: RVInsider search: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Problems, and search the Good Sam forum: Good Sam Community: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Problems.
• Forums to search with site tools: RVForums.com, RVForum.net, RVUSA Forum (use each site’s search bar for “Eclipse Recreational Vehicles problems”).
• Consumer complaint sites: Use PissedConsumer and search manually for “Eclipse Recreational Vehicles” or specific models like “Attitude toy hauler.”

Have you owned or shopped this brand? Tell us what you encountered so other RVers benefit from your experience.

Before you sign: arrange an independent, third‑party RV inspection

Across the RV industry, once you take delivery and funds transfer, your leverage drops sharply. Numerous owners report cancelled camping trips and months-long delays as new rigs sit at dealers awaiting parts. For Eclipse RV products, a professional inspection is especially critical due to reported water intrusion paths, axle alignment, roof and sealant workmanship, and 12V/120V system issues. Hire a certified inspector to perform a full pre-purchase inspection at the dealership—ideally with the unit connected to shore power and water so every system can be run under load, slides cycled, and tanks verified for leaks.

• Your leverage is highest before delivery: Make your purchase contingent on written resolution of all inspection items and a second walk-through after fixes.
• Bring your own moisture meter and flashlight: Inspect roof-to-cap seams, window frames, cargo door edges, and underbelly areas near tanks and fittings.
• Weigh the rig: Compare the actual scale weight to the Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) listed on the sticker. Many toy haulers are easy to overload.

Find a local pro: Search “RV Inspectors near me”. Consider booking early; reputable inspectors are in high demand during peak season. If you’ve had success (or trouble) getting a rigorous inspection approved by a dealer, could you share your story for others?

Patterns of problems reported by Eclipse RV owners

Water intrusion at front caps, roof seams, and windows

Multiple owner narratives across forums and reviews describe leaks developing early in ownership—sometimes even on first trips. Typical entry points include the front cap-to-roof seam, clearance lights, slide toppers, and window frames. Water can travel invisibly along framing before showing as soft flooring, stained wallboard, or mold odors. Toy haulers often see additional risk at ramp doors and cargo doors if seals and latches aren’t adjusted properly.

• Symptoms: Musty smell after rain, bubbling wall panels, delamination on exterior fiberglass, staining near corners or slide headers.
• Common owner actions: DIY re-sealing, replacing butyl tape and Dicor, returning to dealers for warranty reseal. Some report slow or contested coverage if leaks are deemed “maintenance.”
• Where to verify and read cases: Google results: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Water Leak Problems, YouTube search: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Water Leaks, Reddit search: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Leaks.

Frame flex, axle alignment, and cracked welds

Toy haulers place unique stresses on frames and suspensions, especially when loaded near GVWR or when weight distribution is uneven. Owners have described cupping tires, excessive inside/outside wear, bent axles, and frame flex near the pin box or tongue, sometimes paired with difficult-to-close cargo doors. Misaligned axles or under-spec’d components can compound issues, leading to blowouts and handling instability.

• Symptoms: Uneven tire wear within a few thousand miles, feathering, trailer sway, doors binding, cracking around welds.
• Ownership impact: Tire replacements, upgraded equalizers/shocks, aftermarket reinforcements to spring hangers; disputes about “overloading” despite owners staying within rated limits.
• Where to verify: Google: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Axle Problems, Good Sam: Eclipse Frame Problems, Reddit: Eclipse Axle Alignment.

Electrical system faults (12V/120V), converter, and wiring issues

Reports include tripping breakers, intermittent lighting circuits, non-charging batteries, failing converters, and miswired outlets. Some owners of generator-equipped rigs note unstable voltage output under load, while others trace problems to poor wire routing and chafe points. Troubleshooting can be time-consuming, and parts delays can strand rigs at dealers for weeks.

• Symptoms: House battery not charging while plugged in, blown fuses, GFCI trips, lights flickering when the water pump runs.
• Potential causes: Loose ground connections, incorrectly crimped lugs, low-quality connectors, converter or inverter failure.
• Evidence sources: YouTube: Eclipse Electrical Problems, Google: Eclipse Electrical Issues, RVInsider: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Problems.

Plumbing leaks, tank straps, and fittings

Owner accounts mention loose PEX fittings, leaking sink drains, tank strap failures, and underbelly water accumulation. Fresh tank sensors may read inaccurately, and some rigs have delivered with fittings only finger-tight. Gray and black tank odors inside living areas are a red flag for venting problems or dry P-traps.

• Symptoms: Water pooling in the underbelly, wet bathroom cabinet floors, “sewer” smells inside after travel.
• Useful diagnostic steps: Pressurize the system and inspect every joint; fill and drain tanks to check for leaks at grommets; confirm vent caps are secure.
• Evidence sources: Google: Eclipse Plumbing Problems, Good Sam: Eclipse Tank Issues, Reddit: Eclipse Leaks.

Slide-out malfunctions and structural alignment

Sticking slides, misalignment, sheared shear pins, and toppers pooling water appear in owner discussions. Many slide systems are sensitive to voltage; low battery charge exacerbates stalling. If the frame or box is out of square, seals can gap and invite water intrusion.

• Symptoms: Slide stops short of full extension, uneven gaps at top/bottom, water creeping past seals during rain.
• Owner fixes: Re-timing slide motors, replacing rollers, seal adjustments; some require dealer intervention to re-square the opening.
• Evidence sources: YouTube: Eclipse Slide Out Problems, Google: Eclipse Slide Issues.

HVAC, furnace, and thermostat complaints

Air conditioner short-cycling, poor ducting to the bedroom or garage, and furnaces that fail to ignite consistently are common RV-wide complaints also seen with Eclipse products. Many issues trace back to sloppy duct connections or kinked runs, while others involve faulty control boards or sensors.

• Symptoms: Weak airflow in distant vents, hot garage during summer boondocking, furnace lockouts overnight.
• Verification: Remove registers to inspect duct connection integrity; test delta-T across the coil; run on generator and shore power to compare performance.
• Evidence sources: Google: Eclipse AC Problems, Reddit: Furnace Issues.

Doors, windows, cabinetry, and general fit-and-finish

Owners sometimes receive new units with mis-hung doors, loose trim, cabinet face frames separating, and poorly secured dinette or bed bases. Cosmetic issues can be fixed, but repeated returns for punch-list items erode satisfaction and reduce camping time, particularly when parts are backordered.

• Symptoms: Entry door not sealing, daylight visible around windows, trim popping off during travel, screws backing out.
• Owner workarounds: Reinforcing with better fasteners, adhesives, and corner blocking; requesting dealer re-hang or replacement of doors and windows.
• Evidence sources: RVInsider: Eclipse Problems, Google: Eclipse Quality Control Complaints.

Toy hauler-specific issues: fuel stations, generators, tie-downs

Toy hauler features add failure points. Owners report fuel station leaks, generator failures under sustained load, and tie-down anchoring points pulling loose if not properly reinforced. In desert use, dust intrusion into the garage and living areas can be severe if seals are marginal.

• Symptoms: Fuel odor near the pump enclosure, spillage at fill necks, generators tripping under A/C startup surge, tie-down rings loosening.
• Safety stakes: Fuel system leaks and vapors are serious hazards; prompt dealer repair is essential.
• Evidence sources: YouTube: Eclipse Toy Hauler Problems, Google: Eclipse Fuel Station Leak.

Weight, payload, and towing miscalculations

Shoppers often underestimate loaded weights. Reported tongue/pin weights and axle loads on some Eclipse toy haulers can exceed tow vehicle ratings—especially once toys, water, gear, and generators are aboard. Owners cite porpoising, sway, and braking issues when towing at or over limits.

• Symptoms: Squatting tow vehicle, excessive sway despite weight distribution/sway control, brake fade on grades.
• Owner advice: Weigh the trailer empty and loaded; confirm your actual cargo carrying capacity and axle ratings; consider suspension upgrades or a more capable tow vehicle.
• Evidence sources: Reddit: Weight Problems, Good Sam: Towing Issues.

Delivery defects and inadequate PDI (pre-delivery inspection)

Numerous 1-star dealer and Google reviews across the industry mention rigs delivered with obvious defects: unsealed roof penetrations, missing screws, and non-functioning systems. Customers expect the dealer and manufacturer to catch these before handover, yet PDIs are often rushed.

• Symptoms: Owner discovers major leaks or dead outlets on day one; lengthy punch lists follow.
• Owner advice: Conduct your own 2–3 hour PDI with a checklist and inspector; do not sign until items are fixed or documented in writing with deadlines.
• Evidence sources: Google: Eclipse Dealer PDI Complaints, BBB: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles.

Warranty denials and long service queues

Owners commonly report multi-week or multi-month waits for parts and warranty approval, with some dealers attributing failures to “owner misuse,” particularly on toy hauler components. While this dynamic is not unique to Eclipse, it appears sufficiently frequent to be a material risk consideration for buyers relying on warranty support during the first year.

• Real-world impact: Missed trips, storage and loan costs continue while the RV sits. Some owners escalate through BBB and state consumer agencies.
• Documentation tips: Keep dated photos, weigh tickets, and maintenance logs to rebut “misuse” claims.
• Evidence sources: Google: Eclipse Warranty Complaints, BBB: Eclipse Complaints, Reddit: Warranty Issues.

If you’ve waited weeks or months for parts on an Eclipse unit, would you document the timelines and outcomes? It helps buyers set expectations and negotiate better delivery conditions.

Recalls and safety notices

Safety recalls in the RV sector often involve axles, brakes, propane systems, and wiring harness routing. Shoppers should check the NHTSA database by VIN before closing. Eclipse-branded models have been subject to recall actions over the years, and owners should ensure any applicable campaigns are fully performed with paperwork in the service file.

• Research recall history by model and year: NHTSA Recalls: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles.
• Cross-check forums and owner groups: Sometimes owners discover symptoms consistent with recall issues before official notices arrive. Use: Reddit search: Eclipse Recall and Google: Eclipse Recall.
• Owner responsibility: Recalls are free repairs; ensure the dealer can perform them promptly. Ask for proof in writing.

Customer service and dealer network realities

Customer experience with Eclipse is often routed through the selling dealer, which means dealer capacity, quality, and prioritization heavily influence outcomes. Complaint patterns echo industry-wide issues: short-staffed service departments, limited parts allocations, and slow communication loops between dealer and manufacturer.

• Common grievances: Extended time to diagnose, parts on backorder, warranty denials for “maintenance” items (seals, adjustments), and a lack of clear timelines.
• What helps: Present a detailed defect list, photos, and videos; request a single point of contact; escalate politely but persistently, and document every conversation.
• Where to assess the pattern: BBB complaint search, Google: Dealer Service Reviews, YouTube: Dealer Problems.

Independent advocates have been highlighting these systemic challenges. If you haven’t already, explore consumer-focused videos on channels like Liz Amazing, who scrutinizes RV quality and ownership pitfalls. Search her channel for any mention of the brand you’re considering.

Legal and regulatory warnings

Based on complaint narratives and service outcomes described publicly, several legal exposure points may arise when quality or safety issues go unaddressed:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal): Requires clear warranty terms and timely performance. Repeated unsuccessful repair attempts or long delays on covered defects may implicate warranty obligations.
• State lemon laws and Song-Beverly (California): Depending on your state, multiple unsuccessful attempts to repair a substantial defect during the warranty period, or excessive days out of service (often 30+ cumulative), may trigger lemon protections or buyback discussions.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose can be relevant when a unit cannot be used as intended, though these protections vary by state and contract language.
• NHTSA safety reporting obligations: Manufacturers must report and address safety defects. Owners should submit complaints for brake, axle, propane, or wiring hazards to NHTSA; patterns can spur investigations.
• FTC and state AG complaints: Misrepresentations around quality, capabilities (e.g., cargo capacity), or failure to honor warranty terms can invite scrutiny from regulators.

What buyers should do: Keep meticulous records—dated photos, copies of work orders, texts/emails, and trip cancellations due to service. If repair attempts fail or delays become unreasonable, consult a consumer protection attorney familiar with RV lemon cases in your state.

Product and safety impact analysis

Defects described by Eclipse owners, especially in toy haulers used off-road, can escalate from inconvenience to genuine safety hazards:

• Water intrusion compromises structural integrity and can lead to black mold, respiratory issues, and costly deconstruction to repair hidden rot.
• Axle/suspension issues degrade braking and stability, increasing the risk of blowouts and loss of control—particularly in crosswinds or on grades.
• Electrical faults pose fire risks; miswired circuits or chafed harnesses should be corrected immediately.
• Fuel station leaks or vapors in toy haulers are a serious ignition hazard; do not use the generator or propane until a leak is professionally resolved.
• Overweight conditions affect stopping distance, tire life, and liability if an accident occurs.

Owners who verify their actual weights, inspect seals quarterly, and proactively upgrade suspension components typically report better outcomes. Still, those remedies cost time and money beyond the purchase price. To understand the stakes, review owner reports and safety discussions via: Google: Eclipse Safety Issues and the recall database: NHTSA Eclipse Recalls.

Brief acknowledgment of improvements and satisfied owners

Not all owner experiences are negative. Some Eclipse buyers praise the brand’s garage space, boondocking capability with built-in generators and fuel stations, and interior layouts tailored to off-road lifestyles. In certain cases, dealers have rapidly corrected defects, resealed roofs, adjusted slides, or replaced faulty components with minimal hassle.

Still, the preponderance of recent public complaints highlights variability in build quality and service support. For a balanced view, compare both critical and positive reviews on YouTube and forums. An independent advocate worth following for broad RV industry context is Liz Amazing, who regularly publishes buyer-education deep dives. Search her channel for the specific brand and model you’re considering.

Due diligence checklist for Eclipse shoppers

• Study recurring complaints: Google: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Problems and YouTube: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Problems.
• Scan BBB and forum threads: BBB search, Good Sam Community, plus searches on RVForums, RVForum.net, and RVUSA Forum.
• Check NHTSA for recalls by VIN: NHTSA Eclipse Recalls.
• Verify loaded weights: Weigh at a CAT scale after loading typical gear and toys; compare to CCC and axle ratings.
• Insist on a professional pre-delivery inspection: Search RV Inspectors near me. Put required fixes in writing before you sign.
• Document everything: Photos of seals, roof, underbelly, and wheel/tire condition at delivery; keep all service orders and communications.
• Search consumer-advocacy videos: Channels like Liz Amazing’s investigations into RV manufacturing pitfalls can help you craft a better inspection list. Use her channel search for “Eclipse,” “Attitude,” or “Stellar.”

What else would you add to this checklist from personal experience? Add your must‑do steps to help the community.

Selected examples of recurring owner narratives

“Water everywhere after the first storm”

Owners describe discovering soaked front bedroom carpeting or water streaks down the nose after the maiden voyage. In some cases, clearance light gaskets or the cap seam were the culprits; others reported window weep holes blocked by sealant. Resealing helped, but the interior repairs were lengthy. Cross-check similar stories: Google: Eclipse Water Leaks, Reddit: Water Intrusion.

“Burned through two sets of tires in one season”

Premature tire wear, coupled with alignment corrections on relatively new rigs, leads owners to suspect axle or hanger misalignment from the factory. Some opt for professional alignment, upgraded equalizers, or reinforced hangers. Evidence threads: Good Sam: Axle Problems, Google: Tire Wear.

“Weeks at the dealer waiting for parts”

Typical posts describe units stuck on the lot awaiting warranty approval and shipment of proprietary components. Communication varies by dealer. Some owners successfully escalate with detailed documentation through the manufacturer’s customer service and the BBB. References: BBB search, Google: Warranty Delays.

“Generator stalls when we start both A/Cs”

Owners of generator-equipped toy haulers report stalling or overload trips under heavy combined loads. Solutions commonly include soft-start kits for A/C units, ensuring clean filters, and load management (e.g., shedding water heater or microwave when both A/Cs run). Verify via: YouTube: Generator Problems, Google: AC Soft Start.

Pro negotiation and inspection tips tailored to Eclipse toy haulers

• Sealant and moisture audit: Inspect every linear foot of roof perimeter and cap seams. Ask the dealer to document sealant brand and date of application in the file.
• Ramp door integrity check: Flood-light test at night; look for light coming through seals. Hose test along the header and corners.
• Fuel system inspection: Sniff and wipe under the pump box and lines; look for sheen or dampness. Request a pressure test if there’s doubt.
• Axle and alignment report: Ask for a third-party alignment check and printout before taking delivery. Inspect tire date codes and ensure proper load rating.
• Slide operation at low voltage: Cycle slides with batteries at 12.2–12.3V and on shore power to see if symptoms change.
• Weigh the tongue/pin: Especially on garage-heavy layouts. Compare to your tow vehicle’s payload and receiver ratings.
• Get a written, itemized “We Owe” list: If anything is backordered or pending, it must be documented with a timeline.
• Consider a second independent inspection after repairs but before final delivery: Search RV Inspectors near me.

What did your PDI catch that the dealer missed? Post your must‑check items so other buyers know where to look.

How to verify and cross-check claims yourself

• Start broad, then go model‑specific: Google: Eclipse Recreational Vehicles Issues, then search including model names and years.
• Compare tone across platforms: Balance YouTube teardown videos with forum threads showing step-by-step fixes: YouTube: Attitude Problems, Reddit: Stellar Problems.
• Identify dealer patterns: Some dealers have better service reputations. Scan their Google reviews and service turnaround stories: Google: Dealer Reviews.
• Track recalls and TSBs over time: NHTSA database.
• Watch respected consumer educators: Browse Liz Amazing’s channel for RV buyer checklists and pitfalls, then search her video library for the brand you’re researching.

Summary and buyer’s bottom line

Eclipse Recreational Vehicles has cultivated a loyal following among off-road and desert enthusiasts who value cargo capacity and garage functionality. Yet public owner reports repeatedly surface serious concerns about water intrusion, axle and alignment issues, fit-and-finish inconsistencies, and lengthy warranty service delays. These problems, while not universal, appear frequently enough to represent a meaningful risk to new buyers—particularly those expecting to camp soon after purchase without investing time and money into inspections, resealing, and potential suspension upgrades.

To protect yourself, make the sale contingent on an independent inspection and ensure a detailed “We Owe” list covers all deficiencies with deadlines. Verify recall status, weigh the rig loaded, and maintain meticulous documentation of any defects and repair attempts. If you already own an Eclipse RV, what has your warranty and service experience been like—and what would you do differently on day one?

Based on the breadth and consistency of reported issues, we do not recommend most buyers move forward with Eclipse Recreational Vehicles without exceptionally rigorous pre-delivery inspections and protective contract terms. Many shoppers may be better served by evaluating alternative brands with stronger quality control records and more responsive service networks.