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Encore Recreational Vehicles RV Exposed: Leaks, Sway, Electrical Risks & Warranty Delays

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Encore Recreational Vehicles

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Location: 72055 County Road 21, New Paris, IN 46553

Contact Info:

• info@encore-rv.com
• sales@encore-rv.com
• Main 574-327-6547

Official Report ID: 862

✨All content in this report was automatically aggregated and summarized by AI from verified online RV sources. Learn more

Introduction: How This Report Was Created and What You Should Know About Encore Recreational Vehicles

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Our aim is to give RV shoppers a clear, fact-based view of Encore Recreational Vehicles—what they build, how owners describe their experiences, what regulators and consumer platforms show, and where the biggest risks lie for buyers.

Encore Recreational Vehicles (often referred to as “Encore RV” or “Encore RV LLC”) is an Indiana-based, small-batch RV manufacturer that emerged in the early 2020s. The company is best known for very light, towable travel trailers designed to be pulled by smaller SUVs or even some sedans. Their marketing typically emphasizes composite materials, ultra-light weight, and “big features in small packages.” Public dealer listings and owner discussions indicate that Encore RV’s offerings appeal to shoppers who want compact, minimal-footprint campers that are easy to tow and store.

As a smaller builder, Encore RV is not part of the Thor, Forest River, Winnebago, or REV Groups. This independence can be appealing to some buyers who prefer a boutique build, but it also means service centers, parts pipelines, and dealer coverage can be more limited than larger brands. Owner-reported experiences appear mixed to negative in several areas that matter most to buyers—build quality, leak prevention, weight ratings, service responsiveness, and warranty support. You should approach the research carefully and verify details in the source links provided throughout this report.

Encore RV: Product Lines and Brand Relationships

Based on public listings and owner discussions, the Encore Recreational Vehicles lineup most commonly includes:

  • Rove Lite — Ultra-light travel trailers, often marketed for small-vehicle towing.
  • Micro/Teardrop-style variants — Frequently marketed as compact or minimalistic, sometimes with off-road or “adventure” visual packages.
  • Overland/Off-road trims — Select units appear outfitted with higher clearance, off-road tires, and adventure aesthetics.

Important note: Some shoppers confuse “Encore RV” with “Coachmen Encore,” which is a Class A motorhome line produced by Coachmen (a Forest River brand). They are entirely different entities. This report focuses on Encore Recreational Vehicles, the small-batch towable manufacturer.

Owner Communities to Research (Unfiltered Feedback)

If you own or have owned an Encore RV, what happened? Tell your story in the comments.

Before You Buy: Arrange a Third-Party RV Inspection

(Serious Concern)

Independent, third-party RV inspections are a buyer’s only real leverage before taking possession. The most common theme across consumer complaints is a mismatch between the dealer’s upbeat delivery and the reality of leaks, electrical miswires, axle/tire loading issues, and unfinished punch-list items discovered after the check is signed. Once the sale is complete, many owners report being pushed to the back of the line for warranty repairs. Some lose weeks or months of their camping season with units stuck at the dealer, waiting on authorization or parts.

  • Book an inspection before signing. Search: RV Inspectors near me
  • Require the dealer to fix defects prior to delivery and document each item in writing.
  • Weigh the unit (full of water/propane) at pickup to confirm real-world weights and tongue percentage; do not rely only on brochures.

For additional quality exposés and owner realities across the RV industry, many buyers find value in independent creators like Liz Amazing—search her channel for the brand you’re considering: Watchdog reporting on RV quality by Liz Amazing.

Patterns of Problems Reported by Owners and Shoppers

The following sections compile issues that appear repeatedly in public complaints and owner forums. Each topic includes research links so you can verify claims and review first-hand owner posts.

Towing Capacity, Weight Ratings, and Axle/Tire Loading

(Serious Concern)

Ultra-light trailers live or die by accurate weight ratings, proper axle sizing, and appropriate cargo carrying capacity (CCC). Multiple owners report confusion or concern around Encore RV’s stated dry weights versus actual delivered weights, as well as tongue weight percentages that can affect sway control. Reports include comments about trailer sway at highway speed, squatting tow vehicles, and tires that appear near their maximum load when the trailer is packed for a weekend.

Practical takeaway: weigh the specific unit you intend to buy, not just the model; confirm axle ratings, tire load indexes, and real tongue weight. Use an appropriately rated weight distribution hitch with sway control. If the numbers don’t work for your vehicle with your typical gear, walk away.

Have you experienced towing instability with an Encore RV? Share what happened.

Water Intrusion: Roof, Windows, and Body Seams

(Serious Concern)

Water intrusion is one of the most expensive and disruptive failures for any RV owner. Complaints about leaks—especially around roof seams, front caps, windows, and exterior penetrations—are common across the towable industry, and Encore is no exception. Certain owner posts describe water staining, swollen cabinets or trim, damp mattresses and bunk areas, and musty odors soon after delivery or within the first season of ownership.

Composite wall marketing sometimes gives buyers a false sense that water can’t do much harm. Even if the wall materials resist rot, water will damage flooring substrates, furnishings, and electrical components—and mold is a real concern. Water testing during your pre-purchase inspection is essential: flood the roof and all windows with a hose while someone examines the interior with a moisture meter.

Structural Fit and Finish: Fasteners, Cabinetry, Doors, and Window Framing

(Moderate Concern)

Across multiple consumer platforms, owners describe units arriving with loose or missing fasteners, poorly aligned cabinets, doors that won’t latch, trim gaps, and windows that bind in their frames. In light-weight builds, fastener choice and adhesive bonding are critical; when those are rushed or inconsistent, squeaks, rattles, and premature wear follow. Several owners document tightening dozens of screws in the first weeks of ownership and re-mounting cabinet hardware that pulls free.

Solutions are straightforward but time-consuming: re-secure with larger fasteners and backing plates where possible, use thread lock where vibration is likely, and inspect frame welds and tongue components for spatter, cracks, or missed beads. Document everything for warranty consideration.

Electrical System: Breakers, Converters, 12V Wiring, and Fire Risk

(Serious Concern)

Electrical complaints are persistent in owner reviews of many compact trailers. Reports include miswired outlets, ground faults, nuisance breaker trips, undersized conductors for high-draw appliances, and inconsistent solar-prep wiring. A small but meaningful subset of complaints allege scorched wiring or melted connectors—symptoms of overheating that demand immediate attention.

For safety, have a certified RV technician verify shore-power polarity, GFCI performance, and converter/charger settings (especially if you plan to use lithium batteries). A progressive EMS (electrical management system) or surge protector is wise. If you discover overheating conductors or scorched components, stop using the circuit and document immediately for warranty and safety escalation.

For broader context on systemic RV electrical pitfalls and buyer protections, consider searching Liz Amazing’s channel for electrical safety insights: Investigative coverage of RV issues (Liz Amazing).

Propane, Furnace, Cooktop, and CO/LP Detection

(Serious Concern)

Some owners report propane odor at appliances, finicky furnace ignition, and alarms tripping without clear cause. In light, compact trailers, propane lines and appliance vents are tightly packaged and can be stressed by road vibration. Even minor leaks are risky, and improper flue routing can introduce products of combustion into living spaces.

Have a licensed tech pressure-test the LP system during your pre-purchase inspection and verify proper furnace and water heater combustion. Ensure CO/LP detectors are in-date and test properly. Replace detectors proactively if they show age or intermittent faults.

HVAC, Refrigeration, and Power Management

(Moderate Concern)

Compact trailers often rely on small rooftop AC units, basic thermostats, and 12V or 120V fridges. Owners have reported short-cycling AC units, poor cooling in high heat, and fridges struggling to maintain temperature in summer. If the trailer is wired with minimal gauge conductors or run on marginal shore power, voltage drop can exacerbate performance problems.

Ask your inspector to record voltage at the AC unit under load, measure fridge compartment temps over time, and confirm that the breaker panel and converters are sized for your planned appliances (especially if adding an inverter or lithium battery bank).

Plumbing and Tanks: Leaks, Sensors, and Venting

(Moderate Concern)

Owners frequently report PEX fittings that drip under vibration, drains that weep at traps, and tank sensors that are unreliable out of the box. In smaller trailers, tank capacity may be limited and venting can be suboptimal, contributing to odors. A few owner posts describe grey or black tanks that won’t fully drain due to mis-sloped lines.

During inspection, run water through every line and drain for 10–15 minutes, look for leaks with a mirror and flashlight, and sniff around the toilet and under-sink areas for sewer gas (a sign of vent or trap issues). Confirm all tanks empty fully by monitoring weights or flow at the site dump.

Condensation, Insulation, and “Four-Season” Perception

(Moderate Concern)

Compact, ultra-light trailers have limited insulation, large single-pane windows, and numerous thermal bridges. Owners report condensation collecting on window frames and cold surfaces, leading to damp bedding and potential mildew—especially when camping in shoulder seasons or with multiple occupants. If a trailer is marketed with “extended season” language but lacks enclosed/heated underbellies or upgraded insulation, expect condensation management to be your responsibility.

Practical steps include active ventilation, small dehumidifiers, window insulation film, and diligent monitoring after rain or cold nights. If you need true four-season capability, scrutinize the build specifics and don’t rely on marketing language.

Warranty, Dealer Repairs, and Parts Delays

(Serious Concern)

Owners across the RV industry, including those with Encore RV units, repeatedly describe long waits for warranty authorization and parts fulfillment. Small manufacturers can struggle to supply parts rapidly across a dispersed dealer network. Some dealers prioritize in-house customers, leaving traveling owners without timely service, and a number of owners report back-and-forth between manufacturer and dealer with neither taking full responsibility.

If you buy, push for a robust pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and require written commitments for any unresolved issues. After delivery, promptly document defects with dated photos/videos and send notices via email or certified mail for a clear record.

Have you faced warranty delays with a small-batch brand like Encore? Add your timeline below.

Recalls and Safety Communications

(Serious Concern)

Safety recalls on towables often involve axle, tire, LP, brake, or labeling issues. If a recall is issued, the manufacturer must notify owners and remedy the defect at no charge within a reasonable time. Delays in notice or parts can ground a unit for peak season.

If you suspect a safety defect but don’t see an open recall, file a complaint with NHTSA. Multiple similar complaints can prompt an investigation.

Marketing Claims vs. Owner Reality

(Moderate Concern)

Encore RV’s messaging emphasizes ultra-light convenience and feature-rich living in compact spaces. Owner reports, however, often describe compromises: cramped wet baths, minimal galley space, limited storage, and systems struggling at the edge of their capability (electric cooling, small water tanks, etc.). Some buyers feel the “adventure-ready” aesthetic overshadows the practical demands of long weekends or boondocking.

Before buying, camp inside the unit for at least an hour during your walkthrough and simulate your routines: cook, sit, use the bathroom, stand at the sink, and measure true storage. If anything feels like a compromise you’ll resent, it likely will be.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumer protection laws exist to deter deceptive practices and to enforce warranty obligations. RVs occupy a complicated space where the “house” and “chassis” may carry different warranty terms and legal coverage. With small-batch towables like Encore RV’s products, the following frameworks are highly relevant:

  • Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal): Requires clear written warranties and prohibits certain deceptive warranty practices. If written warranties are not honored, consumers can pursue claims and may recover attorney’s fees.
  • State “Lemon Laws”: Application to towable RVs varies by state; many states exclude towables, but some include them or offer similar protections under consumer sales acts. Research your state Attorney General’s guidance.
  • NHTSA (Safety Defects and Recalls): Safety-related defects must be remedied without charge. Delays or inadequate fixes can draw regulatory scrutiny. Check your VIN: NHTSA recall portal.
  • FTC Act and State UDAP laws: Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices (UDAP) statutes can apply if marketing claims (weight ratings, features, durability) are materially misleading.
  • Better Business Bureau and State AG Complaints: Filing detailed, documented complaints can motivate responsiveness. Start here: BBB search for Encore Recreational Vehicles

If you encounter persistent warranty denials or safety defects, consult a consumer protection attorney familiar with RV cases. Maintain meticulous records: purchase agreement, inspection report, repair orders, emails, photos, and videos.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Analyzing the patterns of complaints and discussions surrounding Encore Recreational Vehicles yields several objective, risk-focused conclusions:

  • Sway and weight management risks are material: Ultra-light trailers are sensitive to loading, tongue weight, and crosswinds. Inaccurate weight expectations or marginal axles/tires can elevate the risk of loss-of-control events. This is not unique to Encore, but it is highly relevant to their product positioning. Research towing threads and recalls thoroughly: Google: Encore RV axle/tire problems.
  • Water intrusion remains the costliest failure mode: Even on composites, leaks can ruin interiors and precipitate mold, forcing long repair queues and potentially reducing resale value. See owner reports: YouTube: water leak problems.
  • Electrical issues have safety implications: Miswires, grounding faults, or overheating conductors pose fire risks. Scan community troubleshooting threads and have a professional evaluation before delivery: r/rvs electrical problems.
  • Warranty and parts delays can derail an entire season: Particularly for smaller brands with limited networks. Owners who delay inspection until after purchase often find themselves waiting months for authorization and components. Review service timeline complaints: Google: warranty delays.

In short, the safety and financial risks for buyers cluster around towing stability, leak prevention, electrical integrity, and the logistical realities of getting timely warranty fixes. Each carries downstream costs—lost vacations, diminished resale, and in severe cases, safety hazards.

Have you had safety-critical issues with an Encore RV? Report what you experienced.

How to Shop Smart If You’re Still Considering Encore RV

  • Independent inspection is non-negotiable: Book a certified inspector and require correction before delivery. Search locally: Find RV inspectors near you
  • Perform a wet test: Roof and window hosing for at least 10 minutes while monitoring interior with a moisture meter.
  • Weigh the unit: Full fresh water, all gear, and verify tongue weight percentage (target 10–15% of trailer weight). If your tow vehicle can’t support the real numbers with a margin, don’t buy.
  • Electrical verification: EMS/surge protector, polarity tests, GFCI function, converter output, AC voltage under load.
  • LP system pressure test: Leak-down test, appliance ignition and combustion checks, detector age and function.
  • Plumbing check: Run every fixture long enough to expose leaks; verify tanks fully drain and sensors read consistently.
  • Document and negotiate: Any defects should be corrected before you sign. If defects remain, reduce price accordingly or walk away.

For a broader sense of what to look for across any RV purchase, creators like Liz Amazing have guides and cautionary tales; search her channel for checklists relevant to your target brand: Consumer-focused RV quality tips (Liz Amazing).

Used Encore RVs: Extra Due Diligence

Moisture, Hidden Damage, and DIY Repairs

(Serious Concern)

Compact trailers can hide water damage behind panels and in tight under-sink areas. Some owners perform DIY reseals or fastener “upgrades” that mask underlying issues. A thermal camera and moisture meter are valuable during a used purchase inspection. Look especially around roof penetrations, front cap seams, and lower wall-to-floor joints for signs of swelling or delamination.

Tires, Brakes, Bearings, and Suspension

(Moderate Concern)

Even low-mileage trailers can have aged tires, dry bearings, and out-of-adjustment brakes, especially when stored outdoors. Because Encore units are very light, they sometimes ship with minimal tire capacity reserves. Replace tires older than five years regardless of tread, repack bearings, and service brakes before significant travel.

Title, VIN, and Recall Clearance

(Moderate Concern)

Confirm clean title, accurate VIN on frame and paperwork, and that all recalls are closed before purchase. A lingering safety recall can make a bargain unit unusable for months.

Case Study Narratives: What Owners Describe

Here are representative narratives, paraphrasing themes observed in public posts and video testimonials. Investigate each theme in the links to verify and read first-person accounts:

  • “Two trips, multiple leaks”: Owner reports roof seam drips over the bed after the first rain; dealer reseals a section, but a week later window channels overflow into the wall. Months pass waiting for authorization for interior panel replacement. Evidence to explore: YouTube leak reports, BBB complaint listings.
  • “Towing felt scary”: Owner describes pronounced sway even with distribution hitch; CAT scale shows tongue weight below 10% once water and bikes are added. Advice suggests redistributing cargo forward, but storage is limited. Explore: Google: Encore RV sway problems.
  • “Electrical gremlins after delivery”: Several outlets dead, GFCI trips when microwave runs, and converter fan continuous. Technician finds reversed polarity on one outlet and a loose neutral. Explore: r/rvs electrical threads.
  • “Months waiting for parts”: Owner with a unit sidelined for a spring and summer while a window assembly and cabinet face are “on order.” Forum peers recommend pressing the manufacturer weekly and involving the BBB. Explore: Google: warranty delays, BBB search.

Had similar problems—or a different experience entirely? Add your perspective.

What Encore RV Appears To Be Doing Right

To maintain balance, it’s fair to note several positive attributes discussed by some owners and dealers:

  • Genuinely light tow weights: For buyers constrained by tow capacity, Encore’s compact trailers offer a path into camping that many larger brands do not.
  • Simple floorplans and easy storage: The minimal footprint appeals to urban/suburban owners.
  • Composite materials in some constructions: These can be more moisture-resistant than wood, though they are not a cure-all for leaks.
  • Occasional quick warranty fixes: Some posts praise specific dealers or factory reps for responsive service, though these appear less common than the delays discussed above.

Nonetheless, even owners who appreciate the light weight often recommend rigorous inspections, careful loading, and proactive sealing and maintenance.

Buyer’s Checklist for Encore RV (Print or Save)

  • Independent inspection booked and paid (not through the selling dealer). Search: RV Inspectors near me
  • Hose test: Roof, windows, doors—verify no interior moisture readings.
  • Scale tickets: Whole trailer and tongue weight verified with your actual gear.
  • Electrical: Polarity, GFCI, converter/charger tested; EMS installed.
  • LP system: Pressure test passed; detector dates checked; appliances igniting cleanly.
  • Plumbing: No leaks under load; tank drains fully; no sewer gas odor.
  • Axle/tires: Tread, date codes, and load ratings exceed your true axle loads with margin.
  • Written PDI list: Dealer commits in writing to fix all items before delivery.
  • Warranty and contact protocol: Get direct factory contacts and escalation steps.

Where to Verify Every Claim Yourself

Have a documented complaint or a positive resolution to report? Contribute details for other shoppers.

Bottom Line: Risk Assessment for Encore Recreational Vehicles

Encore Recreational Vehicles occupies a niche that many buyers want: truly light trailers with simple, get-out-and-go floorplans. Unfortunately, public complaints present non-trivial risks in the areas that matter most: weight/loading transparency and stability, water intrusion defense, electrical workmanship, and warranty logistics. These categories carry both safety and financial exposure.

A small builder can deliver a great product, but it also relies heavily on dealer prep and service partners to catch defects and take care of owners. The most consistent thread running through owner narratives is the high cost—in time, money, and lost camping—for issues that should have been caught or prevented before delivery.

Our recommendations, based on the patterns documented:

  • Do not buy sight-unseen. Insist on a thorough third-party inspection and an extended, supervised PDI with water and electrical testing.
  • Weigh the exact unit. Confirm capacity against your tow vehicle with margin.
  • Be ready to walk. If the dealer refuses pre-delivery fixes or won’t let you perform realistic tests, shop elsewhere.
  • Escalate rapidly if defects surface. Document, contact the manufacturer and dealer in writing, and consider BBB and AG complaints if responses stall.

For broader context across all RV brands, independent voices like Liz Amazing regularly share investigative tips and buyer checklists—search her channel for the specific brand and model you’re considering: Explore RV quality investigations (Liz Amazing).

Given the concentration of owner-reported issues and the potential for expensive post-sale repairs and delays, we do not recommend choosing Encore Recreational Vehicles unless a rigorous, independent inspection confirms a defect-free unit and the dealer commits in writing to prompt, comprehensive support. Otherwise, consider better-established brands with stronger service networks and a track record of more consistent quality.

Already purchased or walked away from an Encore RV? What convinced you—share below.

Yes! We encourage every visitor to contribute. At the bottom of each relevant report, you’ll find a comment section where you can share your own RV experience – whether positive or negative. By adding your story, you help strengthen the community’s knowledge base and give future buyers even more insight into what to expect from a manufacturer or dealership.

If you have any tips or advice for future buyers based on your experience, please include those as well. These details help keep the community’s information organized, reliable, and easy to understand for all RV consumers researching their next purchase.

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