Fleetwood-Revolution RV Exposed: Water Leaks, Slide-Out Failures & Long Repair Delays

Introduction: What Shoppers Should Know About the Fleetwood Revolution

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Fleetwood Revolution (including the Revolution LE) is a luxury Class A diesel pusher that earned a reputation in the 2000s for upscale interiors, full-body paint, and big-slide floor plans on Freightliner or Spartan chassis with Caterpillar or Cummins power. On the used market today, the Revolution can offer a lot of coach for the money—but owners repeatedly report a pattern of expensive, time-consuming defects and long repair waits that can derail travel plans. This report compiles verifiable complaints, recall information, forum threads, and owner testimonials to help shoppers identify risks before committing to purchase.

Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback and Ongoing Evidence

• General complaint search: Google search: Fleetwood Revolution problems
• YouTube owner experiences: YouTube search: Fleetwood Revolution problems (watch walk-throughs of failures and repair bills)
• Independent consumer reviews: RVInsider search: Fleetwood Revolution problems
• Better Business Bureau (brand and dealer issues): BBB search: Fleetwood Revolution (filter by manufacturer and dealer complaints)
• Reddit communities: r/rvs search, r/RVLiving search, r/GoRVing search
• Safety and recalls (NHTSA): NHTSA recall search: Fleetwood Revolution
• Owner forums: Use the site search on RVForums.com, RVForum.net, RVUSA forum, and Good Sam Community: Fleetwood Revolution problems
• Facebook owner groups: join multiple Revolution-focused groups for unfiltered feedback (search via Google): Find Fleetwood Revolution Facebook groups
• PissedConsumer: Browse the site and search manually for “Fleetwood Revolution” and “Fleetwood RV”: PissedConsumer.com

For ongoing industry watchdog content, explore Liz Amazing’s channel—she regularly documents systemic RV quality and service failures. Browse Liz Amazing’s investigations and search her uploads for the model you’re considering.

Why a Third-Party RV Inspection Is Your Only Leverage

Before signing anything, arrange a comprehensive independent inspection with a certified RV technician—especially on a complex luxury diesel pusher like the Fleetwood Revolution. The inspection is your only leverage before the dealer has your money. Without it, many buyers discover post-delivery failures and then get pushed to the back of the service line, with canceled trips and months-long waits for parts.

• Search locally: Find RV inspectors near you
• Demand a detailed, written report with photos and moisture readings.
• Make purchase contingent on repair of defects or a negotiated price reduction held in escrow.
• Insist on chassis-specific checks (air system leaks, ride height, steering, brakes), slide-room alignment, and thermal imaging for hidden moisture.

Consider leaving a public trail of your experience to help others make informed decisions—have you had inspection findings alter your purchase?

Patterns of Complaints and Failure Modes Reported by Owners

Water Intrusion, Roof Seams, and Sidewall Delamination

Multiple owners report roof seam failures, window seal leaks, and sidewall delamination that lead to rot, mold, and costly structural repairs. Luxury coaches like the Revolution use complex slide openings and extensive trim; any sealant neglect multiplies the risk of water paths into subfloors and wall cavities.

• Evidence and threads: Google: Fleetwood Revolution water leaks, YouTube: Fleetwood Revolution water leak, RVInsider owner complaints
• Typical leak points: clearance lights, roof-to-cap seams, slide-toppers, wet-bay walls, window frames, and awning mounts.
• Real costs: full sidewall re-lamination or subfloor rebuilds can exceed five figures, and paint blending on dark colors adds thousands more.

Slide-Out Failures: Hydraulics, Rack-and-Pinion Alignment, and Rotting Slide Floors

Owners describe slide rooms binding, racking, shearing bolts, or slipping out of sync—especially on large front living or full-wall slides. Hydraulic leaks (HWH or Power Gear systems) and distorted slide openings from water-damaged floors are common threads in forum posts. Failed slide toppers exacerbate water ingress onto slide edges.

• Research threads: Google: Fleetwood Revolution slide-out problems, YouTube: Fleetwood Revolution slide issues, Good Sam: Revolution slide problems
• Risk signs: loud popping or binding noises, visible daylight at seals, slow or uneven movement, hydraulic fluid around rams and manifolds.
• Damage cascade: a misaligned slide chews seals, admits water, swells subfloors, and can jam completely—stranding the coach at a shop.

Independent channel creators have documented similar industry-wide slide issues. See examples on Liz Amazing’s consumer-oriented RV videos and search her channel for slide-out topics relevant to your model.

Electrical and Multiplex Wiring Gremlins (12V and 120V)

Intermittent shorts, failing Intellitec-style multiplex modules, and erratic house power distribution are frequent complaints on aging luxury coaches. Reported symptoms include phantom alarms, lights/steps operating unpredictably, inverter/charger misbehavior, and transfer switch heat damage.

• Owner evidence: Google: Fleetwood Revolution electrical problems, YouTube: Revolution electrical issues
• Safety note: loose lugs in ATS panels and high-resistance connections can overheat, risking smoke or fire; many owners proactively replace transfer switches and upgrade inverter/chargers.
• Parts risk: some multiplex modules and RV-specific boards are discontinued, forcing pricey hunts through salvage yards or retrofits.

Aqua-Hot/Hydro-Hot Heating: Leaks, Sooting, and CO Risk

Diesel hydronic systems deliver quiet heat and endless hot water—but owners cite glycol leaks, failing circulation pumps, burner sooting, and exhaust intrusion. Repairs are specialized; annual service is critical and neglected units can become money pits.

• Research threads: Google: Fleetwood Revolution Aqua-Hot problems, YouTube: Revolution Aqua-Hot service
• Consequences: floor heat zones failing, cabin fumes, and emergency shut-downs in cold conditions; burner rebuilds and heat exchanger leaks are costly.
• Inspection tip: verify date-coded service tags, inspect for coolant residue, and test all heat zones and domestic hot water under load.

Chassis and Drivability: Steering Wander, Air Leaks, and Brake System Faults

Reports include steering play/wander requiring constant correction, ride-height irregularities, air suspension leaks, and ABS sensor faults. Some owners add track bars, steering stabilizers, or have shops perform multi-axle alignments to compensate.

• See recall and safety records: NHTSA recall search: Fleetwood Revolution
• Community experiences: Reddit: Revolution steering problems, Google: Freightliner wander Fleetwood Revolution
• Air system checks: persistent compressor cycling, slow air-up times, or parking brake release hesitation can indicate leaks or valve issues—expensive if neglected.

Generator, A/C, and Charging System Reliability

Onan diesel generators exhibit control board failures, injector issues, or low-voltage output after long storage. Rooftop A/Cs age out around a decade; condenser corrosion and fan motor failures are common. Battery charging problems often trace to failing converters/inverters or corroded grounds.

• Owner threads: Google: Fleetwood Revolution generator problems, YouTube: Revolution A/C problems
• Verify under load: place full HVAC and inverter loads on shore, gen, and alternator to confirm charging/transfer behavior.

Fit-and-Finish: Paint Checking, Clear-Coat Peel, and Fogged Dual-Pane Windows

Owners commonly report cosmetic degradation: gelcoat checking (micro-cracks) on fiberglass, clear coat failure on darker paint, and dual-pane window fogging that obscures visibility. These aren’t just cosmetic—fogged driver’s glass can impair safety, and paint repairs on multi-color schemes can be budget-busting.

• Visual evidence: Google: Fleetwood Revolution paint checking, YouTube: Revolution window fog
• Costs: full repainting or window rebuilds run into thousands; some owners ship windows to specialty rebuilders to cut costs.

Holding Tanks, Plumbing Leaks, and Persistent Odors

Complaints include misreading tank sensors, wet-bay leaks, macerator/pump failures, and sewer odors from inadequate venting or dried traps. Frozen or burst lines are reported in four-season claims during deep cold snaps without diligent winterization.

• Research: Google: Fleetwood Revolution plumbing problems, Good Sam: Revolution tank sensors
• Inspection: pressure test the system, check for soft floors around the wet bay, and verify vent stack integrity on the roof.

Weight, Tire Capacity, and Blowout Damage

Luxury Class A coaches often push front axle and tire ratings—especially after owners add residential fridges, tile, and cargo. Reports of front-axle overweight conditions and blowouts surface in forums and review sites. A front tire failure can cause severe body damage, ripped wiring harnesses, and loss of control.

• Owner accounts: Google: Fleetwood Revolution weight problems, Reddit: Revolution tire blowout
• Due diligence: weigh each wheel position, set pressures by load tables, and verify tire age (DOT code) and speed rating.

If you’ve faced axle or tire limitations on this model, would you describe how you resolved it for future buyers?

Dealer and Manufacturer Support: Delays, Backorders, and Warranty Friction

Numerous consumers describe months-long parts waits and repair backlogs after delivery. On used units, coverage disputes and finger-pointing between dealers, chassis makers, and component vendors are common. Some owners report taking coaches home unrepaired—or canceling travel seasons while waiting in queues.

• Start with the record: BBB search: Fleetwood Revolution
• Compare dealerships: Google: Revolution dealer service complaints
• Action step: get documented repair timelines and parts ETAs in writing before leaving a coach with a dealer service department.

Consumer advocates such as Liz Amazing have chronicled these service bottlenecks across brands; search her channel for dealership service stories to set realistic expectations.

Help others vet dealers—who actually fixed your Revolution on time?

Cost of Ownership and Parts Availability on an Aging Luxury Coach

Cabinetry and furniture remain attractive on many Revolutions, but sourcing body panels, matching paint, obsolete electronics, and interior hardware can be challenging. Owners sometimes rely on RV salvage yards, custom fabrication, or expensive retrofits to keep systems working.

• Research: Google: Fleetwood Revolution parts availability, RVInsider owner notes on parts
• Pre-buy plan: build a contingency budget for electronics (inverters, transfer switch, fridge), tires, hydronic heating, and slide mechanisms.

Recalls and Safety Notices

Recalls on motorhomes often involve chassis components (steering linkages, brake valves), electrical systems (transfer switches, battery cables), and appliances (refrigerators, furnaces). For the Fleetwood Revolution, search your exact year/trim and VIN through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• NHTSA recall search: Fleetwood Revolution

Verify recall completion with documentation and perform a test drive that includes full brake application, lane changes, and generator/shore power switching tests. If a dealer cannot show written proof that all recalls are closed, insist on completion before delivery.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumers report warranty denials, delays, and incomplete repairs. Potential legal exposure for the manufacturer and sellers includes:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (U.S.): Prohibits deceptive warranty practices on covered goods; if a written warranty was offered (more relevant to newer units or extended warranties), failure to honor could trigger federal remedies.
• State Lemon Laws: Motorhomes often have partial coverage (varies by state) and may emphasize the vehicle portion more than the “house.” Document repeated repair attempts within the statutory window.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): For used sales, “as-is” clauses limit implied warranties, but misrepresentation or failure to disclose known defects can create liabilities.
• NHTSA Safety Obligations: Open recalls must be remedied at no cost; reporting serious safety defects to NHTSA can trigger broader investigations.
• FTC and State AGs: Advertising “four-season” or “like new” without substantiation may be deceptive if plumbing freezes or major systems fail prematurely.

Keep meticulous records: inspection reports, dated photos, communications, and repair orders. If you experience repeated failures or safety issues, file complaints with your state Attorney General, the FTC, and NHTSA; share the BBB case number when negotiating with dealers for leverage.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Based on the patterns above, the most consequential risks for buyers of a Fleetwood Revolution include:

• Structural water damage: Progresses invisibly, compromises slide geometry, and spawns mold—turning a premium coach into a high-burn-rate project.
• Chassis control issues: Steering wander and air-brake/ABS faults increase crash risk; tire load margin issues raise the probability of blowouts.
• Electrical fire risk: Overheated transfer switches or poor neutral/ground connections are a known fire hazard category in older Class A motorhomes.
• Heat and hot-water outages in-season: Hydronic system failures strand travelers during cold snaps and can cause freeze damage downstream.
• Service backlog risk: Even minor failures can cascade into multi-month outages due to parts scarcity and shop queues.

For a neutral perspective on how these risks play out across the industry, search consumer-focused deep dives on Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel—then search her catalog for your year and model to cross-check known defects.

Documented Owner Experiences: Where to Verify Claims

• General complaints and issues: Google: Fleetwood Revolution complaints, YouTube: Revolution owner review problems
• Forum case studies: search “Revolution slide leak,” “Revolution steering,” and “Revolution Aqua-Hot” on RVForums.com and RVForum.net
• Reddit threads: r/rvs: Fleetwood Revolution problems, r/GoRVing: Revolution issues
• BBB records: BBB search: Fleetwood Revolution
• Recalls and safety: NHTSA: Revolution recall lookups

Have a specific incident to add? Post your first-hand service timeline or repair photos to help other buyers understand the stakes.

What’s Improved or Still Praised

To maintain balance, some Revolution owners report satisfaction with solid cabinetry, comfortable road manners after alignment/suspension tweaks, and upscale layouts. Many issues improve dramatically when a prior owner invested in resealing, upgraded electronics (modern inverter/chargers, lithium battery systems), and proactive hydronic/heavy-service maintenance. However, these positive experiences often follow significant remedial work and costs borne by the owner—not the factory or the selling dealer—which is why a detailed pre-purchase inspection is pivotal.

Pre-Purchase Checklist Tailored to the Fleetwood Revolution

• Moisture and structure: Infrared scan, pin/probe readings, and borescope on slide floors, roof-to-cap seams, and wet bay.
• Slide systems: Inspect rails/rams for wear; measure racking; verify toppers; run each cycle multiple times under load.
• Chassis: Check ride height, alignment printouts, steering components, air system leaks, brake pad thickness, ABS codes.
• Tires and weights: Wheel-by-wheel scales; verify DOT dates; set pressures per actual loads, not a sticker guess.
• Electrical: Thermal camera on transfer switch and breaker lugs; test inverter/charger modes on shore and generator; confirm GFCI/AFCI function.
• Hydronic heat: Test all zones, inspect for glycol leaks, confirm recent service and combustion analysis.
• Generator and HVAC: Load test to 80%+ capacity; verify operating temperatures and stable voltage/frequency.
• Windows and paint: Look for fogging and gelcoat checking; budget for window rebuilds and paint correction if present.
• Documentation: Ask for recall closure reports, maintenance logs, and proof of slide/roof resealing in the past 12 months.
• Independent inspection: If the seller resists, that’s a signal; line up a pro via RV inspectors near me.

Service Strategy if You Already Own One

• Stabilize the envelope: Reseal roof/cap seams and rebed exterior fittings before chasing interior finish work.
• Electrical safety first: Replace degraded transfer switches; torque and thermal-scan all major connections.
• Chassis confidence: Multi-axle alignment, steering stabilizer as needed, and complete air-brake inspection.
• Proactive hydronic maintenance: Annual service; replace weak circulation pumps; check exhaust routing and CO alarms.
• Parts sourcing: Contact RV salvage yards early; consider upgrading to current-generation electronics where OEM boards are NLA.

If you’ve developed a proven “order of operations” that turned a troublesome coach around, could you outline it for other owners?

A Note on Research and Media Oversight

The RV industry is experiencing heightened scrutiny from consumers and creators alike for quality and service gaps. Independent channels such as Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel routinely spotlight systemic issues and teach buyers how to vet models. Use her channel’s search bar for your exact year and trim to see if similar patterns appear.

Final Summary and Recommendation

The Fleetwood Revolution can deliver luxury finishes and a road-trip-ready floor plan at used-market prices. Yet, verifiable consumer reports show recurring, high-impact problems: water intrusion and delamination, slide misalignment and hydraulic failures, multiplex electrical gremlins with fire risk, hydronic heating breakdowns, chassis wander and brake/air issues, and extended service delays with scarce parts. These aren’t isolated anecdotes; they’re repeat patterns documented across reviews, forums, video testimonials, and recall databases:

• Google search: Fleetwood Revolution problems
• YouTube search: Fleetwood Revolution problems
• NHTSA recall lookup for Fleetwood Revolution
• RVInsider consumer reviews
• BBB complaints

For shoppers committed to this model, the only defensible path is a rigorous pre-purchase inspection and documented proof of recent resealing, slide service, electrical safety upgrades, and hydronic maintenance. Verify axle weights with certified scales and insist all recalls are closed. Get service timelines and parts ETAs in writing, and be prepared for higher-than-average annual maintenance outlays compared with simpler rigs.

If your tolerance for risk is low or you cannot stage a deep independent inspection, this model presents too many red flags. Consider alternative brands/models with stronger reliability records, verified maintenance histories, and easier parts availability instead.

Have additional data points from your ownership? Add your detailed repair log or cost breakdown to help future buyers weigh the risks.