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Fleetwood RV Exposed: Leaks, Slide Failures, Electrical Hazards, Recalls & Repair Delays

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Fleetwood

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Location: 1031 US-224 E, Decatur, IN 46733

Contact Info:

• ownerrelations@fleetwoodrv.com
• Support: 800-322-8216
• Service: 877-466-6226

Official Report ID: 866

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

Introduction: Who Fleetwood Is, and Why This Report Exists

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Fleetwood RV is one of the most recognized names in American motorhomes, with roots stretching back to the mid-20th century and a long history of popular Class A coaches on both gas and diesel chassis. After Fleetwood Enterprises’ bankruptcy in 2009, the motorized RV assets were purchased and ultimately became part of what is now REV Group, a large parent company that also controls brands such as Holiday Rambler and American Coach. While Fleetwood retains strong name recognition and some fiercely loyal owners, a significant body of recent consumer complaints, warranty frustrations, and safety-related recalls merits careful scrutiny for anyone considering a new or used Fleetwood motorhome.

Before diving into the details, this report provides fast ways to verify claims and review real-world owner experiences. You’ll find links to authoritative research paths—Better Business Bureau (BBB), Reddit forums, RVInsider, Good Sam Community, YouTube owner testimonials, and NHTSA recall data—as well as guidance on third-party inspections and legal rights. The goal is simple: help you understand common problem patterns, your risk of repair costs and downtime, and the steps you can take to protect yourself as a buyer.

Model Lineup and Corporate Context

Fleetwood RV is a division of REV Group’s recreation segment. Product names can change year to year, but the models most commonly seen on the market in recent years include:

  • Class A Gas: Bounder, Flair, (Southwind appears in older and some recent model years)
  • Class A Diesel: Discovery, Discovery LXE, Frontier, Frontier GTX, (Pace Arrow appears historically and in some recent lineups)
  • Legacy/Discontinued or Older Lines You’ll See on the Used Market: Expedition, Excursion, Providence, Revolution/LE, Storm, Terra, Pace Arrow (older variants), Southwind (older variants), Tioga and Jamboree (older Class C lines)

Corporate parent: REV Group (formerly Allied Specialty Vehicles). REV Group also controls other RV brands and has centralized service and parts networks that affect Fleetwood customers’ experiences across the United States.

Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback and Evidence

Essential owner communities to research

Independent content creators can also provide candid, visual evidence of workmanship problems and service pitfalls. See the investigative consumer content on the Liz Amazing YouTube channel and search her videos for Fleetwood or the specific model you’re considering: Explore RV quality exposés by Liz Amazing.

Have you owned a Fleetwood? Tell other shoppers what you wish you knew.

Before You Buy: Insist on a Third-Party RV Inspection

(Serious Concern)

Owners frequently report discovering major defects only after taking delivery—when the warranty clock has already started and the dealer has little incentive to prioritize repairs. Third-party inspectors (NRVIA-certified or equivalent) can uncover water intrusion, chassis or suspension defects, miswired components, non-functioning slide-outs, and misaligned doors/windows before you sign. This is your best leverage to demand repair or walk away from a problem unit.

  • Search locally: Find RV Inspectors near you
  • Make the inspection a condition of sale. If the dealer objects, consider that a red flag.
  • Do a thorough on-site PDI with your inspector present and don’t accept “we’ll fix it later.” After closing, owners often report months-long wait times.
  • Ask the inspector to prioritize leak detection, propane tests, and a full operations test of slides, leveling, inverter/charger, and all appliances.

For visual examples of how issues slip through PDIs, review owner videos and walk-throughs: YouTube results for “Fleetwood RV Problems”. Also see consumer-focused industry watchdog content from Liz Amazing’s channel and search her uploads for your exact model.

Patterns of Consumer Complaints and Quality Concerns

Build Quality, Fit and Finish

(Serious Concern)

A consistent theme in owner reports is subpar fit and finish on new coaches: misaligned cabinets, trim detaching, poorly cut access panels, uneven flooring, and rattling hardware. These defects are especially frustrating on premium-priced diesel pushers marketed as luxury products.

Buyers report cabinets or drawer fronts separating on first trips; screws backing out of wall studs; and noisy dash assemblies. Such issues may be repairable, but the frequency and early failure suggest quality control lapses at the factory.

Water Intrusion: Roof, Slide Toppers, Windows

(Serious Concern)

Water intrusion is among the most catastrophic RV defects because it silently damages structure and finishes. Fleetwood owners describe leaks around slide-outs, failed seals at windows, and seam sealant that cracks prematurely. Water staining near the cap, delamination on exterior sidewalls, and swollen subfloors around entry steps and bathrooms appear in multiple owner accounts.

Leak remediation often requires extensive disassembly, weeks of drying, and replacement materials—costs that skyrocket once the warranty expires. Inspect under slide floors, inside overhead cabinets, and behind shower surrounds for moisture or soft spots.

Slide-Out Failures and Alignment

(Serious Concern)

Owners report slides binding, tearing seals, drifting out of alignment, or failing to retract—sometimes stranding travelers. Maladjusted slide mechanisms can also chew through flooring or damage cabinetry. Because slides are complex systems involving motors, controllers, racks, seals, and structure, misalignment can be difficult to fully resolve without factory-level attention.

Buying tip: during inspection, run each slide several full cycles, listen for grinding, watch for asymmetry in extension, and check seals for gaps after deployment.

Electrical System Glitches and 12V/120V Failures

(Serious Concern)

Electrical issues range from nuisance to dangerous. Reports include shorted junctions, miswired outlets, breaker trips under normal loads, intermittently dead 12V circuits, and failing automatic transfer switches. Inverter/charger configuration mistakes can leave expensive battery banks chronically undercharged, shortening their life.

Ensure your inspector checks ATS wiring, GFCI/AFCI protection, inverter pass-through, and coach/chassis battery isolation and charging paths—including solar controllers if equipped.

Propane System Leaks and Appliance Safety

(Serious Concern)

Propane leaks present fire and explosion risks. Several REV Group brands—not limited strictly to Fleetwood—have had recalls related to LP components in recent years. Owners also describe propane odors at cooktops and grills, and furnace ignition issues. Any LP smell warrants immediate shutdown and inspection.

A third-party pressure drop test and leak detection with an electronic sniffer during pre-purchase inspection is critical.

Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation Troubles

(Moderate Concern)

Inconsistent AC performance, duct leakage, and furnace failures surface frequently. Poor duct sealing or crushed runs behind cabinetry can cripple airflow even when the units themselves are sound. Thermostat calibration, zone control glitches, and condensate routing errors also appear in owner accounts.

Check delta-T at vents, verify all zones function, and look for condensate dripping inside after running AC on a humid day.

Chassis, Steering, and Drivability

(Moderate Concern)

Fleetwood coaches ride on third-party chassis (e.g., Ford for gas, Freightliner for many diesel pushers). Owners report wandering or porpoising on gas chassis, requiring suspension upgrades (e.g., sway bars, trac bars) to feel stable. Diesel pushers fare better but can still present alignment and ride complaints if improperly set up or overweighted.

Always weigh each axle and, ideally, each wheel position when loaded as you intend to travel. Then set tire pressures per manufacturer tables.

Exterior Paint, Gelcoat, and Sealants

(Moderate Concern)

Owners of some model years report premature clearcoat failure, paint checking, and sealant that cracks within the first year. Paint quality problems are expensive to remedy and can foreshadow deeper moisture issues if body seams are affected.

Windows, Windshields, and Seal Failures

(Moderate Concern)

Reports include failed dual-pane window seals (fogging), windshield leaks during heavy rain, and sliding window tracks that bind. Because windshield bonding is critical to structural integrity on some designs, leaks here are more than cosmetic.

Furniture, Flooring, and Material Premature Wear

(Moderate Concern)

“Fake leather” upholstery peeling, delaminating cabinet veneers, and soft flooring spots show up repeatedly in owner narratives. Some materials simply don’t withstand daily use—especially on full-time rigs—leading to expensive reupholstery or flooring projects far earlier than expected.

Weight Ratings and Cargo Capacity (CCC)

(Serious Concern)

Several gas coaches are delivered with surprisingly low Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC), especially once options are added. Underestimating CCC invites overloading, which worsens handling and may cause premature tire and suspension wear or failure. Some owners discover post-purchase they cannot legally carry water, gear, and passengers together without exceeding ratings.

Check the yellow weight sticker on the specific coach you’re buying, not just a brochure.

Dealer PDIs, Service Access, and Post-Sale Support

(Serious Concern)

Many Fleetwood owner stories center on service bottlenecks, dealer blame-shifting, and slow parts pipelines. A common scenario: multiple punch-list items missed at delivery, then weeks or months of downtime waiting for authorization or components. Some owners report cancelled trips and storage costs while their coach sits at a dealer yard.

Remember: the best leverage you ever have is before you sign. Require repairs in writing and verify completion. If you don’t, expect to be “next in line” after your money changes hands.

Documentation, Wiring Diagrams, and Parts Identification

(Moderate Concern)

Incomplete or generic documentation hampers DIY fixes and even dealer diagnostics. Owners often struggle to get model-year-specific wiring diagrams or plumbing schematics. This slows repairs and increases labor costs.

Parts Delays and Long Repair Times

(Serious Concern)

Multiple owners cite months-long waits for parts, exacerbated during peak travel seasons. Extended downtime means cancelled campouts, storage fees, and in some cases hotel bills. Some report the coach sits at a dealer for weeks untouched while parts or approvals are pending.

Consider a pre-sale agreement that allows you to withhold final payment until all parts and repairs from the PDI are completed to your satisfaction.

Want to add your own data point? Share firsthand Fleetwood repair timelines.

Recalls and Safety Advisories You Should Know

Using the NHTSA database

(Serious Concern)

Search the NHTSA database by brand and model year to review open and past recalls. You will find recurring patterns affecting LP gas components, slide or step systems, electrical harness routing, and chassis-related hazards (e.g., steering, braking) depending on model and year.

Note: Many safety components are supplied by third-parties (chassis, appliances), but Fleetwood is still responsible for integrating them safely and coordinating recall remedies.

Why recall delays matter

(Serious Concern)

Even when a recall exists, parts availability or service bottlenecks can delay fixes. If a recall implicates fuel, propane, braking, or steering, continued operation can be hazardous. Owners who’ve tried to travel with an open safety recall often report anxiety and trip cancellations due to dealer backlogs.

How to protect yourself

(Moderate Concern)

Before buying new or used, run the VIN through NHTSA and ask the seller for proof of recall completion. For used coaches, demand dated work orders. If unresolved, negotiate price concessions or insist on completion before sale.

For consumer watchdog commentary about manufacturer practices and owner outcomes, see Liz Amazing’s investigative RV videos and search her channel for “Fleetwood” or the exact model.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings for Buyers

(Serious Concern)

Consumer complaints around warranty denials, slow repairs, or repeated failures can carry legal implications. Key frameworks that may apply include:

  • Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Federal law governing consumer product warranties. If your coach spends excessive time in the shop without remedy, consult an attorney experienced in RV warranty disputes.
  • State Lemon Laws: Some states cover motorhomes (varies widely). Many have thresholds for repair attempts or days out of service.
  • Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Implied warranties of merchantability/fitness may be invoked depending on your state and whether you bought new/used.
  • FTC/UDAP statutes: Unfair and deceptive acts and practices laws can apply when advertising claims or warranties are misleading.
  • NHTSA Safety Defect Reporting: If you experience a safety defect, file a complaint; clustering complaints can trigger investigations.

Research complaint patterns and unresolved disputes here: BBB: Fleetwood RV and across owner forums and Reddit: Reddit r/rvs: warranty problems. A general scan of issues is also useful: Google: Fleetwood RV complaints.

If your sales contract contains arbitration clauses or limits on remedies, understand them before you sign. Consider consulting a consumer attorney early if you encounter repeated, unremedied defects.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Safety risks from reported defects

(Serious Concern)

Water intrusion can rot structural members, leading to slide failure or compromised wall/roof integrity. Electrical shorts and miswired components pose fire hazards. Propane leaks are acutely dangerous. On the road, overloaded axles and misaligned suspension systems degrade handling and braking performance. When combined, these failures can heighten the risk of loss-of-control, fire, or evacuation in remote settings.

Financial risks and real-world consequences

(Serious Concern)

Long repair queues and parts delays rob owners of usable months during peak camping season and erode resale value. Replacing furniture, repairing water damage, or repainting clearcoat can cost thousands. Persistent defects often drive owners to sell at a loss, sharply increasing total cost of ownership versus expectations at purchase.

Impact on trip reliability

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple owners report cancelled trips, campground change fees, and the logistical headache of towing or storing a disabled coach while awaiting service. If you rely on your RV for extended travel or full-time living, the compounding effect of reliability issues is severe.

If you’ve experienced long downtimes, would you document your timeline for other readers?

Balanced Notes: What Fleetwood Gets Right

(Moderate Concern)

Fleetwood’s floorplans, storage solutions, and livability are often praised—especially in Bounder and Discovery variants—and many owners happily accumulate years of travel with manageable maintenance. REV Group has service facilities and a network of authorized dealers that, when responsive, can solve problems under warranty. Some recalls are handled efficiently. There are also documented cases of satisfactory resolutions when owners advocate strongly and follow escalation paths.

However, the gap between marketing and delivery is a recurring critique. Even satisfied owners frequently advise exhaustive inspections and a tough pre-delivery stance to ensure the coach you take home is the coach you paid for.

Action Checklist for Serious Shoppers

  • Hire a third-party inspector before you sign. Make the inspection and a passed PDI a condition of sale. Search locally: Find RV Inspectors near me.
  • Inspect for water intrusion ruthlessly. Moisture meter around slide bases, roof penetrations, windows, and the shower.
  • Test all slides and leveling repeatedly. Look for asymmetry, binding, torn wipers, or floor damage.
  • Verify electrical health. Test every outlet, transfer switch behavior, charging profile, and solar integration if equipped.
  • Demand propane leak checks. Inspector should perform a timed pressure drop test and sniff along all connections.
  • Weigh your actual coach loaded. Confirm axle and tire ratings are not exceeded; document CCC before travel.
  • Run the VIN through NHTSA. Ensure recalls are addressed before delivery: NHTSA: Fleetwood recall search.
  • Demand documentation. Ask the dealer for wiring diagrams, appliance manuals, and parts lists specific to your build date.
  • Negotiate leverage into the deal. Require that all PDI items are fixed first. Withhold final funds until completed and verified.
  • Research owner complaints for your exact model and year. Start with: BBB search, RVInsider, and video case studies on Liz Amazing’s channel (search your model).
  • Have a post-purchase plan. Keep a punch-list, schedule initial service early, and document everything with photos and dates.

If you’ve used a third-party inspection to save a deal—or walk away—what did you find, and did it change the price?

Why Owners Feel Stuck: The Service Gauntlet

Dealer and Manufacturer Ping-Pong

(Serious Concern)

Owners describe being bounced between dealer and manufacturer whenever a defect spans multiple systems (e.g., a slide that damages flooring, a chassis electrical issue that affects house systems). Each party often waits for the other to authorize, order, or approve, and the RV sits. Documentation and persistent escalation are your only real tools here.

Parts Pipelines and Seasonal Backlogs

(Moderate Concern)

Because Fleetwood shares supply chains within REV Group and beyond, shortages ripple across brands. Seasonal demand surges in spring and early summer can strand coaches in queues. Ask your dealer to pre-order likely wear parts (slide seals, filters, latches) and keep extras onboard.

When Quality Assurance Fails at the Factory

(Serious Concern)

The consistency of early-life failures suggests systemic lapses in end-of-line testing: slides not cycled under load, leak checks too superficial, and electrical commissioning incomplete. If your PDI reveals multiple system-level failures, consider walking away from that build rather than “hoping it gets better.”

Cost Overruns: How Small Defects Become Big Bills

Water Damage Compounding

(Serious Concern)

A small roof or window leak can escalate into delamination, mold, and structural repair running into five figures. Because RVs often sit closed between trips, moisture can do hidden damage. Owners report discovering rot only when a soft floor gives way or a slide stops tracking properly.

Electronics and Appliance Cascades

(Moderate Concern)

Misconfigured chargers or faulty ATS can destroy batteries and sensitive electronics. Inverter replacements, lithium conversions under duress, and appliance control board failures can quickly overshoot warranty coverage—especially for second owners.

Upholstery and Interior Rehab

(Moderate Concern)

Peeling furniture isn’t life-threatening, but full replacements add up quickly and affect resale optics. Even DIY reupholstery involves downtime and coordination.

A Note on Research Method: Verify Everything You Can

Reading single reviews is less helpful than spotting patterns across many sources. Triangulate:

Have a perspective others should hear? Post your Fleetwood insights for future readers.

If You Already Own a Fleetwood and Have Problems

  • Document everything: dates, conditions, photographs, videos, and repair orders.
  • File formal complaints if safety-related: NHTSA portal.
  • Escalate in writing to the manufacturer and dealer; set reasonable deadlines.
  • Consult a consumer attorney if out-of-service days exceed lemon law thresholds or the same defect repeats.
  • Consider an independent inspection to bolster your case; find one near you: Search RV Inspectors near me.

Summary and Recommendation

Fleetwood RV remains a major brand with attractive floorplans and a fan base built over decades. But across BBB complaints, forum threads, YouTube testimonials, and recall logs, a pattern emerges: too many units reach consumers with defects that should have been caught in the factory or at the dealer PDI, and too many owners face long service queues and parts delays once problems surface. Recurring issues include water intrusion, slide malfunctions, electrical and propane problems, inconsistent fit/finish, and low CCC on some gas models. These defects carry real safety and financial risks, particularly for buyers who cannot afford months of downtime.

There are satisfied Fleetwood owners—and REV Group sometimes resolves problems effectively. Still, the weight of recent consumer feedback suggests heightened caution. If you proceed, make the deal contingent on a rigorous third-party inspection, insist on pre-delivery repairs in writing, and verify recall status by VIN. Most of all, prepare a budget and schedule buffer for potential early-life fixes.

Based on the breadth and seriousness of reported issues, we cannot broadly recommend Fleetwood at this time to buyers who are risk-averse or unable to absorb extended downtime and repair costs. Until quality control and service responsiveness demonstrably improve, consider cross-shopping other brands with stronger, verifiable reliability records and better owner-reported service outcomes.

Have something to add that could help a fellow RVer? Add your experience in the comments.

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.

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