Forest River-Evo Factory Select RV Exposed: Leaks, Axle/Weight Issues, Warranty Delays

Introduction: What Shoppers Should Know About the Forest River EVO Factory Select

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Forest River EVO Factory Select is a budget-focused, lightweight travel trailer line marketed primarily in the western United States. “Factory Select” typically signals a stripped-down configuration designed to hit a lower price point, with fewer options and simplified construction. While the lower sticker price is attractive, aggregated public feedback across forums, reviews, video testimonials, and complaint sites indicates recurring concerns about quality control, water intrusion, chassis and running gear, and slow warranty service.

Forest River is one of the largest RV manufacturers in North America, and its size gives it reach and availability. However, owner communities frequently discuss inconsistent build quality across various Forest River lines. Based on a wide sweep of public comments, the EVO Factory Select appears to inherit many of the same risk factors seen in other budget travel trailers: leak-prone seals, fit-and-finish issues, wiring and plumbing workmanship concerns, and long waits for repair parts. These patterns should be thoroughly vetted before purchase.

Where to Verify Owner Experiences (Start Here)

• Facebook owner groups (unfiltered feedback): Join multiple groups for the model to see real-time posts about defects, fixes, and dealer experiences. Use this search and join at least two groups for cross-checking: Search Facebook groups for Forest River EVO Factory Select.
• YouTube owner videos: Many buyers document day-one defects and multi-month service delays. Start with this search: YouTube: Forest River EVO Factory Select Problems.
• Independent RV consumer reviews: Browse owner-written narratives: RVInsider search for EVO Factory Select Problems.
• General web complaints and dealer reviews: Scan this broad search to locate 1-star complaints and repair stories: Google: Forest River EVO Factory Select Problems.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Read complaint types, outcomes, and manufacturer responses: BBB search: Forest River EVO Factory Select.
• Reddit owner discussions:
  • r/rvs: EVO Factory Select Problems
  • r/GoRVing: EVO Factory Select Problems
  • r/RVLiving: EVO Factory Select Problems
• Forums (search inside):
  • RVForums.com (use the search tool for “EVO Factory Select Problems”)
  • RVForum.net (search for EVO Factory Select)
  • RVUSA Forum (search “Forest River EVO Factory Select Problems”)
• Government recalls: Check for defects requiring formal corrective action: NHTSA recall search for EVO Factory Select.
• Consumer complaint warehouses: Browse and then search for your model: PissedConsumer (search “Forest River EVO Factory Select”).

Independent creators are also uncovering industry-wide issues—see Liz Amazing’s RV accountability videos. Search her channel for the exact model you’re considering.

Before You Buy: Arrange a Third-Party RV Inspection—It’s Your Only Real Leverage

Schedule an independent inspection before you sign or take delivery. Inspectors routinely find leaks, miswired circuits, out-of-spec axles, unsealed penetrations, and defective appliances on brand-new units. Your strongest negotiating position is before the dealer is paid; once money changes hands, many buyers report being “pushed to the back of the line” for warranty work, sometimes waiting months while trips are canceled and the RV sits on a lot.

• Use a certified professional unconnected to the selling dealership.
• Require a written report with photos and a repair list to be remedied pre-delivery.
• Do not accept verbal promises—get every commitment in writing with dates.
• To find professionals near you, search: RV Inspectors near me.

If you already own this RV, what did your inspection (or lack of one) reveal? Tell other shoppers what surprised you.

Patterns of Problems Reported by EVO Factory Select Owners

Water Intrusion: Roof, Seams, Windows, and Corners

Across Forest River travel trailers, owners frequently report water ingress at roof edges, slide-toppers (if equipped), corner moldings, and clearance lights. The EVO Factory Select’s budget positioning may mean fewer upgraded sealants and more basic workmanship. Repeated themes include freshly sealed units still leaking after the first rain, soft floors within months, and collapsed or swelling cabinetry from hidden moisture. Ignored leaks can escalate to mold, rot in OSB subflooring, and delamination. Review field reports here: Google: EVO Factory Select Leaks, owner videos: YouTube: EVO Factory Select Water Leaks, and forum threads: Good Sam: leak discussions.

Frame, Axle Alignment, Tires, and Brakes

Owners of budget trailers often uncover axle misalignment, inadequate camber, premature tire wear, and brake wiring inconsistencies, sometimes within the first thousand miles. Misaligned axles can cause blowouts or heat-related failures. Some Forest River units across lines have been recalled for running-gear issues historically; always run a VIN check using NHTSA. Start here: NHTSA recalls: EVO Factory Select and compare community reports: Reddit r/rvs: axle problems, Google: alignment/tire wear issues.

Electrical System: 12V/120V Workmanship, Breakers, and Charging

Reports of misrouted wiring, under-secured junctions, and improperly crimped connections are not uncommon in budget RV segments. Consequences include GFCI trips, dead circuits, converter/charger failures, and in worst cases, heat at connection points. Owners should check for battery disconnect function, fuse labeling, and safe routing away from heat/sharp edges. Review similar complaints and troubleshooting threads: Google: EVO Factory Select Electrical Problems, r/GoRVing: electrical issues, and owner videos: YouTube: EVO Factory Select electrical issues.

LP Gas, Furnace, and Appliance Failures

Budget units often ship with entry-level appliances. Common complaints include furnaces that short cycle, water heaters not lighting, refrigerators failing to cool on LP, and stove regulators improperly adjusted. LP leaks, while less common, are a serious safety hazard—use a gas sniffer and soapy water on all joints. Research typical failures here: Google: furnace problems, YouTube: propane issues, and community threads: Good Sam: appliance problems.

Plumbing, Tanks, and Underbelly Leaks

Owners often find PEX fittings not fully seated, loose clamps at pump inlets, and tank sensors giving false readings. Underbelly pools can form from tiny leaks at shower drains or winterization bypass fittings. Tank hangers and supports also warrant inspection on lower-cost builds. Review complaint patterns: Google: EVO Factory Select plumbing problems and Reddit r/RVLiving: tank sensor issues.

Slide-Outs (If Equipped), Entry Doors, and Windows

Not all EVO Factory Select floorplans include slides, but for those that do, owners have reported slide motors out of sync, seals tearing, and slides out of square. Entry doors and windows may arrive misaligned, causing latching problems and air/water intrusion. Evidence threads: Google: slide-out problems and YouTube: door/window issues.

Rust, Corrosion, and Underbody Protection

Entry-level trailers may have minimal undercoating and exposed fasteners. Owners in wet or coastal areas report early rust on steps, tongue jacks, stabilizers, and A-frame surfaces. Spot-treat rust early and consider aftermarket protective coatings. Owner posts: Google: EVO Factory Select rust/corrosion.

Interior Fit, Finish, and Materials

Common consumer complaints include trim detaching, cabinet doors misaligned, veneer peeling, drawer slides coming loose, and cheap upholstery wearing quickly. Some buyers report having to re-hang doors and secure panels within the first weeks. Compare experiences: RVInsider: EVO Factory Select feedback and Google: interior quality complaints.

Weight, Payload, and Marketing Claims vs. Reality

Shoppers should scrutinize the yellow weight sticker on the specific unit they plan to buy; options, batteries, dealer-installed accessories, and water can significantly reduce real-world cargo capacity. Overloading a trailer with marginal capacity can cause suspension damage, handling instability, brake fade, and tire failures. Use a CAT scale to verify weights and compare the GVWR/GAWR figures to your tow vehicle’s ratings. Read community warnings: Good Sam: weight/payload issues and Reddit: payload problems on EVO Factory Select.

Warranty Service Delays, Parts Shortages, and Dealer Coordination

Owners commonly report weeks or months waiting for parts and authorization. Some say communication between dealers and the manufacturer is slow, while others cite dealers prioritizing new sales over warranty work. This is where a strong pre-delivery inspection matters: defects found after delivery often trap owners in a long service queue. See documented complaints and outcomes: BBB search: EVO Factory Select and Google: warranty problems. Also compare owner narratives on Reddit: r/GoRVing: warranty delays.

If you’ve experienced repair delays or trip cancellations, add your experience to help the next buyer.

“Factory Select” Trade-Offs vs. Marketing Hype

Budget-focused models may omit features buyers expect—thinner mattresses, basic furniture, minimal insulation, fewer outlets, lower-spec components (pumps, fixtures, jacks), and simplified cabinetry. Owners sometimes feel the unit was “overhyped” relative to its true capabilities, particularly for extended stays or shoulder-season camping. Investigate real owners’ pros/cons: Google: Factory Select package complaints and independent commentary like Liz Amazing’s channel on RV industry pitfalls—search her videos for “EVO Factory Select.”

Recalls and Safety Notices: How to Check Your VIN

Safety-related defects and labeling errors can trigger federal recalls. Forest River has issued various recalls across lines historically for items like LP regulator failures, incorrect tire load labels, detached awning components, brake wiring, and emergency escape window issues. Always verify for your exact VIN:

• Enter your VIN at NHTSA: NHTSA recall search.
• Search owner video walk-throughs discussing recall work-arounds: YouTube: EVO Factory Select Recall.
• Read forum posts about recall scheduling and parts: Good Sam: recall scheduling.

If your dealer claims “no recall,” verify independently. Recall repairs should be performed at no cost and prioritized for safety. For broader consumer advocacy on recalls and workmanship, see Liz Amazing’s investigations and search for your specific model.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Federal law requires clear warranty terms and prohibits deceptive warranty practices. If the manufacturer or dealer repeatedly fails to repair covered defects within a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to remedies. Keep a meticulous paper trail (dated repair orders, photos, emails).
• State Lemon Laws: RV coverage varies by state. In some jurisdictions, only the “motor” portion is covered on motorhomes, and towables may be excluded or covered under different statutes. However, consumer-protection and breach-of-warranty claims can still apply. Consult an RV-savvy attorney to interpret your state’s protections.
• Implied Warranty of Merchantability: Even if a dealer emphasizes “as-is,” new units generally carry an implied warranty that the product is fit for ordinary use. Systemic leaks, unsafe brakes, or electrical hazards can support claims.
• Deceptive Marketing and FTC Act: If features were advertised but not provided, or if weights and capacities were misrepresented, you may seek recourse through state consumer-protection agencies and the FTC. Save screenshots of listings and brochures.
• NHTSA Safety Defect Petitions: Safety-related defects (brakes, tires, LP systems, breakaway switches, emergency egress) can be reported to NHTSA. Multiple similar complaints may trigger investigations or recalls. Use: NHTSA recall portal.

Before pursuing legal action, provide the manufacturer and dealer a formal, written opportunity to cure defects. If they fail, explore small-claims court, state arbitration (where available), or private litigation. Many owners cite BBB complaints and public forum posts as helpful leverage: BBB: check current cases.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

• Water leaks → structural rot and mold: Left unresolved, leaks can degrade the subfloor, weaken wall framing, and create mold that’s costly to remediate. A leak discovered during an independent inspection can be grounds for refusing delivery until repairs are completed, with documented proof.
• Axle misalignment → blowouts and control loss: Irregular tire wear and heat can culminate in dangerous blowouts at speed. Weigh your loaded trailer, check alignment, and replace marginal OEM tires with higher-rated options if the scale data is tight.
• Electrical faults → shock or fire risk: Undersized or poorly terminated connections can overheat. Conduct a full function test (inverter/converter, GFCIs, shore power, battery charging) before purchase and after any warranty work.
• LP system malfunctions → combustion hazards: Use a detector and perform leak checks after service. Don’t operate appliances when a leak is suspected.
• Service delays → financial and lifestyle impact: Extended service times lead to lost campsite deposits, wasted PTO, and storage fees. Budget for contingencies and insist on thorough pre-delivery repairs to minimize the need for early warranty visits.

If you’ve experienced a safety incident with this model, will you document it for future shoppers? Also, for a deeper dive into systemic RV quality issues, consider searching your model on Liz Amazing’s channel.

What Owners Say: A Curated Snapshot

Summaries from one-star and two-star posts across Google, forums, and video comments often repeat the same themes:

• “Leaked on the first rain” / “Soft floor in months”: Suggests poor sealing and missed QC checks. Verify such claims here: Google: EVO Factory Select Water Damage.
• “Dealer kept the trailer for weeks, still not fixed”: Long waits for authorizations and parts. Cross-check outcomes: BBB complaint summaries and r/GoRVing: warranty delays.
• “Trim falling off, doors uneven, screws backed out”: Signals rushed final assembly. Compare against: RVInsider owner notes.
• “Slide won’t retract” / “Motor out of sync”: Especially after rain or uneven campsites. See field fixes: YouTube: slide issues.
• “Weight too close to limits”: Owners realizing the true payload is lower than expected once loaded. Get educated threads here: Good Sam: GVWR/Payload.

We encourage owners to post detailed defect lists, invoices, and resolution timelines publicly; it helps future buyers estimate risk and cost. Post your punch list and service timeline if you’ve lived through it.

If You’re Still Considering This Model: A No-Nonsense Checklist

• Hire a third-party inspector pre-delivery: Don’t rely on dealer PDIs. Book via: RV Inspectors near me.
• Demand water-intrusion testing: Pressure test (SealTech or equivalent) and visual check of all penetrations, corners, roof edges, lights, and windows. Require remediation and re-test results in writing before signing.
• Scale and alignment: Weigh the exact unit with full propane and batteries. Inspect tire date codes, alignment, and brake function. Ask for axle alignment reports and torque specs.
• Electrical audit: Verify converter output, GFCI trips, 12V fuse labeling, and battery disconnect functionality. Check wire routing and strain reliefs.
• Plumbing pressure test: Run pump/shore water under pressure for an hour; check underbelly for drips and inside vanity/kitchen for weeps. Validate tank sensor readings with known volumes.
• LP system check: Gas sniffer test and manometer check at the regulator. Verify appliance ignition on both shore power and boondock scenarios.
• Slides and seals (if equipped): Operate multiple times, examine wiper/bulb seals, test while wet to identify binding or leaks.
• Cabinetry and hardware: Open/close every door and drawer. Re-torque loose screws before delivery—or insist the dealer does it.
• Documentation: Photograph the yellow weight sticker and compare to brochure claims. Keep copies of all promises (“We Owe” forms) with dates and responsible party named.
• Walk away if needed: If the dealer pushes back on independent inspection or refuses to fix items pre-delivery, consider another unit or brand.

If your inspector found issues on a brand-new unit, what were they? Share a few highlights to help other shoppers. To better understand systemic RV pitfalls, search your model on Liz Amazing’s consumer-focused channel. And if you need a pro in a hurry, search again: RV Inspectors near me.

Price, Features, and Value: Are You Getting What You Pay For?

The EVO Factory Select’s appeal is price. But a lower MSRP can mask hidden costs: immediate repairs, aftermarket upgrades (tires, suspension, sealant remediation), and the opportunity cost of service downtime. When owners report early leak mitigation or alignment corrections on a new trailer, the value proposition narrows. Research “EVO Factory Select issues” broadly to read cost breakdowns shared by owners: Google: EVO Factory Select Complaints and discussion boards like RVForums.com and RVForum.net (use site search for this model).

Alternatives and Shopping Strategy

• Compare across classes: Consider slightly smaller floorplans from competing builders with stronger owner satisfaction metrics, or a lightly used higher-grade trailer where first-year defects have been sorted out by the previous owner.
• Inspect twice, buy once: Regardless of brand, insist on an independent inspection and full functional demonstration—water under pressure, shore power, LP appliances, and a road test around the lot to listen for structural rattles.
• Leverage owner communities: Ask for model/year-specific feedback in FB groups and forums before committing. Start here: Find model-specific Facebook groups and browse: Reddit r/rvs threads.

Summary and Verdict

Publicly available owner accounts and forum threads consistently flag quality-control issues in budget travel trailers, and the Forest River EVO Factory Select shows similar patterns across leaks, fit-and-finish, electrical and plumbing workmanship, axle alignment, and warranty delays. While individual units vary and some buyers report satisfactory experiences—especially after thorough pre-delivery inspection and remediation—the risk profile here is elevated for first-time owners who cannot perform their own repairs or tolerate extended service downtime.

Given the volume and consistency of negative consumer experiences and the potential safety and financial risks outlined above, we do not recommend the Forest River EVO Factory Select for shoppers seeking a low-hassle, long-term trailer. Consider alternative brands or a lightly used, higher-grade model with documented post-delivery repairs completed and verified by an independent inspector.

If you own this model, your record of repairs and outcomes can help future buyers. What went right—or wrong—with your EVO Factory Select?

Comments: Owner Reports and Shopper Questions

Please share your year, floorplan, issues encountered, warranty outcomes, and what you’d do differently next time. Your documentation helps other families make informed decisions.