Forest River-LaCrosse Luxury RV Exposed: Water Intrusion, Slide Failures & Warranty Delays
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Forest River-Lacrosse Luxury
Location: 13785 County Road 4, Bristol, IN 46507
Contact Info:
• sales@primetimerv.com
• service@primetimerv.com
• Main: 574-862-3001
Official Report ID: 1228
Introduction: What Shoppers Need to Know About the Forest River LaCrosse Luxury
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Forest River LaCrosse Luxury (marketed by Prime Time Manufacturing, a division of Forest River) is positioned as an upscale travel trailer line touting residential comfort and premium finishes. In practice, owner feedback over multiple model years points to a pattern of quality-control lapses, water-intrusion risks, slide-out and chassis concerns, and protracted warranty/service delays that can turn a new ownership experience into a months-long repair saga. While some owners report satisfactory use after diligent maintenance and repairs, the weight of recent complaints suggests prospective buyers must approach with caution, insist on independent inspection, and verify every system at delivery.
To cross-check the issues documented here, start with broad searches that aggregate first-hand owner experiences, including video investigations and complaint threads: Google: Forest River LaCrosse Luxury Problems, YouTube: Forest River LaCrosse Luxury Problems, BBB search: Forest River LaCrosse Luxury, and NHTSA recalls for Forest River LaCrosse Luxury.
Owner Communities and Research Links (Join Before You Buy)
- Facebook owner groups: Join multiple LaCrosse- and Forest River-focused groups to see unfiltered repair timelines, DIY fixes, and long-term updates. Use this Google search to find active communities: Forest River LaCrosse Luxury Facebook Groups. Ask members about current-year quality and dealer service performance. Have you joined a group? Tell us which ones.
- RV forums: Use onsite searches at RVForums.com, RVForum.net, and RVUSA Forum to look up “Forest River LaCrosse Luxury Problems.” Compare recurring issues and model-year-specific threads.
- Reddit communities: Search owner threads for symptom-by-symptom insights and repair photos: r/rvs, r/RVLiving, and r/GoRVing.
- Video investigations: Follow industry watchdog coverage. For example, see how Liz Amazing’s channel exposes RV quality pitfalls and teaches buyers how to verify claims; search her videos for the LaCrosse or any model you’re considering.
- Consumer review repositories: Compare narratives and timelines: RVInsider LaCrosse Luxury Problems, Good Sam Community search, and browse PissedConsumer then search for “Forest River LaCrosse” and “Prime Time LaCrosse.”
Why a Third-Party RV Inspection Is Your Only Real Leverage
Before signing anything or taking delivery, arrange a certified, independent inspection. An inspector can pressure test the plumbing, measure frame alignment, test slide mechanisms under load, and document defects—giving you leverage to negotiate repairs or walk away. Once the dealer is paid, many owners report being pushed “to the back of the line” and waiting weeks or months for parts and authorization. We continually see canceled trips and peak-season losses because repairs drag on.
- Find an inspector: Use a local search like RV Inspectors near me and ask for a written, photo-documented report.
- Make it a purchase contingency: Your best negotiating position is before you take possession.
- Re-inspect at delivery: Verify that every punch-list item was corrected and tested—especially slides, roof, seals, and appliances.
For examples of what independent checks catch, compare owner inspection lists in video walk-throughs and buyer’s guides: YouTube searches for LaCrosse inspection checklists, and consumer complaint compilations: Google: LaCrosse PDI problems.
Model Overview and Reputation
The LaCrosse Luxury series is marketed as a residential-feel travel trailer with island kitchens, theater seating, king beds, and family-friendly bunk layouts. However, across multiple years, owners repeatedly report inconsistent build quality behind the gloss—caulking gaps, misaligned doors and slides, improperly supported plumbing, and electrical/propane quirks. The discrepancy between “luxury” marketing and day-to-day reliability shows up most clearly in 1-star reviews and forum threads chronicling water leaks, soft floors, and slide failures shortly after purchase. See aggregated accounts via Google: LaCrosse Luxury complaints and YouTube owner reviews of LaCrosse Luxury. Also review complaint patterns on the BBB and owner review portals: BBB search, RVInsider search.
Structural and Water Intrusion Problems
Roof membrane, seals, and water leaks
(Serious Concern)
Owner narratives frequently describe early roof sealant failure, cracked lap sealant around roof penetrations, and water entry during the first heavy rain. Symptoms include stained ceiling panels, soft roof decking, and swollen fascia. Some report discovering large voids or inconsistent sealant coverage at delivery. Verify by inspecting every seam and penetration, walking the roof (if safe), and meter-testing for moisture. See owner evidence compilations: Google: LaCrosse roof leak problems, YouTube: LaCrosse roof leak.
- Impact: Water intrusion can void segments of warranty, accelerate mold, and undermine resale value.
- Inspection tip: Check skylights, vents, antennas, and front cap-to-roof transition with a bright light and probe. Demand resealing before delivery if needed.
Wall delamination and soft floors
(Serious Concern)
Delamination—bubbles or waves in sidewalls—often follows prolonged moisture exposure or poor bonding during manufacturing. Owners report soft spots near entry doors and in slide floors, sometimes within the first year. Catching this early is crucial; repairs can be invasive and expensive. Research photo-backed cases: LaCrosse delamination problems, Good Sam: LaCrosse soft floor.
- Inspection tip: Sight down the walls in bright light, press gently around windows and corners, and moisture-meter the lower walls.
Slide-out leaks and misalignment (often Schwintek)
(Serious Concern)
Slide rooms are a recurring pain point. Reports include misaligned tracks, gear stripping, motor sync issues, and water intrusion at the top seals. Some owners detail multiple dealer visits to re-time motors and replace rails, only to have binding recur under load. Video evidence and threads: YouTube: LaCrosse slide-out problems, Reddit: LaCrosse slide problems.
- Inspection tip: Fully extend/retract each slide several times. Watch for hesitations, uneven travel, and seal pinches; water test with a hose.
Chassis, Axles, and Towing Dynamics
Premature tire wear, bent axles, and alignment issues
(Serious Concern)
Owners frequently report cupped tires and inner-edge wear within the first few thousand miles, suggesting alignment or axle camber problems out of the factory, or overloaded axles relative to real-world loading. Some cite bent axles or spindle issues requiring replacement and professional alignment. Evidence threads: LaCrosse axle problems, Good Sam: LaCrosse tire wear.
- Safety risk: Compromised handling and blowout risk on highways.
- Inspection tip: Weigh the trailer by axle and side; compare to GVWR/GAWR. Consider an alignment shop evaluation before long trips.
Brake wiring, breakaway switch, and under-spec components
(Serious Concern)
Intermittent brakes are documented in owner forums: poor crimps, chafed wires at the axle, or mis-wired junction boxes leading to sporadic braking. A non-functioning breakaway switch is a serious safety hazard. Cross-check against recalls and owner tests: NHTSA recall search for LaCrosse Luxury, Reddit brake problems.
- Inspection tip: Pull the breakaway pin with wheels chocked to verify full brake lock. Trace wiring for rub points.
Tongue weight, sway, and frame flex complaints
(Moderate Concern)
Some owners report white-knuckle towing until they upgraded to a high-quality weight-distribution hitch with active anti-sway, or redistributed cargo to increase tongue weight. Reports of frame flex around the A-frame and front cap creaking surface intermittently in forums. Investigate: LaCrosse towing problems, and hitch setup discussions on RVForums and RVForum.net.
- Inspection tip: Verify true tongue weight on a scale; ensure your tow vehicle margin exceeds payload and receiver limits.
Electrical and Propane System Defects
12V converter failures and battery disconnect anomalies
(Moderate Concern)
Owners describe converters that fail early or overheat, causing lights to flicker and batteries to undercharge. Several threads discuss battery disconnects wired in ways that leave parasitic loads active, draining batteries in storage. Compare accounts: LaCrosse electrical problems, YouTube: LaCrosse 12V problems.
- Inspection tip: Measure parasitic draw at the battery. Confirm converter output voltage under load and fan operation.
“Solar prep” or inverter promises not matching reality
(Moderate Concern)
Multiple buyers report “solar ready” stickers with minimal wiring or missing components, and marketing that implies greater off-grid capability than delivered. Owners often need to upgrade wiring gauge, breakers, and charge controllers for safe solar/inverter installs. Research install guides and owner corrections: LaCrosse solar prep issues.
- Inspection tip: Ask for a schematic. Verify cable gauge, routing, and controller/inverter ratings.
LP leaks, regulator/cooktop issues, and appliance recalls
(Serious Concern)
Propane system complaints include regulator failures (excessive pressure drop), suspect flex lines near cooktops/ovens, and soot or flare-ups indicating incomplete combustion. Cross-check for any recall notices applicable to your VIN at NHTSA LaCrosse recall search and in YouTube owner diagnostics: LaCrosse propane leak.
- Inspection tip: Perform a propane drop test and bubble-test all joints. Verify LP detectors and CO alarms are current and working.
HVAC, Plumbing, and Appliances
Underperforming air conditioning and ducting losses
(Moderate Concern)
Owners in hot climates report the factory A/C struggles to cool mid-day, often due to inadequate duct sealing and poorly cut registers causing air loss into the ceiling cavity. Some add a second unit or install aftermarket baffles and foil tape to improve airflow. Evidence and fixes: LaCrosse A/C problems, Ducting fixes.
- Inspection tip: IR-thermometer test at vents; examine plenum sealing behind the A/C shroud.
Leaks at PEX fittings, fixtures, and water heater bypasses
(Serious Concern)
Reports of loose PEX crimps, kinked lines behind cabinets, and weeping at the water heater bypass are common soon after delivery. Slow leaks can saturate subfloors and feed the delamination/soft-floor cycle. Owner examples: LaCrosse plumbing leak, Good Sam: water leak.
- Inspection tip: Pressurize the system and inspect every fitting. Use dry paper towels under suspect joints; recheck after an hour.
Refrigerator reliability (12V and gas/electric models)
(Moderate Concern)
Complaints include erratic temperature control in 12V compressor fridges, poor ventilation causing cycling, and traditional gas/electric units struggling to cool in heat. Some owners add external fans or baffles to improve chimney draft. See problem threads and how-to fixes: LaCrosse refrigerator problems, Fridge not cooling.
Interior Fit and Finish
Cabinetry alignment, trim gaps, and hardware failure
(Moderate Concern)
“Luxury” finish often doesn’t hold up to close inspection. Owners report crooked cabinet faces, staples backing out, and light-duty screws stripping within weeks. Doors and drawers may bind after towing due to racked frames. Photographic evidence is common in forums: Fit and finish problems, Quality issues videos.
- Inspection tip: Open/close every door/drawer, test all latches, sight for square, and check if screws bite into solid backing.
Furniture peeling, upholstery wear, and bedding quality
(Moderate Concern)
Peeling “leather-look” upholstery within 1–2 seasons is a frequent complaint across the industry and appears in LaCrosse threads as well. Mattresses are commonly swapped after a few nights due to sag. Investigate owner photos and solutions: Furniture peeling, Reddit: furniture problems.
Slide Mechanisms and Awnings
Schwintek drive gear stripping and motor sync issues
(Serious Concern)
Many owners recount repeated slide timing resets, crooked travel, or gear shavings in the tracks. When gears strip or motors de-sync, the slide can stick partially extended, stranding the RV at the dealer for weeks. See detailed troubleshooting in videos and forums: Schwintek problems, Reddit Schwintek threads.
Awnings detaching or tearing in modest wind
(Serious Concern)
Owners describe awning fabric tearing at the rail and brackets pulling from the sidewall in light winds, suggesting poor fastener backing or installation. Some issues overlap with industry-wide recalls. Check for recall applicability by VIN at NHTSA, and review owner videos of failures: LaCrosse awning problems.
- Inspection tip: Inspect fasteners, backing plates, and wall integrity at the awning rail. Ask the dealer to demonstrate operation and tie-down best practices.
Warranty, Service Delays, and Dealer Disputes
Long repair queues, parts backorders, and authorization bottlenecks
(Serious Concern)
Among the most consistent owner frustrations: weeks or months without the RV while the dealer “waits for parts” or “awaits factory authorization.” Some report repeated denial of coverage for water intrusion, deemed a “maintenance” issue, even when discovered shortly after delivery. Read 1-star narratives and timelines: LaCrosse warranty complaints, BBB complaint listings, and YouTube: dealer service problems. Were you stuck in a service queue? Share your timeline.
- Practical tip: Document every defect with time-stamped photos. Email the dealer and manufacturer; keep a paper trail.
PDI shortcuts and post-sale “we’ll fix it later” promises
(Serious Concern)
Owners frequently recount that promised post-delivery fixes drag on, and new defects surface the first weekend out. If you accept the unit with unresolved punch-list items, leverage evaporates. Ensure everything is repaired—and tested—before final payment. For checklists and cautionary accounts: LaCrosse PDI checklist, and industry buyer guides like Liz Amazing’s consumer protection videos (search her channel for “LaCrosse”).
- Action: Hire your own inspector again at delivery. Search: RV Inspectors near me.
Pricing, Options, and Value Erosion
“Luxury” features with short service life
(Moderate Concern)
High-gloss cabinets, ambient lighting, and entertainment centers present well on the lot but draw sharp owner criticism when underlying systems fail: peeling upholstery, loose hardware, misfitted trim, and premature appliance issues. Combined with service delays, the ownership cost balloons. Cross-check on review aggregators: RVInsider LaCrosse reviews and owner reviews on Google. What option failed first on yours?
- Depreciation risk: Water or slide damage can slash resale value compared to a well-documented, defect-free unit.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
Aggregated complaints point to meaningful safety and financial risk for LaCrosse Luxury shoppers:
- Safety hazards: Brake wiring faults, LP leaks, and slide malfunctions can endanger occupants and motorists. Verify recall status by VIN: NHTSA LaCrosse recall search.
- Water intrusion: Left untreated, leaks lead to mold exposure, structural decay, and potential delamination—high-cost repairs often disputed as “maintenance.”
- Tow stability: Axle misalignment and uneven loading elevate blowout and loss-of-control risk. Independent alignment and careful weight management are critical.
- Financial exposure: Prolonged service times during peak season translate into lost use and additional storage/hotel expenses while the unit sits at the dealer.
To see how seasoned RVers stress test the claims, watch consumer advocates like Liz Amazing’s deep dives into RV quality and service pitfalls and search her channel for the model you’re considering. Have a safety story others should hear?
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Persistent defects, denied warranty claims, and safety hazards carry legal implications:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Manufacturers and warrantors must honor written warranties and cannot require consumers to use specific service providers. Keep detailed records of defect notices and repair attempts.
- State Lemon Laws: Some states cover RVs or the “motorized” portion; coverage varies widely for towables. If repeated repair attempts fail within the statutory period, consult a lemon-law attorney.
- Deceptive practices (FTC): If advertising claims (e.g., “solar-ready” capability) materially mislead buyers, that may implicate Section 5 of the FTC Act. Preserve screenshots/brochures.
- Safety reporting (NHTSA): Report brake, axle, and LP system defects to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Aggregated complaints can trigger investigations and recalls: NHTSA recall & complaint portal.
- BBB and Attorney General complaints: Filing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB search) and your state AG can pressure for resolution.
What Forest River/Prime Time Has Improved (Owner-Reported)
To remain balanced, some owners report improvements in recent model years: cleaner caulk lines, more consistent cabinet alignment, and upgraded components in certain floorplans. Dealers sometimes perform proactive resealing and slide adjustments when buyers insist on thorough PDIs. When recalls are issued, many owners report prompt fixes once parts arrive. However, these improvements appear uneven across units and dealers, and they do not erase the broader pattern of complaints across water intrusion, slide mechanisms, and service delays. Verify current-year changes by checking forum threads and owner videos: 2023–2024 LaCrosse owner reviews.
Pre-Purchase Checklist for LaCrosse Luxury Buyers
- Independent inspection: Make purchase contingent on a pass/fail report. Search: RV Inspectors near me.
- Water testing: Hose-test all slides, windows, and roof penetrations. Use a moisture meter at corners and under windows.
- Slide function under load: Extend/retract multiple times; listen for binding. Inspect top seals for tears.
- Axle alignment and tires: Check tire wear patterns; request a third-party alignment report if any doubt.
- Brakes and breakaway: Physically test for full lockup. Inspect wiring loom for abrasion at the axles.
- Propane integrity: Bubble-test all joints; verify regulator performance and detector functionality.
- Electrical: Measure converter output; test GFCI circuits; confirm battery disconnect cuts all parasitics.
- HVAC performance: Run A/C in heat of day and heater overnight; inspect duct/plenum sealing.
- Fit and finish: Open/close every door/drawer; inspect screws and fasteners; look for staple pops and gaps.
- Documentation: Get every promised fix in writing with deadlines. Don’t sign off until verified complete.
For visual walk-throughs of common problem spots, browse owner PDI videos: LaCrosse PDI videos. Also see buyer education content from Liz Amazing, then search her channel for your specific model and year.
Evidence Hubs: Verify Patterns Yourself
- Google: LaCrosse Luxury issues and Google: LaCrosse water damage.
- YouTube: LaCrosse problems—use search filters to see latest uploads from owners.
- BBB complaints—read the resolution notes and timelines.
- RVInsider LaCrosse reviews—sort by lowest rating first.
- Reddit complaint threads—look for repeated failure modes.
What did you verify yourself? Post links for fellow shoppers.
Bottom Line: Is the LaCrosse Luxury Worth the Risk?
Across owner reports, the Forest River LaCrosse Luxury shows a persistent pattern of:
- Water intrusion and sealant issues leading to soft floors and delamination.
- Slide-out malfunctions causing costly, time-consuming service visits.
- Chassis/wheel-end concerns including alignment, tire wear, and brake wiring faults.
- Electrical/propane quirks that demand early troubleshooting and rework.
- Service bottlenecks with months-long delays and contested warranty coverage.
Yes, some units are trouble-light, and some owners report satisfaction after dealer fixes. But the volume and recency of complaints—especially around water management and slide mechanisms—indicate a higher-than-average risk profile for new buyers who do not perform rigorous pre-delivery inspections and who cannot tolerate prolonged downtime during the first year.
Recommendation: Based on aggregated owner experiences, documented complaints, and the potential for serious safety and financial exposure, we do not recommend the Forest River LaCrosse Luxury for risk-averse buyers. Consider alternative brands/models with stronger quality-control reputations and verified service responsiveness, and only proceed if an independent inspector certifies a specific unit and the dealer completes all punch-list items before payment.
If you own or have owned a LaCrosse Luxury, your first-hand experience can help others. Add your detailed story below.
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