Forest River-Vengeance Rogue RV Exposed: Leaks, Electrical Faults, Overweight, Warranty Delays
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Forest River-Vengeance Rogue
Location: 55470 County Road 1, Elkhart, IN 46515
Contact Info:
• vengeanceinfo@forestriverinc.com
• customerservice@forestriverinc.com
• Main 574-642-0432
• Service 574-825-8602
Official Report ID: 1255
Overview and Model Background
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Forest River Vengeance Rogue line (including Rogue travel trailer toy haulers and Rogue Armored fifth-wheel toy haulers) targets buyers who want big garages, bold graphics, and “adventure-ready” features at a value price. The series has grown popular with powersports owners and families needing flexible hauling plus living space. In the RV industry, however, the Vengeance Rogue reputation is mixed: strong floorplans and feature lists on paper, but recurring consumer complaints about quality control, build consistency, and slow warranty service have shadowed the brand.
To get a wide-angle view, this report synthesizes owner reviews, forum discussions, recall notices, and complaints logged across Google, BBB, Reddit, and RV-specific communities. The aim is not to discourage toy hauler ownership, but to clearly map the risk areas so shoppers can make an informed decision—and avoid preventable headaches.
Unfiltered Owner Feedback: Where to Look First
- Facebook owner groups: Join multiple communities to compare real-world experiences and photos. Use this Google search: Forest River Vengeance Rogue Facebook Groups.
- YouTube owner reviews: Start here: YouTube search: Forest River Vengeance Rogue problems.
- RVInsider: Owner reviews by model: RVInsider – Forest River Vengeance Rogue Problems.
- Reddit RV communities: Search issues and ownership threads:
- Better Business Bureau: To see complaint patterns: BBB search – Forest River Vengeance Rogue.
- General Google scan: Start broad, then drill down by topic: Google – Forest River Vengeance Rogue Problems.
Independent voices are vital in this space. Creator “Liz Amazing” routinely investigates RV quality and service issues; search her channel for the model you’re considering: Explore Liz Amazing’s consumer investigations. If you’ve owned a Vengeance Rogue, what’s your ownership story?
Before You Buy: Get a Third-Party RV Inspection
New or used, a comprehensive third-party inspection is your best—often your only—leverage before you sign documents. Many buyers report dealers deprioritizing post-sale service requests, with rigs sitting for weeks or months awaiting parts and labor. Don’t risk your first trips being canceled because your toy hauler is stuck at the dealership. Book an independent inspection and make acceptance contingent on all deficiencies being corrected to your satisfaction.
- Find an inspector: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
- Insist on full roof/underbelly inspections, electrical testing under load, moisture readings around seals and slide-outs, and a complete PDI (pre-delivery inspection) with you present.
- Do not sign until listed defects are fixed or funds are escrowed for timely repair.
Patterns of Problems Reported by Owners
Water Intrusion, Roof, and Seal Failures
Serious Concern
Water ingress is one of the most expensive and disruptive problems owners report. On Vengeance Rogue units, complaints commonly mention failed roof sealant at front and rear terminations, under-sealed roof fixtures (vents, antennas), and poorly aligned or compressed slide-out bulb seals. Once water enters, it can wick through luan, saturate insulation, and cause soft floors, delamination, and mold.
- Typical narratives: “Wet spots at the front cap after highway rain,” “soaked garage corner around ramp door threshold,” or “slide carpet damp near the kitchen.”
- Cost and downtime: Repairs may involve roof membrane reseal/replacement, subfloor sections, and interior finish work—often months at the dealer.
- Verification resources:
Axles, Tires, and Suspension (Weight and Balance)
Serious Concern
Toy haulers live hard lives. Owners report premature tire wear, bent leaf springs, under-specced axles on heavier floorplans, and blowouts—especially when the garage is loaded with UTVs or bikes plus water and fuel. Some complaints allege low cargo carrying capacity (CCC) relative to real-world use, leading to overloading even when “within” the brochure specs.
- Symptoms: “Cupped tires by 2,000 miles,” “axle alignment shop says toe is out,” “fender damage after blowout.”
- Mitigation: Weigh at CAT scales loaded as you actually travel; consider upgraded tires (G/H range where appropriate), shock absorbers, heavy-duty equalizers, and alignment checks.
- Research links:
Slide-Out Mechanisms and Seals
Moderate Concern
Owner posts describe Schwintek-style mechanisms going out of sync, room racking, failed slide toppers, and seals allowing wind-driven rain. Misaligned slides can also damage floors and trim. While not unique to this brand, Vengeance Rogue owners report early-life adjustments and occasional motor/controller replacements.
- Common fixes: Re-sync procedures, re-squaring slide boxes, replacing worn wipers/bulb seals, adding toppers to reduce debris and pooling.
- Evidence trails:
12V/120V Electrical, Batteries, and Charging
Serious Concern
Reports include reversed polarity at outlets, under-sized wiring to battery banks, intermittent converters, inoperative GFCIs, and shallow “solar prep” that’s little more than a roof port with minimal controller capability. Improperly torqued lugs can cause heat and nuisance trips; weak battery configurations frustrate boondocking or running hydraulic/auto-level systems.
- Red flags: “Outlet tester fails in kitchen,” “converter squeals, lights flicker,” “solar doesn’t charge as advertised.”
- What to test pre-delivery: Load-test outlets and GFCIs, inspect connections at distribution panel and battery bank, verify converter and solar charge rates under load.
- Where to verify:
Plumbing Leaks and Tank Sensor Failures
Moderate Concern
Many owners describe loose PEX fittings behind access panels, leaking traps under sinks, weak shower caulking, and chronically inaccurate black/gray tank sensors. Water lines in garages can vibrate loose if not properly secured. A few posts allege tank outlet fittings weeping at the valve manifold, leading to odors and messes.
- Owner fixes: Teflon tape and re-crimping PEX rings, replacing plastic traps with metal, adding external tank sensors or cleaning wands to improve readings.
- Further reading:
HVAC Performance (Furnace and A/C Distribution)
Moderate Concern
Complaints often target duct leaks, poor airflow to master bedrooms or garages, and thermostat short-cycling. In multi-A/C setups, owners report mismatched return airflow and insufficient duct sealing, causing uneven cooling. Furnace ducts routed under floors sometimes disconnect at elbows, reducing output to key areas.
- Evidence: Warm master while salon is cold; garage unlivable in summer despite second A/C.
- DIY improvements: Seal duct joints with mastic, balance vents, insulate garage ramp door, and verify proper furnace combustion/venting.
- Research links: Google – HVAC Problems (Rogue)
Fit, Finish, and Assembly Quality
Serious Concern
Numerous 1-star reviews and forum posts cite mis-stapled trim, poor cabinet alignment, sawdust and metal shavings in ducts, loose fasteners, and trim falling off in transit. Ramp-door seals or patio railings may arrive loose. Some units have missing sealant in wet areas out of the factory. The consistent theme is rushed assembly and weak final QC checks.
- Common owner punch lists: Re-staple/adhesive trim, re-hang doors, vacuum ducts, reinforce drawer slides, and recaulk showers.
- Corroborating sources:
Toy-Hauler Fuel Station and Garage Fume Control
Moderate Concern
Some owners report fuel pump failures at the rear station, seepage around cap fittings, and fuel odors in the garage, especially after long hauls or hot storage. Complaints also describe ramp door seals that allow dust and fumes inside, compromising living conditions if the garage doubles as a bedroom.
- What to check: Cycle the fuel pump, inspect lines and fittings for seep, pressure-test ramp seals, and sniff-test the garage after driving.
- Links:
Appliances: Refrigerators and Water Heaters
Moderate Concern
Reports touch on 12V compressor fridges not cooling evenly, frequent cycling due to poor ventilation, and on-demand water heaters struggling to maintain temperature. Some owners allege faulty control boards or thermistors and find dealer turnaround slow due to parts availability.
- Pre-purchase tests: Run fridge and water heater for several hours during PDI; verify temperatures, water flow, and ignition stability.
- Investigate more: Good Sam – Refrigerator Problems | YouTube – Water Heater Issues
Weight Labels, Payload, and Towing Realities
Serious Concern
Some buyers discover that after adding water, fuel, and gear, their Rogue exceeds axle ratings or truck payload limits—especially in fifth-wheel variants where pin weight can climb fast. Allegations also surface that certain units arrive heavier than brochure “dry weights” suggest, reducing effective CCC.
- Action item: Weigh on certified scales exactly as you travel; compare against the yellow sticker and axle ratings.
- Risk awareness: Overweight rigs increase blowout, braking, and handling risk—and may affect insurance claims after accidents.
- Resources: Google – Overweight Issues (Rogue)
Warranty Service Delays and Dealer Backlogs
Serious Concern
A recurring pattern: owners submit warranty claims for leaks, electrical faults, or cosmetic issues and then wait weeks to months for parts authorization and repair scheduling—sometimes missing an entire season. Complaints describe dealers prioritizing new unit prep over post-sale service, and confusion over which issues are warranty vs. “maintenance.”
- Protect yourself: Get defects written on the “we-owe” and acceptance forms; demand timelines; escalate to Forest River customer service in writing.
- Where this shows up:
- BBB – Forest River Vengeance Rogue (read complaint timelines)
- Google – Warranty Complaints
- RVUSA Forum (search site for “Vengeance Rogue warranty”)
Safety Recalls and Compliance Notices
Serious Concern
Forest River models, including Vengeance Rogue variants across different years, have appeared in recall notices for issues such as incorrect tire/load labels, LP system components, awning hardware that can detach, and electrical risks. The specific campaigns vary by model year and floorplan, so verify your VIN.
- Check your VIN here: NHTSA Recalls – Forest River Vengeance Rogue
- Owner action: If you find a recall, schedule repairs promptly; keep all paperwork for warranty and resale value protection.
Consumer Stories: What Owners Say in Their Own Words
Across forums, YouTube comments, and Google reviews, patterns emerge. Owners praise the floorplans and usable garage space, yet recount first-month punch lists ranging from dozens of minor fixes to major repairs: leaks, dead outlets, slide adjustments, trim failures, and faulty fuel pumps. Some describe “camp-ready” rigs that required multiple service visits before being usable.
- Common 1-star themes: “Dealer had it for months,” “parts on backorder,” “can’t schedule warranty work,” “issues from day one.” Scan: Google – Vengeance Rogue complaints and RVInsider – Rogue Problems.
- Forums and communities: Use on-site search boxes:
Independent investigators like Liz Amazing highlight systemic RV industry issues—quality control, warranty delays, and owner preparedness. Search her channel for Vengeance Rogue and similar toy haulers: Consumer watchdog insights on YouTube. Have you experienced long service delays or a big punch list? Tell other shoppers what happened.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal): Requires clear written warranties and prohibits tying warranty coverage to dealer-only service. If repeated defects aren’t remedied within a reasonable number of attempts, federal warranty rights may apply. Document everything.
- State Lemon Laws: Many states limit “lemon law” coverage to motorized RVs, not towables. However, state consumer protection statutes and the Uniform Commercial Code’s implied warranties may still provide remedies for defective goods. Consult an attorney in your state.
- NHTSA: Safety-related defects and recall compliance are overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Owners can submit defect complaints to help trigger investigations. Reference: NHTSA Recall Search.
- FTC and deceptive practices: Misrepresentations of weight ratings, towing requirements, or capabilities could raise Federal Trade Commission concerns. Save marketing materials, emails, and screenshots if you suspect misrepresentation.
- Arbitration clauses: Some purchase agreements contain arbitration requirements. Understand what you are signing; arbitration may limit your court rights. Seek legal advice if in doubt.
Owners reporting repeated warranty denials or unreasonable delays may have claims under Magnuson-Moss or state laws for breach of warranty or unfair trade practices. Keep a log of dates, defects, communications, and lost use (canceled trips, storage costs) to support potential claims or mediation.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
- Water intrusion: Direct structural damage, mold risk, soft floors, and compromised ramp/garage areas. Financial impact can range from thousands for partial reseals to five figures for full rebuilds.
- Axle/tire failures: Increased crash risk, roadside stranding, body damage from blowouts, and higher long-term costs due to premature component wear.
- Electrical faults: Shock and fire hazards from miswired outlets or loose lugs; spoiled trips from dead batteries/converters; expensive inverter/charger upgrades to make boondocking feasible.
- Fuel system odors/leaks: Combustion and health risks if fumes permeate the garage or living quarters; local code compliance issues in some campgrounds.
- HVAC inadequacy: Heat stress risks for pets and people; unusable rooms in extreme weather reduce the value of “sleeping for 8-10.”
- Warranty and recall delays: Lost use during peak seasons, high opportunity cost, and depreciation while the unit sits in a service bay.
The cumulative effect is not just annoyance; it’s tangible safety exposure and significant depreciation. If a new toy hauler misses a summer due to repairs, owners absorb payment, insurance, and storage without the benefit of use.
Action Plan: How to Shop and Inspect a Vengeance Rogue
- Hire an independent inspector: Find RV Inspectors near me.
- On the lot: Measure moisture around roof edges, front cap, and slide corners. Inspect the ramp door seals and threshold, and test the patio rails for secure mounts.
- Run every system: Shore power and generator under load, A/Cs together, furnace, all outlets with a tester, GFCI trips and resets, fridge temps, water heater ignition and mixed-temp stability, fuel station pump, all lights and USB ports.
- Underneath: Check axles for alignment cues (feathered tire wear), spring hangers for cracks, equalizers, shock mounts, and brake wiring for chafe points.
- Weigh and verify: Compare sticker CCC to realistic cargo (UTV weight, fuel, water). Confirm your truck’s payload/tow ratings against real pin or tongue weights.
- Documentation: Request the full PDI checklist and dealer repair log for new or used units. If used, ask for all recall completion receipts.
- Final acceptance: Do not accept delivery until all punch list items are fixed or a signed, time-bound we-owe is in place with financial holdbacks.
For an investigative take on RV ownership pitfalls and how to protect yourself, search this channel for toy haulers like the Rogue: See how Liz Amazing spotlights RV quality problems. Have you found hidden defects during PDI? Add your inspection tips for other shoppers.
Mixed Signals: Any Improvements?
Objectively, some owners report positive experiences after early punch-list work—especially those who proactively resealed, upgraded tires/suspension, and corrected wiring/duct issues. Dealers sometimes resolve specific leaks or slide adjustments under warranty, and Forest River recall campaigns do address defined safety defects for certain VINs.
However, the weight of public feedback skews toward inconsistent assembly quality and service bottlenecks. Buyers who prepare with inspections, realistic expectations, and budgets for immediate upgrades tend to fare better. Those expecting “automotive-level” reliability out of the gate often express disappointment.
Recall Quick Check and Owner Resources
- NHTSA VIN inquiry: Check for open recalls on your specific Vengeance Rogue.
- Community Q&A: Post detailed questions and photos on:
- Complaint aggregators: BBB search – Forest River Vengeance Rogue and PissedConsumer (search “Vengeance Rogue” and “Forest River”).
Costs to Anticipate if You Proceed
- Immediate fixes (owner or shop): Caulking/sealant refresh, PEX tightening, staple/trim rework, duct sealing, outlet testing, and debris cleanup.
- Upgrades that mitigate risk: Higher-rated tires, suspension equalizers, shock kits, energy audit with upgraded converter/charger, additional batteries, better solar controller and paneling, improved garage ramp insulation.
- Contingency for downtime: Budget for missed trips, alternative lodging, and storage if warranty parts delay use—this is a common complaint.
If you already own a Rogue and are experiencing issues, detailed documentation increases your chances of fair treatment. Keep dated photos, invoices, messages, and a clear timeline. Consider filing a NHTSA defect complaint for safety issues and a BBB complaint to document unresolved disputes. Also, share your results with fellow owners so others can learn.
Why the Inspection Is Your Leverage (One More Time)
Multiple owners report that once funds are transferred and the rig leaves the lot, warranty service becomes slower and less flexible. A pre-purchase, independent inspection gives you negotiating power—either for repairs before delivery, funds held back, or walking away from a unit with hidden problems.
Don’t skip this step: Find a qualified RV inspector near you. If a dealer resists, that’s a signal. You can always take your business elsewhere or ask to see another unit of the same model. And consider cross-shopping brands and models with strong owner satisfaction in the same price band.
Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Forest River Vengeance Rogue?
The Vengeance Rogue delivers attractive floorplans, toy hauler functionality, and aggressive pricing. But based on aggregated public feedback, this line exhibits persistent quality control concerns, recurring water and electrical issues, weight/tire/suspension stress under real-world loads, and warranty service lags. Some owners are satisfied after early fixes and upgrades; many others detail long service delays and repeated trips back to the dealer.
Given the weight of negative consumer experiences and the meaningful safety and financial risks documented, we cannot recommend the Forest River Vengeance Rogue without substantial due diligence, a clean independent inspection, and a willingness to invest in immediate upgrades. Risk-averse shoppers should consider alternative toy haulers and compare owner-reported reliability before committing.
For more context on RV industry pitfalls and how to pressure-test a purchase, you can search this channel for toy haulers like the Rogue: Learn from Liz Amazing’s RV buyer protections. Already bought one? Help the next buyer by detailing your experience.
Comments
Owners and shoppers: What did we miss? Are you seeing the same issues, or did your Vengeance Rogue buck the trend? Please include your model year, floorplan, and how your dealer/manufacturer handled support.
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