Pacific Coachworks-Mighty RV Exposed: Water Leaks, Weight Limits, QC Issues & Warranty Delays
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Pacific Coachworks-Mighty
Location: Riverside, CA
Contact Info:
• info@pacificcoachworks.com
• service@pacificcoachworks.com
• Main: 951-686-7294
Official Report ID: 1529
Background and reputation of the Pacific Coachworks Mighty
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Pacific Coachworks Mighty name most commonly appears in connection with Pacific Coachworks’ earlier lightweight travel trailer line (often referenced as “Mighty” or “Mighty Lite”). While configurations and floor plans have varied by year, the throughline described by owners across forums, reviews, and complaints is consistent: attractive pricing and lightweight towability paired with a disproportionately high volume of quality control concerns, water intrusion reports, and after-sale service disputes. This report compiles those patterns to help shoppers vet whether a Pacific Coachworks Mighty meets their risk tolerance and how to protect themselves before signing any paperwork.
Note: Model naming within Pacific Coachworks has changed over time (e.g., “Mighty Lite” vs. “Mighty”). Verify the exact model and VIN on any unit you’re considering, and apply the research steps below to that precise designation.
Owner communities, research hubs, and how to verify claims
First, immerse yourself in unfiltered owner testimony. Search or join communities dedicated to Pacific Coachworks and the Mighty/Mighty Lite series to see recurring issues and how they’re resolved:
- Search Google for “Pacific Coachworks Mighty Facebook Groups” and request access to multiple groups. Read through threads on leaks, repairs, parts delays, and warranty experiences.
- Scan YouTube owner walk-throughs and problem logs: YouTube search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty Problems.
- Broaden the net with general complaints: Google search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty Problems.
- Compare experiences to similar models on review platforms: RVInsider search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty Problems.
- Investigate consumer protection posture and documented disputes: BBB search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty.
- Check recall listings or investigations related to label accuracy, axles, propane systems, or equipment: NHTSA recall search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty.
- Read troubleshooting threads on key forums:
- Reddit r/rvs search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty Problems
- Reddit r/RVLiving search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty Problems
- Reddit r/GoRVing search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty Problems
- RVForums.com (use site search for “Pacific Coachworks Mighty”)
- RVForum.net (search on-site for model-specific issues)
- RVUSA Forum (search “Pacific Coachworks Mighty Problems”)
- Good Sam Community search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty Problems
- PissedConsumer (open site and search “Pacific Coachworks Mighty”)
Independent watchdog creators are actively covering RV industry quality and service systems. Consider exploring Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel and search within her channel for the exact model you’re considering; she frequently exposes how manufacturing shortcuts and service bottlenecks impact real buyers.
Do you own a Pacific Coachworks Mighty? Add your story in the comments to help other shoppers.
Before you sign: arrange a third‑party RV inspection
A third‑party inspection is your strongest leverage, because after the dealer is paid, repair priorities often shift and your new RV can sit for months awaiting a service slot or parts—ruining planned trips. Hire a certified independent inspector, attend the inspection in person, and refuse delivery until every defect is documented and addressed.
- Find an inspector locally: Use a targeted search like RV Inspectors near me.
- Build a punch list: Moisture readings (roof, corners, slide walls), underbody frame weld review, alignment/axle camber check, load/weight label verification, LP gas pressure/leak-down test, GFCI/transfer switch tests, battery isolator and converter output.
- Make acceptance contingent on fixes: Schedule re-inspection before finalizing paperwork. Put repair timelines and parts commitments in writing.
Investigative channels like Liz Amazing repeatedly show how pre-delivery inspections catch costly defects that otherwise become the owner’s problem; search her channel for your specific model or similar lightweight trailers to see checklists and examples.
Reported problems and risk patterns with the Pacific Coachworks Mighty
Water intrusion, sealant failures, and delamination
(Serious Concern)
Across owner reports, water ingress is among the most frequently cited—and most expensive—failures for lightweight stick-and-tin and laminated trailers, including the Pacific Coachworks Mighty series. Typical entry points include roof-to-wall seams, clearance lights, window frames, slide-out seals, and penetrations for antennas or ladders. When moisture gets behind the exterior skin, it can rot wooden substrates and trigger soft floors or delamination bubbles.
- Patterns described by owners: Soft spots near the front cap after heavy rain, staining under windows, peeling or “bubbling” sidewalls, and musty odors indicating prolonged leaks.
- Consequences: Structural damage, mold risk, costly rebuilds that can exceed the unit’s market value.
- Verification: Search video and forum reports:
YouTube: Pacific Coachworks Mighty Water Damage,
Google: Pacific Coachworks Mighty leaks,
RVInsider: Pacific Coachworks Mighty Leaks.
One recurring theme in 1-star reviews for lightweight trailers is the discovery of hidden moisture within the first year, followed by drawn-out warranty wrangling over whether maintenance was properly performed. Insist on moisture meter readings along seams during your inspection.
Axle capacity, tire failures, and weight label accuracy
(Serious Concern)
Owners across multiple Pacific Coachworks lines have raised concerns about insufficient cargo carrying capacity, tire blowouts, and confusion about weight label accuracy. If a trailer leaves minimal payload after accounting for propane, batteries, and common gear, axles and tires may run near limits—amplifying heat, wear, and blowout risk.
- What to watch: GVWR vs. axle ratings, CCC on the yellow cargo label, and real-world scale tickets. If your loaded weight approaches GAWR, you risk accelerated tire and bearing wear.
- Verification:
NHTSA recall search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty,
Google: Pacific Coachworks Mighty weight label problems,
Reddit r/rvs: axle and tire issues. - Action: Weigh the trailer with full camping load before extended trips; upgrade to higher load range tires only if ratings, clearances, and rim specs permit.
Electrical system defects (12V and 120V)
(Moderate Concern)
Reports across reviews and forums highlight intermittent 12V failures, converter/charger issues, under-sized wiring, miswired outlets, and GFCI nuisance trips. These problems can cascade: batteries never fully charge, fridges misbehave on 12V, and owners experience frequent breaker resets.
- Symptoms reported: Dead batteries after short boondocking, flickering lights, converter fans running constantly, and hot outlets under load.
- Verification:
Google: Pacific Coachworks Mighty electrical problems,
Good Sam: Electrical Issues (model search),
RVInsider: Electrical Problems. - Inspection tip: Measure converter output (bulk/absorption/float), verify wire terminations with a tug test, and test polarity at each receptacle. A third-party inspector can perform these checks; find one via RV Inspectors near me.
Plumbing leaks and LP gas line issues
(Serious Concern)
Lightweight trailers frequently use push-to-connect PEX fittings and plastic components that can weep under vibration. Owners also report loose LP regulator fittings and chafing LP lines on underbelly components.
- Common complaints: Leaks at water heater fittings, shower pan cracks, dripping faucets, and LP smell near tanks after towing.
- Safety impact: LP leaks risk fire; water leaks can rot subfloors and lower resale value.
- Verification:
YouTube: Plumbing problems playlists,
Google: LP gas leak reports,
NHTSA: Propane-related recalls search. - Inspection tip: Demand a pressure/leak-down test and visual inspection of LP line routing with abrasion sleeves at contact points.
Fit-and-finish problems, cabinetry, and fasteners
(Moderate Concern)
Owner narratives frequently describe misaligned cabinet doors, staples backing out of trim, loose furniture mounts, and squeaks/rattles that appear within the first few trips. While many are fixable with time and tools, they signal rushed assembly and inconsistency on the production line.
- Look-for items: Loose dinette mounts pulling out of particle board, door latches that won’t stay shut in transit, drawer slide screws driven into thin veneer.
- Verification:
Google: Pacific Coachworks Mighty quality issues,
RVInsider: Owner complaints,
Reddit r/GoRVing: Complaints search.
Heating, cooling, and refrigeration performance
(Moderate Concern)
Reports indicate underperforming A/C in hot climates (especially with single 13.5k BTU units), inconsistent furnace ducting to rear bunks, and refrigerators failing to maintain temperature during travel or high ambient heat. In small lightweight trailers, duct routing and insulation are often minimal, magnifying these issues.
- Owner feedback themes: Warm bedrooms on 95°F days, fridge rising above 45°F while towing, furnace short-cycling due to thermostat placement.
- Verification:
Good Sam: A/C problems search,
YouTube: Refrigerator problems,
Google: HVAC issues. - Mitigations: Consider soft-start kits, window coverings, improved venting behind the fridge, or dual A/C (if wiring and roof structure permit).
Tanks, sensors, and support structure
(Moderate Concern)
Another recurring complaint is unreliable tank sensors and questionable tank support. Misreported capacities and slosh-induced false readings lead to overfilling or premature dumping. In a subset of owner posts, tank hangers or straps loosen over rough roads.
- Symptoms: Black tank reads 2/3 when empty, fresh tank burping out the overflow, gray tank support sagging after washboard roads.
- Verification:
Reddit r/rvs: Tank problems,
RVInsider: Tank issues,
Google: Sensor problems.
Slide-out mechanisms and sealing
(Moderate Concern)
Owners periodically cite slide rooms that bind, tear wiper seals, or track out-of-square. Water intrusion at the slide roof or side sweeps is a related theme, particularly when the trailer is slightly nose-high during rain.
- What to inspect: Full extension/retraction cycles under load, synchronous operation on Schwintek-style systems, seal compression, and water testing with a hose during PDI.
- Verification:
YouTube: Slide-out problems,
Google: Slide issues.
Warranty support, parts delays, and repair timelines
(Serious Concern)
A high-volume complaint across RV brands—Pacific Coachworks included—is long waits for diagnosis and parts, and disputes over whether defects are warrantable or “maintenance.” Owners of the Mighty/Mighty Lite series describe cancellations of planned trips while the unit sits at the dealer or awaits factory authorization.
- Common experiences: Multi-month delays, repeated returns for the same issue, and out-of-pocket costs for transport or storage while waiting.
- Verification:
BBB search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty,
Google: Warranty complaints,
YouTube: Complaint videos. - Mitigation: Treat the pre-delivery inspection as your last chance to get defects fixed quickly. Consider negotiating holdback funds or a written “punch list” commitment with deadlines.
Investigative creators like Liz Amazing regularly explain how consumers can document issues and maintain leverage—search her channel for service tips relevant to your model.
Safety equipment and recall responsiveness
(Serious Concern)
Smoke/CO detectors, emergency exits, propane detectors, and correctly rated tires are your last line of defense. Always verify that required safety equipment is present, functional, and in date. Cross‑check your VIN for recalls and technical service bulletins.
- Action steps: Check recall status by VIN, test all detectors and the LP detector’s “age out” date, inspect emergency exit operation, confirm DOT tire date codes and load range.
- Verification:
NHTSA recall search: Pacific Coachworks Mighty,
Google: Safety recall search.
Overpromised amenities vs. real usability
(Moderate Concern)
Several owners across forums report that advertised features (sleeping capacity, solar-ready capability, “off-grid” claims) fall short in practice. Small dinette beds may not accommodate adults, solar prep may be limited to thin wiring or a single port, and battery storage may constrain actual off-grid time.
- Due diligence: Measure sleeping areas, inspect solar wiring gauge and routing, and calculate realistic energy budgets. Ask owners in groups found via Facebook groups (Google search link) about what truly works.
- Verification:
Google: Amenities complaints,
Reddit r/RVLiving: Solar issues.
Have you run into any of these problems? Tell us what happened in the comments so others can learn from your experience.
Product and safety impact analysis
The primary risk categories for Pacific Coachworks Mighty owners cluster around water intrusion, weight/axle/tire stress, and service delays. Here’s how those risks translate into real-world safety and financial consequences:
- Water intrusion: Hidden moisture can destabilize floors and walls. A soft floor near a galley or bath is a trip hazard and devalues the RV substantially. Repairs may require full wall resealing or structural replacement costing thousands.
- Axle/weight stress: A marginal cargo carrying capacity encourages owners to run close to limits, increasing blowout risk. Blowouts at highway speeds can shred wheel wells and damage wiring or plumbing—endangering the occupants and other drivers.
- LP and electrical faults: Gas leaks or overheated electrical components can lead to fire. Miswired outlets and failed GFCI protection increase the risk of shock, particularly in damp environments.
- Service delays: Prolonged downtime while awaiting parts or authorization imposes tangible losses: canceled reservations, storage costs, and finance/insurance payments while the unit is unusable.
Shoppers should treat these as risk factors—not certainties—and use inspections and documentation to prevent or remediate problems early.
Legal and regulatory warnings
If you buy a Pacific Coachworks Mighty new, the manufacturer’s written warranty is governed by federal and state law, most notably the Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act. Key takeaways:
- Magnuson‑Moss basics: Manufacturers must honor the terms of a written warranty and cannot require specific branded services or parts to maintain coverage, unless provided for free. If they fail to repair defects within a reasonable number of attempts, you may have remedies including reimbursement of costs or attorney fees.
- State lemon laws: Some states include RVs or the “house” portion under lemon laws; others exclude them. If included, substantial defects within a specified period/mileage and failed repair attempts can qualify for buyback or replacement. Check your state attorney general’s resources.
- Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Even without a lemon law, UCC implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose may apply through the dealer sale, unless properly disclaimed under state law.
- FTC and deceptive practices: Overstated capacities, weight labels, or advertised amenities that materially differ from delivered goods can trigger consumer protection claims for deceptive or unfair practices (FTC Act; state UDAP statutes).
- NHTSA reporting: Safety defects (brakes, axles, propane systems, steering, tires, lighting) should be reported to NHTSA; sufficient complaints can prompt investigations or recalls. Check VIN status via NHTSA recall search.
Document every interaction with the dealer and manufacturer: dates, names, promises, and outcomes. Save photographs, videos, and diagnostic reports. If repairs stall, consider mediation, small claims court for limited amounts, or consulting a consumer protection attorney. You can complement formal steps by filing a narrative with the BBB to create a public record.
If you already own a Pacific Coachworks Mighty and are experiencing problems
- File warranty claims in writing: Email the dealer and manufacturer with a timestamped list of defects; request a written response and repair plan with dates.
- Escalate safety issues: Propane leaks, brake, or axle concerns should be treated urgently; file with NHTSA and do not operate until inspected.
- Consider third-party diagnosis: An independent report strengthens your position. Search locally: RV Inspectors near me.
- Join owner groups: You’ll find DIY fixes, parts cross-references, and vendor recommendations via Facebook groups (Google results) and brand/model threads on RVForums.com and RVForum.net.
Have you battled a warranty denial or long parts wait? Share the outcome in our comments to help others prepare.
Pre‑purchase checklist specific to the Mighty
- Leak detection: Inspect roof seams, clearance lights, and window frames; use a moisture meter around corners and under windows.
- Underbelly and frame: Check frame welds, spring hangers, tank straps, and LP line routing for chafing.
- Weight math: Photograph the yellow cargo label; compare CCC to your gear list. Ask for a filled-fresh-tank weight ticket; verify axle ratings.
- Electrical system: Test all outlets, GFCI, and polarity; check converter output states; confirm battery installation quality and cable sizing.
- Plumbing and gas: Run water at all fixtures while inspecting for leaks; have a professional perform an LP drop test.
- Appliances and HVAC: Run the A/C during heat of day; ensure the fridge cools properly; verify furnace duct airflow to all rooms.
- Slide-out (if equipped): Full cycle test multiple times; inspect wiper seals and watch for racking or binding.
- Documentation: Confirm the VIN, model designation (“Mighty” vs. “Mighty Lite”), and check for open recalls at NHTSA.
- Service viability: Ask the dealer about average repair timelines and parts sourcing for Pacific Coachworks. Get promises in writing.
For broader context on how to pressure-test a dealer’s promises and avoid delivery day surprises, watch consumer-focused guidance from creators like Liz Amazing’s RV buyer beware videos and then search her channel for your specific model.
Have we missed a recurring issue? Post additional problems you’ve faced so other readers can benefit.
Balanced note: improvements and official responses
As with many RV manufacturers, Pacific Coachworks has periodically updated floor plans, hardware, sealants, and vendor-supplied components. Some owners report satisfactory experiences following factory repairs or dealer interventions, and a number of reported defects (e.g., loose cabinet fasteners, minor plumbing leaks) are fixable with modest time and parts. Where recalls were issued, NHTSA entries typically include remedy instructions and timelines. However, the preponderance of publicly available complaints around the Mighty/Mighty Lite era emphasize leak prevention, weight management, and service speed as make-or-break issues for customer satisfaction, so due diligence remains paramount.
Bottom line and recommendation
The Pacific Coachworks Mighty attracts buyers with friendly tow weights and budget-conscious pricing. Yet our synthesis of owner narratives across reviews, forums, and searches points to a high incidence of water intrusion, fit-and-finish problems, and service friction—issues that can turn a low purchase price into high total ownership cost if not caught early. None of these risks are unique to this brand, but they appear frequently enough in connection with the Mighty/Mighty Lite to warrant extra caution.
Based on the weight of consumer reports and the risk profile outlined above, we cannot recommend the Pacific Coachworks Mighty to most shoppers without an exceptionally thorough third‑party inspection and clear, written dealer commitments. If you prioritize reliability and support, consider expanding your search to other brands or models with stronger track records in leak prevention, build consistency, and warranty performance.
Already lived through Mighty problems? Contribute your experience to help others—your details on what failed, how it was handled, and final costs are invaluable to future buyers.
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