Palomino-Backpack Edition RV Exposed: Leaks, Jack Failures, Electrical Risks & Warranty Delays

Introduction: What the Palomino Backpack Edition Is—and Why This Report Exists

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Palomino Backpack Edition line (hard-side HS and pop-up SS truck campers) sits under Forest River’s Palomino brand and targets buyers who want compact, truck-bed-based living space with advertised lightweight construction, off-grid features, and budget-friendly pricing compared to premium truck campers. In practice, owner feedback paints a more complicated picture. While some owners enjoy simple floorplans and truck-bed mobility, recurring complaints cite water intrusion, premature material failures, jack issues, electrical/propane defects, warranty frustrations, and long service delays. This investigation surfaces verifiable patterns so shoppers can make a clear-eyed decision, not a hopeful one.

Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback Before You Buy

Community intel to check right now

• Facebook owner groups (research via Google): Join multiple groups to compare issues, repair photos, and costs from real owners. Use this query: Search Facebook groups for Palomino Backpack Edition owners. Join more than one community to avoid echo chambers.
• YouTube owner reviews and repair diaries: Start here: YouTube search: Palomino Backpack Edition Problems. Also see Liz Amazing’s channel exposing RV industry issues and search her channel for “Palomino Backpack Edition.”
• BBB complaint history: Look up patterns with this search: BBB search: Palomino Backpack Edition. Examine complaint themes and manufacturer responses.
• Reddit: Active threads often describe repairs in progress and parts delays:
  • r/rvs search
  • r/RVLiving search
  • r/GoRVing search
• Owner review sites and forums:
  • RVInsider search: Palomino Backpack Edition Problems
  • Good Sam forum search
  • RVForums.com (use the site’s search for “Palomino Backpack Edition problems”)
  • RVForum.net (search on-site for the model + problems)
  • RVUSA Forum (try “Palomino Backpack Edition Problems” in forum search)
  • PissedConsumer (manually search for Palomino/Forest River truck campers and “Backpack Edition”)

For broader context on industry-wide issues, watch Liz Amazing’s investigative RV videos and search her channel for the exact model you’re considering.

Have you owned a Palomino Backpack Edition? Add your firsthand experience to help other shoppers.

Critical Pre‑Purchase Step: Hire an Independent RV Inspector

Before handing over a check or signing any funding paperwork, arrange a third‑party inspection—not the dealer’s “walkthrough.” This is your only real leverage before acceptance. Many owners report that once the sale closes, dealers schedule warranty issues weeks or months out, causing cancelled trips and campers sitting for repairs during peak season.

• Find a certified mobile inspector: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
• Make the sale contingent on inspection results and claim any defects in writing before you accept delivery.
• If buying used, insist on roof moisture testing, weight verification, and a jack system load test.

Patterns of Major Problems Reported by Palomino Backpack Edition Owners

Chronic Water Intrusion, Rot, and Delamination

Owner complaints consistently center on water intrusion—especially around the cabover nose, roof seams, clearance lights, and slide-top seals (for slide models). Reported outcomes include soft walls, black mold, swollen cabinetry, and exterior fiberglass delamination (bubbling). Even late-model units have been cited for early sealant failure and miscaulked seams. Truck campers flex on the road; weak sealing compounds or rushed factory caulking allow moisture to find the path of least resistance.

• Common leak points reported:
  • Cabover front radius and marker lights
  • Roof penetrations (vents, AC, solar glands, TV antenna)
  • Slide-out header and side seals (HS-29xx series)
  • Basement/tank compartments and rear wing seams
• Consequences: rot in wood substructure, insulation saturation, ceiling staining, and walls losing structural bond.
• Repair costs: moisture remediation and panel replacement can exceed $3,000–$10,000 when wood framing and foam cores are compromised.

Research examples:
Google search: Palomino Backpack Edition Water Damage,
YouTube search: leaks and water issues,
RVInsider: water leaks.

To better understand industry practices and sealing pitfalls, watch a recent episode from Liz Amazing calling out RV quality gaps and then search her channel for “Backpack Edition.”

Jack System Failures and Mounting-Point Issues

Electric corner jacks and their mounting structures are a recurring pain point in truck campers across brands; Palomino Backpack Edition owners report motorized jack failures, stripped gears, water-intrusion into jack housings, and flexing or cracking where jack brackets attach to the camper’s frame. Some owners say jacks stall or drift out of sync, risking a tip or twist during loading. In severe cases, bracket fasteners pull out of compromised wood, creating a dangerous lift situation.

• Symptoms:
  • One jack moving slower than others or failing under load
  • Bracket movement, creaking, or visible stress cracks
  • Water in jack tubes causing rust and intermittent operation
• Risks: camper drop injuries, truck bed damage, and extensive structural repairs.
• Typical costs: $500–$1,000 to rebuild or replace a single jack; $2,000+ for sets, plus any bracket/frame reinforcement.

Evidence trails:
Google search: jack failures,
Reddit r/rvs: jack problems,
Good Sam forums: jack issues.

Have you dealt with failing jacks on this model? Tell future buyers what happened and how you resolved it.

Weight, Payload, and Center-of-Gravity Concerns

Many first-time truck-camper buyers discover too late that the “dry weight” on brochures excludes critical options and fluids. Complaints about the Backpack Edition include understated real-world weights once air conditioning, jacks, batteries, solar, awnings, and water/propane are counted. Owners also raise center-of-gravity (COG) placement concerns—if the COG sits behind the rear axle, steering and braking can suffer, especially on half-ton or light three-quarter-ton trucks.

• What to verify:
  • Weigh the camper fully equipped and loaded on a certified scale.
  • Confirm the yellow “as built” sticker matches what’s on the unit; compare to your truck’s payload sticker.
  • Locate and verify the center-of-gravity mark; cross-check with your truck’s axle ratings.
• Risks: overloaded rear axle, blown tires, poor handling, brake fade, and insurer denials after accidents.

Start here:
Google search: weight issues,
Reddit r/RVLiving: payload problems,
YouTube: center-of-gravity.

Slide-Out Malfunctions (HS Models with Slides)

Owners of HS models with slide-outs report issues typical of lightweight RV slides: racking, noisy or stuttering operation, water infiltration at slide roofs and top corners, and seal wear. If the mechanism goes out of alignment (e.g., Schwintek-style systems), it may bind or need a full reset. Leaks at the slide header can direct water into the wall cavity.

• Symptoms: slow operation, out-of-square gaps, sagging toppers, stains on slide fascia.
• Preventive steps: thorough pre-delivery inspection, seal checks, and ensuring the slide deploys/retracts smoothly and evenly.

Learn more:
Google search: slide problems,
RVInsider: slide issues.

Roof, Seals, and Caulking That Degrade Early

Multiple reports allege rushed or inconsistent sealing from the factory, leading to early maintenance needs. Owners cite roof membrane bubbling, sealant cracking within the first year, and screws backing out around roof fixtures. While all RVs require seal maintenance, frequent rework so soon after delivery suggests quality-control variability.

• Checkpoints:
  • Roof membrane condition; inspect for bubbles, loose edges, and chalking.
  • All roof penetrations; look for proper lap sealant, not just thin beads of caulk.
  • Gutter spouts and trim rails; confirm butyl tape and seal continuity.

Research:
Google search: roof leak problems,
Good Sam: roof/seal issues.

Electrical and LP Gas System Defects

Owner narratives reference intermittent 12V wiring faults, converter/inverter failures, GFCI trips, non-functioning CO/LP detectors, miswired battery disconnects, and propane regulator issues. Some complaints describe poor wire terminations behind cabinets and inadequate strain relief. Propane components (regulators, pigtails, quick-connects) have been part of various RV recalls industry-wide; always verify your VIN in the recall database.

• Symptoms: warm breakers, flickering lights, dead outlets, sulfur smell from LP, or detectors alarming.
• Immediate steps: shut off LP at the tank if you suspect a leak, ventilate, and do not use open flames.

Resources:
Google search: electrical problems,
Google search: LP gas issues,
NHTSA recall lookup for Palomino Backpack Edition.

Pop-Up Roof Lift (SS Models) and Soft-Side Weatherproofing

Pop-up SS owners report roof lift systems that intermittently fail to raise or lower, motors or gears binding, and canvas sidewalls that struggle in wind-driven rain. Complaints also cite drafty conditions and condensation in shoulder-season camping. Canvas seam leak-through and window zipper issues appear in owner discussions; these can make camping uncomfortable and lead to moisture accumulation.

• Checklist: operate the roof multiple times, inspect lift arms/cables, test weather sealing with a hose, and check canvas stitching integrity.

Research threads:
Google search: roof lift problems,
YouTube: pop-up issues.

Fit-and-Finish, Materials, and Premature Wear

Frequent owner remarks include misaligned cabinet doors, staple-heavy construction, rough-cut openings, unsecured wiring behind access panels, low-grade latches, and exterior graphics peeling early. While cosmetic flaws don’t always affect safety, they often indicate rushed assembly and can correlate with functional problems (e.g., mis-hung entry doors that don’t seal).

• Inspect for: sawdust/debris inside light fixtures and compartments, loose trim, and uneven miter joints.

Evidence hunting:
Google search: quality issues,
RVInsider: complaints,
BBB model search.

Warranty Denials, Parts Backorders, and Long Service Delays

Owners widely report service timelines stretching from weeks to months. In common scenarios, the dealer must seek factory authorization, then wait on parts. Some complaints allege the factory denies coverage by labeling issues as “maintenance” (e.g., sealant failure) or “owner damage.” During peak season, campers sit at dealerships while trips are cancelled.

• What helps:
  • Document every defect with timestamped photos/video prior to acceptance.
  • Get all promises and punch-list items in writing on your due bill before signing.
  • Consider a mobile tech for out-of-warranty fixes; availability can be better and faster.

Explore complaint patterns:
BBB search: Palomino Backpack Edition,
Google search: warranty problems,
PissedConsumer (manually search for Palomino/Forest River truck campers).

Did your unit sit for months waiting on parts? Share your timeline and outcome so buyers understand the risks.

Heating, Insulation, and Condensation Complaints

Both hard-side and soft-side Backpack Editions can struggle in cold or humid conditions. Owners describe interior condensation on windows, wall panels, and under mattresses; in pop-ups, canvas and zipper areas can drip on bedding. Some hard-side units lack thorough thermal breaks, causing cold bridging and sweat. Poorly routed furnace ducts leave cold spots or overheating at vents.

Owner threads: Google search: insulation/condensation problems, Reddit r/RVLiving: condensation.

Off‑Grid and Solar Packages That Under‑Deliver

Complaints suggest marketing promises around “off-grid” capability sometimes outpace actual equipment: small factory solar wattage, undersized charge controllers, minimal battery capacity, and inverters inadequate for owners’ expectations (e.g., running a microwave). Wiring routing and fusing quality also come up in owner photos. Budget upgrades by the factory may be more expensive and less capable than aftermarket installations by specialty shops.

Research examples: Google search: solar/off-grid package problems, YouTube: solar upgrades.

Resale Value and Depreciation

Truck campers depreciate, and models with visible delamination, jack repairs, or leak histories can be especially difficult to sell. Buyers discount heavily for any water intrusion or damaged corners. Brand reputation within owner communities influences resale value, so unresolved defects can cost more than the repair price through diminished buyer confidence.

Market scans: Google: Palomino Backpack Edition resale value.

Recalls and Safety Notices

Safety recalls for RVs flow through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many RV recalls relate to components supplied by third parties (LP regulators, awnings, windows, brake lines). Owners should run their exact VIN to check applicability:

• NHTSA Recall Search: Palomino Backpack Edition
• If the search returns nearby Palomino or Forest River recalls, read each notice; truck campers may be listed under equipment, and some recalls reflect multi-brand component defects.

If your VIN shows a recall, contact the manufacturer and the selling dealer in writing and request a repair appointment with parts pre-ordered to minimize downtime.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

• Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act: Federal law governing consumer product warranties. If a written warranty is offered, the manufacturer and warrantor must honor its terms, and cannot require you to use branded parts for coverage. Document defects and attempts to repair; unresolved defects within warranty may support claims.
• State UDAP statutes (Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices): If marketing claims or dealer representations materially misstate features, capabilities, or weight/payload suitability, state consumer-protection laws may apply. Keep all advertisements, window stickers, and sales communications.
• Implied warranty of merchantability (UCC): Some states preserve implied warranties on new goods sold for ordinary use. If the camper cannot be used for ordinary camping due to pervasive defects, consult local consumer counsel.
• Lemon laws: Many state lemon laws focus on motor vehicles. Coverage of RVs varies by state and often excludes towables or truck campers. Ask a local attorney whether your state includes truck campers or RV “house” systems.
• NHTSA Safety Defects: Safety-related defects (brakes, LP leaks, fire risk) should be reported. If a pattern emerges, NHTSA can investigate. Keep service records and failed parts.
• FTC: Advertising and warranty representations fall under FTC rules; deceptive claims can be actionable.

If you face repeated warranty denials for problems that appear systemic (e.g., sealing failures, jack mount tearing), escalate in writing to the manufacturer and consider a consumer‑protection attorney. Owners frequently say that formal letters prompt faster responses than phone calls alone. For collective industry context, you can also watch Liz Amazing’s investigative coverage and then search her channel for your model.

Safety and Financial Impact Analysis

• Water Intrusion = Structural Risk: Persistent leaks undermine the bond of laminated walls and rot wood framing. Delamination reduces wall strength and can compromise jack bracket anchoring—turning a maintenance issue into a lifting hazard.
• Jack Failures = Injury and Property Damage: A misbehaving jack can twist the camper or drop a corner. This can bend truck bed rails, damage the camper’s wings, or cause bodily injury.
• Weight and COG = Accident Risk: Overloaded axles lengthen stopping distances and can lead to tire blowouts. Misplaced center of gravity affects steering stability. Insurers may reduce or deny claims if the vehicle is over its ratings.
• Electrical/LP Defects = Fire or Asphyxiation Risk: Miswired systems or faulty LP components increase the risk of electrical fire or gas leaks. Non-functioning detectors remove your last line of defense.
• Service Delays = Lost Use and Added Costs: Extended parts backorders mean storage costs, missed reservations, and depreciation while the unit sits unrepaired.

Considering these risks, a thorough pre-purchase inspection and immediate post-purchase shakedown (near the selling dealer) are essential risk-control steps. If you’ve experienced a safety defect, please document it for other shoppers.

What to Inspect—Before You Sign Anything

• Moisture Testing: Use a pinless moisture meter at the cabover, slide header/sides, corners, and roof penetrations. Look for soft spots or discoloration under mattress and around windows.
• Jack System Load Test: Fully lift and lower multiple times. Watch for sync issues, stalling, or bracket movement. Inspect fasteners and backing plates where accessible.
• Roof and Sealant: Examine all seams and terminations; probe gently for soft substrate. Verify ladder attachment integrity.
• Electrical/LP: Test every outlet on GFCI, run high-draw devices on inverter (if equipped), confirm battery charging from shore and solar, leak-check LP system, verify detector dates and operation.
• Slide (if equipped): Operate repeatedly, inspect top corners, check seals for compression, and test in rain or with a hose.
• Weight/COG: Confirm “as built” sticker. Ask the dealer to weigh the camper fully optioned, or use a public scale. Verify your truck’s payload and axle ratings.
• Fit and Finish: Open every cabinet and compartment, inspect hinges/latches, check window seals, and look for debris or loose wiring behind panels.

Don’t go alone—book a certified inspector: Find RV Inspectors near me. Make the sale contingent on results. Skipping this step can leave you with months-long warranty waits and out-of-pocket travel losses.

Manufacturer Communications and Noted Improvements

In fairness, some owners of late-model Palomino Backpack Edition units report acceptable fit-and-finish with no major issues in the first year, especially when they proactively maintain seals and keep loads within limits. Dealers also note that component suppliers (e.g., regulators, awnings, windows) have updated parts and improved documentation over recent years. Factory-authorized recall fixes are typically provided at no charge within warranty where applicable. Nonetheless, complaint clusters—water intrusion, jack/bracket problems, electrical/LP inconsistency—remain too common to ignore, and variability between units is a recurring theme in owner reports.

Alternatives to Consider (Cross‑Shop Thoughtfully)

Cross-shopping truck campers can reduce the risk of early failures and expensive repairs. Look for brands with thicker walls, well-reinforced jack mounting, documented COG locations, and robust sealing protocols. Compare options from established truck-camper specialists and carefully verify owner feedback across forums and review sites. No brand is defect-free, but some show more consistent QC and dealer support.

Whichever you consider, watch third-party critiques and buyer guides on YouTube, including independent channels like Liz Amazing, and search for your exact model. Then weigh the balance of praise versus problem reports across multiple platforms.

Summary and Verdict

Owner-reported issues with the Palomino Backpack Edition tend to concentrate around moisture intrusion/delamination, jack system reliability and mounting integrity, weight/payload mismatches, and variable electrical/LP quality control. Combined with widely reported warranty wait times and parts backorders, these risks can turn a budget-friendly purchase into a costly, time-consuming ownership experience. While some units perform adequately when diligently maintained, the pattern of serious concerns—especially leaks and jack/structural complaints—warrants exceptional caution.

Based on the volume and severity of documented complaints, we do not recommend the Palomino Backpack Edition to risk-averse buyers at this time. Consider alternative truck camper brands and insist on an independent inspection and verified weight/COG data before accepting any unit.

To help fellow shoppers, post your candid ownership story—repairs, costs, timelines, and dealer/manufacturer responses.

Next Steps: Your Action Checklist

• Scan recall status by VIN: NHTSA lookup.
• Read complaint clusters:
  Google search: general problems,
  YouTube search,
  RVInsider search.
• Join multiple owner groups via Google search: Find FB owner groups.
• Book a third‑party inspection: RV Inspectors near me.

Comments

Own or owned a Palomino Backpack Edition? What broke first, what did it cost, and how did the dealer/manufacturer respond? Your experience helps the next buyer—please share details, photos, and timelines below.