Palomino-Backpack Truck Camper RV Exposed: Leaks, Delamination, Slide/Jacks, Warranty Nightmares

Introduction: What Shoppers Should Know First

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Palomino Backpack Truck Camper line (a Forest River brand) includes hard-side and pop-up (soft-side) models designed to fit a wide range of pickup trucks. The Backpack series is widely available through large dealer networks, is often marketed as an affordable entry into truck camping, and features floor plans with slide-outs, wet or dry baths, and lightweight construction.

Across owner forums, reviews, and complaint boards, this model line attracts significant attention—much of it critical—focused on water intrusion, structural durability, slide mechanisms, electrical/plumbing reliability, service delays, and warranty administration. While some owners report years of enjoyable use, a substantial share of public feedback flags recurring quality control issues and extended downtimes for repairs that can derail planned trips.

Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback (Start Here)

Before you shop, spend time in owner communities dedicated to this exact model line. These are the places where recurring problems surface first and where you’ll see the true cost and inconvenience of repairs.

• Search Facebook groups for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper (via Google). Join multiple groups to compare experiences and ask prospective-year-specific questions.
• YouTube owner reviews of Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems (walkthroughs, leak tests, DIY fixes).
• Google search: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems for broad issue discovery.
• BBB search for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper to review brand-level complaint patterns tied to Palomino/Forest River and relevant dealers.
• Reddit r/rvs: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems for firsthand owner threads. Also try r/RVLiving and r/GoRVing.
• RVInsider reviews for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems to scan owner submissions by year and sub-model.
• Good Sam Community discussions: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems.
• Forums requiring onsite search: RVForums.com, RVForum.net, and RVUSA Forum.
• Complaint boards: use PissedConsumer and search for “Palomino Backpack Truck Camper.”

We also recommend following industry watchdog creators. For example, Liz Amazing’s channel covers systemic RV quality issues and buyer pitfalls relevant to Palomino Backpack Truck Camper shoppers. Search her channel for your exact model and year for targeted insights.

Have you owned a Backpack? Tell shoppers what you wish you knew.

Before You Buy: Arrange a Third‑Party RV Inspection

Do this before you sign anything. Independent inspections are your last and best leverage. Many buyers report that once funds are collected, some dealers deprioritize post‑delivery defects, resulting in long queues for warranty work and cancelled trips while the RV sits for weeks or months awaiting parts. To avoid inherited problems (especially water intrusion and hidden structural issues), hire a certified inspector.

• Use a local pro: Search “RV Inspectors near me” on Google.
• Require moisture mapping around the cabover, roof seams, windows, and slide openings.
• Have them weigh the rig and verify payload, center of gravity, and truck compatibility.
• Test electrical loads, battery charging, propane system leak-down, and jack operation under load.

If the dealer balks, that’s a red flag. Ask for written resolution timelines and commitments before you sign. Will you share your pre-delivery inspection results with other shoppers?

Patterns of Complaints and High-Risk Areas

Chronic Water Intrusion and Sealant Failures

Truck campers are especially prone to leaks because of their complex seams around the cabover nose, roof penetrations, and slide openings. Public owner reports for the Palomino Backpack Truck Camper frequently cite early-life leaks, failed caulking, and water staining around windows and cabover corners. Once water intrusion begins, rot and mold can accelerate unseen.

• Verify patterns here: Google: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper Water Damage
• Video walk-throughs: YouTube: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper leaks
• Owner reviews: RVInsider: leak-related reviews for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper

How it shows up: musty odor in the cabover, puckering wall panels (delamination), soft areas under roof membrane, or swollen cabinetry near slide corners. Inspectors should probe every seam and run a sealed window/roof hose test to confirm integrity before purchase.

Watchdog coverage helps shoppers spot the red flags: Liz Amazing often highlights sealant/skylight risk points relevant to Palomino Backpack Truck Camper buyers—search her channel for your model.

Delamination and Structural Soft Spots

Delamination—where the outer fiberglass skin separates from the substrate—often follows hidden moisture intrusion. Consumers discuss bubbles, ripples, or spongy walls and roofs on public forums for the Palomino Backpack Truck Camper, sometimes within the first couple of seasons. Structural repairs can be costly and may exceed the camper’s resale value.

• Scan owner discussions: Google: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper Delamination
• Forum research starting points: RVForums.com and RVForum.net (use onsite search).

Weight, Payload, and Center-of-Gravity Mismatches

Owners frequently report discovering that the real-world weight (wet weight with options) of their Palomino Backpack Truck Camper exceeds what their truck can safely carry, or that the center of gravity pushes the load too far aft. This can cause unstable handling, brake overheating, tire overload, and premature suspension wear. Some complaints note confusing or optimistic brochure weights compared to scale results.

• Weight-focused search: Google: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper weight problems
• Reddit threads where owners weigh rigs: r/rvs: weight and payload experiences with Palomino Backpack Truck Camper

Insist on a certified scale ticket from the dealer for the exact unit with all installed options, full water, propane, and battery. Verify that your truck’s payload, axle ratings, rear tire load index, and frame-mounted tie-down system are appropriate.

Jack System Failures and Instability

Electric jacks on truck campers are critical safety components. Public reports for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper include jacks binding under load, motor burnout, control board glitches, or instability on uneven ground. A failed jack can trap a camper on the truck or, worse, destabilize during loading, risking tip-over and injury.

• Video troubleshooting and owner testimonials: YouTube: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper jack problems
• Community threads: Good Sam Community: jack issues on Palomino Backpack Truck Camper

Have a technician demonstrate loading/unloading the exact unit. Verify each jack under full weight on uneven pads and check wiring corrosion at the jack legs.

Slide-Out Mechanism and Seal Failures (Hard-Side Models)

Backpack models with slide-outs introduce another failure vector: misaligned tracks, motor sync issues, controller faults, and compromised slide wiper seals leading to leaks. Consumers report racking slides, jams, and water entry during rain or while driving. Slide-floor rot is a known risk if seals are not aggressively maintained.

• Owner videos: YouTube: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper slide-out problems
• Issue aggregation: Google: slide-out issues for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper

During inspection, run the slide multiple times, check for equal gap on each side, examine top and side seals, and inspect for staining under the slide floor.

Electrical and Charging System Complaints

Wiring harness chafe, questionable crimps, undersized battery cabling, and inconsistent converter/charger performance appear in public complaints for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper. Symptoms include low voltage alarms, poor battery charging from shore power or truck alternator, flickering lights, and tripped breakers.

• Owner reports to review: RVInsider: electrical problems in Palomino Backpack Truck Camper
• DIY fix videos: YouTube: electrical issues on Palomino Backpack Truck Camper

Ask the dealer to verify charging voltages at the battery with shore power, solar (if equipped), and truck alternator. Inspect fuse blocks for loose connections and heat discoloration.

Soft-Side (Pop-Up) Specific Weak Points

Pop-up Backpack models add complications: canvas/soft-wall pinhole leaks, seam wicking, zipper failures, and lift mechanism binding. Owners also report higher condensation and drafts in cold/windy conditions compared to hard-side units.

• Problem roundup: Google: pop-up issues for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper
• Real-world usage videos: YouTube: pop-up leak and lift issues

During a rainy-day inspection, look for water tracking at soft-wall corners. Operate the lift in wind, check for binding, and evaluate insulation strategies.

Plumbing Leaks, Water Pump and Water Heater Issues

Public reports mention PEX connection drips, pump cycling or failure, and water heater ignition/thermostat issues on Palomino Backpack Truck Camper units. Even minor leaks can quickly damage tight camper spaces.

• Owner complaints: Google: plumbing problems for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper
• DIY and warranty experiences: Good Sam: water pump issues with Palomino Backpack Truck Camper

Pressure test the plumbing, inspect every accessible PEX elbow for drip marks, and check under-sink and water heater compartments for staining.

Heating, Cooling, Condensation, and Mold Risk

Owners in humid or cold climates report heavy condensation on windows and cabover spaces, sometimes leading to mold in bedding compartments. AC short-cycling and ductless cold spots also appear in posts regarding the Palomino Backpack Truck Camper.

• Search real-world experiences: r/RVLiving: condensation and moisture management

Mitigation often requires aftermarket dehumidifiers, ventilation upgrades, or insulated window coverings.

Fit, Finish, and Hardware Loosening

Loose cabinet screws, misaligned doors, staples working out, and trim separation show up across public owner feedback for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper, especially after travel on washboard roads. While individually small, these issues compound owner frustration and downtime.

• Aggregated complaints: RVInsider: quality issues for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper
• General complaint search: Google: complaints for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper

Window/Skylight Seals and Emergency Egress Latches

Reports of window leak paths and sticky egress latches appear periodically. Egress failures are a safety issue; water staining under skylights suggests sealant shrinkage in UV exposure.

• Evidence search: YouTube: window leak issues specific to Palomino Backpack Truck Camper

Inspect all window weep holes, re-seal as preventive maintenance, and test egress windows for smooth operation.

For broader industry QC context, see Liz Amazing’s investigations that many Palomino Backpack Truck Camper shoppers cite during research. Use her channel search feature for precise models.

Owners: what failed first on your unit?

Warranty, Service, and Dealer Experience

Long Service Delays and Parts Backlogs

Dealers and manufacturers across the RV industry have struggled with repair timelines; Backpack owners frequently report extended waits for parts, limited appointment availability, and season-ruining delays. Some units remain at dealers for months for issues like slide alignment, bodywork after leaks, or jack replacements—especially outside peak camping seasons.

• Start here: BBB complaint patterns mentioning Palomino Backpack Truck Camper/brand-level issues
• Owner narratives: Reddit: warranty/service experiences for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper

This is why the pre-delivery inspection is crucial. Once funds clear, your leverage plummets. Re-emphasizing: book a third-party evaluation and itemize punch-list repairs in writing before taking possession. If needed, find local help fast: RV inspectors near me.

Warranty Coverage Disputes and Burden Shifting

Public complaints cite disputes over what’s “warrantable,” finger-pointing between dealer and manufacturer, and transport costs borne by the owner. Some reports mention repeated return visits for the same problem (e.g., persistent leaks or slide re-adjustments) without a durable fix.

• Issue search: Google: warranty problems for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper
• Owner reviews: RVInsider: warranty mentions for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper

Document everything, insist on written timelines, and escalate promptly if a defect recurs. Consider mobile RV techs for non-structural items to avoid dealer queues.

Recalls, Safety Alerts, and Regulatory Checks

Recall Categories to Watch

Across truck campers (including this model line), recall themes often involve LP gas fittings, overcurrent protection/12V wiring, emergency egress components, or improperly rated hardware. Always run a VIN-specific check—recalls are not uniform across years and sub-models.

• Official database: NHTSA recalls search: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper
• Video coverage: YouTube: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper recall discussions

If a recall applies, ensure parts are actually available before delivery. Ask your dealer to perform the remedy and provide documentation during the pre-delivery inspection.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Based on recurring consumer complaints, these are the most relevant legal frameworks and agencies:

• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (federal): Prohibits deceptive warranty practices and requires manufacturers to honor written warranties. If your Palomino Backpack Truck Camper has defects not properly addressed under warranty, you may be entitled to remedies, including attorney’s fees in some cases.
• State Lemon Laws: Coverage varies. Some states exclude RV “house” portions or truck campers; others provide protections for repeated, unfixable defects or excessive days out of service. Research your state’s scope for “recreational vehicles” and “towables” or “campers.”
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness may apply when lemon laws don’t. If the camper cannot be used as intended due to persistent defects, UCC remedies could be available.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Handles deceptive advertising and unfair practices; complaints can be filed if you believe claims about the Palomino Backpack Truck Camper misrepresented weight, features, or durability.
• NHTSA: Safety-related defects (LP leaks, egress failures, wiring hazards). Report incidents to help trigger investigations.

Save all communications, service orders, and dated photos/videos. If you face recurring leaks, structural failures, or safety defects on your Palomino Backpack Truck Camper, consult a consumer protection attorney experienced with RV cases. Many offer free initial consultations.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

When these defects strike, the real-world consequences can be serious:

• Water intrusions threaten structural integrity, promote mold, and can render a camper uninhabitable. Insurers may deny coverage for “ongoing maintenance” issues, leaving owners to shoulder high repair costs.
• Slide and jack failures pose safety hazards—tip risks during loading, slide-jams trapping gear or occupants, and injuries during manual retraction attempts.
• Weight mismatches endanger occupants and others on the road—brake fade, tire blowouts, and unstable handling are elevated risks.
• Electrical faults can lead to battery failures, short circuits, and, in severe cases, fire hazards if fuses/breakers are misapplied.
• Warranty/service delays carry high opportunity costs—lost reservations, non-refundable trip plans, and depreciation continuing while the unit sits in a service bay.

For broader context on how these risks often play out for buyers, see this investigative educator: consumer-focused quality control breakdowns that Palomino Backpack Truck Camper shoppers should watch. Search her channel for your exact model and model year.

Have you experienced a safety hazard? Add your story for others.

Pricing, Options, and Value Concerns

“Affordable” But Potentially Expensive to Own

Backpack pricing can look attractive compared to premium truck campers. However, owners report paying heavily later for sealant work, slide alignment, jack repairs, and moisture remediation. Optional equipment packages (awnings, solar, AC upgrades) may add meaningful weight—sometimes tipping the unit beyond a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck’s practical payload.

• Research threads on cost-of-ownership: Google: true cost of owning a Palomino Backpack Truck Camper

Improvements and Manufacturer Responses (Balanced View)

Some owners report satisfactory dealer support and successful factory remedies on individual issues. Over time, manufacturers also revise components (e.g., sealant types, window specs, or slide controllers) to address known pain points. Recalls, when issued, are a sign the manufacturer is working with regulators to remediate safety defects. Nevertheless, the breadth of public complaints specific to Palomino Backpack Truck Camper—across leaks, slides, jacks, and service timelines—indicates buyers must proceed with caution and verify any claimed improvements on the exact VIN they’re considering.

Due Diligence Checklist for Buyers

• Pre-Delivery Inspection: Hire an independent pro. If the dealer resists, reconsider the purchase. Find one quickly: RV Inspectors near me.
• Moisture Audit: Meter every corner, cabover, around windows/skylights, and the slide opening (if equipped). Demand a documented leak test.
• Slide and Jack Stress Test: Run the slide repeatedly, watch for racking. Load/unload with all four jacks under real weight; inspect jack wiring and brackets for corrosion/stress cracks.
• Electrical Verification: Check charging voltages and load testing. Confirm GFCI/branch circuits under load. Review solar charge controller settings (if included).
• Plumbing: Pressurize, inspect for drips, run hot water and the water heater long enough to confirm stable operation.
• Weight Documentation: Obtain a CAT-scale ticket for the exact unit with water/propane/batteries/options. Verify your truck’s payload, axle ratings, tire load index, and tie-down compatibility.
• Recalls: Run your VIN: NHTSA recall check for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper. Confirm parts availability now, not later.
• Warranty in Writing: Get clear timelines, loaner policies (if any), and who pays for transport to service. Capture names and dates of all commitments.
• Community Verification: Cross-check the exact sub-model and year in owner groups: Facebook groups via Google for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper.

What did your inspection uncover that others should check?

How to Document and Escalate Problems

• Keep a timeline with photos/videos of each defect and every service visit.
• File complaints with the dealer and manufacturer in writing; ask for acknowledgment and a target remedy date.
• Escalate to regulators when safety issues are involved (NHTSA) and to the FTC for deceptive practices. Consider your state AG’s consumer protection division.
• If defects substantially impair use, value, or safety, consult an attorney about Magnuson–Moss or UCC remedies. Some cases settle quickly when documentation is strong.
• Share your experience publicly to help other buyers: YouTube problem walkthroughs for Palomino Backpack Truck Camper, RVInsider, and BBB.

Citations and Research Links to Verify Claims

• YouTube: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems
• Google: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems
• BBB: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper complaints and brand-level patterns
• Reddit r/rvs search: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems
• Reddit r/GoRVing search: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems
• Reddit r/RVLiving search: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems
• NHTSA recall search: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper
• RVInsider: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems
• Good Sam Community: Palomino Backpack Truck Camper problems

Bottom Line and Recommendation

Publicly available feedback for the Palomino Backpack Truck Camper reveals persistent patterns: water intrusion and delamination risks, slide and jack failures, weight/payload mismatches, and service delays that sap trip time and budgets. Some owners enjoy their units with diligent maintenance, but many report repair struggles and extended downtime.

Given the volume and severity of complaints, we do not recommend the Palomino Backpack Truck Camper for risk-averse buyers. If you proceed, protect yourself with an independent pre-delivery inspection, documented repairs before signing, and a careful match to a properly rated truck. Otherwise, strongly consider alternative truck camper brands and models with stronger reliability records and verified owner satisfaction.

What’s your verdict on the Backpack line? Add your voice for future shoppers.