Palomino-Backpack Truck Campers RV Exposed: Leaks, Delamination, Overweight Claims & Service Delays

Introduction and Background

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Palomino Backpack Truck Campers line (a Forest River brand) includes both hard-side and soft-side models (e.g., HS-750, HS-8801, HS-2901/2902, SS-1251) marketed as lightweight, half-ton/three-quarter-ton compatible units with value-forward amenities. Historically, the Backpack series has been positioned as an affordable entry point into truck camping with broad dealer availability across North America.

Across years of owner commentary, warranty complaints, and forum discussions, the Palomino Backpack series earns a mixed reputation. Buyers appreciate the floorplans, availability, and initial price, but report recurring quality control issues, water intrusion, service delays, and weight/capacity mismatches that can turn a seemingly budget-friendly camper into an expensive, disruptive ownership experience. This report focuses on patterns of problems and the risks they pose so shoppers can make an informed decision.

Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback Before You Buy

Start with public, third-party sources where owners share unedited experiences:

• YouTube search: Palomino Backpack Truck Campers problems and independent reviews
• Google search: Palomino Backpack Truck Campers problems for news, blogs, dealer reviews
• BBB search: Palomino Backpack Truck Campers for complaint patterns and responses
• Reddit communities:
  r/rvs,
  r/RVLiving,
  r/GoRVing
• RVInsider: Palomino Backpack Truck Campers reviews
• Good Sam Community: Palomino Backpack Truck Campers issues
• Owner forums: search on RVForums.com, RVForum.net, and RVUSA forums
• Facebook owner groups: join multiple communities for unfiltered feedback. Use this Google query: Palomino Backpack Truck Campers Facebook Groups

Independent creators like Liz Amazing have helped expose systemic RV quality and service problems. Scan her channel and search for your model: Liz Amazing’s consumer-forward RV investigations.

Have a first-hand story about Palomino Backpack Truck Campers? Add your voice in the comments.

Strongly Consider a Third-Party RV Inspection Before Taking Delivery

A pre-purchase inspection by a certified, independent RV inspector is your best leverage before signing. Truck campers concentrate critical systems (seals, jacks, wiring, tie-down mounts) into a compact footprint, so small defects escalate quickly. If you skip an inspection and discover problems later, many owners report being pushed to “the back of the line” by dealers after funds are collected—leading to canceled camping trips and months-long waits for parts.

• Schedule an independent inspection: Search “RV Inspectors near me”
• Insist on water intrusion tests, roof and cabover seam checks, weight verification, jack mount torque checks, and appliance system tests
• Withhold final payment until all written defects are remedied; do not accept “we’ll order parts” assurances without concrete timelines

Liz Amazing often spotlights PDI pitfalls and post-sale delays; use her content as a planning tool: Lessons learned from RV delivery horror stories.

Patterns of Problems Reported by Owners

Water Intrusion: Seals, Roof, Cabover, and Soft-Side Fabric

Delamination and Structural Integrity (Walls, Floors, Tie-Down Reinforcement)

Slide-Out Problems on Certain Hard-Side Models (e.g., HS-2901/2902)

Weight Claims, Center of Gravity (COG), and Half-Ton Compatibility

Electrical System, Wiring Quality, and Detectors

LP Gas System: Regulators, Hoses, and Appliance Hookups

Jacks, Mounting Points, and Roof/Ladder Attachments

Warranty, Dealer Service, and Parts Delays

Did you experience parts delays or repeated repair attempts? Tell future buyers what happened.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

How Defects Affect Safety

• Overweight conditions increase stopping distance, strain brakes, and risk tire failure, endangering you and others on the road
• Water intrusion leads to hidden mold and structural rot, weakening tie-downs and jack mounts; a failure while loading/unloading can cause severe injury
• Electrical faults raise fire risks, especially with loose terminations in confined cabinetry
• LP leaks pose fire and explosion hazards; detectors must be powered 24/7 to be effective

Mitigation requires meticulous PDI, ongoing inspections, and prompt warranty action. Use the federal recall database to confirm whether your unit is affected by known safety defects: NHTSA: Palomino Backpack Truck Campers recalls.

How Defects Affect Your Wallet

• Water damage often isn’t covered if labeled “maintenance-related”; repair costs can exceed thousands for structural rebuilds
• Prolonged dealer holds lead to lost trips, rental costs, and potential storage/insurance with no use
• Resale value drops sharply with documented leaks, delamination, or slide repairs on record
• Weight mismatches force costly truck upgrades (tires, suspension, airbags) or an entirely new tow vehicle

If you’ve encountered high repair bills or diminished resale due to defects, share a brief summary to help others budget risk.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Warranty Rights and Consumer Protection

• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (U.S.): Requires clear written warranties and good-faith repairs within a reasonable number of attempts/time. Repeated failures to fix may entitle you to remedies.
• State “Lemon Law” coverage: Some states extend RV chassis/body protections; many exclude “house” portions of RVs, but others offer remedies under general consumer laws. Check your state attorney general’s site.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Misrepresentation of product features/weights or unfair warranty practices can be reported to the FTC.
• NHTSA: Safety-related defects (LP leaks, bad wiring, egress window failures) can be filed with NHTSA; sufficient complaints can trigger investigations or recalls.

If your dealer/manufacturer delays persist, put them on notice in writing. Keep dated photos, work orders, and correspondence. Consider mediation or small-claims court for narrower disputes (e.g., out-of-pocket repairs). For safety defects, check for recalls by VIN at NHTSA. To escalate general issues, search complaint paths: Warranty violations resources.

For peer-to-peer legal experiences and strategies, browse RV community threads: Good Sam: warranty disputes, Reddit: legal discussions.

Model-Year Notes and Manufacturer Statements

Palomino and dealers periodically promote running changes—updated sealants, improved materials, and feature tweaks. Some recent listings tout enhanced construction and exterior updates. Owners, however, continue to report variability in fit-and-finish, sealing thoroughness, and dealer prep. Even when recalls are addressed, execution at the dealer level remains inconsistent. Always verify whether claimed improvements are present on the exact VIN you are considering, and confirm recall closure in writing.

Looking at any model year? Supplement sales talk with community evidence: YouTube: owner reviews, RVInsider: reviews, BBB complaint search.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and Ownership Checklist Specific to Backpack Truck Campers

• Moisture testing: Use a moisture meter on cabover corners, around windows, and under roof penetrations; request a pressure/leak test if available
• Roof and ladder: Inspect every seam, ladder mount, and rack penetration for proper sealant and backing plates; tug-test mounts
• Tie-down and jack structure: Remove access panels and look for solid backing, clean laminate, and signs of flex; torque-check bolts
• Slide (if equipped): Cycle repeatedly; check for water trails, ragged wiper seals, uneven gaps, and motor strain
• Electrical: Pull the fuse/breaker panel; look for loose neutrals, wire nuts where crimp lugs are required, and chafing; test every outlet on a polarity tester
• LP system: Conduct a manometer test, soap-test fittings, and verify detector operation under battery-only power
• Appliances: Run the furnace and water heater on propane and electric, and verify fridge performance in ambient heat
• Weight and COG: Weigh the camper and your truck, wet and loaded; confirm COG alignment with your truck’s axle
• Paperwork: Demand printed proof of recall status and a signed “we owe” list for any pending parts

If you do not have tools or expertise, hire an independent inspector: Find RV inspectors near you.

What did your PDI uncover? Post the top issues you found.

Pricing, Options, and Value Considerations

• Options vs. reliability: Solar packages, AC, awnings, and electronic jacks add convenience but also failure points. Consider whether you’d prefer aftermarket upgrades with better components and installation oversight.
• Soft-side vs. hard-side: Soft-side can be lighter and lower profile but may be more weather-sensitive; hard-side adds rigidity and insulation but increases weight and leak points.
• Half-ton claims: Carefully scrutinize; many owners report “half-ton capable” builds become overweight once loaded. Budget for a heavier truck or expect suspension/tire upgrades.
• Depreciation: Water damage, delamination, and slide history are major value killers. A pristine, well-documented unit retains far more value than a newer but problem-prone one.

Check community comparisons with competitors (e.g., Northwood Arctic Fox, Lance, Adventurer, Host) to weigh trade-offs in price vs. construction quality: Google: Backpack vs. Lance and owner discussions on Reddit comparisons.

Recall Awareness and Safety Documentation

Truck campers regularly appear in recall notices for items like awning attachment failures, LP system irregularities, and wiring/protection issues. While exact recall items vary by year and equipment, it is essential to:

• Run your VIN at NHTSA’s recall portal
• Confirm the dealer has closed each recall with documented proof
• Cross-check forums for recall execution quality: Google: recall problems

If you’ve dealt with a recall on your Backpack camper, how did the repair go and how long did it take?

Curated Research Links You Can Use Right Now

• YouTube: Palomino Backpack Truck Campers Problems
• Google: Palomino Backpack Truck Campers Problems
• BBB: Complaints and business profiles
• Reddit r/rvs: Owner problem threads
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Full-time use issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Buying/ownership questions
• RVInsider: Owner reviews
• Good Sam Community: Troubleshooting and repairs
• NHTSA Recalls: Recall lookup by model
• Facebook Groups (via Google): Find and join owner groups
• PissedConsumer: Browse the site at PissedConsumer and search “Palomino Backpack Truck Campers” and “Forest River Palomino” for complaints

Also consider independent watchdog content to understand broader industry pitfalls: Explore Liz Amazing’s RV consumer advocacy and search her channel for your specific model and issues.

Balanced Notes: What Some Owners Like

• Attractive pricing and dealer availability compared to boutique truck camper brands
• Layouts that maximize space in short-bed trucks, often with decent storage
• Soft-side models offering lower travel height and better aerodynamics

These positives, however, are overshadowed in many reports by quality control gaps and service bottlenecks. The best outcomes appear among buyers who conduct rigorous PDIs, perform proactive sealing, and verify weights before committing.

Final Assessment and Recommendation

Based on aggregated owner reports, forum discussions, complaint data, and recall context, the Palomino Backpack Truck Campers line presents notable risk areas: water intrusion, variable structural integrity around high-stress points, weight/COG mismatches for half-ton trucks, inconsistent electrical workmanship, and slow warranty throughput. While some owners enjoy trouble-free use, enough negative patterns exist to warrant heightened scrutiny.

If you cannot secure a clean third-party inspection, written proof of recall closure, and trustworthy dealer support, we do not recommend proceeding with a Palomino Backpack Truck Camper at this time. Consider cross-shopping truck campers with stronger construction reputations and dealer support networks before committing.

If you chose this model anyway, mitigate risk with a comprehensive PDI and independent inspection: Find a local RV inspector.

Have you owned a Palomino Backpack? What would you tell a first-time buyer?

Owner Experiences and Comments

Real-world experiences help future buyers avoid costly mistakes. Please add your candid, constructive feedback below—model, year, known issues, warranty response times, and what you’d do differently at delivery.