Palomino-Basecamp RV Exposed: Leak-Prone Seals, Weak Components, and Painful Warranty Delays

Introduction and Background

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report on the Palomino-Basecamp. Palomino is a Forest River division known for towable RVs and truck campers; “Basecamp” is sometimes used in dealer listings or informal owner discussions to describe an entry trim or “base camp” outfitting on certain Palomino units. Because naming conventions vary by dealer and model year, shoppers should verify the exact floorplan and VIN before purchase. Broadly, Palomino-branded towables and campers carry a mixed reputation: appealing floorplans at aggressive price points, but recurring owner reports of water intrusion, component failures, and slow warranty support. This report consolidates recurring patterns of complaints, recalls, and owner feedback relevant to units marketed or discussed as Palomino-Basecamp, and to closely related Palomino models sharing the same construction methods and component suppliers.

If you own or shopped this RV, what happened in your case?

Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Experiences

To validate and expand on the issues discussed here, use the following research links. Each opens a platform or search pointed to the Palomino-Basecamp keyword so you can read first-hand stories, see photos, and compare years/trim differences.

• Google Search: Palomino-Basecamp Problems — Google
• YouTube Owner Reports: Palomino-Basecamp owner problems — YouTube search
• Better Business Bureau: Palomino-Basecamp — BBB search (look at 1-star reviews and complaint patterns)
• Reddit: crowd-sourced troubleshooting and buyer warnings
  • r/rvs — Palomino-Basecamp problems
  • r/RVLiving — Palomino-Basecamp problems
  • r/GoRVing — Palomino-Basecamp problems
• RVInsider: Palomino-Basecamp Problems — RVInsider reviews
• Good Sam Community: Palomino-Basecamp Problems — Good Sam forum search
• NHTSA Recalls: NHTSA recall search — Palomino-Basecamp (check VIN-level recall coverage)
• Owner Forums: Use the site search on RVForums.com, RVForum.net, and RVUSA Forum for “Palomino Basecamp problems.”
• PissedConsumer: Browse and then search manually for Palomino or model-specific complaints at PissedConsumer — browse reviews.
• Facebook Owner Groups: Don’t rely on curated brand pages; join owner-run groups to see unfiltered threads. Use this query: Palomino-Basecamp Facebook Groups — Google search

Independent advocates like Liz Amazing are covering systemic RV quality issues. Explore her channel and search your exact model name: Liz Amazing’s RV quality exposés.

Before You Buy: Your Only Leverage Is a Third-Party Inspection

Owners frequently report that once the sale is finalized, non-safety defects can sit at the dealer for weeks or months awaiting authorization and parts. It is common to see cancelled camping trips and entire seasons lost while the RV is stuck in a service queue. The most reliable way to avoid this is to hire an independent NRVIA-certified or veteran technician to perform a nose-to-tail pre-purchase inspection before funds are released and before you take delivery.

• Why it matters: This is when the dealer still has an incentive to address punch-list items quickly; after you sign, your leverage declines sharply.
• What to ask for: Moisture mapping with a meter, roof and underbelly inspection, slide timing and seal tests, 12V/120V load tests, axle and frame checks, LP pressure test, and appliance function under load.
• Find an inspector: Use this search to locate options near you: RV Inspectors near me.

If you’ve already taken possession, document defects immediately and communicate in writing with the selling dealer and manufacturer. Keep a dated log, photos, and work orders. Have you been stuck waiting for repairs?

Water Intrusion and Roof System Vulnerability

Water intrusion is the number one way towable RVs lose value, and Palomino units discussed as “Basecamp” or similar trim have garnered owner reports of leaks at roof seams, front cap transitions, clearance lights, slide roof corners, and window frames. Water can migrate invisibly through the luan, causing delamination and mold.

• Front cap and seam sealant: Owners cite factory sealant gaps that open within the first season, especially near the radius of the front cap and roof membrane terminations.
• Clearance/marker lights: Under-torqued or unsealed lights can allow streaking and intrusion; bulbs or LED pucks sometimes lack butyl and rely solely on thin silicone.
• Slide roof corners: Poorly seated wiper seals and missing secondary bulb seals are commonly photographed culprits after heavy rain.
• “Maintenance denial” risk: Multiple BBB complaints across Forest River divisions reference denial of water damage claims as “owner maintenance,” even within the first year. Review similar patterns via: BBB search — Palomino-Basecamp.

Research comparable cases via: Palomino-Basecamp Water Damage — Google and YouTube: Palomino-Basecamp leaks. Also, see peer owner walkthroughs on investigative channels like Liz Amazing exposing RV leaks and build flaws.

Did your unit leak, and where did water enter?

Running Gear: Axles, Tires, and Weight Ratings

Owners in multiple forums report under-specced axles and tires relative to real-world cargo loads, leading to premature tire wear, bent axles, and roadside blowouts. Even modest overloading can result in alignment issues and scalloped tire wear. Some owners also note marginal tongue weight percentages, creating sway risks.

• Tire quality: Factory-fitted ST tires on budget trims are often complaint-prone; blowouts damage wheel wells and underbelly coroplast. Consider immediate upgrade to higher load-range tires and add TPMS.
• Axle alignment: Reports of “toe out” and camber problems within months of use suggest either axle damage from curb impacts or factory alignment QC misses. Owners share alignment reports and tread photos on Reddit: r/rvs search.
• Weight honesty: Compare stickered UVW to actual scale weights at a CAT scale; some owners discover less remaining CCC than expected once options are installed. Weigh both axles and the tongue.
• Recalls and component defects: Check your VIN for axle or tire-related recalls: NHTSA — Palomino-Basecamp.

12V/120V Electrical, Battery, and Solar Prewire

Electrical complaints focus on poorly terminated connections, under-sized wiring for longer runs, inconsistent solar prewire, and converter or breaker issues. Some owners find the battery disconnect mislabeled or ineffective; others document flickering LED lighting traceable to loose grounds.

Common Patterns

• Converter/charger failures: Early failures of entry-level converters leave batteries undercharged. Some owners upgrade to smart chargers or lithium-ready systems.
• Prewire gaps: “Solar ready” labels can mask thin-gauge wire, missing fusing, or pathways that are difficult to access for real solar installs.
• GFCI and breaker trips: Kitchen and bath circuits trip under load due to daisy-chained outlets and marginal connections.

Cross-check video documentation and owner tests here: YouTube: Palomino-Basecamp electrical problems and compare issue threads: Good Sam — electrical issues search.

Plumbing, Water Systems, and Tanks

Leaks at PEX crimp fittings, loose pump strainers, and badly sealed shower pans are recurring complaints. Black tank level sensors frequently misread due to residue, and some owners report vent blockage causing odors inside the coach.

• Pump and fittings: Hand-tightening of pump filter bowls and re-crimping misfitted PEX connections are common early-owner fixes.
• Water heater bypass/check valves: Sticky or leaky valves cause hot/cold mixing complaints and lukewarm showers.
• Holding tank mounting: Some owners post images of tanks supported by minimal strapping; heavy use on rough roads may require reinforcement.

Research real owner fixes and photos: Google: Palomino-Basecamp plumbing problems, RVInsider reviews, and Reddit threads above.

Slide-Outs, Seals, and Timing

Where equipped, owners describe slide systems that go out of sync, rub, or bind, resulting in seal damage and leaks. Misadjusted wipers or missing secondary bulbs allow water intrusion during rain or transit.

• Sync issues: Electric rack-and-pinion or Schwintek-type systems can “time out” unevenly. The fix often involves a full cycle and controller reset; chronic cases may need track or motor replacement.
• Seal gaps: Inspect for daylight around slide corners; water tracks on interior facia are a red flag. Bring a hose and test at delivery.

Examples and troubleshooting: YouTube: Palomino-Basecamp slide problems and Good Sam: slide issues.

Fit, Finish, and Structural Adhesion

Multiple owner accounts cite cabinet hinges pulling from thin substrate, trim separating in heat/cold cycles, and luan delamination behind decals or near window cutouts. Sawdust and metal shavings in ducting and under beds are common first-week discoveries.

• Cabinetry: Stapled cabinetry and small screws can loosen with road vibration. Reinforcement and larger screws are frequent DIY fixes.
• Delamination risk: If water reaches the substrate, exterior gelcoat can bubble or wave. Early detection is key.
• Doors and latches: Misaligned baggage doors and weak slam-latch springs are frequent complaint topics in owner forums.

View comparison threads and images: Palomino-Basecamp delamination — Google and forum searches listed above. For industry-wide context on QC issues, see Liz Amazing’s channel on RV QC challenges.

HVAC, Condensation, and Insulation Realities

Owners often find the single rooftop A/C insufficient in high heat, with duct design limiting airflow to the bedroom or bunk area. In cool, humid conditions, condensation builds on aluminum frames and behind cabinets, risking mildew.

• A/C short cycling: Thermostat placement in a cool airflow path can cause short cycling. Baffles and return-air improvements help.
• Condensation control: Ventilation, desiccants, and cracked windows can reduce moisture. Inspect wardrobe backs and bed platforms for dampness after cold nights.
• Noise and vibration: Many report rattling A/C shrouds and furnace vibration transmitted through cabinetry.

Watch owner tests and fixes: YouTube: Palomino-Basecamp A/C problems.

Appliance Reliability and LP System Checks

Refrigerators (especially older absorption units) and water heaters surface in complaint threads. Propane system checks occasionally reveal regulator or pigtail defects out of the box.

• Refrigerators: Issues range from off-level operation to failed control boards. Many owners move to 12V compressor fridges for reliability.
• LP leaks and regulators: Soap-test fittings at delivery; a whistling or freezing regulator suggests mis-sizing or failure.
• CO/LP detectors: Replace at manufacturer-specified intervals; nuisance alarms can indicate real issues or expired sensors.

Verify recall status for appliances and LP components via NHTSA: NHTSA recall lookup.

Dealer Service Delays, Parts Logistics, and Warranty Friction

Across RV brands, a frequent owner complaint is the time lost to dealer queues and parts procurement. Palomino-branded owners report long waits for approval, back-ordered components, and shuttling between dealer and manufacturer over who pays for what—especially on water-related claims labeled “maintenance.” BBB and Google reviews often document these experiences in detail.

• What owners describe: “Our new unit sat 8–12 weeks for parts” and “denied for water intrusion” are common themes in low-star reviews. See complaint patterns: Google: Palomino-Basecamp complaints and BBB search.
• Why it’s systemic: Towables use third-party components (Lippert frames/steps, Dometic/Norcold appliances, etc.). Disputes over component blame slow approvals.
• How to protect yourself: Demand a full punch-list resolution before final payment. Put all promises in writing. Consider a second opinion from an independent mobile RV tech if the dealer backlog is excessive.

One more time: an independent inspection before purchase is your strongest leverage. Find options here: RV Inspectors near me. And would you add your service timeline below?

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

The patterns above—especially warranty denials for early water intrusion, repeated repair attempts without resolution, and safety-related defects—carry legal implications.

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA): Federal law requires clear, conspicuous warranty terms and prohibits deceptive warranty practices. If a warrantor refuses reasonable coverage for defects not caused by misuse/neglect, owners may have claims under MMWA.
• State Lemon Laws: Coverage varies; many states limit RV lemon law protections for towables, but some apply when repeated attempts fail to fix substantial defects. State-level RV lemon protections differ—consult a consumer attorney.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Implied warranty of merchantability can apply where a product isn’t fit for ordinary use; disclaimers vary by state. Selling dealers are often the UCC defendants.
• NHTSA obligations: Safety-related defects (e.g., LP leaks, axle/brake failures) may trigger recall duties. Check your VIN: NHTSA — recall search.
• FTC oversight: Advertising claims regarding features, capacities, and warranties must be truthful and substantiated. Material omissions or deceptive practices can draw scrutiny.

Document everything: dated photos, videos, moisture meter readings, service orders, and written communications. If repeated fixes fail, escalate in writing to the manufacturer and consider mediation or small claims where appropriate. For advocacy and education on escalation strategies, see independent creators such as Liz Amazing’s consumer-focused RV videos.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Based on compiled consumer reports across Palomino models marketed at similar price points, the risks fall into two buckets: safety hazards and financial exposure.

Safety Hazards

• Loss of control: Undersized tires or axle issues can lead to blowouts and sway. Remedy includes proper loading, quality tires, a weight-distribution hitch with sway control, and TPMS.
• Water and structural integrity: Leaks can compromise floor structure around slides and entryways, posing trip hazards or soft-floor failures.
• LP/CO risks: Faulty regulators or leaks present life-safety risks. Test with manometer and soap solution; confirm detector function and expiration dates.
• Electrical faults: Overheating outlets or loose connections can arc. Inspect distribution panel torque and correct wire gauge on high-load circuits.

Financial Exposure

• Rapid depreciation from water damage: Even minor leaks can slash resale value; delamination is obvious to buyers and inspectors.
• Long service times: Missing a season of use erodes the value proposition and can add storage, travel, and rental costs.
• Out-of-pocket upgrades: Many owners budget for immediate tire, battery, sealant, and suspension improvements to make the unit travel-ready.

How have these risks affected your costs or safety?

What to Check During Your PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection)

Use this list with an independent inspector or at minimum with the dealer’s tech during your PDI. Insist on testing each item under real load.

• Moisture mapping: Meter all corners, slide roofs, and window frames.
• Roof and seals: Inspect membrane edges, cap transitions, and every roof penetration. Hose-test for 15 minutes.
• Axle/tires: Verify DOT dates, load range, and inflation. Sight along the tires for camber issues; measure fender clearances side-to-side.
• Electrical: Test GFCI, run A/C and microwave simultaneously, inspect converter output, and verify battery disconnect works.
• Plumbing: Pressurize and check PEX fittings, pump, and toilet; fill/empty tanks while observing for leaks and accurate sensor readings.
• Slide-outs: Cycle fully several times; inspect for rub marks or daylight at corners.
• LP system: Perform a timed pressure drop test; inspect regulator and pigtails.
• Fit and finish: Check every cabinet, latch, window, and baggage door for alignment and fastener security.

If you can, bring an independent expert: Find RV Inspectors near you.

Balanced Notes: Improvements and Resolutions

To be fair, some owners report positive experiences after diligent dealer prep, and certain issues are resolved under warranty when documented early. Palomino and its suppliers have issued recalls and service bulletins over time; many safety recalls include free retrofits. Some later model years show improved sealant application and better component choices in higher trims. However, outcomes vary widely by dealer quality, model year, and the thoroughness of pre-delivery inspection. Always verify service bulletins and recall status for your exact VIN via NHTSA and dealer service departments.

How to Do Your Own Evidence Review

Because “Palomino-Basecamp” can refer to dealer-marketed trims or packages, search both the exact VIN model name and the Basecamp label. Use several sources to triangulate:

• Google: Palomino-Basecamp Issues for a broad sweep.
• YouTube: Palomino-Basecamp Problems for walkthroughs and owner evidence.
• BBB complaint records for warranty disputes and timelines.
• Reddit community posts for unfiltered discussions.

For a macro view on the industry and how to protect yourself, search your model on Liz Amazing’s channel and look up your model name. Will you add your links or photos to help others?

Summary Verdict

The preponderance of owner reports tied to Palomino towables and truck campers marketed in “Basecamp”-like trims points to a familiar risk profile in budget-to-mid RV segments: sensitivity to water intrusion, variable QC on seals and cabinetry, under-specced running gear for real-world loads, and lengthy repair queues post-sale. While some owners enjoy trouble-free experiences after a meticulous PDI and preventive upgrades, too many others document season-killing service delays and value-eroding leaks in the first years of ownership.

Given these patterns, we do not recommend moving forward with a Palomino-Basecamp purchase without an expert third-party inspection and a fully completed, signed punch list prior to payment. If the dealer resists, consider other brands or models with stronger reliability records, or buy used with a known service history and moisture test results.

If you own or owned this model or a close variant, your story can help buyers: Share your experience below.