Palomino-Maverick RV Exposed: Water Intrusion, Rot & Jack Failures—Inspect Before You Commit

(Serious Concern)

Across owner reviews and forums, water intrusion is the most frequently cited and most expensive issue on aging Palomino Maverick units. Truck campers have multiple high-risk ingress points—roof seams, front cabover seams, marker lights, window frames, and jack brackets. Reported symptoms include soft floors in the cabover, bubbling exterior fiberglass (delamination), musty odors, and compromised jack mounts. Several owners describe discovering rot only after a leak test or when a jack tore out under load.

• Typical narrative: A used Maverick shows clean interior panels, but a leak test reveals moisture around the front nose cap and marker lights. Once stripped, owners find saturated wood and blackened framing.
• Financial impact: Structural repairs can exceed the camper’s resale value, especially if rot extends into the cabover and sidewalls.
• Verification: Compare threads and videos via YouTube results: Palomino Maverick Water Damage, Google: Palomino Maverick Water Leaks, and owner reviews at RVInsider: Palomino Maverick Problems.

Independent leak testing (pressurization with a moisture meter walkthrough) is non-negotiable on used units. If the dealer resists, that’s a red flag. Line up a pro: find an RV inspector near you.

(Serious Concern)

Owners report jack brackets and tie-down anchor points loosening or ripping out, often after years of small water intrusions that weaken the underlying wood framing. Symptoms include stress cracks near the brackets, visible movement of the jack under load, or screws that won’t bite. A bracket failure while loading/unloading can tip the camper, causing property damage or injury.

• Common causes: Hidden moisture weakening the fastener substrate; insufficient backing plates; overloading or off-level lifting.
• Where to verify: Forum threads often detail repairs and reinforcement approaches—search Palomino Maverick Jack Bracket Problems and Reddit r/rvs: Palomino Maverick Problems.
• Inspection tip: With the camper slightly lifted, look for flex near brackets, discoloration, or soft substrate. Probe with an awl where safe.

If you’ve endured a bracket failure, share the specifics for other shoppers.

(Moderate Concern)

Some buyers report discovering that a “half-ton friendly” Maverick overruns payload once wet-weight and options are added (battery, full propane, water, awning, roof racks). Center-of-gravity (COG) placement is critical, and discrepancies between brochure specs and real-world loading can cause handling issues (sway, light steering). Reported cases include bent rear leaf springs and overloaded rear axles.

• What to verify: Scale the loaded camper and your truck; compare to door-sticker payload and axle/tire ratings.
• Evidence threads: Google: Palomino Maverick Weight Problems, and crowd-sourced advice on Good Sam Community: Palomino Maverick Problems.
• Safety angle: Overloading compromises braking, tire temps, and jack stability during load/unload.

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple owners describe inconsistent sealant application and trim work requiring immediate attention post-purchase. On older Mavericks, lapses in resealing schedule often translate into the water-intrusion problems noted above. Reports include uneven caulking, misaligned baggage doors, and loose interior hardware. Even on units that seemed clean on delivery, dampness appeared after the first heavy rain.

• Where to read: Check aggregated reviews at RVInsider: Palomino Maverick Problems and BBB brand-level complaints via BBB: Palomino Maverick search.
• Action: Budget time annually for a full roof-to-belly reseal and inspection, not just spot fixes.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners report intermittent 12V failures (lights flicker or drop out), converter/charger issues, and weak factory grounding in older units. Trailer-plug charging and truck alternator integration can be inconsistent without upgrading wiring and isolators. Marker light failures—especially on the cabover—are often implicated in water ingress as well.

• Symptoms: Batteries not charging while driving, GFCI nuisance trips, fuses blowing with no obvious short.
• Verification: Look for thread clusters via Google: Palomino Maverick Electrical Problems and Reddit r/RVLiving: Problems.
• Inspection: Test battery state under load, verify converter output, and remove/inspect cabover marker lights for cracked housings or hardened gaskets.

(Moderate Concern)

Reported plumbing issues include PEX fittings loosening, pump cycling, and water damage around the bathroom or galley. On campers that were not winterized correctly, freeze damage can lead to concealed leaks that only surface during travel or when the tank is full.

• Tell-tales: Pump runs briefly every few minutes, damp cabinet bottoms, musty smell under the sink.
• Research links: Palomino Maverick Plumbing Problems (Google); scan forum repair posts via RVUSA Forum (search on site).

(Moderate Concern)

Mavericks typically use third-party appliances (Dometic/Norcold fridges, Suburban/Atwood furnaces/water heaters). Historical recalls and service advisories on these brands affect many RVs, not only Palomino. Symptoms include fridges failing to cool on propane, soot at burner compartments, furnace short-cycling, and water heaters with faulty control boards.

• Action step: Check your appliance model/serial against NHTSA and manufacturer recall databases; start with NHTSA recalls search for Palomino Maverick and the appliance maker’s site.
• Owner accounts: Find case studies on YouTube results: Maverick fridge problems and community threads via Good Sam Community search.

(Serious Concern)

Even when issues are acknowledged, owners frequently report multi-week or multi-month waits for parts and service, with dealers prioritizing new sales over warranty work. Complaints include denied coverage for “maintenance items” (sealant), claims that water intrusion is due to owner neglect, and finger-pointing between dealer and manufacturer.

• Where to read: Brand-level complaints at the BBB (Palomino Maverick/Palomino RV search), generalized discussions on Reddit r/rvs, and multi-year owner reviews on RVInsider.
• Consumer tactic: Document every conversation, get commitments in writing, and escalate politely but firmly through the dealer GM and manufacturer customer care.

If your unit sat in a service lot for weeks, add your timeline and outcome for others.

(Moderate Concern)

Some owners claim they were promised certain batteries, solar prep, or specific mattress and vent configurations that differed upon delivery. Others describe “mandatory packages” with low-value add-ons (basic fans, small TVs) at premium pricing. While this is as much a dealer practice as a factory issue, brand reputation is impacted when expectations and brochures are not matched in delivered units.

• Receipts matter: Make sure the sales contract itemizes every option; do not rely on verbal assurances.
• Where to verify: Look for similar complaints via Google: Palomino Maverick complaints and broader dealer complaint threads on r/GoRVing.

(Serious Concern)

An overloaded or improperly balanced truck camper affects braking distance, emergency handling, and tire temperatures. If the structure around a jack bracket is compromised by moisture, the camper can tip during loading or shifting weight, risking serious injury. Marker light failures also reduce vehicle visibility and can mask ongoing water ingress that compromises structural integrity.

(Moderate Concern)

Poor connections, inadequate grounding, and appliance burner issues can present fire hazards. While many incidents stem from third-party components, the integration and sealing (e.g., around appliance vents) are the manufacturer’s responsibility. Consumers should treat soot, a strong propane smell, or repeated GFCI trips as warning signs.

(Serious Concern)

Hidden water damage can transform a $10–$15k used camper into a parts donor. Cosmetic interiors may hide extensive rot. Many owners report repair quotes that exceed resale value, leading to write-offs. Service delays ruin planned trips and can require additional out-of-pocket lodging.

(Moderate Concern)

While “lemon law” coverage varies and often excludes truck campers or non-motorized RVs, several legal protections still apply:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal): Requires clear written warranties and timely warranty service. Repeated failed repairs or unreasonable delays may trigger remedies.
• State UDAP laws: Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices statutes prohibit misrepresentation of features or condition. Sales promises documented in ads/emails may be enforceable.
• Implied warranties/UCC: Fitness for a particular purpose may be in play if a dealer advised a certain Maverick would be safe on a specific half-ton setup and it was not.
• Safety oversight: Structure, lighting, and recall compliance can involve the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Search for recall history and file complaints here: NHTSA recall/complaint portal for Palomino Maverick.
• FTC jurisdiction: The Federal Trade Commission handles deceptive advertising in interstate commerce; documented claims vs. delivery mismatches may be actionable.

Keep meticulous documentation: purchase contract, spec sheets, texts/emails with sales staff, repair orders, and timelines. If you escalate, consult an attorney familiar with RV warranty litigation.

(Moderate Concern)

Not all defects result in recalls, especially those framed as “maintenance” (e.g., resealing). However, recalls may include propane system fittings, appliance control boards, exterior lighting, and structural fasteners. Always search the vehicle identification or serial number when possible.

• NHTSA: NHTSA Recalls: Palomino Maverick.
• YouTube walk-throughs: Owners often document recall repairs; scan YouTube: Maverick recall search.
• Forums by symptom: If you suspect a safety defect but find no recall, search symptom-first threads (e.g., “Palomino Maverick marker light short”).

(Serious Concern)

• Pressure test: Conduct a pressurized leak test; inspect the cabover nose seam, roof penetrations, and marker lights for moisture.
• Probe substrate: Around jack brackets and tie-downs; any softness or discolored screws indicates hidden rot.
• Delamination scan: Look along sidewalls for waves/bubbles; tap for hollow sounds.

(Moderate Concern)

• Weigh it wet: With full propane, water, and typical cargo; compare to truck door-sticker payload and axle ratings.
• COG check: Verify center-of-gravity marks align appropriately with your truck’s axle position.

(Moderate Concern)

• Converter and charging: Verify shore, generator, and alternator charging. Load test the battery.
• Appliance function: Test fridge on AC and propane, furnace cycles, and water heater on both electric and gas. Inspect for soot and leaks.

(Moderate Concern)

• Get records: Ask for prior leak tests, reseal invoices, and any recall service documentation.
• Document condition: Photograph every seam and bracket pre-purchase; list deficiencies in the sales contract.

(Moderate Concern)

• Bring citations: Show the seller forum threads and repair invoices for similar Mavericks with water intrusion. Link them to Google: Maverick Water Damage and independent reviews on RVInsider.
• Make repairs a condition: Require a passing leak test and bracket reinforcement where indicated before closing.
• Price in risk: If the dealer refuses to test and repair, demand a steep discount—or walk.