Palomino RV Exposed: Leaks, Recalls, Slide & Axle Risks – What Dealers Won’t Tell You
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Palomino
Location: 1047 E M-86, Colon, MI 49040
Contact Info:
• service@palominorv.com
• Main 269-432-3271
• Service 269-432-3246
Official Report ID: 899
Introduction: Who is Palomino RV, and what shoppers should know
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Palomino RV is a long-standing recreational vehicle brand founded in the late 1960s, now operating as a division of Forest River, Inc., which is itself a Berkshire Hathaway company. Palomino builds a broad range of towables and truck campers that compete on price and features across entry-level and mid-market segments. The brand has name recognition and wide dealer distribution across North America.
While many owners enjoy their Palomino rigs, a significant body of recent consumer complaints highlights recurring quality control problems, water intrusion, premature component failures, and service delays. Because Palomino sits under Forest River’s corporate umbrella, warranty and recall records can appear in both “Palomino” and “Forest River” channels, which can complicate owner support. This report synthesizes recurring patterns so buyers can anticipate risks, protect themselves with pre-delivery inspections, and understand the real-world consequences of known issues before signing a purchase agreement. Have you owned a Palomino? Add your story in the comments.
Current Palomino model families and product lines
- Travel Trailers and Expandables: Puma, Puma XLE Lite, Puma Destination (park trailer), SolAire Ultra Lite, SolAire Expandable, PaloMini, Real-Lite Mini (select model years)
- Fifth Wheels: Columbus, Columbus River Ranch
- Truck Campers: Backpack Edition (Hard Side HS series, Soft Side SS series, including MAX trims), Real-Lite (Hard Side and Soft Side)
- Toy Haulers: Select floorplans within Puma and Puma XLE Lite
Corporate structure note: Palomino is a division of Forest River, Inc. Some recalls and service bulletins may be posted under Forest River rather than Palomino, and dealers often process claims through Forest River systems.
Where to find unfiltered owner feedback and evidence
- Google and YouTube complaint research: Start broad to understand the landscape of concerns:
- Better Business Bureau: Filter by brand and read patterns of complaints, responses, and resolutions:
- Owner review platforms and forums:
- RVInsider: Palomino RV Problems
- Good Sam Community: Palomino RV Problems
- Reddit r/rvs: Palomino RV Problems
- Reddit r/RVLiving: Palomino RV Problems
- Reddit r/GoRVing: Palomino RV Problems
- RVForums.com (use site search: “Palomino problems”)
- RVForum.net (search for Palomino threads)
- RVUSA Forum (search Palomino model issues)
- Recalls and safety data: Many Palomino/Forest River recalls are listed at NHTSA:
- Dissatisfied owner narratives:
- Facebook groups (do not rely on marketing posts):
- Join multiple Palomino- and model-specific owner groups to read unfiltered threads. Use this search and request to join several: Google: Palomino RV Facebook Groups
- Independent watchdog creators: Investigate the RV industry’s systemic issues and search for brand/model-specific posts on the Liz Amazing channel:
Before you buy: Get a third-party RV inspection
Securing an independent RV inspection before you sign is the strongest leverage you will ever have with the dealer. Once you accept delivery, many owners report months-long waits for warranty appointments, parts backorders, or ping-ponging between dealer and manufacturer. Inspections surface hidden water intrusion, unsafe wiring, axle misalignment, and mis-weighted rigs before they become your problem. Book a mobile NRVIA-certified inspector or reputable local RV technician and make the sale contingent on a clean report. Start here: Google search: RV Inspectors near me.
Ask the inspector to conduct moisture mapping, roof seam and lap sealant evaluation, slide mechanism checks, wheel alignment, brake controller and wiring tests, propane leak-down tests, and a scale ticket for actual weight distribution (especially critical on Columbus and Puma toy hauler floorplans). Did a pre-purchase inspection save you money? Tell us in the comments.
Patterns of complaints and risk areas across Palomino models
Build Quality and Fit/Finish Variability
Recent owner narratives across travel trailers, fifth wheels, and truck campers cite inconsistent factory quality control. Common reports include misaligned cabinet doors, unsecured plumbing and wiring behind panels, sloppy sealant beads, poorly stapled trim, misfitted baggage doors, and uneven slide seals. These are not inherently catastrophic defects, but together they signal rushed assembly and can lead to water intrusion and early wear.
- Evidence and context:
- Practical example: Buyers unbox new Puma XLE units to find trim falling off during the first trip; SolAire owners describe light fixtures detaching due to insufficient fasteners; Columbus owners report crooked pantry doors and loose screws throughout after delivery.
These patterns are consistent with wider RV industry pressures, but their presence on Palomino-branded rigs keeps surfacing in reviews, including one-star posts and forum threads. Always pair this with an in-depth PDI punch list conducted with your inspector.
Water Intrusion, Roof and Wall Sealing
Water intrusion is among the most serious risks cited by Palomino owners because it destroys structural integrity and resale value. Common entry points include failed lap sealant at roof penetrations, improperly seated or insufficiently sealed windows, rear-wall seams, slide-topper interfaces, and shower surrounds. When water reaches OSB or lauan substrates, delamination and soft floors follow.
- Typical complaints:
- “Brand-new” SolAire or Puma units testing positive for moisture around the front cap within weeks
- Leaking slide rooms in heavy rain due to misadjusted wiper seals
- Soft floors near entry doors and around toilets from unsealed penetrations
- Verify and research:
Pro tip: Require your inspector to perform moisture readings at every wall seam, slide floor, and roof vent. If numbers are elevated, walk away or document and demand a written factory repair commitment prior to funding the deal. For broader industry context, see Liz Amazing’s videos exposing RV defects and water intrusion risks.
Slide-Out Mechanisms and Seals
Owners of Puma and Columbus models report slide alignment issues, motor synchronization problems, and seal gaps leading to leaks or wind noise. Some models use systems that require precise alignment; if setup is rushed at the factory or the dealer, the slide may rack, causing excessive wear and leaks at the corners. Badly adjusted slides can also chew up flooring or bind under load.
- Evidence and discussion:
- Real-world consequence: Trips derailed because a slide won’t retract, forcing emergency dealer visits and weeks-long service queues during peak season.
Plumbing Leaks and Component Failures
Reports across Palomino lines include loose PEX fittings, kinked lines, leaking shower pans, and faulty tank sensors. Many of these stem from hurried assembly or minimal torque checks. Left unaddressed, they feed into the broader water intrusion and mold risk profile.
- Where to investigate:
- Owner example: A Puma owner discovers a drip at the water heater bypass fitting that soaked the adjacent cabinetry during travel; dealer requires weeks to fit warranty time, resulting in a canceled holiday booking and storage at the dealer lot.
Electrical and Propane System Concerns
Electrical issues range from miswired outlets to under-spec’d fuses and loose ground connections; propane concerns include regulators subject to recall and lines rubbing on sharp edges. These issues are intermittently reported across Forest River divisions and appear in Palomino complaint threads as well.
- Confirm via recalls and owner reports:
- Safety note: Gas leaks and miswired circuits present clear fire and asphyxiation hazards. Treat them as urgent. Always have a qualified inspector test LP systems and verify CO/LP detectors’ manufacture dates and locations.
Chassis, Axles, Tires, and Alignment
Across large towables like Puma travel trailers and Columbus fifth wheels, owners report premature tire wear, axle misalignment, and suspension hardware issues (bent equalizers, leaf spring hanger concerns). This is not unique to Palomino, but the frequency of forum threads suggests vigilance is warranted—especially when rigs are loaded near their GVWR.
- Investigate before towing:
- Risk scenario: A misaligned axle overheats a tire on interstate travel, leading to a blowout that tears the wheel well and underbelly, causing thousands in damage—not always covered by warranty if deemed “maintenance-related.”
Appliances and Component Quality
Refrigerators, water heaters, furnaces, and slide motors come from common suppliers across the RV industry. Owners report early failures on Palomino rigs, compounded by parts backlogs. While component failures are common industry-wide, buyers should expect them in lower to mid-price segments and budget time for service.
- Owner evidence:
- Expectation management: Have a plan to live without one or more systems for a stretch if you depend on dealer warranty work. Consider extended service plans carefully (compare exclusions) but prioritize proper PDI and inspection over insurance products.
Weight Ratings, Cargo Capacity, and Towing Safety
Owners of Columbus and Columbus River Ranch fifth wheels note heavy pin weights and limited cargo capacities once optional equipment is installed. Puma toy haulers can also carry deceptive cargo numbers that shrink after adding batteries, full propane, and water. Several reports describe overloading and poor tow stability when safety margins are not respected.
- Research and verify:
- Action item: Get a certified weight ticket with your exact unit and intended loading. Verify your truck’s payload and rear axle ratings. Many owners are surprised by real-world numbers. Learn more from industry watchdogs like Liz Amazing (search her channel for your model).
Dealer Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and Delivery Defects
Multiple owners report receiving Palomino units with obvious defects that should have been caught at PDI: inoperable GFCIs, incomplete caulking, missing screws, non-functioning slides, drawer slides not secured, and leaky plumbing connections. Many dealers are overwhelmed and push units out fast, leaving owners to discover issues on the first trip.
- Corroboration:
- Protect yourself: Never rush delivery. Take hours to test systems with water onboard, shore power connected, and propane open. Bring an inspector. If the dealer resists, reconsider the transaction.
Warranty, Service Delays, and Parts Availability
Warranty Approval Delays and Denials
Owners report delayed authorizations, requests for excessive photos/documentation, and disputes over whether an issue is “warranty” versus “maintenance.” Meanwhile, the unit sits unusable. Palomino’s limited warranty is typical of entry and mid-tier RVs, but enforcement friction can be high in busy seasons, and multi-supplier parts complicate claims.
- Evidence and reading:
Parts Backorders and Long Repair Times
Multiple owners describe months-long waits for proprietary trim pieces, slide motors, or body panels. During peak season, shops quote long lead times. This leads to canceled trips and, in some cases, storage fees while the RV sits at the dealer. Dealers sometimes tell owners to “camp with it until parts arrive,” which is not realistic if the defect is structural or safety-related.
Dealer vs. Manufacturer Ping-Pong
Owners often get stuck between a dealer claiming a factory defect and a manufacturer pointing to dealer setup or maintenance errors. This is especially common with slide alignment, sealant failures, and axle wear issues. The result is time and money lost as the consumer navigates bureaucracy.
- What to do:
- Document everything with photos and dated notes
- Escalate respectfully up the chain; consider certified letters
- Consult a state consumer protection office if the RV is unusable for extended periods
- Read similar cases:
Recalls and Safety Actions
Propane, Electrical, and Structural Recalls
Safety recalls affecting Palomino-branded units often appear in NHTSA under both Palomino and Forest River. Categories include LP system regulator defects, improperly routed lines, electrical shorts, awning and ladder attachment issues, and axle or suspension component concerns. Buyers should request a recall printout tied to the VIN and insist all repairs are completed before delivery.
- Official recall databases:
Delayed Recall Remedies
Owners frequently report scheduling frustrations after recall notices—dealers lacking parts or appointment slots for weeks. If a recall touches core systems (LP, brakes, axles), the RV may be unsafe to use while awaiting repairs. Ask your dealer in writing about remedy timelines and parts on-hand before you purchase.
- Research:
Legal and regulatory warnings for buyers and owners
Buyers should understand their legal rights and the potential consequences of unresolved defects:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal): Requires manufacturers to honor written warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty practices. If warranty service is unreasonably delayed or denied, you may have remedies. File complaints with the FTC or your state Attorney General if needed.
- State Lemon Laws: Some states extend lemon protections to RVs (varies by state and by motorized vs. towable). If your Palomino is in the shop for an unreasonable number of days or repeated attempts fail to fix a substantial defect, consult a lemon law attorney in your state.
- NHTSA Safety Complaints: Safety-related defects should be reported to NHTSA; a pattern of complaints can trigger investigations. Use the recall database above to check your VIN often.
- Binding Arbitration and Dispute Programs: Some warranty documents reference arbitration; understand whether you are waiving certain rights and what that process entails before you purchase.
- Implied Warranty Disclaimers: Dealers sometimes sell “as is” or limit implied warranties. Read every clause—especially for discounted or “show” units—and don’t accept delivery until repairs are in writing.
When defects are severe—water intrusion, structural failures, unsafe LP or electrical systems—document swiftly, give the seller and manufacturer an opportunity to cure, and consult counsel if the RV remains unusable. Have you pursued legal remedies? Share what worked.
Product and safety impact analysis
Reported defects carry real-world safety and financial risks:
- Water intrusion compromises structure and air quality. Long-term leaks lead to rot, mold, and delamination—often excluded from warranty if deemed “maintenance.” Financially, this can total a trailer years before you planned to replace it.
- Electrical/LP system issues present fire and asphyxiation hazards. Miswired outlets or faulty regulators can create catastrophic outcomes. Detectors can age out; check manufacturing dates and replace proactively.
- Chassis/axle misalignment causes tire blowouts and loss of control, particularly dangerous with long towables at highway speeds. Repairs post-blowout often exceed insurance deductibles and can sideline a unit for months.
- Slide mechanism failures can strand you with a partially extended slide and tow obstacles—forcing a roadside service call or risky manual retraction. Water intrusion risk rises with misaligned slides.
- Service delays lead to missed trips, campground cancellation fees, and emotional stress. Owners often store units at dealers waiting for parts while monthly loan and insurance payments continue.
These risks are not unique to Palomino, but owner reports suggest they appear frequently enough to justify heightened caution with this brand’s pre-delivery inspection and after-sale planning. For broader consumer advocacy and practical checklists, see Liz Amazing’s channel highlighting RV industry patterns.
Model-specific notes and recurring themes
Puma and Puma XLE Lite (Travel Trailers and Toy Haulers)
Complaints commonly reference water leaks at front caps and slide edges, trim detachment, and early tire wear. Toy hauler variants can be sensitive to cargo distribution; when loaded near capacity, handling can suffer. PDI and weight management are critical.
SolAire Ultra Lite and Expandables
Lightweight construction helps towing but increases reliance on perfect sealing and alignment. Owner narratives include roof seam maintenance needs, lightweight cabinetry working loose, and slide seal wind noise. Frequent inspections and gentle use pay dividends here.
PaloMini and Real-Lite Mini (select years)
Small ultralights have tight margins for hardware sizing. Owners report condensation, minor leaks, and cabinet fastener issues. Ensure proper ventilation and watch axle weights closely—overloading is easy with small cargo capacities.
Columbus and Columbus River Ranch (Fifth Wheels)
These are upscale Palomino lines, yet owner reports describe slide adjustment issues, cosmetic finish inconsistencies at delivery, and weight-related challenges (high pin weight, limited real cargo capacity once outfitted). River Ranch’s raised-basement design offers storage but adds mass and height—demanding tow vehicles with ample headroom in ratings.
Backpack and Real-Lite Truck Campers
Truck camper owners report recurring concerns about weight disclosures versus real-world loads, fastener pull-out in high-use cabinetry, and sealant upkeep at corner moldings. Soft-side (pop-up) variants need extra attention to canvas and seam care. Tie-down systems must be properly installed and torqued.
Signs of improvement and manufacturer responses
Palomino and Forest River have issued recalls and service bulletins addressing specific defects when identified, and dealers can complete these repairs at no cost to the consumer. Some owners note satisfactory factory support on straightforward claims and timely shipments for certain parts. Additionally, newer model years frequently incorporate supplier updates and incremental improvements that reduce failures of known-problem components.
However, the consistency of assembly quality and the post-sale service experience remain pain points in a meaningful number of public reviews. As with many RV brands in this price tier, it appears the onus is on the buyer to catch issues before delivery and to maintain rigorous aftercare, especially for sealants and weight management.
Protect yourself if you’re considering a Palomino
- Require an independent inspection before you fund the deal. Bring an inspector, not just a friend. Use: RV Inspectors near me. Make your offer contingent on the inspection report.
- Demand a written, VIN-specific recall clearance. Any open recalls should be remedied prior to delivery—confirm parts availability and book the repair date.
- Do a full-day PDI with utilities active. Fill tanks, pressurize plumbing, run AC/heat, test every outlet and appliance, extend/retract slides multiple times, and scan for moisture.
- Get a certified weight ticket before a long tow. Weigh truck and trailer together, confirm pin weight, and compare to ratings.
- Document everything. Photos, videos, and dated notes protect you if disputes arise. Keep all service receipts and correspondence.
- Research owner experiences. Read complaints and solutions across platforms:
- Google: Palomino RV complaints
- BBB: Palomino manufacturer/dealer entries
- YouTube: Palomino problem walkthroughs
- Also consider searching creator channels like Liz Amazing’s consumer advocacy for brand-specific insights.
If your dealer resists an inspection, that’s a red flag. Your leverage evaporates when you take possession, and many owners report being pushed to the back of the line for months once the check clears. Thinking of buying a Palomino? Ask questions in the comments.
Citations and research links you can use right now
- YouTube results: Palomino RV Problems
- Google results: Palomino RV Problems
- Better Business Bureau: Palomino
- Reddit r/rvs search: Palomino RV Problems
- Reddit r/RVLiving search: Palomino RV Problems
- Good Sam Community: Palomino RV Problems
- RVInsider: Palomino results
- NHTSA recalls: Palomino and Forest River
- PissedConsumer (search “Palomino RV” on-site)
- Google: Palomino RV Facebook Groups
What satisfied owners say—and where Palomino deserves credit
Objective reporting requires noting that some Palomino owners are satisfied, particularly when they find a diligent dealer or perform rigorous pre-delivery checks. Positive feedback often mentions floorplans that fit family needs, attractive price points compared to competitors, and reasonable towing characteristics in the lightweight ranges. In several cases, responsive dealers addressed defect lists quickly, and factory parts arrived within acceptable timeframes. Newer models occasionally incorporate hardware upgrades or improved seals based on prior-year issues.
Nonetheless, across the body of evidence, Palomino’s reputation is constrained by frequent QC misses and after-sale service friction. Buyers who prepare for these realities—through inspections, meticulous PDIs, and proactive maintenance—tend to report better outcomes.
Bottom line and buying recommendation
Palomino offers compelling layouts and prices across several segments, but owner-reported failures and service hassles are too common to ignore. The most serious concerns center on water intrusion, axle/suspension alignment, and electrical/LP safety; moderate but persistent issues appear in slides, plumbing, and cosmetic finish. Recalls exist and are sometimes delayed in remedy, and the dealer/manufacturer ping-pong reported by owners adds frustration and cost.
Our recommendation: Unless you are prepared to invest in a rigorous third-party inspection, a comprehensive PDI, and diligent aftercare, we cannot recommend Palomino as a first-choice brand today. Shoppers should consider alternatives with stronger QC reputations and documented service responsiveness, or negotiate hard—contingent on an independent inspection—to mitigate risk.
If you do move forward with Palomino, protect yourself through a binding, written we-owe for all defects found during PDI, and do not fund the deal until those items are resolved. Search for an inspector here: RV Inspectors near me. For additional consumer advocacy and checklists that help you catch issues, explore and search on Liz Amazing’s channel. And please share your ownership lessons below to help fellow shoppers.
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