Palomino-Traverse RV Exposed: Leaks, Delamination, Axle/Tire Failures & Warranty Delays

Introduction: What to Know About the Palomino Traverse Before You Buy

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Palomino RV, a division of Forest River, markets the “Traverse” nameplate as a budget-friendly, adventure-leaning line intended to give first-time and value-focused buyers a gateway into RV camping. On paper, that promise is compelling: light weight, attractive pricing, and popular family floor plans. In practice, owner reports across forums, BBB complaints, Reddit threads, and YouTube testimonials suggest inconsistent quality control, slow warranty service, and recurring component failures that can derail trips and drain wallets. This report consolidates those patterns so shoppers can make informed decisions and avoid preventable risks.

Before diving in, review owner accounts and third-party evidence directly. Start with these research portals and searches tailored to this specific model:

• YouTube: Palomino Traverse Problems
• Google: Palomino Traverse Problems
• BBB Search: Palomino Traverse
• Reddit r/rvs: Palomino Traverse Problems
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Palomino Traverse Problems
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Palomino Traverse Problems
• NHTSA Recall Portal: Palomino Traverse
• RVInsider: Palomino Traverse owner reviews
• Good Sam Community: Palomino Traverse discussions
• RVForums.com (use search for “Palomino Traverse”)
• RVForum.net (search “Palomino Traverse Problems”)
• RVUSA Forum (search for Palomino Traverse)
• PissedConsumer (then search for “Palomino Traverse” or “Palomino”)

For a broader perspective on industry-wide quality and dealer behavior, see Liz Amazing’s investigative RV channel and search her videos for the model you’re considering. She routinely exposes warranty pitfalls and delivery issues that mirror many Traverse owner complaints.

Want to add your voice? Tell other shoppers what you experienced.

Join Owner Communities Early

To hear unfiltered experiences, join multiple owner groups and read of months-long repair waits, water intrusion, and repeated trips to the dealer for basic fixes. While Facebook groups are invaluable for day-to-day troubleshooting, we do not link directly to Facebook. Instead, use this Google search and request to join multiple groups for cross-checking claims:

• Search: Palomino Traverse Facebook Groups

Also consider searching for “Palomino Traverse” on general RV forums listed above. You’ll often find model-agnostic advice that still applies (sealant checks, axle alignment, converter failures) and threads where owners of similar Palomino lines report recurring issues.

Strong Advice: Arrange a Third-Party Inspection Before You Take Delivery

If you take one action from this report, make it a comprehensive independent inspection. A certified mobile inspector can identify leaks, miswired components, frame and axle issues, soft floors, and incomplete dealer prep before your signature removes your leverage. Owners frequently report cancelled camping trips because their RV gets stuck at the dealer for weeks or months waiting for warranty approval and parts after money has changed hands.

• Search for certified inspectors near you: RV Inspectors near me
• Put your inspection findings in writing and require the selling dealer to remedy items before final payment.
• Don’t accept “We’ll fix it after you take it home.” That removes your strongest leverage and often leads to long waits.

To see how others document defects at delivery, search owner videos and checklists: YouTube: Palomino Traverse pre-delivery issues. Also review industry watchdog content such as Liz Amazing’s RV delivery and inspection tips.

Patterns of Complaints and Defects Reported by Owners

Below are recurring problem areas cited by owners across reviews and forums. Each heading includes a risk rating based on severity and frequency patterns seen in owner testimonies and general industry data for similar builds.

Water Intrusion: Roof, Front/Rear Caps, Windows, and Seals

Water intrusion is the number one value-killer in towables. Reports for Palomino units (including Traverse-branded offerings referenced in owner discussions) describe early sealant failures and poorly seated windows. Symptoms include damp cabinetry, bubbling wallboard, swollen floors near slides or bathrooms, and staining where roof accessories penetrate the membrane.

• Search evidence: Palomino Traverse Water Leaks
• Owner forums and reviews: RVInsider: Palomino Traverse issues
• General threads on sealant failure: Reddit r/rvs search results

Typical narrative: “We found soft spots in the floor under the front bed within months,” or “Dealer resealed twice; still leaks around the clearance lights.” Even when not model-specific, Palomino/Forest River leak threads provide a cautionary roadmap of what to check. Inspectors routinely find:

• Inadequate sealant at roof-term transitions and around roof fixtures
• Misaligned window frames and unseated butyl tape
• Poorly sealed slide-room toppers and wiper seals

Have you encountered leaks with your Traverse? Share details for other shoppers.

Slide-Out Systems: Alignment, Racking, and Seal Damage

Where applicable, owners describe slides binding, tearing bulb seals, or going out of square—often within the first season. An out-of-alignment slide can cause water intrusion, floor gouging, and even mechanical failure if the motor is strained. Reported fixes vary from dealer lubrication and adjustment to replacement of damaged seals.

• Search: Palomino Traverse Slide-Out Problems
• Community troubleshooting: Good Sam Community: Slide-out tips

Before signing, cycle each slide multiple times. Look for hesitation, uneven travel, and daylight at seals. Insist on adjustments before delivery.

Axles, Tires, and Suspension: Blowouts and Alignment

Owners across multiple Palomino lines (and budget trailers industry-wide) report under-spec’d tires, poor alignment, and premature axle wear. Blowouts and irregular tread wear increase crash risk and often damage fenders or underbelly insulation. We see repeated accounts of “China bomb” tire failures within the first year.

• Search: Palomino Traverse Tire/Blowout Problems
• Recall lookup: NHTSA Palomino Traverse recalls search

Consider upgrading to higher load-rated tires, adding a TPMS, and getting a professional alignment and scale weighing to confirm realistic cargo carrying capacity (CCC) versus marketing claims.

Electrical System and 12V/120V Integration

Complaints include miswired outlets, tripped GFCIs, converters failing early, and 12V issues causing fridges or water pumps to cut out. Off-grid marketing (solar prep or small solar kits) often fails to match real owner expectations; a single panel or limited controller capacity may be insufficient for boondocking.

• Search: Palomino Traverse Electrical Problems
• YouTube owner fixes: Electrical troubleshooting videos

Have an inspector perform load tests, polarity checks, and confirm proper breaker labeling before delivery. Ask for documentation on any solar controller and battery type included. For insight into what “off-grid” really requires, see investigative breakdowns by Liz Amazing explaining RV power systems and expectations.

Plumbing Leaks and Tank Issues

Multiple owners report PEX connections loosening during travel, shower pans not properly supported, and low-point drains or tank sensors malfunctioning. Fresh-water tank straps and venting can fail, leading to misreads or splash-out when traveling with water on board.

• Search: Palomino Traverse Plumbing Problems
• Community how-tos: Reddit: plumbing fix threads

Inspect every visible connection for drips. Run the pump for 15+ minutes to pressure hold. Fill and drain tanks at the dealership to confirm no leaks and that sensors register accurately.

Fit, Finish, and Interior Durability

Owner reviews frequently mention staples popping, trim separating, crooked cabinet doors, rough cuts in openings, and thin fascia that scuffs easily. While cosmetic, these are early indicators of rushed assembly and poor quality control. In some cases, poor cabinetry anchoring becomes a safety issue during travel.

• Owner accounts: RVInsider: Palomino Traverse build quality
• General examples: Fit-and-finish complaints

Delamination and Exterior Skin Issues

Reports of early delamination—wavy sidewalls or bubbling—often point to water intrusion or adhesive failures. If not addressed, structural integrity and resale value drop sharply. Inspect sidewalls in bright, angled light and run a moisture meter in suspect areas.

• Search: Palomino Traverse Delamination
• Forums discussing causes and remedies: RVForums.com

Experienced delamination? Help others by describing your repairs.

Doors, Windows, and Entry Steps

Owners complain of sticky compartment doors, misaligned entry doors that require slamming, window latches that don’t seat, and steps that flex. These small misses add up and are basic indicators of sloppy PDI (pre-delivery inspection) at the dealer.

• Search: Palomino Traverse door/window problems

Insist the dealer adjust, lubricate, and correct all latches and hinges before sign-off. Document with photos.

Appliances: Refrigerators, Water Heaters, and Furnaces

Appliance failures are common across budget trailers regardless of brand due to shared suppliers. Owners report fridges not cooling on 12V/propane, water heaters cycling or failing to ignite, and noisy furnaces. These are warranty items, but long parts wait times can leave you without hot water or refrigeration for weeks.

• Search: Fridge and appliance complaints
• Community fixes: Good Sam: appliance troubleshooting

LP Gas System Leaks and Regulator Issues

LP leaks are infrequent but high-risk. Reports include overly sensitive or failing regulators, quick-connect fittings that seep, and appliances not receiving steady pressure. Always perform a bubble test on delivery and request documentation of a recent LP system pressure/leak test from the dealer.

• Search: Palomino Traverse propane/LP issues

Weight, Payload, and “Off-Grid” Claims

Several owners across Palomino lines describe real-world cargo capacity that’s tighter than expected and “off-grid” marketing that doesn’t match actual energy needs. A minimal solar panel, single battery, and small inverter won’t sustain fridge, furnace, or A/C off-grid. Underestimating weight and power needs can cause unsafe towing and trip-ending power shortages.

• Search: Weight and payload discussions
• Power system reality checks: Liz Amazing on RV power and expectations

Warranty Service and Dealer Backlogs

Multiple owners describe long waits for parts and repair authorization, limited dealer willingness to repair units not purchased locally, and repeated trips for the same unresolved issues. This is a known pain point across many mass-produced RV lines, but it’s crucial to account for it when assessing total ownership experience.

• Check BBB patterns: BBB search for Palomino Traverse
• General owner experiences: Warranty complaint search results

One recurring scenario: an owner returns from their first trip with a punch list of defects, only to face a multi-month wait, missed vacations, and out-of-pocket costs for storage or alternate lodging. This is why pre-delivery repairs and an independent inspection are critical. Also consider searching “holdback” or “we-owe” agreements to retain leverage until repairs are complete.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Based on complaint patterns, buyers should be aware of the following rights and potential remedies:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal): Protects consumers from deceptive warranty practices and requires manufacturers to honor written warranties. Keep meticulous records of defects and attempts to repair.
• State UDAP (Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices) laws: If you can document misrepresentation (e.g., features not present, capacity claims not met), you may have recourse under state consumer protection statutes.
• Lemon Laws: Some states include towable RVs; others exclude them. Even if excluded, breach of warranty claims may still apply. Consult a consumer protection attorney familiar with RV cases in your state.
• NHTSA Safety Defects: Trailers and their components fall under NHTSA oversight. If you suspect a safety defect (brakes, axles, tires, LP system), file a report and search for recalls: NHTSA Palomino Traverse.
• FTC Warranty Rules: Sellers cannot require you to use specific service centers or branded parts to keep a warranty valid unless they supply them for free. Beware of warranty language that conflicts with FTC rules.

Escalation steps if repairs stall:

• Send a certified letter to the manufacturer and dealer with your punch list and deadlines.
• File a BBB complaint to create a public record of unresolved issues: BBB Search: Palomino Traverse.
• Consider small claims or mediation for clear warranty violations.

Have you pursued legal remedies? Your experience can help others.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

When the above defects converge, they expose owners to real safety hazards and financial risks:

• Water intrusion leads to rot, mold, and structural weakness, which can reduce resale value by thousands and pose health risks.
• Axle/tire issues can cause dangerous blowouts and loss of control, especially at highway speeds.
• Electrical faults and miswired appliances risk fire and can leave you stranded without power, refrigeration, or heat.
• LP gas leaks are rare but potentially catastrophic; confirm leak tests and regulator performance before delivery.
• Slide-out misalignment can cause pinch points, floor damage, and water ingress.

If any official recall applies to your VIN, schedule repairs immediately. Delayed recall service increases risk and may complicate future claims. Search NHTSA and document all contact attempts with the selling dealer and manufacturer.

Cost Exposure: What Owners Report Paying Out-of-Pocket

Even with a warranty, many owners pay for third-party diagnostics, storage, or interim fixes to salvage trips. Common out-of-pocket expenses include:

• $300–$700 for independent inspection pre- or post-delivery
• $600–$1,200 for tire upgrades and TPMS installation
• $150–$500 for resealing and moisture mitigation
• $300–$900 for suspension alignment and bushing upgrades
• $800–$3,000 for meaningful solar/battery upgrades to match off-grid expectations

Budget for these contingencies if you proceed with a Palomino Traverse purchase.

Documented Improvements and Mixed Owner Feedback

Some owners of newer units report smoother delivery experiences and fewer early defects, suggesting efforts to tighten quality control. Dealers also vary: a conscientious dealer PDI can catch many problems before you arrive. That said, improvements are inconsistent, and the weight of public complaints still leans toward significant early repair lists and long service queues.

• Compare experiences by model year on review portals: RVInsider: Palomino Traverse
• Search owner videos that detail what’s changed and what hasn’t: YouTube results

For a blunt, consumer-first perspective on claims vs. reality, explore Liz Amazing’s videos examining RV quality and dealer practices, and search her channel for the model you’re considering.

Pre-Purchase Checklist: How to Protect Yourself

• Independent inspection: Schedule it and be present if possible. Search: RV Inspectors near me
• Demand a thorough dealer PDI: Operate every appliance and system; fill and drain tanks; test slides; run A/C and heat; verify fridge on all modes.
• Moisture check: Use a meter; inspect corners, under beds, around windows, and inside pass-through compartments.
• Underbody and axle: Check spring hangers, shackles, equalizers, and look for uneven tire wear.
• Electrical: Verify battery type, converter output, GFCI functionality, and label accuracy at the breaker panel.
• LP system: Request documented pressure/leak test and observe a live bubble test of lines and fittings.
• Paper trail: Photograph serial numbers, VIN, and key systems; request all manuals and wiring/plumbing schematics if available.
• Leverage: Withhold final payment until all punch list items are fixed and verified.

What did your pre-delivery inspection reveal? Post it for future buyers.

Where to Verify and Cross-Check Owner Experiences

• Google: Palomino Traverse Complaints
• BBB: Pattern of complaints
• Reddit r/rvs Search
• RVInsider Reviews
• YouTube: Owner walk-throughs and defect lists

Bottom Line and Buying Recommendation

The Palomino Traverse appeals on price and features, but public owner reports consistently raise red flags around water intrusion, quality control, electrical and plumbing reliability, and slow warranty support. These issues are not unique to Palomino—many mass-produced towables share similar weaknesses—but the weight and consistency of complaints should inform your risk calculus. If you proceed, assume you’ll spend additional time and money on inspections, sealant maintenance, tire/suspension upgrades, and possibly electrical improvements to meet your camping style.

Given the persistent, verifiable patterns of defects and service delays reported by owners and reflected in forum threads, BBB complaints, and review portals, we cannot confidently recommend the Palomino Traverse at this time. Shoppers should compare alternatives with stronger build reputations and proven support, and only consider a Traverse if a third-party inspection and dealer remediation are completed in full prior to delivery.

Help strengthen this report with first-hand accounts—good or bad. Add your experience to inform other buyers.

Comments

What did you encounter with your Palomino Traverse? Post your delivery punch list, repair timeline, warranty outcomes, and any successful fixes to help the next shopper make an informed decision.