REV Group RV Exposed: Leaks, Slide-Out & Electrical Failures, Parts & Warranty Delays

(Serious Concern)

Independent, third-party RV inspections protect your only leverage—before you sign and take delivery. Many owner reports across forums and complaint boards describe discovering major defects after the final check and payment, only to be told by the dealer that parts are on order and service bays are backed up for months. That delay can strand a brand-new coach at the dealership, forcing families to cancel paid reservations and lose entire seasons of camping.

• Book your own NRVIA-certified inspector or a reputable independent technician. Use this to find local options: Google search: RV Inspectors near me.
• Insist on a thorough Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) covering roof, slides, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliances, leveling, generator, and chassis. Don’t rush.
• Make any deal contingent on punch-list repairs being fully completed and verified by the inspector. If possible, hold back funds in escrow until the agreed items are resolved.

For a sense of what other buyers have experienced after skipping a third-party inspection, you can scan complaint volumes here:

• BBB search: Fleetwood RV
• BBB search: Holiday Rambler
• BBB search: American Coach
• BBB search: Renegade RV

(Serious Concern)

Across REV’s brands, many new owners report substantial cosmetic and functional defects at delivery: sloppy sealant, loose trim, missing fasteners, misaligned doors and slides, drawer glide failures, squeaks and rattles, and sawdust/debris left in cabinets and ducts. More serious issues include leaking plumbing connections, punctured wheel wells, and incomplete pre-delivery testing of systems.

• Search broader trends: Google search: Fleetwood RV Problems, Holiday Rambler Problems, American Coach Problems, Renegade RV Problems
• Scan owner reviews: RVInsider: Fleetwood RV Problems | Holiday Rambler Problems | American Coach Problems | Renegade RV Problems
• Forums show recurring punch-list items: Good Sam: Fleetwood RV Problems and RVForums.com (use forum search for brand + problems).

Consumer tip: refuse delivery if water intrusion or structural items are detected; cosmetic items can be fixed later, but leaks and misaligned slides often signal deeper workmanship issues.

(Serious Concern)

Owners frequently describe months-long waits for service authorization and parts fulfillment, with coaches sitting at dealers while summer and holiday trips are forfeited. Complaints cite unclear communication between dealers and factory, denied warranty claims for items believed to be covered, and limited access to factory service appointments.

• See complaint trajectories: BBB: Fleetwood RV | BBB: Holiday Rambler | BBB: American Coach
• Owner threads on delays: Reddit: Fleetwood warranty problems | Reddit: Renegade warranty problems

Because of these risks, a robust pre-delivery inspection by an independent pro is essential. Use: Find an RV inspector near you.

(Serious Concern)

Slide-outs are common points of failure. Owners report Schwintek-type systems binding or racking, hydraulic leaks on Lippert components, and slide floors that aren’t square to walls. Symptoms include uneven gaps, shuddering during extend/retract, and water intrusion at corners. Prolonged misalignment can chew flooring or damage gears.

• Owner complaints and tips: Good Sam search: Holiday Rambler slide problems, YouTube search: Fleetwood slide problems
• Check for recalls potentially touching slide failures via brand: NHTSA recalls: Fleetwood RV | Holiday Rambler

Buyer tip: Operate every slide multiple times during your PDI and water-test seams with a gentle spray. Reject delivery if a slide is out of square or leaking.

(Serious Concern)

Multiplexed control systems, 12V distribution, and inverter/charger setups appear repeatedly in complaints. Owners describe inoperative lights, shades, slides, jacks or HVAC that trace back to control modules and communication errors, blown fuses hidden behind panels, and intermittent GFCI trips. On luxury diesel coaches, multiplex glitches can immobilize critical systems (e.g., leveling and slide locks) and cascade into no-camp scenarios.

• Discussions and troubleshooting: Reddit: American Coach electrical problems | YouTube: Holiday Rambler electrical problems
• General multiplex issues across brands: Good Sam: Multiplex problems

Advanced electrical systems can be a selling point, but their complexity raises downtime risk if parts are backordered or diagnosis drags.

(Moderate Concern)

Gas Class A coaches on the Ford F53 chassis sometimes draw complaints about wandering, porpoising, and driver fatigue—often addressed with aftermarket steering stabilizers, sway bars, and shock upgrades. Diesel pushers on Freightliner chassis may face recall-related items (steering, suspension components) depending on year/model. Super C units (Renegade) on medium-duty chassis can have alignment and tire wear issues if not set up and weighted correctly.

• Investigate recall items by brand and chassis: NHTSA: Fleetwood RV | NHTSA: Renegade RV
• Owner handling threads: Reddit: F53 handling problems

Consumer note: Have ride height, alignment, and corner weights verified. Improper loading can exacerbate handling and braking issues.

(Serious Concern)

Water leaks are among the most damaging and expensive RV failures, and multiple REV brand owners report early-life leaks around roof penetrations, front/rear cap seams, marker lights, window frames, and slide wipers. Evidence includes soft subfloor, bubbling wall panels, musty odors, and delamination. Improper sealant application and rushed production can contribute.

• Leak complaint searches: Fleetwood water leak problems | Holiday Rambler water leak problems
• Videos documenting leak fixes: YouTube: Renegade water leak problems

Buyer tip: During PDI, insist on a water intrusion test and inspect every compartment, under-bed storage, and slide corners for moisture with a meter.

(Moderate Concern)

Common complaints include loose PEX fittings, poorly secured water pumps, cross-threaded drain traps, tank sensors that read falsely full/empty, water heaters that won’t stay lit, and LP system leaks detected by odor or bubble tests. On diesel pushers with hydronic heat, air locks and circulation issues are often cited after delivery.

• Community troubleshooting: Good Sam: American Coach plumbing problems | Reddit: Holiday Rambler plumbing problems
• For gas safety and appliance recalls, check: NHTSA: Holiday Rambler

Buyer tip: Perform bubble tests on LP connections during PDI and verify hot water and furnace operation on both electric and gas modes.

(Moderate Concern)

Reports include ducting obstructions that limit airflow, condensation around ceiling registers, and insufficient insulation leading to difficulty cooling in hot climates or heating in shoulder seasons. Some owners note excessive generator noise/vibration under load in gas Class A coaches due to inadequate sound isolation.

• HVAC complaints and fixes: YouTube: Fleetwood AC problems | Good Sam: Renegade AC issues

(Moderate Concern)

Full-body paint coaches draw complaints of clearcoat peeling, paint checking, and spider cracks—especially on darker colors exposed to sun. Compartment door misalignment and latch failures appear across multiple model families. Owners also cite fogging dual-pane windows that require resealing or replacement.

• Visual evidence on video: YouTube: American Coach paint problems
• Forums on gelcoat issues: Reddit: Holiday Rambler paint problems

(Serious Concern)

As with all large RV builders, REV’s brands have seen recurring recalls spanning seat belt anchorages, awning arm failures, LP regulator issues, steering/suspension components, and electrical routing concerns. Delayed notifications or remedy part shortages can prolong safety risks. Always cross-check the specific VIN for open recalls:

• NHTSA Recall Portal: Fleetwood RV
• NHTSA Recall Portal: Holiday Rambler
• NHTSA Recall Portal: American Coach
• NHTSA Recall Portal: Renegade RV

If remedy parts are unavailable beyond a reasonable time, document everything and escalate to NHTSA.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple owners across brands note disappointingly low Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) once water, fuel, passengers, and options are accounted for. Overloading axles or tires is a serious safety risk. Towing ratings are frequently misunderstood—hitch ratings do not equal coach towing capacity, which depends on Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and actual scaled weight.

• Discussions and examples: Reddit: Fleetwood CCC problems | Good Sam: Holiday Rambler towing

Buyer tip: Weigh the coach with full fuel, propane, water, and typical gear. Confirm remaining CCC on each axle. If needed, reconsider floorplans that save weight.

(Moderate Concern)

Marketing often touts “residential” amenities—quiet climate control, automated systems, and off-grid capability. Owners report that reality can fall short: undersized inverters, limited solar preps, HVAC noise, or insufficient battery capacity to support boondocking without frequent generator use. Automated features (auto-level, auto-gen-start) may require careful user configuration and can be erratic when upstream systems aren’t dialed in.

• Owner expectations vs. reality: YouTube: Fleetwood issues | RVInsider: Renegade RV problems

Consumer tip: Ask for a written build sheet. Verify inverter model, battery chemistry/capacity, and wiring diagrams against your intended use case.

(Serious Concern)

Consumer complaints often allege warranty denials, slow responses, and prolonged recall remedy delays. While allegations vary, the legal framework that applies to RV buyers is clear:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Requires clear, written warranties and prohibits certain deceptive practices. If a warrantor fails to repair defects after reasonable attempts, consumers may have remedies including recovery of attorney fees.
• State Lemon Laws: Some states cover motorhomes fully; others exclude the “living area.” Research your state’s statutes. Time and mileage limits apply, and repair attempts must be documented.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Implied warranty of merchantability may apply when a product is unfit for ordinary use; disclaimers vary by state.
• FTC Act: Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts; advertising claims must match actual performance. Consumers can submit complaints to the FTC if they believe marketing misled them.
• NHTSA: Safety defects and recall compliance fall under NHTSA. File a safety complaint if your issue poses risk to occupants or road users. Check open recalls: Fleetwood | Holiday Rambler | American Coach | Renegade RV.

If you believe warranty obligations weren’t honored, consult an attorney experienced in RV warranty and lemon law. Maintain meticulous records: dates, work orders, emails, and time out of service. Public complaint histories (BBB, Reddit, RVInsider) can support pattern evidence but are not substitutes for personal documentation.

(Serious Concern)

Reported defects and service failures carry both safety and financial implications:

• Water intrusion can compromise structural integrity (soft floors, wall delamination), promote mold, and drastically reduce resale value.
• Electrical/multiplex failures can disable critical functions like leveling, slides, and lighting—posing hazards during setup, travel, or emergency egress.
• Slide misalignment can damage floors, pinch wiring or seals, and allow water ingress during rain or while driving.
• Chassis handling deficiencies can contribute to driver fatigue, lane-keeping challenges, and increased braking distances. Incorrect tire pressures and overloading amplify risk.
• Parts delays leave owners stranded—sometimes with payments due on an inoperable coach—creating financial stress and trip cancellations.
• Recall remedy delays mean known safety issues remain unresolved. Owners should persistently check VIN status and push for interim safety guidance.

To ground your risk assessment in evidence, compare complaint volumes and themes across brands: BBB: Fleetwood, Holiday Rambler, American Coach, Renegade RV.

(Serious Concern)

Given the number of reported issues and the complexity of modern coaches, your best protections are process and documentation:

• Independent inspection prior to signing. Book early: Find an RV inspector near you.
• Demand a full-day, systems-on PDI with water, shore power, generator, and engine running. Operate every appliance and feature.
• Weigh the coach or at least review actual weight sheets. Verify CCC and towing numbers.
• Get warranty terms in writing. Clarify what’s covered by REV/brand, chassis OEM, and third-party component suppliers (e.g., appliances, jacks, electronics).
• Ask about parts availability timelines and which repairs the dealer’s shop is factory-authorized to perform.
• Escrow or written “we-owe” agreements for incomplete items; hold funds where legal until items are remedied.
• Record everything: photos, videos, dated punch lists, repair orders, and communications. This documentation is crucial for lemon-law or warranty claims.

(Moderate Concern)

If your coach is sidelined and progress has stalled:

• Escalate within the brand: service advisor → service manager → factory customer care.
• Open a formal BBB complaint to encourage a response trail: BBB: REV Group.
• File an NHTSA complaint if the issue is safety-related: check your VIN here first: NHTSA Fleetwood | NHTSA Holiday Rambler.
• Consult a lemon-law/warranty attorney; ask about fee-shifting under Magnuson-Moss.
• Document loss of use and out-of-pocket expenses. If applicable, explore credit card disputes or state attorney general consumer complaints.

(Moderate Concern)

Recurring out-of-service periods, water damage repairs, and paint or window corrections drive costs far beyond routine maintenance. Owners frequently report:

• Lost deposits and non-refundable campsite fees due to cancellations.
• Hotel and travel costs while the coach is in the shop.
• Rapid depreciation when early-life defects are disclosed to buyers or visible on inspection.
• Reduced buyer pool at resale for specific models with publicized issues.

Mitigation strategies include extended service contracts vetted for coverage limits, documented maintenance, and periodic professional inspections to catch small problems early.