First hand Palomino/Forest River TC opinions?

Mike008 wrote:


I would hope so. I just hold some reservations about Forest River build quality after stumbling on this site: http://forest-river.pissedconsumer.com/

You have to remember that any forum devoted to angry customers is going to appear "scary". Obviously the majority of people posting there are unhappy - the folks who have NO problems aren't looking for a place to vent. Back to my problem-free motorhome - it was a Gulf Stream. LOTS of people on the RV.net site would spit venom about that company, too....LOL!

While the high-priced campers probably need less maintenance due to quality manufacturing; it's not to say you can't have years of trouble-free camping with a lesser brand.

Deb and Ed M wrote:

In your case, if you start with a sound camper, it should surely stay that way?

I would hope so. I just hold some reservations about Forest River build quality after stumbling on this site: http://forest-river.pissedconsumer.com/

Mike008 wrote:
I'm not too worried about issues with the appliances or trim. I'm more concerned about structural issues and leaks. I'm going to store whatever I end up with under a carport and will probably only use it a day or 2 at a time a few times a year.

Mike.

Our motorhome had always been stored indoors - and when we sold it 10 years after we bought it - it looked like new. If I was going to buy a used RV, I'd rather have someone's "baby" that was stored inside, than an expensive RV that had spent its life exposed to harsh weather.

You should be able to view all the tiedown points from the inside; and maybe the leg/jack connections? In the case of my camper, the curbside rear tiedown (located in the LP gas compartment) looked like it had been wet a few times - NOT rotted, but the wood was "wavy", so I added a steel reinforcing plate to the inside, just in case.

In your case, if you start with a sound camper, it should surely stay that way?

That's exactly how I use mine. This year I spent exactly NINE nights in my camper. I can't justify spending $20,000 or more for what little use I get out of the camper.

I'm not too worried about issues with the appliances or trim. I'm more concerned about structural issues and leaks. I'm going to store whatever I end up with under a carport and will probably only use it a day or 2 at a time a few times a year.

Mike.

As someone who bought a new entry-level Class C for $4495.00 and had 10 years of problem-free fun with it; and now owns a 20-yr-old Palomino Bronco 1200.... as long as you do regular checks and a bit of maintenance, the less-expensive brands certainly don't scare me.

I have a 2015 Popup model.
its my second camper from Palomino
mKirsch and I are the only ones on the net that seem to like them.
I second every thing he says
It has good appliances but the QC leave something to be desired.If you don't mind taking care of the small jobs its OK,After my first desert trip had to seal a gap in the front.

While I can't comment on the 2010-up models, I can say that if I were in the market for a replacement for my 2000 model, I would probably look at another Palomino Backpack or Real-Lite.

Mine has served its purpose and doesn't seem to be deteriorating at all with use.

On the possibility of leaks, I can only suggest that you start out ahead of the leaks and stay ahead of them. Don't trust that your brand new camper came from the factory completely weather tight; even the expensive high-end campers aren't 100%. Go over every seam and protrusion with a fresh tube of Dicor when you get the camper home, closely inspect the caulk annually, and consider scraping and replacing every 2 years.