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Mike_Up's avatar
Mike_Up
Explorer
Mar 18, 2018

How's the quality of the new Rockwood Popups

I might be in the market for a 2018. Not sure if I'll keep my travel trailer or not.

I'm honestly sick and tired of all the upkeep and maintenance, and the high costs of these services. I'm dumping about $1,000 in preventive and maintenance costs per year, in addition to the expensive plates, and insurance costs. I figure I'd save about $1,500/year going back to a Pop Up and not have the inconveniences of appliances crappying out when they're needed the most.

Had issues with my refrigerator, water heater, and CO/Propane monitors that I all fixed myself after getting parts. If I had a shop do it, I could see the cost being around another $1,000 for everything.

In my area, only dealers are for Rockwood and Jayco. Not fond of the Jayco design and hate that the lift system is hidden in cabinets and such, where it can't be inspected and repaired easily.

Had a 2005 Rockwood 2290 and it was a huge piece of **** which Forest River offered almost no support while it was in warranty. I ended up trading it off to a Starcraft Pop Up within a year.

So I'm really not wanting either but I'm unwilling to drive 2 or 3 hours to buy another brand and get it serviced by that dealer if any warranty claims come up.

So I'm thinking about Rockwood but with major reservation and caution.

Thanks for you opinions.

22 Replies

  • Some things to consider.

    Construction and quality control has not improved since 2005. If anything it's worse.
    We ordered from Rockwood and refused to purchase t he particular unit shipped due to over 5K in factory defects. The 5K number was put together by the dealer and all approved by Rockwood. We opted for having another unit built which was much better, but far from perfect.

    Forest River has seen fit to no longer offer their optional 2nd year warranty under the guise of government regulation. Believe what you will. I for one am not buying the reason.

    Up until 2016 Rockwood listed 4 warranty/ service representatives. In 2016 despite increased sales they scaled that back to 1.

    Our 2017 Rockwood Roo is acceptable after 2 seasons worth of modifications and repairs done myself. If I wanted to jump through the hoops and wait times for warranty service It would of been in the shop more than our yard or the campground without a doubt.


    Talking or getting resolution with anything from Rockwood or Forest River is an exercise in frustration. Just having someone actually respond or return a call or email feels like a win. Don't expect much help however unless it's initiated and pushed by the dealer.

    We had a 2010 Palomino popup purchased new (also Forest River). It was perhaps a bigger POS than your 05 Rockwood and literally fell apart during the first season. Ended up dumping it too. I blame myself for going down the Forest River road again 7 years after with the Rockwood. I will not make that mistake again
  • My 2010 flagstaff 625d was a piece of garbage. I doubt the 2018 are any better. I saw first hand new Jayco camping last season and they were garbage.