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2014 Palomino 5th Wheel reviews

3.9 (9 reviews)
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Liveability
4.6
Overall quality
3.4
Floorplan
4.6
Driving/towing
4.3
Factory warranty
2.7

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9 ratings and reviews

Voted most helpful review

William Barrow

Pennsylvania

Reviewed on September 6, 2021

RV reviewed 2014 Palomino Columbus 365RL view listing

3.2
Proud owners of a 38 foot 5th Wheel. Purchased this baby new, and filled it with all the bells and whistles. What prompt me to write about my Columbus was one day this past summer, I was parked next to a Forest River River Stone Fifth Wheel. It is the luxury model although I considered the Columbus to be l... read more
Proud owners of a 38 foot 5th Wheel. Purchased this baby new, and filled it with all the bells and whistles. What prompt me to write about my Columbus was one day this past summer, I was parked next to a Forest River River Stone Fifth Wheel. It is the luxury model although I considered the Columbus to be luxury too. My first encounter with our first excursion was to our annual trip to the Florida Keys. At our very first stop, the fridge was found open and stuff on the floor. The Dometic double wide fridge uses plastic door locks. Found that if you stuff a sponge between the locks, fixes this problem. The next problem was the string LED lights on the awning. Failed. Ordered some higher rated LED's tape string and fixed that. After a month in the Keys, retracted the auto levelers (electric jack screws) and one if the tires were flat. Learned real and quick how to change the flat tire. The spare is mounted under the trailer and was fairly easy to get too. But, the winch and tire holder will not hold the regular Columbus tire. I now know how heavy the trailer tire is since I had to pick it up and put in the bed of my truck. Headed over to Sanibel Florida knowing there was an RV place I could get the tire repaired. The RV place called the next day and said that the tire and wheel was OK. The air valve stem is metal and the nut that holds it on place was loose. That prompted me to check the other wheels and yes, they too were loose but not enough to allow the tires to loose air. Easy fix. Heading back home to PA. Stopped in Jacksonville, FL at Flamingo RV Park, one if the nicest parks in Florida. Notice uneven wear on the driver side rear wheel on the Columbus. Need to keep an eye in this. Once back home and the Columbus was in driveway, checked the tire again. The inner part of the tire was bald. Made an appointment with a local RV dealer and they said the the torque on that wheel bearing was loose. Had all the bearings checked, repacked. Confidant that shakedown problem was resolved. Since that first outing we have made repeated long trips up to 2020. Little problems like leaking water in the bedroom AC unit. Fixed. AC fan motor failed on bedroom AC unit. Fixed ( only after two previous fixes were attempted before the motor was replaced). Central vacuum system failed. Manufacture wanted to replace the entire system because the failed control PCB was our of stock. Being an electronic engineer, I fixed it myself. Been good since. The wear on the tire did not stop. Changed tires to Goodyear Edurance. No help. Swapped wheels with other positions thinking a wrapped wheel. NOT. Then on a return trip on I 295 around Richmond, VA. (which no one should ever take) the roughness of the road made the truck and trailer rock several times. When I stopped In DC for the night I notice my trim on the overhang holding the pin box was slightly seperated. I can fix that too, maybe. Lived with the tire problem and trim problem another a few years until the summer of 2020. The tire wear suddenly accelerated and I had to change and rotate tires on that position three times. Now I am worried. And two of my four auto levelers jackscrews either fell apart or siezed up. Worked my way through that and had a good vacation. Made an appointment to the original dealer we purchased our Columbus. To make a long story short, cracked frame sections in the overhang. Axle is damaged. Jack screws worn badly. All four. So I read up on the River Stone luxuary model by Forest River. Many of the same problems with no attention to detail was reported by many write ups. Columbus is still in the shop. Still don't know if the trailer can be repaired. New axle and Jackscrews required.... Oh, I almost forgot that our gray water tank developed a leaked and filled up the belly of the trailer which has insulation. Cleaned that up, but I could never drive the trailer with any water in the tank or accidentally over fill it. Told to live with it. Too expensive to replace. Love My Columbus. Perfect interior layout. Even with the interior wall paper cringing and most of the drawers falling apart with wood screws too short to work. Yep, fixed that too. Remember this name. Forest River.
Livability
5.0
Overall quality
1.0
Floorplan
5.0
Driving/towing
3.0
Factory warranty/support
2.0
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Voted most helpful review

Bill

Arizona

Reviewed on May 1, 2021

RV reviewed 2014 Palomino Columbus 320RS view listing

4.8
This is a beautiful 5th wheel and tows like it is not even back there. Easy to setup and very comfortable. We have only used this for vacations and it fit our needs perfectly. Love this 5th wheel.... read more
This is a beautiful 5th wheel and tows like it is not even back there. Easy to setup and very comfortable. We have only used this for vacations and it fit our needs perfectly. Love this 5th wheel.
Livability
5.0
Overall quality
5.0
Floorplan
5.0
Driving/towing
5.0
Factory warranty/support
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

John M

Florida

Reviewed on December 15, 2019

RV reviewed 2014 Palomino Columbus 340RK view listing

4.8
We like this floorplan because you enter into the living room and not the kitchen. Secondly, with the 2 opposing slides it really opens up the living area. We bought this unit loaded out with the Voyager package and a stackable washer and dryer. Tows down the highway effortlessly. Quality is as good as th... read more
We like this floorplan because you enter into the living room and not the kitchen. Secondly, with the 2 opposing slides it really opens up the living area. We bought this unit loaded out with the Voyager package and a stackable washer and dryer. Tows down the highway effortlessly. Quality is as good as the more expensive units out there (Redwood, Mobile Suites, Cross Creek, etc).
Livability
5.0
Overall quality
4.0
Floorplan
5.0
Driving/towing
5.0
Factory warranty/support
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

John M

Florida

Reviewed on November 12, 2019

RV reviewed 2014 Palomino Columbus 340RK view listing

4.8
We purchased this unit based on 3 important factors: 1) Floorplan 2) Name 3) Weight This floorplan offers the optimum space for the size of unit. It is very open, and when you enter you do not enter into the kitchen/ Instead, you enter into the living room which is large with the 2 opposing slides. ... read more
We purchased this unit based on 3 important factors: 1) Floorplan 2) Name 3) Weight This floorplan offers the optimum space for the size of unit. It is very open, and when you enter you do not enter into the kitchen/ Instead, you enter into the living room which is large with the 2 opposing slides. The name Columbus, manufactured by a division of Forest River, is a quality built unit for the price. We have had 2 small issues which the factory resolved without a hassle. Lastly the weight is 11,800 unloaded with cargo capacity of 3000 pounds. This allows for a washer and dryer to be added without sacrificing carrying your clothes and other camping equipment. It tows like it is not even behind you. Would recommend unit
Livability
5.0
Overall quality
4.0
Floorplan
5.0
Driving/towing
5.0
Factory warranty/support
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Karl Lester

Washington

Reviewed on July 13, 2019

RV reviewed 2014 Palomino Columbus 320RS view listing

3.2
We purchased our Columbus in October 2014, at the time we did not realize the amount of work we would have to have completed prior to use. Our trailer spent 8 of the first 12 months in the shop being repaired. When it was repaired we had to return numerous times as it was not repaired properly. This is the... read more
We purchased our Columbus in October 2014, at the time we did not realize the amount of work we would have to have completed prior to use. Our trailer spent 8 of the first 12 months in the shop being repaired. When it was repaired we had to return numerous times as it was not repaired properly. This is the list of repairs, could not even enjoy the trailer for the first year. Hole on slide out weld by door Door does not shut properly Blind in bedroom towards front slides down by itself Heater casing bent not installed properly Bracket for Ac not installed properly Curtain in living room installed crooked Holes in bedroom wall on Karl's side Curtain hook broken on Karl's side Front of shower pan leaks that holds the glass doors (rail) Plug in - in bathroom crooked not installed properly Kitchen sink door does not shut Fenders are cracking and breaking by screws Brake system on trailer locking up Slide in for living room scratching the floor Refrigerator not working on LP gas Fenders are cracking Gas makes funny noise when going into trailer Leveling system board broken
Livability
4.0
Overall quality
2.0
Floorplan
3.0
Driving/towing
5.0
Factory warranty/support
2.0
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Voted most helpful review

scott ostrom

California

Reviewed on January 24, 2018

RV reviewed 2014 Palomino Columbus 365RL view listing

3.2
We purchased a custom ordered 75K 2014 Columbus 5th wheel. At a later date we purchased a washer/dryer combo and had it installed. First use of the wash/dryer flooded the entire bedroom. It turns out the drain line was improperly installed in the holding tank causing the problem. after three months of phone ... read more
We purchased a custom ordered 75K 2014 Columbus 5th wheel. At a later date we purchased a washer/dryer combo and had it installed. First use of the wash/dryer flooded the entire bedroom. It turns out the drain line was improperly installed in the holding tank causing the problem. after three months of phone calls, emails and texting, they have finally agreed to cover the labor, but not the parts to fix the problem. On a 75k purchase they what $44 for ABS plastic they installed improperly. That’s a bad choice for a purchase like this. They have no concept of customer service. Secondly, exposing the holding tank also exposed the water heater and it was also improperly installed. One of the hose clamps was not tightened down and the line has been dripping since day one. Since it was an enclosed system nobody could tell it was leaking. The water heater is rusting out and because of the time that has passed Forrest River claims it’s not their problem. They installed it improperly in the beginning and THEY should make it right. Customer service should include some customer service. This, again, seems to be a reoccurring theme with Forrest River.
Livability
4.0
Overall quality
4.0
Floorplan
4.0
Driving/towing
3.0
Factory warranty/support
1.0
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Voted most helpful review

john vincent

Texas

Reviewed on July 18, 2017

RV reviewed 2014 Palomino Sabre 33CKTS view listing

4.6
Great full time RV for 2 people.. Had a couple recalls, however were fixed quickly and all is fine. Pulls great with 3/4 ton truck. Many extra items are standard. Fireplace keeps the unit warm when temp falls to 40 degrees.... read more
Great full time RV for 2 people.. Had a couple recalls, however were fixed quickly and all is fine. Pulls great with 3/4 ton truck. Many extra items are standard. Fireplace keeps the unit warm when temp falls to 40 degrees.
Livability
4.0
Overall quality
4.0
Floorplan
5.0
Driving/towing
5.0
Factory warranty/support
5.0
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JR

Washington

Reviewed on May 4, 2016

RV reviewed 2014 Palomino Sabre 35QSIK view listing

2.6
This rv has had many problems. After I got it home the fresh water tank was falling out because brackets had not been properly installed, am/fm antenna had blown off and damaged the roof. Found leaks in three of four slides. The ceiling fan was sagging, leaks in the front cap, and from grey tanks and a lot of... read more
This rv has had many problems. After I got it home the fresh water tank was falling out because brackets had not been properly installed, am/fm antenna had blown off and damaged the roof. Found leaks in three of four slides. The ceiling fan was sagging, leaks in the front cap, and from grey tanks and a lot of poor finish work. After a couple of months of fighting with factory they towed it back to Indiana and they repaired most of the 50+ items. Got it back had water on floor from slide leak, ceiling still sagging and front cap still leaking. Took it into local dealership they attempted to repair more items. Got it back and rear slide had torn up the floor. Now unit has an electrical issue, lights on all the time, slide wall de-lamination, doors that don't open or close properly, outside storage compartment pulling away from the wall and many more issues. Taking it back into the dealership with another laundry list of repair items. The bottom line is I have had this unit close to a year and it has either been in the shop or had a major issue the entire time. Every time I use it I find more issues. The factory has promised reparations for the time it has been unusable but that doesn't make up for time lost.
Livability
4.0
Overall quality
2.0
Floorplan
4.0
Driving/towing
3.0
Factory warranty/support
0.0
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Voted most helpful review

Husni Sayed

California

Reviewed on June 25, 2015

RV reviewed 2014 Palomino Columbus 385BH view listing

4.0
We bought this outstanding RV new in 2014. We lived in it for 1 year. It has been great. We have had no major problems with it. We recommend this RV to anyone. We love it.... read more
We bought this outstanding RV new in 2014. We lived in it for 1 year. It has been great. We have had no major problems with it. We recommend this RV to anyone. We love it.
Livability
5.0
Overall quality
5.0
Floorplan
5.0
Driving/towing
5.0
Factory warranty/support
0.0
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