Ours is a love hate relationship with our A213HW Rockwood 2018 bought Feb.2023 used have repaired 6 leaks finally dry have had some great trips finally dry
Sorry to hear that you’re another victim of Forest River and their cheap manufacturing and materials standards. How can they keep getting away with this?
I just traded my 1991 Mazda mx-5 for a 1998 Aline July 16,2024. Yeah! I can't wait to get started making it to fit me. I heard all the stories on RUclips about leaks and cracks. I have a plan to fix all that. There's so many fixer upper repair stuff you can buy these days.
@@capturereeladventure Thank you! I hope i picked out the right one. It's too late. I can't un do the deal...lol.... I have to move forward and get it worked out some how. I might have to live in this thing one day when i retire.
Thank goodness I sold it! No more trailers or RVs for us! Will be camping in the back of my truck when fishing and overlanding on my own where there is no one else around. We much prefer a nice lodge or hotel to noisy formal campgrounds.
Maybe the newer campers are poorer quality? I have a 2011 Rockwood A126 that I bought new. It’s been on both sides of Canada and the US. I haven’t had all these problems except the back window getting cloudy. I had it replaced but now thanks to this video I know what to do to make it clear again. 13 years and still going strong. I LOVE my A126 camper!!! ❤️
So many of the newer RVs are having issues, not just this unit. Cost savings that the manufacturer makes almost always relates to lesser quality. Glad that yours is holding up well!
I was filling the fresh water tank on my Palomino A-frame and it fell out! The anti-rotation bolts weren't installed on the hangers, and there aren't any safety straps. Tons of other issues too. I've owned over 20 RVs over the years and never had one I liked. They are all junk. I recently built a Wedge Camper for my truck and am quite happy with it. Looking forward to a van build in the future. Thanks for confirming my bias.
Thanks for commenting. The good ones are few and far between. Too bad less expensive has to always mean not just less quality but also far less reliability. Even the low end models still cost too much for the life they have in them before costly repairs start kicking in.
I had a Forest River high wall pop up it was the biggest piece of garbage I ever owned. I traded it in on a Forest River 22FBS travel trailer that was built like a tank. It amazes me two products from the same brand that are night and day different.
I just watched your video a little too late as I take delivery of a 2024 A213HW next week. I had to chuckle as I wanted an a-frame so I wouldn't have to repair another lift system failure. "What could go wrong with a hinged wall?" I thought naively. We'll see how it goes. I'm retired and reasonably handy so I think in 3 years it will look like a homebuilt after all the repairs🙄
Thanks for the comment! My recommendation with your trailer is to baby it or else you’ll have issues in short order like most who own one of these. Don’t take it on dirt roads if you can help it. They are cozy and practical for short trips. I did a 10 week, 9000 mile trip with mine last summer, way too long for such a small unit. Check out the video series on my channel! Episode three coming out soon. Best of luck with your new unit!
@philipgelsheimer5705 I'm interested in an update on your A213, as that's the model my wife and I are looking at getting in the near future; I really like the idea of independent twin beds that can convert into a large king when needed (and the hideaway cassette toilet). While it seems like QC might be a nightmare on these things, there is no comparable A-Liner equivalent for the A213 and maybe some proactive upfront investment might keep some of these issues at bay!
It's unfortunate that QC/build quality seems to be such an issue with these models, the newer A213 model is one my wife and I have our sights set on because of its sleeping arrangement not being offered in the higher quality A-Liner brand (dual twins that can convert into a large king). While these Rockwood/Flagstaff models are clearly a much lower-tier in quality to A-Liner, they are also substantially lower in price (in the $15k/40% cheaper range for comparable models). Do you think a proactive initial investment in some of these remedies from the outset might have changed your opinion of the camper? If I "save" $15k on the Rockwood model, but also make a ~$2k additional investment in fixing most of these weak points before they become problems, do you think it becomes a worthwhile product at that point?
You bring up an interesting point. Whether you make additional proactive improvements I would machine that it depends on where and how often you plan on taking your trailer out. I’m no expert on these units, I’ve only been able to share my experiences. The many other comments on this video clearly shows it is a lesser build quality than the Aliner, hence the increase in price. I suggest posting the same question to the various Aframe Facebook groups. This is where I believe you’ll get much more insight into whether your suggestion may be the right way to go. Good luck with your purchase. I hope the trailer serves you well. Thanks also for the comment. It’s really appreciated. 👍
What year was your camper? I have a Rockwood A-Frame and have had great luck with it except for the skylights which I replaced with Lexan Formed exactly like the originals and they were all bedded in butyl rubber and then taped with Ethernabond. It's a great camper!
Mine was a 2018. The skylights on Rockwoods are screwed in compared to the Aliner which is glued on and no screws. The holes drilled to allow the screws to hold down the bubble windows develop stress fractures which cause it to leak. They should do away with the bubble windows and not even have any in that location. There is plenty enough light coming in from the main windows anyway. Everyone who owns a Rockwood Aframe camper will develop leaks in these locations. Good luck with your camper and thanks for your comment! 👍
My goodness! I have a 5 year old Aliner Scout and have had zero problems with any of it...unless I don't level it right. By reading the comments this isn't just a one off for you. Hope you can find something else that you can actually enjoy time in.
Aliners have a much better build quality. Glad you’re not having g the same issues. Will be using the bed of my truck with the cap on the back for my backcountry roughing it trips, watch for those videos of amazing places and experiences coming this year! I’m also glad to be staying in lodges and hotels when I want some luxury. Cheers!
I have one of these campers it's a 2015 Forest River A122 I love it I take care of mine and keep it covered when not in use - the windows on yours are really jerry-rigged! Someone has run self tapping screws through the windows into the camper that's not factory no wonder it leaks - The lift support looks bad/stuck thats why it ripped out the side you can see all the corrosion on it + it's not fully extended - The hinge is just a big piano hinge that's such a easy fix don't keep cutting it as it comes out - also the door seals are not factory
@@capturereeladventure Which unit did you buy? so i don't buy one. Someone will buy it. I am using this Aliner for my job. I am getting tired of eating in my truck.
Good idea. The cost of owning and maintaining a trailer is hard to justify if you only use it a few times a year as most do. This is especially true on new trailer purchases and the fast depreciation they go through. When you factor in total cost of ownership after a trailer is sold and you divide that by how many times it’s been used, the daily cost of using that trailer is shockingly high in many cases. If you only plan on going out a handful of times a year then renting is by far the better option.
There were multiple layers of repairs done to these windows and would have taken a huge amount of time and effort. I decided a year after buying it that I would only own it only long enough to take me on a 14,000km/9000 mile journey up to the Yukon, NWT, and Alaska. Did the necessary repairs and recently sold it. Glad to get rid of it, just way too many issues. In fact it has sworn me off of rvs for the forerseeable future. Will go truckbed camping when I want to rough it. Cheers.
I’m always shocked to see how badly many RVs are treated by their owners. Certainly if you have more of a pride of ownership you are less likely to have issues. However it’s much easier to damage cheaply made RVs under normal usage.
Not too long ago, I was reading that Rockwood A Frame campers have poor build quality and not to buy them because you will have multiple issues. The Aliner brand are the original A Frame campers, they are well built and last for decades. I think you just bought the wrong brand. Glad you sold it!
Thanks for the comment. I wish I would have known about the Aliner quality difference before I bought mine. Very happy I sold it for more than I paid for it.
@@capturereeladventure I have owned two Aliner campers and both of them had the same leaking problem from the windows. Those plastic windows, develop micro cracks. It’s almost impossible to avoid leaks. That was the main reason we sold and moved to a more traditional travel trailer.
Depends on what you plan on doing with it. If you do any off-roading then a Four Wheel Camper is your best option. For a hard side the choices are endless. I do know buying used is a far better option than new. Good luck!
Ours is a love hate relationship with our A213HW Rockwood 2018 bought Feb.2023 used have repaired 6 leaks finally dry have had some great trips finally dry
Sorry to hear that you’re another victim of Forest River and their cheap manufacturing and materials standards. How can they keep getting away with this?
I just traded my 1991 Mazda mx-5 for a 1998 Aline July 16,2024. Yeah! I can't wait to get started making it to fit me. I heard all the stories on RUclips about leaks and cracks. I have a plan to fix all that. There's so many fixer upper repair stuff you can buy these days.
Good luck! You picked the right brand that’s for sure.
@@capturereeladventure Thank you! I hope i picked out the right one. It's too late. I can't un do the deal...lol.... I have to move forward and get it worked out some how. I might have to live in this thing one day when i retire.
Should have bought an Aliner. Much better built. Yes, every camper has issues but I think you hit the jackpot with that one.
Thank goodness I sold it! No more trailers or RVs for us! Will be camping in the back of my truck when fishing and overlanding on my own where there is no one else around. We much prefer a nice lodge or hotel to noisy formal campgrounds.
Maybe the newer campers are poorer quality? I have a 2011 Rockwood A126 that I bought new. It’s been on both sides of Canada and the US. I haven’t had all these problems except the back window getting cloudy. I had it replaced but now thanks to this video I know what to do to make it clear again. 13 years and still going strong. I LOVE my A126 camper!!! ❤️
So many of the newer RVs are having issues, not just this unit. Cost savings that the manufacturer makes almost always relates to lesser quality. Glad that yours is holding up well!
I was filling the fresh water tank on my Palomino A-frame and it fell out! The anti-rotation bolts weren't installed on the hangers, and there aren't any safety straps. Tons of other issues too. I've owned over 20 RVs over the years and never had one I liked. They are all junk. I recently built a Wedge Camper for my truck and am quite happy with it. Looking forward to a van build in the future. Thanks for confirming my bias.
Thanks for commenting. The good ones are few and far between. Too bad less expensive has to always mean not just less quality but also far less reliability. Even the low end models still cost too much for the life they have in them before costly repairs start kicking in.
I had a Forest River high wall pop up it was the biggest piece of garbage I ever owned. I traded it in on a Forest River 22FBS travel trailer that was built like a tank. It amazes me two products from the same brand that are night and day different.
Thanks for your comment. I scratch my head as to why their A-Frames are so poorly made and how they have gotten away with it.
I just watched your video a little too late as I take delivery of a 2024 A213HW next week. I had to chuckle as I wanted an a-frame so I wouldn't have to repair another lift system failure. "What could go wrong with a hinged wall?" I thought naively. We'll see how it goes. I'm retired and reasonably handy so I think in 3 years it will look like a homebuilt after all the repairs🙄
Thanks for the comment! My recommendation with your trailer is to baby it or else you’ll have issues in short order like most who own one of these. Don’t take it on dirt roads if you can help it. They are cozy and practical for short trips. I did a 10 week, 9000 mile trip with mine last summer, way too long for such a small unit. Check out the video series on my channel! Episode three coming out soon. Best of luck with your new unit!
@philipgelsheimer5705 I'm interested in an update on your A213, as that's the model my wife and I are looking at getting in the near future; I really like the idea of independent twin beds that can convert into a large king when needed (and the hideaway cassette toilet). While it seems like QC might be a nightmare on these things, there is no comparable A-Liner equivalent for the A213 and maybe some proactive upfront investment might keep some of these issues at bay!
It's unfortunate that QC/build quality seems to be such an issue with these models, the newer A213 model is one my wife and I have our sights set on because of its sleeping arrangement not being offered in the higher quality A-Liner brand (dual twins that can convert into a large king).
While these Rockwood/Flagstaff models are clearly a much lower-tier in quality to A-Liner, they are also substantially lower in price (in the $15k/40% cheaper range for comparable models). Do you think a proactive initial investment in some of these remedies from the outset might have changed your opinion of the camper? If I "save" $15k on the Rockwood model, but also make a ~$2k additional investment in fixing most of these weak points before they become problems, do you think it becomes a worthwhile product at that point?
You bring up an interesting point. Whether you make additional proactive improvements I would machine that it depends on where and how often you plan on taking your trailer out. I’m no expert on these units, I’ve only been able to share my experiences. The many other comments on this video clearly shows it is a lesser build quality than the Aliner, hence the increase in price. I suggest posting the same question to the various Aframe Facebook groups. This is where I believe you’ll get much more insight into whether your suggestion may be the right way to go. Good luck with your purchase. I hope the trailer serves you well. Thanks also for the comment. It’s really appreciated. 👍
What year was your camper? I have a Rockwood A-Frame and have had great luck with it except for the skylights which I replaced with Lexan Formed exactly like the originals and they were all bedded in butyl rubber and then taped with Ethernabond. It's a great camper!
Mine was a 2018. The skylights on Rockwoods are screwed in compared to the Aliner which is glued on and no screws. The holes drilled to allow the screws to hold down the bubble windows develop stress fractures which cause it to leak. They should do away with the bubble windows and not even have any in that location. There is plenty enough light coming in from the main windows anyway. Everyone who owns a Rockwood Aframe camper will develop leaks in these locations. Good luck with your camper and thanks for your comment! 👍
My goodness! I have a 5 year old Aliner Scout and have had zero problems with any of it...unless I don't level it right. By reading the comments this isn't just a one off for you. Hope you can find something else that you can actually enjoy time in.
Aliners have a much better build quality. Glad you’re not having g the same issues. Will be using the bed of my truck with the cap on the back for my backcountry roughing it trips, watch for those videos of amazing places and experiences coming this year! I’m also glad to be staying in lodges and hotels when I want some luxury. Cheers!
I have one of these campers it's a 2015 Forest River A122 I love it I take care of mine and keep it covered when not in use - the windows on yours are really jerry-rigged! Someone has run self tapping screws through the windows into the camper that's not factory no wonder it leaks - The lift support looks bad/stuck thats why it ripped out the side you can see all the corrosion on it + it's not fully extended - The hinge is just a big piano hinge that's such a easy fix don't keep cutting it as it comes out - also the door seals are not factory
I clearly bought the wrong unit. Glad I sold it. Hope yours continues to give you years of enjoyment. Thanks for the comment!
@@capturereeladventure Which unit did you buy? so i don't buy one. Someone will buy it. I am using this Aliner for my job. I am getting tired of eating in my truck.
After watching and reading all these damage stories I've decided to rent a trailer when the urge gets me.
Good idea. The cost of owning and maintaining a trailer is hard to justify if you only use it a few times a year as most do. This is especially true on new trailer purchases and the fast depreciation they go through. When you factor in total cost of ownership after a trailer is sold and you divide that by how many times it’s been used, the daily cost of using that trailer is shockingly high in many cases. If you only plan on going out a handful of times a year then renting is by far the better option.
Why didn't you remove the skylights and sealed them correctly?
There were multiple layers of repairs done to these windows and would have taken a huge amount of time and effort. I decided a year after buying it that I would only own it only long enough to take me on a 14,000km/9000 mile journey up to the Yukon, NWT, and Alaska. Did the necessary repairs and recently sold it. Glad to get rid of it, just way too many issues. In fact it has sworn me off of rvs for the forerseeable future. Will go truckbed camping when I want to rough it. Cheers.
Or buy a good quality travel trailer. Car camping is like being homeless.
A lot of people beat the crap out of these campers. Most if any problems we’ve had came from that.
I’m always shocked to see how badly many RVs are treated by their owners. Certainly if you have more of a pride of ownership you are less likely to have issues. However it’s much easier to damage cheaply made RVs under normal usage.
What's gonna replace it?
Will be truck camping for the foreseeable future. Creating a whole series of videos on that starting this summer.
The best way to take care of all the problems, SELL IT!!! Smart move!!!
Thanks! My dad told me years ago that the best two times he ever had with his motorhome was the day he bought it and the day he sold it. 😁
Were you in Arizona?
Haven’t been there in about 10 years.
Have someone else lift up and down on the wall while you push the hinge pin back in
Thanks for the suggestion! I've already sold the trailer so no longer able to try it. Will recommend it next time this comes up. Cheers.
Not too long ago, I was reading that Rockwood A Frame campers have poor build quality and not to buy them because you will have multiple issues. The Aliner brand are the original A Frame campers, they are well built and last for decades. I think you just bought the wrong brand. Glad you sold it!
Thanks for the comment. I wish I would have known about the Aliner quality difference before I bought mine. Very happy I sold it for more than I paid for it.
@@capturereeladventure I have owned two Aliner campers and both of them had the same leaking problem from the windows. Those plastic windows, develop micro cracks. It’s almost impossible to avoid leaks. That was the main reason we sold and moved to a more traditional travel trailer.
@@capturereeladventureAliner is just as bad or worse these A frame trailers are the worst way to camp so cheap k y built and overpriced.
what would You buy instead of this ...?
I’ve been truck camping since selling the aframe camper and it’s been great!
Any recommendations for small camers 1-2 people max . I have Lexus GX and camping inside it's not the option for me 😅
Depends on what you plan on doing with it. If you do any off-roading then a Four Wheel Camper is your best option. For a hard side the choices are endless. I do know buying used is a far better option than new. Good luck!
After buffing at the windows spray clear coat automotive on them
Great idea. Thanks!
Novus is used in aerospace.
Good to know. Thanks!
Wow it's unbelievable how many problems you have with that thing.
I’m so glad I sold it this spring! I fixed most of the issues and actually made money in the deal.
looks like all campers are junk , no quality control
Many of them are. There are exceptions from what I’m seeing online. More to come on that in the form of new videos reviewing better brands.