Power Wagon Camper Part 9. New Palomino SS-1251 Worth Buying? 1st Impressions & Build Quality Issues

[@WB-uk9gq]

Can’t wait to see you get out in that camper. You give some very good advice, especially about the fuses as you may remember I wrote you before I bought the SS 500 for my power wagon while it was in my driveway, everything seem to be working good with the exception of the solar. I have two solar panels and two batteries and it wouldn’t run the refrigerator for more than six hours without draining everything to go further before we took it out for the first time, after raising and lowering the roof, I noticed the left hand corner wasn’t completely up. I didn’t think much of it. Long story short we took it out locally once again, and very much more noticeable the left hand side of the camper front side would not go all the way up, while packing up, the right side front would not go all the way down, and while we were out, we noticed that heater would kick on by itself run for a little while and turn off even with the thermostat turned off… so we got it back home. I called the dealership, explain the heater , charging and roof problems. Of course they told me to bring it in but now all the time putting go down at all all you would hear is a clicking while trying to lower the roof I switch to plugs around and I was able to get the roof partially down. She turn off to drive an hour to leave the dealership they told me I could’ve put the roof down manually the problem with that is you never supply the tool to do it it’s basically a number three square bit. With an attachment that you can fit in a drill, I recommend looking through your bag that came with your camper along with the paperwork to make sure you have that attachment in case you ever need it after speaking to a couple of other people that heater problem seems to be a major complete, I’ve seen a lot of people add a digital thermostat to rectify it The camper has now been in service for going on two weeks and I still have heard nothing. That’s one bad thing about buying a camper their is no lemon law. Once you pay for it, you’re stuck with it now. I can understand having a problem or two but I have a list of problems that I have and I didn’t even mention all of them I’m totally beside myself you would think not even being a month old they would just replace it with a new one and deal with the company and themselves but that’s not the case I’m basically at their mercy to do the patchwork and I have a feeling I’m going to be doing a lot more work myself. I am definitely gonna look into those fuses that you have, and make sure that the actuators that lift the roof are lubed. I hope you don’t face any of my problems. I will get back to you and let you know how it is once I get the camper back I can tell you and my camper is much lighter than yours. Besides the shock up grades I also installed timberline the ones that know where is the factory bump stops go they felt OK but I was getting some roll so since the camper is been off the truck, I took some more of your advice and put the super springs on. I can’t wait to see how they feel. I have some can’t wait to see how yours handles with your upgrades speak to you soon. God bless.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Sorry to hear about all the issues. Besides those I already mentioned in the video, I haven't had any more problems. Everything's working as it should, although I'm concerned that the roof motors work really hard to get the roof up. I do have a couple of the square bits and drill that I keep in the camper in case I need to actuate the roof manually. It's a must have. I'm really happy with the way the truck handles, and will discuss this in an upcoming video. In the meantime, I've been getting it equipped for going off road, so stay tuned!

[@kevin43324332]

Same shaving thing for me. Also the rtv for the walls didn't cure amd it ran all over my walls. The actuators for the roof SUCK. Lastly my roof on each side at the corners about midway along the camper seems to be seperating from the structure. 😢 dealer literally blew me off and wouldn't warranty repairs.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Do you have the same model?

[@kevin43324332]

@@outdoorsinoregon 2021 ss1251

[@rite2beararms]

We had to bring back our 2021 SS1500 3 times for warranty issues. Main problem is the roof actuators, and them not owning up to this variety was never meant to work outside. There are very similar models with stainless internals and weather sealed against the elements. We tried to get them to acquire those instead, but they refused. After the 3rd time back again Forest River had found a different source for these. The new type have rubber boots for both the top cap and the motor. So far, these have been much better.

[@curtiswada2919]

Great, honest review that is very helpful, current and not by a dealer! Planning on purchasing same model this year and your information is helpful!

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Thank you. I'm still liking the camper and will have a video update posted soon.

[@michaelwilliams5234]

Thanks for sharing, very informative. Looking forward to your future endeavors. Subscribed!

[@jbonnardel]

Thanks for your video, you were instrumental in my decision to personally visit Walcott IA to pick up my SS 1240 and not pay shipping. I too am not close to a dealer, and have resolved a couple issues of my own, and took your advice on sealing the canvas. I also relocated the hinges and created useable space under the sink and stove. Adding an access door on the rear wall gave me 9ft of storage between the bed wall and camper also.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Hey, I'm glad the video was helpful. I like the idea of making more usable space. I considered doing this as well, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

[@JoseMendoza-gq1bx]

Good Looking camper brother. Buying anything these days has been pain staking. All the best.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yeah, exactly. Thanks!

[@CBWANADA]

Love to see more camper experiences Thanks

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Thank you for your input; I plan to have more camper and camping videos in the near future.

[@FrankVarga-om1tu]

Very good information on this style of brand camper , I’m in the market to purchase one up here in British Columbia , Canada Plan is to use it in the fall .. and some winter camping .. nice to hear during your review it was snowing .... : )

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Thanks for the note. I have been very surprised by how well insulated this camper is considering it has a soft top, and the camper warms up quickly with the propane heater. No issues at all in the Oregon winter at temps just below freezing, but I've never had it north of the border where propane can freeze. With the top down, the insulation factor becomes MUCH greater, which could be very useful in an emergency winter situation.

[@beginning-reloading]

Appreciate your detailed videos. I'm just getting ready to pull the trigger on a new 1240. I'm 6'-2" so the extra room in the 1240 really helped with my decision. The inside shower might be nice on occasion, but I was already used to taking my showers outside in my old 94 Caribou camper, even though it had an inside shower too. Just setup a little tent enclosure alongside the camper and ran the outside hose into it. Thanks again for the great series of videos. 👍

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yeah, an indoor shower is nice to have, but of limited use. This camper doesn't hold enough water for all of us to shower, and if we're staying at a site with city water, there are usually shower facilities available. Overall, I've been pretty happy with the Palomino. Once the initial bugs were sorted out, it's been working out fine.

[@michaelkurz9067]

Palonimo have a very serious problem with the small(very cheap) motors that raise the roof.(I have a pop-up palomino)

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yeah, I have one that barely keeps up with the rest; it's something to keep in mind for anyone considering one of these pop up campers.

[@jmich5123]

Good review. Your patience is just as good.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Thanks!

[@jd24bdc72]

I just bought a 2023 SS 1500 last month, April 1, May 27 to 29, 2023. Our 1st camping at bodega bay it was windy, and it rained a little, but I had fun, just like yours it issue with bath door hinges,bolt missing,both leg awning doesn't hold the annoying part is the wiring from jack cheap boar, and this after telling bish's rv of utah to double check B4 I come to pick it up n still nothing has done. anyways stay safe.God bless.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yeah, the quality control on these isn't great. I think I've sorted the bugs out of mine at this point, and it's working pretty well overall.

[@jd24bdc72]

@Outdoors In Oregon yes sir, really bad quality, I rebuilt a 1987 lance ls3000 8.6 n I believe I did better building this camper D way they built this, I called it pandemic camper,all n all I still love,we visited Oregon 2yrs ago so wer planning 2 camp there nxt yr. Let's stay+ n happi camp🙂

[@wayawolf1967]

I have the exact same camper SS-1251 Palomino 2022 model. I got mine in Iowa at Cheyenne Camping Center. The only issue I had with mine was the aluminum shavings falling from the ceiling. We have hauled it about 4500 miles so far. My only regret was getting the AC unit added on and not getting the power jacks. We never use the AC because we usually camp in the mountains where its cool at night so the furnace gets used more. The AC unit just reduced my MPGs and clearance. The manual jacks are ok with the socket adapter and a cordless drill but you need to run around and around keeping the unit level as you raise or lower it. I would really like to find a set of electric jacks for this camper.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Electric jack heads can be purchased and installed in place of the manual jack heads. They are made by Rieco Titan and plug right into the extra socket below or above the roof lift motor plug. Should be an easy upgrade. Yes, the manual jacks are a bit of a pain. The weight at the front of the camper put such a strain on my drill that it burned it out. I've since bought 4 manual cranks so I don't have to move a single crank or drill from corner to corner. I'd love to have the electric jacks, but they are very expensive.

[@wayawolf1967]

My 18 volt Milwaukee drill does great in low gear but you better have both hands on it or will get you ! LOL You mentioned that you got your camper in Iowa. Was it from Cheyenne Camping Center ? @@outdoorsinoregon

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yep. @@wayawolf1967

[@WB-uk9gq]

It’s been a while now and you’ve had the camper on the truck I’m sure you had to drive around a little bit just to see how it handled. I know I’m the only one bugging you in the comments but I’m getting ready to spend my nest egg on a camper and I just wanna make sure my truck is going to be able to handle it, could you please give some comments and some details about how the truck is sitting and how it is driving I know our power wagons have a low payload I’ve taken out my backseats tailgate spare tire. I’ve been going crazy doing everything I can do to get more pay load and I’m wondering if it’s worth it or should I put it all back together again and just get a new truck any of your advice would be very helpful.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

The suspension upgrades worked out well and the truck sits level and is stable around corners. The Supersprings have 3 settings, so would work for a wide range of added weight and won't impact the way the truck handles when unloaded. They were easy to install, not too expensive, and don't require maintenance. Heavy duty shocks will help prevent sway. Although I didn't try them, I don't think the stock Bilstein's would've worked well with the size of camper I have (too soft). I would probably recommend Bilstein 5100's or Fox Performance 2.0. I have the Fox shocks, and they have been terrific, although expensive for a shock. They use a higher Nitrogen pressure than the Bilstein's. If you're camper exceeds the payload rating, then you definitely need upgraded suspension; otherwise the truck will be dangerous to drive. If you're under the payload rating, I would install the camper, check the rake, and see how it handles before proceeding.

[@rite2beararms]

Glad to see it's not just us with the fit and finish issues with these. They really slap them together don't they. If you're handy and the warranty is up, you can make these reliable. It's a shame though, for what you pay. Do you leave your tailgate on? It worked in the previous truck, but now the rear of the camper is hitting the tailgate straps, enless the camper is set back. Wondering if I can just set some 2x6 in the bed for clearance, but I don't want it to get too high.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yes, the build quality is questionable, but as you say can be made reliable with some effort. Good question - yes, I do leave my tailgate down, as I really didn't like the idea of the camper overhanging the rear of the bed so much. It seems to me that the tailgate provides more stability for the camper, especially in bumpy or off road conditions. I noticed on the Palomino website, the pictures show tailgate down as well. And yes, that does indeed pose a small problem with the tailgate straps. On my truck, the camper has to be very well centered in order to clear the strap on the passenger's side. It took me some time, but I finally came up with a process for making this work consistently without multiple retries when loading the camper. (I made a video of my centering process here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKjYqqWwesZ0nKc) I don't know what kind of truck you have, but adding boards or wooden structure to the bed is fairly common practice and required on new Fords with some campers due to the deeper beds they use. I would be wary of lifting the camper and increasing center of gravity, but I guess you have to do what's needed for fitment. I should mention that I use a rubber mat in my bed which lifts the camper a bit, and as long as the camper is centered, clearance isn't a problem. Good luck!

[@bobcorc]

Thanks for the video. Is there any Battery or inverter in the camper? If not how do you connect the power source to the camper?

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Sure, there is a 12V battery in the camper, but no inverter. You get 120V in the camper only when plugged in to shore power via 30A external plug.

[@bob-jb8eh]

good morning, I would like to ask you how many kg your living cell weighs, thank you from Italy

[@outdoorsinoregon]

788 KG empty and without battery, propane, or water

[@bob-jb8eh]

@@outdoorsinoregon thank thank vm

[@DoRC]

Those lift linear actuators sound like they're way underpowered for the task. Sounds like they're just barely able to do the job even after the changes you made. If it were me I would be making Forest River fix that.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Agreed; those lift motors are by far my biggest concern on this camper, and the dealers couldn't get them in stock when I last checked. Luckily, there is a socket to allow for operation using a cordless drill if one were to burn out while camping, etc.

[@DoRC]

@@outdoorsinoregon That's good Yeah there's definitely something wrong with that system. They really sound like they're struggling.

[@ianbarker8289]

I have the same unit and one of my linear motors stopped working and it happened with in the one year warranty and the new motors they installed are quieter and seem stronger

[@vagabondvans6571]

great video. Does the camper overhang the bed and rest on the tailgate? i was under the impression they fit in the standard RAM 6'4 bed? We have a 2019 2500 and are looking at similiar rigs/ Did you also look a Four Wheel Campers and if so, what made you select the Palomino? Thanks.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yes, this camper is designed for a 6.5" bed (will not work with a 8" bed), but it does overhang the bed and rest on the tailgate as it's intended to do. I did look at Four Wheel Campers. I have not owned one, but my opinion is that they are high quality campers, designed and built well. They are also shorter (do not overhang the bed) and a bit lighter, so would be better suited for off road. The reasons I went with the Palomino over a Four Wheel Camper is: 1) My wife wanted a toilet, and I don't like dealing with porta-potty's or cassette toilets. The Palomino 1251 is one of the very few pop-up campers with a flushing toilet. 2) Cost. When I bought the Palomino, it was about $6K cheaper than similar Four Wheel Camper, yet provided more functionality. Also, the roof on the Four Wheel campers is actuated manually instead of with motors. There are pro's and con's of each system.

[@richbowie76]

I like the Palamino interiors on both soft and hard side campers. 👍

[@WB-uk9gq]

I have a couple questions for you I have a 2011 power wagon. Did you need to do any upgrades to your suspension any problems at all getting it in because dealers are telling me it won’t fit in my truck

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yes, the stock suspension is not sufficient for this size or larger camper. I covered the suspension upgrades in Part 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYPMk4x7ityaaac

[@warrendonaldson4144]

Why does my local FR Palomino dealer insist....that a 1251 will not fit a 6'4" bed. I have a 23 RAM 2500

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Can't say. My 2012 Ram is listed as having a 6' 4" bed, and it fits fine. I've seen these on other Ram short beds as well (including the one that delivered my camper). I would confirm with another dealer or with Palomino directly. I can't see why it wouldn't fit. Palomino does state that it will not fit with an 8' bed due to the rear overhang. Maybe your dealer got confused or has wrong information.

[@aexilzy-iz9ps]

first pop up truck camper ive seen with a bathroom worth

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yes, pop-up campers with flushing toilets and indoor showers are a rarity. There are a few Palomino models which have very similar features, but I'm not aware of any other manufacturer who is doing this.

[@johng530]

Careful!!!!!!! Mine caught on fire on the road and totally ruined all because of their wiring!!!!!!! Lost everything!!!!!!!! Covid build and my insurance wouldn't cover it.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Wow, sorry to hear that. This is definitely something to watch for; I'm unimpressed with the way both the hoses and wires have been routed.

[@johng530]

Yes, started under the sink while driving down the road in Idaho. After my three fire extinguishers slowed it down, the first responder ( police ) didn't have a working fire extinguisher and only one. Then the fire department fillaly arrived, didn't have any fire extinguishers, and couldn't get the truck to pump any water for the first 15 minutes. I'm a disabled Vet, and I am now stuck with dealing with a desroyed slide in that's sitting in a wreaking yard adding rent. Make sure your insurance doesn't do this to you, I don't want this to happen to anyone... Reminds me. For sale 2121 Palomino SS- 1251, slite smoke smell and destroyed, leave message...

[@outdoorsinoregon]

@@johng530 Any ideas on what started the fire under the sink? At about 08:43 in the video, you can see the other side of the front 12V solar panel terminals, where the +12V and Ground are very nearly touching. Looks like there's a rubber boot over each cable end, but I could see where the cables could touch if the boots weren't on tight or vibrated off. There's also bare copper under the sink that could cause a short under certain conditions. It wouldn't take much to start a fire with all that bare plywood and plastic. Anyway, thanks for the input; this is a good reminder for me to check the condition of that rat's nest of wiring.

[@johng530]

Lot of saw dust in that corner, and the wires got too hot when I was pulling a trailer. All this is still in progress. It just happened a week ago . Keep ya posted.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

@@johng530OK, I appreciate the inputs. Pls. post again if there are any additional findings.

[@zzim2853]

The finishing detail on that front corner you point out that is so absolutely ridiculously exposed to the environment is a concern for the overall build quality. If something like this is so evident imagine what us purchasers do not see. A couple of children could have finished that corner off better than forest river did.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yeah, having that gap there was really strange. I was wondering if they had excluded a corner cap/cover on my build, but others have reported seeing a similar issue on their camper as well. This camper has a lot of nice components and features, but certainly the build quality could be better.

[@zzim2853]

I have a 2000 northstar pop up. Have watched those front corners relentlessly for a hint of water issue. Normal job craftmanship would see those corners overlap. The only water damage i have ever seen on these is always at that exact spot. But hey, pop ups rock. Youll enjoy it. Cheers

[@dusttodust1522]

1700 lbs ! payload for the power wagon is something like 1500 lbs

[@outdoorsinoregon]

1858 lbs. stock payload and has no issues with this camper. This camper was actually designed for a half-ton truck. The Power Wagon is built on a 3/4-ton chassis, with the only weakness being the soft off-road suspension, which has been properly upgraded as shown in previous videos. Engine, trans, axles, brakes, tires, all capable of 3/4-ton duties.

[@Soulcritic]

The payload is 1560. The wet weight is 2505. Your 945 over payload & you haven't added weight of people & stuff.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Wrong on both accounts.

[@Soulcritic]

@@outdoorsinoregon I'm just going by the numbers pulled on line. Edmonds for the pay load & truck camper magazine for the camper weight weight. Fast lane trucks has videos on off road pickups. They say the Power wagon, because of the off road suspension has less payload than a F250 Tremor. You have to look on the driver door sticker, for the payload of the truck you own & compare that with the sticker inside the camper that has the dry weight. The wet weight will be heavier than the dry weight. The more weight you add with people & stuff, subtract that from payload. But I think you're overweight on the camper alone

[@alive4082]

No pop up is worth buying. Try sleeping on a windy day. Horrible