Keystone RVs are hugely popular in the U.S. The company has been manufacturing towable RVs including travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth wheels from Goshen, Indiana for over 25 years. Its lineup offers multiple models including the:

• Bullet
• Montana
• Outback
• Hideout
• Raptor
• Impact
• Yukon
• Avalanche
• Alpine
• Cougar
• Springdale
• Residence
• Passport
• Fuzion

We are seeing an uptick in complaints from owners of these Keystone models and other RV brands as new owners struggle with defects in their recently purchased RVs. In Keystone models, we hear about:

• Defective hydraulics
• Broken slideouts
• Problems with black tanks
• Malfunctioning A/C units
• Broken gears
• Wiring problems
• Broken appliances
• Leaks
• Structural issues

While all of these are major problems when you own an RV, issues surrounding water leaks and structural problems are two of the biggest issues that we see.

Water, Water, Everywhere

Water leaks are a huge problem in Keystone RVs. Owners report water leaks in and around:

• Windows
• Slides
• Doors
• Walls
• Roof/Ceiling
• A/C units
• Pipes and plumbing

These leaks are generally a result of inadequate seals, structural defects or warping, or poor design. A leak is not just an inconvenience on a rainy day. It can cause major damage to an RV if not properly repaired. While some leaks are seen immediately, many are slow leaks that are not spotted until they have already caused significant damage.

Secondary damage caused by a water leak can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Types of damage that can be caused by a water leak in a RV are:

• Discoloration on interior walls and cabinetry or exterior trim
• Staining on carpets or upholstery
• Mold on interior cabinets or upholstery
• Rusting slides, windows, doors, or other structural components
• Rotting roof or floor, starting with soft spots or bulges

If you have noticed any areas of discoloration, rust, warping, soft spots, or mold in your Keystone RV, you should investigate the cause of the problem promptly before it causes more damage. If you purchased your RV recently, you should contact your dealer (or another authorized Keystone RV dealer) to request a repair of the defect. You may be protected by your warranty or other consumer protection laws, such as state lemon laws, which entitle you to repairs or other remedies at no cost to you.

Structural Issues

Structural problems in the Keystone RV lineup are also a frequent cause for complaint. Some of the many structural issues that occur are:

• Bulging floor
• Stress cracks
• Sidewall separates from framing
• Frame flex
• Broken frame or welds
• Holes in the roof or walls
• Panels falling off
• Warped doors
• Slide out defects

When an RV has a structural issue, it may be unsafe to drive or use. However, even when an RV is still technically safe, a structural problem will often make it unusable. Not many people want to stay in an RV with a hole in the roof or a warped door that does not close.

In addition, a structural issue can cause further damage to an RV if it is not repaired in time. What begins as a frame flex may become a broken frame, a broken slide-out can pool and leak water, and a weak or broken weld could lead to a side wall panel completely falling off.

Air Conditioning Problems

Air conditioning problems can be a bane for Keystone RV owners, especially during the hot summer months. The common Keystone RV complaints we hear about are:

• AC not cooling, a top complaint among the Keystone camper problems
• Fan not working, a general issue impacting the overall experience
• Water leaking from the unit, often cited in Keystone RV problems
• Unusual noises, disrupting the otherwise good camping experience
• Frequent tripping of circuit breakers, often the next issue that surfaces
• Inefficient cooling even when the AC unit is running
• Poor air quality or circulation, affecting the overall service and comfort of the camper

Keystone RV air conditioner problems are due to a number of issues like a malfunctioning compressor, faulty thermostat, dirty or clogged filters, or lack of refrigerant. This is not just an annoyance in sweltering heat but can affect the lifespan of the RV’s electrical system due to excessive power consumption.

Furthermore, a malfunctioning fan can also hamper the cooling, resulting in noise, or even damaging the AC unit. Water leaking from the AC unit is often due to blocked drain pipes or freezing of the condenser coils.

Frequent tripping of the circuit breaker can occur due to an overload of the electrical system, often caused by the AC unit drawing too much power. This can be dangerous, leading to electrical fires if not rectified in time.

Lastly, poor air quality or circulation could result from dirty filters, ducts, or vents. It can cause discomfort and health issues, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.

Like leaks and other Keystone Hideout problems, air conditioning issues need prompt attention. If you face any such issue, contact your Keystone RV dealer. An unaddressed air conditioning problem could cause larger issues, damaging other systems in your RV, and greatly reducing the comfort of your travel experience.

If you suspect any issues with your RV, you should see your RV dealer. If you do not investigate and repair the problem, you could end up across the country thousands of miles from a Keystone RV dealer in need of major repairs.

FAQs

Do Lemon Laws Apply to Campers and RVs?

Yes, lemon laws can apply to campers and RVs. These laws protect consumers from vehicles, including recreational vehicles, that have defects affecting their use, safety, or value. However, the application of these laws can vary from state to state, and sometimes only apply to the chassis portion of the RV.

What States Have Camper and RV Lemon Laws?

Many states in the U.S. have lemon laws that can cover your Keystone Hideout problems. These include, but are not limited to, states like California, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The specific protection under the law, time period, and the process to seek remedy can vary. Hence, it’s advisable to consult a professional experienced in this area, such as a lemon law attorney.

What Is the Process for Seeking Redress under RV Lemon Laws?

The process for seeking redress for Keystone Hideout problems under RV lemon laws often starts with notifying the manufacturer of the defect in writing. This step is crucial as it officially documents your concerns and triggers the start of the remedy period. If the problem is not resolved after a reasonable number of attempts, you can then choose to seek legal assistance to either get the RV replaced or refunded. Always remember to keep records of all communication and transactions related to your RV’s issues.

Is There a Specific Timeframe Within Which I Need to Report Problems to Benefit from Lemon Laws?

Yes, typically lemon laws require you to report the defect within a certain period or mileage after the purchase. This can vary based on state laws. It is essential to report Keystone Hideout problems promptly and seek repair, as delaying can potentially disqualify your RV from being covered under the lemon laws. Always consult with a legal expert or a lemon law attorney to understand the specific timelines applicable in your state.

How Do I Know If my RV Qualifies as a Lemon?

If you’re experiencing Keystone RV problems, it may qualify as a lemon if it has a substantial defect that impairs its use, safety, or value, and this defect is not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Usually, the defect should occur within a certain period or mileage after the purchase. However, the specifics can differ based on state laws. If you suspect your RV to be a lemon, seek legal advice promptly to understand your rights and the remedies available to you. Dealing with RV problems is a task best handled with a combination of professional technical and legal assistance, making your RVing experience smooth and hassle-free again, whether you’re hauling a trailer or a fifth wheel.

What should you do if you have problems with your Keystone RV?

If you notice any of the problems in this article, or other issues, with your Keystone RV, you should contact your Keystone RV dealer. They should investigate the problem and check for any recalls on your Keystone RV. If you purchased your Keystone RV recently or if the defect is covered by a recall, the dealer may be required by law to repair your RV for free.

If your RV dealer does not repair the damage for free within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to compensation, your money-back, or a replacement RV under your state lemon laws. An experienced lemon law attorney, like the attorneys at Timothy Abeel & Associates, can explain your legal rights and advise you on your individual situation. We handle many RV claims, with quick turnaround and millions of dollars recovered for our clients, all at no cost to you.

To find out more about how we can help you, contact our experienced team at 888-611-5481 or online for a free case review.

Timothy J. Abeel & Associates, P.C. represent clients throughout California, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Reviews can be seen on AVVO, Google, Glen Mills Yelp, Roseland Yelp, & Pittsburgh Yelp.