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Palomino Puma Manual

The Palomino Puma is a travel trailer and fifth wheel built by Palomino. Federal safety records on it cover model years 2005 to 2025. This page shows how its systems work, every recall on file for it, and where to find the official owner's manual.

Built byPalomino
KindTravel trailer and fifth wheel
Model years on record2005 to 2025
Recalls on file20

The official owner's manual

Palomino keeps owner's manuals online, free to read. Pick the model year of your rig. It is on the sticker by the entry door.

Palomino owner's manuals

Component manuals

How its systems work

Our free manuals for every system on a travel trailer and fifth wheel. The ones its recalls touched come first.

2 recalls touch thisFresh water and the water heaterCity water, the fresh tank, the pump and the water heater. How to fill it, turn it on and keep it clean.1 recall touches thisShore power and batteries30 amp and 50 amp shore power, the 12 volt battery side and the inverter. What runs on what, and how not to trip a breaker.1 recall touches thisPropane, furnace and fridgeOpening the tanks, lighting the stove, running the furnace and fridge, and what to do if you smell gas.1 recall touches thisHitching a trailerCoupler, safety chains, breakaway cable and lights. A simple routine to hitch up the same way every time.1 recall touches thisTires, wheels and bearingsTire age, pressure and load, lug nut torque and when to service trailer wheel bearings. The parts that cause the most trouble on the road.Free manualThe water heaterGas, electric or both. How to fill it, light it, drain it and care for the anode rod, plus what to do when there is no hot water.Free manualBlack and gray tanksThe order, the hose, the valves and what to put down the toilet. Dumping your tanks the right way, step by step.Free manualThe toiletHow to flush, what paper to use and how to keep the black tank from clogging or smelling.Free manualSolar and lithium batteriesHow solar charges your batteries, what lithium changes, and how to tell how much power you really have left.Free manualPropane, smoke and CO alarmsWhere each alarm is, what each one means, how to test them and why the propane alarm sometimes beeps on a low battery.Free manualThe refrigeratorGas and electric absorption fridges, 12 volt compressor fridges, how long they take to cool and how to keep food cold on the road.Free manualThe furnaceA propane furnace with a 12 volt fan. How it starts, why it drains the battery and what to check when it blows cold air.Free manualThe roof air conditionerHow much power it needs, why it freezes up, how to clean the filters and what to try before you call for help.Free manualRoof and sealsWater is the biggest enemy of an RV. How to check the roof and seams, which sealant to use and the signs of a leak.Free manualSlide outsWhen to open them, when not to, and what to check first. Slide outs are the most common repair on a rental, and most of it is avoidable.Free manualAwningsPower and manual awnings, how to set them, and why wind is the thing that breaks them.Free manualLeveling and jacksBlocks, tongue jacks, stabilizers and auto leveling. How to get level, why it matters and why stabilizers are not for lifting.Free manualWinterizing and spring start upDrain it, bypass the water heater and fill the lines with RV antifreeze. Then how to undo it all in spring.Free manualTrailer brakes and breakawayElectric brakes, the brake controller in your truck, how to set the gain and how to test the breakaway switch.Free manualWeight and payloadWhat GVWR, cargo capacity and tongue weight mean, how to weigh your rig, and why sway almost always starts with weight.

Recalls on file

NHTSA has 20 recalls on file for the Palomino Puma. The most common areas are labels (4), suspension (2) and step and ladder (1). Each one is listed below as filed. A recall is fixed free at a dealer, even on a used rig, and even years later.

Step/ladder · model year 2025 · 25V245000, filed April 14, 2025

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Coachmen Catalina, Forest River Aurora, Cascade, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Sandpiper, Sierra, 2025 Campsite Reserve, Impression, Pause, Puma, Sabre, Salem, Vengeance, and Wildwood fifth wheel and travel trailers, equipped with a removable step assembly. The clip-on bracket mounting bolts may come loose, allowing the steps to detach.

What can happen. Steps that detach while in use increase the risk of injury.

The fix. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the clip-on bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2025. Owners may contact customer service at Aurora & Catalina (1-574-825-4995), Campsite Reserve, Cascade, Cherokee, Sabre, Vengeance (1-260-499-2100), Cedar Creek (1-260-593-4000), Impression (1-574-327-2716), Pause (1-574-327-2681), Puma (1-574-642-0588), Sierra & Sandpiper (1-574-534-4574), and Salem & Wildwood (1-574-534-3167). Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1915.

Campaign 25V245000. See it on NHTSA

Labels · model year 2025 · 25V111000, filed February 21, 2025

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2025 Coachmen Catalina, 2020-2025 Aurora, and 2025 Puma travel trailers. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the Federal placard may exceed the safety chain rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 110, "Tire Selection and Rims" and 120, "Wheels and Rims - Other Than Passenger Cars."

What can happen. An incorrect weight rating may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will mail owners a corrected Federal Placard with application instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 5745-825-4995, and Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1895.

Campaign 25V111000. See it on NHTSA

Sewage/black · model years 2024 to 2025 · 24V619000, filed August 16, 2024

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Puma PUT39DBT travel trailers. The anti-siphon vent may have been installed backwards which can cause sewer gas to enter the vehicle.

What can happen. Sewer gas entering the vehicle can increase the risk of injury to occupants.

The fix. Dealers will replace the anti-siphon vent, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-1832.

Campaign 24V619000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our fresh water and the water heater manual.

Trailer hitches · model year 2024 · 24V531000, filed July 12, 2024

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024 Salem, Puma, Wildwood, and 2025 Cherokee travel trailers equipped with certain Pacific Rim brand couplers. The couplers have an incorrect load rating of 14,000 pounds and may be overloaded, causing the hitch to fail.

What can happen. Hitch failure increases the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix. Dealers will inspect the date code of the hitch coupler and replace it if necessary, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2024.  Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at Salem & Wildwood (574) 534-3167, Puma (574) 642-0588 or Cherokee (260) 499-2100. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1803.

Campaign 24V531000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our hitching a trailer manual.

Charger low voltage battery · model years 2006 to 2024 · 24V395000, filed June 4, 2024

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.

What can happen. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.

Campaign 24V395000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our shore power and batteries manual.

Exterior lighting · model year 2024 · 24V387000, filed June 3, 2024

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024 Puma travel trailers. The amber side marker light may not have been installed on one side of the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

What can happen. Missing side marker lights can reduce visibility of the trailer to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Dealers will install intermediate amber clearance lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact customer service at 1-574-642-0488. Forest River's number for this recall is 425-1787.

Campaign 24V387000. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model year 2022 · 22V556000, filed July 29, 2022

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Coachmen Catalina, Cross Trail, Pursuit, Sportscoach, East to West Della Terra, Silver Lake, Forest River Forester, FR3, Sunseeker, Wildwood, 2022 Coachmen Adrenaline, Apex, Brookstone, Chaparral, Chapparral Lite, Clipper, Freedom Express, Independence Trail, Mirada, Spirit, Viking, Work and Play, East to West Ahara, Tandara, Forest River Aurora, Cardinal, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Flagstaff, Georgetown, Ibex, Impression, Ozark, Puma, R-Pod, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Sierra, Solera, Stealth, Stealth Evo, Surveyor, Vengeance, Vibe, Wildcat, XLR Toyhauler, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Tracer, Shasta Oasis, and Phoenix fifth wheel and travel trailers. The electric retractable awning has a welded seam on the fabric that may separate, potentially allowing the awning to drop beyond normal operation.

What can happen. An awning that drops or extends beyond normal operation can increase the risk of injury.

The fix. Dealers will replace the fabric roll or complete awning, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact the customer service numbers listed in the recall report for their designated model. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1532. This recall supersedes and expands NHTSA recall number 22V-486.

Campaign 22V556000. See it on NHTSA

Lines and fittings · model years 2021 to 2022 · 22V243000, filed April 13, 2022

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Coachmen Adrenaline, Apex, Catalina, Freedom Express, Spirit, East to West Alta, Della Terra, Silver Lake, Forest River Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Columbus, Flagstaff, Impression, Ozark, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Stealth Evo, Vengeance, Vibe, Wildwood, XLR Toyhauler, Palomino Puma, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Shasta Oasis, 2022 Coachmen Cross Trail, Prism, Forest River Aurora, Rainier, Wildcat, Work and Play, Prime Time Tracer, 2021-2023 Coachmen Leprechaun, and 2022-2023 Coachmen Freelander fifth wheel and travel trailer recreational vehicles. The quick disconnect fittings in the LP gas system may be cracked, causing a gas leak.

What can happen. A gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix. Dealers will replace the quick disconnect and perform a LP system check, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2022. Owners may contact the applicable customer service number for their vehicle model. Please see the recall report for the list of phone numbers.

Campaign 22V243000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our propane, furnace and fridge manual.

General RV equipment · model year 2022 · 22V184000, filed March 25, 2022

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022 Palomino Puma and Puma XLE fifth wheel and travel trailer recreational vehicles. The exterior micro kitchen griddle may be stowed while still connected to propane.

What can happen. A stowed griddle connected to propane increases the risk of a fire.

The fix. Dealers will install a bracket to prevent the griddle from being stowed when connected to the propane line, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2022. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1494.

Campaign 22V184000. See it on NHTSA

Storage tank · model years 2021 to 2022 · 21V784000, filed October 8, 2021

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Puma travel trailers. The black wastewater-holding tank may be missing the ventilation pipe, allowing methane gas to build up.

What can happen. In the presence of an ignition source, a gas build up increases the risk of fire.

The fix. Dealers will properly vent the black wastewater-holding tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-642-0606. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-1425.

Campaign 21V784000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our fresh water and the water heater manual.

General RV equipment · model year 2021 · 20V799000, filed December 18, 2020

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021 Puma travel trailers. The outdoor cooktop may be stowed away while the propane hose is still attached and the burner is on.

What can happen. If the cooktop is stowed away while the propane hose is attached and the burner is on, it will increase the risk of a fire.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the drawer housing the outside cooktop preventing the drawer from being closed while the propane line is still attached, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0606. Forest River's number for this recall is 425-1269.

Campaign 20V799000. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model year 2020 · 20V075000, filed February 12, 2020

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Surveyor, NO BO, Cherokee, R. POD, Clipper, Viking, Independence, Puma and East to West trailers. The spare tire carrier U-bolts may fail allowing the spare tire carrier and spare tire detach from the vehicle.

What can happen. If the spare tire carrier and spare tire detach from the vehicle while in motion, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace U-bolts, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact Surveyor, NO BO, R. and POD customer service at 1-574-642-3119, Independence, Viking, and Clipper customer service at 1-269-467-4600, Puma customer service at -574-642-0606, East and West customer service at 1-574-264-6664 or Cherokee customer service at 1-877-426-5337. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1133.

Campaign 20V075000. See it on NHTSA

Labels · model year 2018 · 17V699000, filed November 6, 2017

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018 Puma recreational trailers. The Federal Placards indicate incorrect tire load range and tire pressure (PSI) information. The placard states a tire size of ST205/75R15/D requiring 50PSI, however the installed tires are size ST205/75R15/C, requiring 65PSI. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims," and they also fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

What can happen. The incorrect tire information can cause the operator to over-inflate the tires, which can cause premature tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 425-0560.

Campaign 17V699000. See it on NHTSA

Hub · model year 2018 · 17V635000, filed October 9, 2017

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018 Puma recreational trailers. When installing and tightening the wheels on the trailers, the wheel center caps may have interfered, preventing the wheels from being properly tightened.

What can happen. If the wheels were not properly tightened, they may loosen and detach while the trailer is moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic wheel center cap and install a different center cap, free of charge. The recall began on November 1, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-0537.

Campaign 17V635000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our tires, wheels and bearings manual.

Labels · model year 2017 · 17V169000, filed March 14, 2017

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017 Puma recreational trailers, models PT23FBC and PT25RSC. The Federal Placard has incorrect tire and rim size information, indicating ST205/75R15C tires with a 50 psi and rim size of 14X5, when the correct information is ST205/75R14C tires with a 50 psi, and rim size of 14X5.5JJ. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

What can happen. The incorrect tire information can cause the operator to install the wrong size of replacement tires, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will provide a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-03072017-0338.

Campaign 17V169000. See it on NHTSA

Labels · model year 2017 · 16V866000, filed December 2, 2016

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Puma trailers, models PT38DBS and PT38RLQ, manufactured August 15, 2016, to November 15, 2016. The Federal placards on the affected vehicles have incorrect tire and rim information. The placard incorrectly states a combination of ST225/75R15/D tires needing 65 PSI and a rim designation of 15X6.0JJ, while the vehicle is actually equipped with ST235/80R/16E tires needing 80 PSI and a rim designation of 16X6.0JJ. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

What can happen. If referencing the information that is on Federal placard, the operator could under-inflate the tires causing a reduction of vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect Federal placard with a correct one, free of charge. The recall began on January 4, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0606. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-11162016-0276.

Campaign 16V866000. See it on NHTSA

Suspension · model years 2008 to 2016 · 16V179000, filed March 30, 2016

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT27RBSC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.

What can happen. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.

Campaign 16V179000. See it on NHTSA

Suspension · model years 2013 to 2016 · 16V175000, filed March 29, 2016

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Puma recreational trailers, models T12RBC, T15UDC, T17QBC, and T18FBC, manufactured from January 1, 2013, through March 1, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.

What can happen. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050SA.

Campaign 16V175000. See it on NHTSA

Non-powered axle assembly · model year 2016 · 15V231000, filed April 20, 2015

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Amera-Lite ATTX and WATTX, Forest River Cherokee, Cherokee Grey Wolf, Cherokee Wolf Pup, Salem, Salem Laminated, Salem Limited Edition, Vengeance, Wildwood, Wildwood Laminated, and Wildwood Limited Edition, Cargo Mate Blazer, E Series, E Series Wedge, Eliminator, and Qualifier, Continental Cargo Auto Master, Elite Series, Tailwind and Value Hauler, Coachmen Catalina and Freedom Express, Palomino Puma and US Cargo Patriot X, Phantom, Trail & Sport and Trail Master trailers manufactured March 1, 2015, to March 31, 2015. In the affected trailers, the studs that are used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs may break.

What can happen. If the wheel studs break, the wheel could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace any affected wheel hub, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-453-6064. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-03312015-0025.

Campaign 15V231000. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model years 2013 to 2014 · 13V203000, filed May 17, 2013

What is wrong. Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.

What can happen. If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.

Campaign 13V203000. See it on NHTSA

Check your own rig. Put your VIN into the NHTSA recall lookup. It shows any open recall on that exact rig, including the chassis.

Questions owners ask

Where can I find the Palomino Puma owner's manual?

Palomino keeps its owner's manuals online. Look up your model year there. Our free manuals on this page explain how each system works.

Does the Palomino Puma have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 20 recalls for it. The most common area is labels. Check your own VIN on the NHTSA site to see if yours was fixed.

Is a recall repair free on a used RV?

Yes. A safety recall is fixed free by the maker's dealers no matter who owns the rig now or how old it is. Call the maker or any dealer for that brand with your VIN.

Where is the VIN on an RV?

Look for a sticker by the entry door, inside a cabinet near the door, or on the tongue or front frame of a trailer. The title and registration show it too.

Renting one from us? Call or text 909-259-RVDR before you try a fix. We would rather talk you through it than have you guess, and it is free.
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