2019 FOREST RIVER BERKSHIRE Complaints

I am submitting a follow-up complaint regarding a previously reported front axle weight and capacity issue on this motorhome (original ODI complaint #11398920). At the time of the original complaint, the front axle was already operating at or above its rated capacity under normal conditions, even after removing factory-installed components and redistributing weight rearward. Despite removing approximately 820 lbs from the vehicle, the front axle weight was only reduced by about 200 lbs, indicating a systemic weight distribution problem rather than a loading issue. Since that time, the issue has escalated into a safety failure. We recently experienced a blowout of the front left tire while operating the vehicle under normal conditions. Based on prior weight measurements and ongoing inability to bring the front axle within safe limits, I believe this failure is directly related to the overloaded front axle condition. This appears to be a known design limitation. Forest River revised subsequent model years of this same unit with increased front axle and tire capacity, suggesting awareness of insufficient capacity in earlier models. Additionally, numerous owners of similar units have reported the same front axle weight issues. The vehicle cannot be operated within safe front axle limits without removing essential functionality (such as fuel or standard equipment), which is not practical or intended use. Given the progression from a documented weight concern to an actual tire failure event, I am requesting that this matter be formally reviewed or reopened as a safety defect investigation. I can provide supporting documentation including CAT scale tickets, prior correspondence, and details of the tire blowout incident upon request.

The contact owns a 2019 Forest River Berkshire RV. The contact stated that the right turn signal and rear taillights failed to operate as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V488000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND TIRES ARE NOT ADEQUATE TO HOLD THE WEIGHT WHEN THERE IS A FULL TANK OF FUEL. THE ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED WITH FOREST RIVER AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY KNEW OF THE ISSUE AND UPGRADED THE SUSPENSION AND THE TIRES FOR THE 2020 AND 2021 YEARS.*DT

THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE COMPLETELY INADEQUATE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. IF DRIVING AT NIGHT I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE BRIGHTS ON. NO ONE EVEN NOTICES THE BRIGHTS ARE ON IT IS STILL TO DIM FOR SAFE DRIVING. I AM 43 YEARS OLD WITH PERFECT EYE SIGHT. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS. THE FORUMS ONLINE ARE FILLED WITH PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND EVEN MODIFYING THE VEHICLE WITH LED STRIPS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. WE HAVE ASKED FOREST RIVER ABOUT THE ISSUE. THEY SAID THEY NEW ABOUT THE ISSUE AND CORRECTED IT IN THEIR 2020 AND 2021 VEHICLES. *DT

FACTORY HEADLIGHT DOES NOT INCLUDE A LOW BEAM BULB. IT ONLY UTILIZES ONE H9 BULB FOR HIGH BEAM AND HAS A LED STRIP FOR LOW BEAM LIGHTING. THIS LOW BEAM LIGHTING IS VERY DIM AND LOOKS TO BE BELOW MINIMUM LUMENS FOR ROAD/HIGHWAY USE. CONTACTED MANUFACTURE AND WAS TOLD THE UNIT ONLY HAS THE ONE BULB. PLEASE COMMENT TO IS THIS LIGHT LEGAL FOR ROAD USE? LOW VISIBILITY IS DANGEROUSLY LOW.

WHILE OPERATING MY VEHICLE, THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE ARE COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE MAKING MY VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THE ENGINE RADIATOR COOLING FAN ELECTRICAL CLUTCH BECOMES INOPERATIVE AND NO FRONT AIR CONDITIONING.