FOREST RIVER Complaints

The tempered glass covering the interior electric fireplace exploded randomly, sending shards of glass throughout the trailer. There was no warning, and we were simply sitting in the trailer enjoying the day. The fireplace was not turned on, and there was no power to the trailer. Battery was turned off, and the temperature inside the trailer was 70 degrees. There were no weak spots, dings, chips, or any other flaw in the glass.

The slide out mechanism is not strong enough to pull the slide out into the trailer itself for transport. This must be manually done, underneath the trailer, with a crescent wrench, even after extensive troubleshooting. The slide out does not operate independently, even when all cargo is removed.

The latch on the gate on the rear patio failed to remain secure, and the gate swung open multiple times driving down the freeway. We had to pull over and secure the latch manually.

The contact owns a 2023 Forest River Cardinal. The contact stated that while driving and making a right turn, the electric living room slide unexpectedly deployed and opened. The RV was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the RV was extremely unstable and difficult to control or steer. The contact stated that the exterior storage door erroneously opened. The contact was concerned that storage items might fall from the RV while driving on the highway. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 300.

We heard a loud bang and found the spare tire attached to the back of the trailer had exploded. Trailer was not in use, stored in the side of the house. ST205/75R14

The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Cardinal. The contact stated that while her husband was hauling the fifth wheel at approximately 60-65 MPH, the two front emergency exit windows detached. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear window detached from the RV. The contact stated that the sleeping quarter window was loose. The contact's husband used tape to secure the window. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V523000 (Equipment, Structure). The RV was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the windows. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the RV for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

On [XXX], while driving home from camping, I received a message on my truck dash, “CHECK WIRES”. I checked the fifth wheel hitch, the seven-way cable, walked around the RV, did not see a problem. A RV restoration company [RVRC], was sent to my home by an insurance agent to repair the power awning on my 2021 Forest River Impression 290VB, VIN: [XXX] , 1) While working on the power awning, the [RVRC] discovered a major electrical short in a bundle of wires which travel throughout the RV. The electrically damaged wires supplied power to the following items: i.12 VOLT AUXILIARY ii.RIGHT TURN SIGNAL iii.BRAKES iv.12 VOLT GROUND v.LEFT TURN SIGNAL vi.EXTERIOR RUNNING LIGHTS vii.ADDITIONAL ITEMS SUPPLIED FROM 12 VOLT SYSTEM The [RVRC] returned to begin replacing said wire bundle. The cause of the electrical short was discovered behind a wall. The bundle of wires passed through a drilled hole in sheet metal without a grommet. While traveling, the wires moving back and forth, the insulation on one of the wires wore out and touched the sheet metal and the electrical short occurred. [if this electrical short had happened a few hours earlier it could have caused a fire and could have killed seven adults and children]. Additional Defects 2) This RV had multiple fasteners holding the “slide-out topper” in place. Each fastener had been screwed into sheet-metal, and were not screwed into anything solid. All the fasteners started backing out from their position. 3) the slide-out has an object in the path of the movement in-and-out causing internal damage as well as... 4) external damage to slide-out support board and external siding. 5) Internally, the large pantry door, is so heavy, it has tilted out of place and will eventually drag on the floor. These defects have not been verified or reproduced by anyone else. Only an insurance co had reviewed defect #1. I could not upload photos due to the captcha INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION

Our Forest River Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer posed a severe safety risk to my family due to improper construction. Specifically, an electrical outlet installed under the sink and near the water heater was not GFCI-compliant or waterproofed, violating NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) and NEC 551 standards, which are mandatory for RVs. While camping, we noticed a burning smell and then smoke coming from under the sink. Thankfully, I was awake and acted quickly to get my family out, cut the power, and extinguish the smoldering outlet—flames appeared just in time. Had I not been awake, this could have resulted in a catastrophic fire, endangering our lives. This complaint highlights a serious safety hazard involving Forest River's failure to install GFCI-compliant outlets near water sources in their Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer, violating NEC 551. The improperly installed, non-waterproofed outlet under the sink caused smoke, smoldering, and nearly a fire while the complainant’s family was camping. This near-tragic incident underscores the fire risks and life-threatening consequences of such negligence, especially in confined RV spaces. Electrical fires are a leading cause of residential fire fatalities, and RVs are particularly vulnerable due to their construction and limited escape routes. The lack of GFCI protection in wet areas not only breaches safety standards but also exposes Forest River to liability, as similar lawsuits have been identified. The emotional toll on the family, including fear and loss of trust in the product, further emphasizes the seriousness of the issue. The company should urgently investigate, ensure code compliance, and recall affected units to protect customers and restore confidence. Proactive measures like improved quality control and transparent communication are essential to prevent future incidents and mitigate legal and reputational risks.

Our Forest River Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer posed a severe safety risk to my family due to improper construction. Specifically, an electrical outlet installed under the sink and near the water heater was not GFCI-compliant or waterproofed, violating NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) and NEC 551 standards, which are mandatory for RVs. While camping, we noticed a burning smell and then smoke coming from under the sink. Thankfully, I was awake and acted quickly to get my family out, cut the power, and extinguish the smoldering outlet—flames appeared just in time. Had I not been awake, this could have resulted in a catastrophic fire, endangering our lives. This complaint highlights a serious safety hazard involving Forest River's failure to install GFCI-compliant outlets near water sources in their Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer, violating NEC 551. The improperly installed, non-waterproofed outlet under the sink caused smoke, smoldering, and nearly a fire while the complainant’s family was camping. This near-tragic incident underscores the fire risks and life-threatening consequences of such negligence, especially in confined RV spaces. Electrical fires are a leading cause of residential fire fatalities, and RVs are particularly vulnerable due to their construction and limited escape routes. The lack of GFCI protection in wet areas not only breaches safety standards but also exposes Forest River to liability, as similar lawsuits have been identified. The emotional toll on the family, including fear and loss of trust in the product, further emphasizes the seriousness of the issue. The company should urgently investigate, ensure code compliance, and recall affected units to protect customers and restore confidence. Proactive measures like improved quality control and transparent communication are essential to prevent future incidents and mitigate legal and reputational risks. I have reached out to Forest River multiple times and they refuse to respond to my inquiries.

The dealership sold me a brand new travel trailer with water leaks and water damage in multiple areas.