FOREST RIVER Complaints

The frame of this RV has a defective design. The outer portions of the trailer are not supported by the frame allowing them to sag until the fender hits the tire potentially causing a tire blowout.

We were traveling with our Rockwood Mini Lite and stopped at a traffic light. Someone from another vehicle ran over and told us there appeared to be an issue with one of our tires on the trailer and it looked dangerous. When we stopped to look, the passenger side tire on the front axle was bent in toward the center of the trailer. It is now at a repair shop and they have reported that the axle is broken. We don’t recall hitting anything, but filed an insurance claim for the replacement of the axle. Repair shop reports that they are still awaiting a response from the manufacturer, Dexter Axles, on when a replacement will become available. This morning, while perusing a Facebook page for Rockwood Mini Lite owners, I ran across a post from someone dealing with the exact same issue. Following, were numerous comments from others with the same issue. While this seems very odd, I cannot locate any recalls on the Dexter Axles. I feel as though this could have been disastrous for us if someone had not told us about the issue as well as these others who posted the same issue on Facebook. This is something that should possibly be brought to light.

The contact owns a 2016 Forest River Cascade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The contact also stated that the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V838000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Forest River Rockwood Mini-Lite M-1905 Camper. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the front driver’s side tire experienced a blowout. The contact stated while inspecting the camper, he noticed that the subframe was collapsing. The contact stated he continued driving back to his residence after replacing the driver’s side tire. The contact took the camper to the local dealer and was informed that they were unable to repair the camper. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The VIN information was not available. The contact noted that the manufacturer has been notified and that the camper is not functional.

2020 Forest River Rockwood 8326BH Travel Trailer purchased March 2, 2020. Castle Rock ST tires included on trailer at time of purchase as standard equipment. Feb 26, 2022, the drivers side front tire had a tread separation incident. The tread came off causing damage to the fender area. This occurred while at moderate speed approx. 50 mph, tire inflation was at recommended PSI of 80 at beginning of trip. Upon stopping to assess tires, it was noted that tread came completely off. The steel belts were exposed, checked the tire Pressure, it was 70 PSI. The two drivers side tires were replaced with a manufactures tires. After traveling another 5 or 6 miles the front passenger side tire had the same type failure. Causing damage to the area around wheels. Insurance adjuster inspected the trailer on 2-28-22. This occurred without warning or visible signs. From social media information and research found that tire failure issues are not uncommon with the Castle Rock tires supplied on Forest River travel trailers.

The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Sabra Trailer. The contact stated that the driver’s side wall of the trailer had experienced an outward bulge and wrinkling, which extended to the roof section of the trailer. The trailer was taken to the local dealer who discovered that the aluminum side welds had fractured and needed to be rewelded. The trailer was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was concerned that the structure of the trailer was not safe and that the roof or side panel might separate from the trailer while being driven. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Coachmen. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rubber seal detached from the vent and shattered without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the second vent was partially detached. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V523000 (Equipment, Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 15,600.

Brand new trailer. Picked up in October and put it in storage. Visited trailer for spring prep and noticed sidewall of tire split from rim to the treads. Only highway miles from dealer to storage lot. No deformations on any tire when we parked the trailer for the winter. Castle Rock st235/80/16r Manufacture date 1622 All 4 tires have dates of 1622 & 1722

This warning and complaint pertains to recreational vehicle tires, Castle Rock/Lionshead ST 225/75R15. Three tires blew up, exploded, causing damage to the side and underside of the RV. The 4th shows signs of delamination. The tires have a DOT number JUL T. The tires were on an RV purchased new in 2020, less than 3 years old, with less than 5000 miles on them. They were properly inflated at 80 PSI and monitored with temperature and pressure sensors, which gave no warnings. The first tire exploded January 11, 2023. Tires 2 and 3 exploded January 16. The 4th did not explode but it clearly shows signs of delamination. One trip, 4 defective tires within 1000 miles, something is wrong. We have filed a warranty claim with Lionshead. We ask that the NHTSA get involved with RV tires because they are and have been a problem for years. Photographs of 2 blown tires are available. Photos are available of tire 4 which is delaminating. Tire 4 is in our possession. Tire 4 was inspected by a tire technician who pointed out the delamination. Our safety was compromised by changing tires on the drivers side of high speed highways. We would like to join a class action law suit or other legal remedies to receive full compensation for the costs of new tires, repairs to campers and compensation for stress and aggravation. There is no excuse other than cost savings for trash tires to be placed on any vehicles. We understand new RVs are arriving on the lots with better tires. About time!

The Frame which connect the Main Beams of Frame to the Axle had the welds brake and frame twist not allowing the suspension to connect to the frame. Talked with manufacturer and in their words "You are not the only one dealing with this issue on this model"