Forest River Cherokee Complaints (2021)

49 consumer complaints on file.

#11524432May 30, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My coach was purchased brand new, straight off the lot, 11/14/2020. On Mon, May 22, 2023, I came home to my black tank hanging out of the bottom of my camper. Upon inspection, the black tank had none of the straps underneath it and was not being held in place by the bracket because the bracket had been welded in backwards. Its amazing that this has not fallen completely out while it was traveling down the road. I have been shuffled between the manufacturer, the dealer, my warranty people. I have sent several pictures and I need to know someone else I can speak with. Even if I was to get a new tank, that bracket will have to be cut off, turned around, and then welded back in place. This is not a “my camper is too old and my warranty has expired” problem. This is a “It was made in your factory by someone that didn’t pay attention to what they were doing” manufacturer problem. This could have caused a serious accident and could be a liability if it could even be moved to the dealer for them to look at it. At this time, it is not operational because it is a liability. This has been escalated to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Trade Commission.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518029April 20, 2023
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
There was a sudden thread separation while trailer was being towed on a highway in Florida at about 65 MPH. The thread that came off the tire damaged the underbody of the travel trailer as seen in the pictures. These ST 225/75R15 trailer tires were installed by the manufacturer and were fabricated in WK12 2021. I am positive the tire was at 80 PSI as it was checked before the trip from Florida to North Carolina on 4/14/2023. I contacted the manufacturer Forest River and because the trailer is past the 1 year warranty, they recommended to talk to the tire manufacturer Lionshead, for which you receive a voicemail and asks you to fill out a warranty information. I will fill out the information and see what happens, but this incident could have caused a huge accident. If you google, "castle rock thread separation" - you will find multiple complaints in multiple forums about this issue. I hope it gets corrected and accidents prevented. Thank you, JP Ledermann
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11495500November 30, 2022
TIRES
Three tires blew up within a few hours of each other while traveling on I81/I75, the tires are available for inspection at my personal residence. With a complete blow out each time finding a safe place to pull off the interstate was challenging, slowing traffic and speeding vehicles. The tires were replaced while on the side of a busy interstate risking one's life in the process. The tires have been inspected by 2 different tire stores of whom stated the tires are poorly made and "garbage". The insurance company has been notified with a claim number issues however, the RV can not be inspected until December 15th (first available date). Tires are continuously monitored with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with readings of 79-82 psi. There were absolutely no warnings or symptoms of an impending failure of the tires. These tires are going to kill someone and should not be allowed to be sold in the U.S. let alone installed on new RV's.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11489719October 18, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electric fireplace in our RV caught on fire. A visible flame was seen behind the fireplace glass near the thermostat display on the right side of the fireplace. Visible smoke and burning smell observed from the upper right vents above the control panel buttons. The fireplace unit itself had an audible alarm, in addition to the RV smoke detectors that were triggered. We were inside the RV when this occurred, and once smoke and flame were observed, we immediately extinguished the fire by shutting off the master power breaker, and promptly removed the fireplace unit from the cabinet prior to any damage to the RV.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11483871September 11, 2022
TIRES
CASTLE ROCK RADIAL, ST 226 ST 225/75R15, LOAD RANGE E, DOT JULT 1MT 5019 75MPH 2021 WOLF PACK 23PACK15. TIRES HAVE LESS THAN 4,000 MILES. TIRES STILL HAVE 9/32 TREAD LEFT. LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD PEELED OFF WHEN TRAVLING ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING OVER 4,000.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES TO THE UNDER SIDE OF TRAILER AND SLIDEOUT. NO IMPACT TO TIRE OR DID NOT HIT ANYTHING IN THE ROAD. TRAILER HAS TPMS SENSORS THAT READ ON MY DASH TIRE PRESSURE AND TEMP. NO WARRING TIRE STILL HAD AIR BUT TREAD PEELED OFF FROM THE STEEL BELTS. THE OTHER TIRES HAVE BUMPS IN THE TREAD AND ARE NOT SAFE TO USE. CONTACTED MY DEALER AND THEY STATED TIRES ARE [XXX] TIRES. NOT A GOOD ANSWER. WAS TOLD TO CONTACT LIONSHEAD TIRE AND WHEEL. I MADE A NUMBER OF CALLS WITH NO RESPONCE ONLY OPTION WAS TO FILL WARRANTY FORM. CONTACTED FOREST RIVER AND WAS TOLD I HAD TO CONTACT TIRE MANUFACTURE. I DID GET A RESPONCE BACK FROM LIONSHEAD TIRE THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR ONE TIRE $105.00 NOTHING FOR THE OTHER TIRES, DAMAGES, LOSS OF USE OR DIMINISHED VALUE AS THE DAMAGES TO THE UNDERSIDE CAN NOT BE REPAIR TO PRELOSS CONDITION. WITH OVER 40 YEARS AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE AND 30 YEARS RV EXPERIENCE THIS IS NOT NORMAL. I SEE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS WITH NO RESOLUTION. ***** HOPE SOMEONE WILL LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. NOT TO SAY IT DID NOT ALREADY HAPPEN JUST NOT REPORTED. ***** INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11482291August 31, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On the morning of August 1st, 2022 we were notified by a neighbor of some damage on our 2021 Artic Wolf 5th wheel. After inspection it appeared that a small fire had occurred earlier in the morning- unknown time and it apparently was contained to the one compartment without spreading. The previous evening the camper was fine. The fire was contained to a specific compartment which housed the water hook-up, cable hook-ups and the motion light. This was reported to our insurance who did an inspection and determined that most likely it was an electrical issue and started with the motion light. Upon discovery of the issue the trailer was unplugged and battery was disconnected. We had gone camping the weekend before the fire happened. Unable to be "recreated". The insurance adjuster inspected it on 8/10/22. No concerns or issues the weekend before. We have been having issues with the light randomly staying on/not turning on etc.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11470948June 25, 2022
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No current incidents that I'm aware of. Landing gear on the 5th wheel isn't designed for this heavy trailer. There is a potential for someone to be seriously hurt, or killed if they have to resort to using bottle Jack's to lift trailer. Also the suspension is very weak, and i believe could break, and cause a major accident...
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468741June 11, 2022
TIRES
Over a period of 2 months all four tires blew out while traveling with less than 3500 miles on them. None of the tires blew out due to running over anything, each tire blew while traveling on interstate highways. Tires are ST225/75R15 Load Range E Castle Rock made by LionsHead Tire and Wheel, all 4 had DOT of JULT. Tire pressure was maintained at 70 psi and driving speed was 60 mph with ambient temperatures ranging from 75 to 95 degrees. Tires came with 5th wheel camper by Forrest River when purchased new in 2021. Tires have been replaced and disposed of but pictures are attached.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11467060June 1, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
We have had our travel trailer for about 1 year and have had it in for service to the bedroom door as we noted it was sticking. This weekend the bedroom door failed. The frame of the door itself came away from the door making it difficult to open. At the same time the other entry door was stuck shut. My wife was unable to open the door. I was able to open it with great difficulty. The door side of the trailer was in direct afternoon sunlight it it appeared to have swollen and jammed itself in the doorway. It did not resolve itself until the outside temperature dropped and we ran the air-conditioning inside the trailer. If my wife would have been inside alone and would have needed to escape the trailer should would not have been able to. In researching forums and forest river related Facebook groups this appears to be a common issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459767April 5, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
Mounting nuts from body to frame are loose after only 2 years of use.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459478April 4, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
On my camper, there are bolts from the body through the frame to hold the two together. While inspecting my camper nearly all the bolts could be unscrewed by hand, with a few having a noticeable gap where they had backed away. There were only 3 bolts on the entire camper that were tight. If these bolts had continued to loosen it is possible the body could separate from the frame while driving. I contacted the manufacturer over this issue and was told to inspect those bolts each time. Nowhere in the owners manual could I find where this is a requirement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11456461March 13, 2022
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Towing the trailer at approximately 50 mph I seen in the rear view mirror the tread of 1 tire. The front drivers side come off of the tire and fly off and damage the wheel well and rip out the electrical going to the trailers pop out. The tire delaminated only loosing the tread the tire was still holding air pressure not leaking at all. I have contacted my insurance company they have not viewed in person. No police report was made. I have replaced all 4 tires for the safety of my family and still have damaged tire in my garage for proof of incident
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451885February 14, 2022
POWER TRAIN
I purchased a 2021 Cherokee Grey Wolf travel trailer in May of 2021. After pulling only twice I noticed that the unit side trekked when in tow towards the passenger side shifting the rear of the trailer approximately 6-8 inches toward the passenger side compared to the trailer's front body lines. I scheduled service for the unit at my locale Forest River Repair Shop where they identified that the 1 of the 2 axles were bent. This defect caused this unit to sway very dramatically at times when traveling down the road. It also increased the blind spot on the passenger side and increased tire wear due to the fact that the wheels were not in line with one another which could have resulted in premature tire failure if not noticed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11447319January 13, 2022
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Cherokee RV. The contact stated that as the tires of the RV were frequently flat, the RV was taken to the dealer to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer diagnosed that one of the axles was bent due to the overloading of the RV. The contact stated that the dealer did not provide any further information on the axle that had failed. The contact stated that the load capacity of the two axles was 7,000 pounds, 3,500 pounds each. The contact stated that the load capacity of the RV was 7,934 pounds with a dry weight or unloaded weight of 5,960 pounds, which allowed him to load a maximum of 1,974 pounds per the manufacturer's instructions; however, the contact had never exceeded the maximum of 1,974 pounds when loading the RV even though the manufacturer’s sticker indicated not to overload the camper with more than 1,500 pounds. The contact had been trying to reach the manufacturer and was awaiting a callback. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,900.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446204January 4, 2022
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Castle Rock ST radial ST226 by Lionshead. Size ST225/75/R15 on the RV I purchased. I bought a new Forest River Cherokee 274RK in June 2021. On 10-08-2021 the first tire with a date code of 1120 had a blow out with the tread completely separating from the tire at 50 mph near Payson, UT. Doing damage to the underside of my trailer. I had the tire replaced at Wal-Mart in Payson, UT. Then on Sunday 01-02-2021 a second tire exploded while the RV trailer is parked in Quartzsite, AZ. (the date code on that one was also 1120) it has been parked here since 10/11/2021 and has not moved. The second tire is available for inspection. I have not had the inspected. DOT: JULT 1MT Speed rating: L Load range: E
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440914November 18, 2021
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Cherokee Travel trailer. The contact stated that while the travel trailer was parked at a park, the contact performed an inspection and noticed a metal bar had fractured and detached from the rear passenger's side shock. A park host informed the contact that she could not drive the travel trailer on the highway. The travel trailer was towed to the dealer and diagnosed that the shocks were too small to handle the weight of the travel trailer. The travel trailer was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the shocks were adequate for the weight of the travel trailer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11431111August 30, 2021
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Cherokee travel trailer. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the rear spare tire had detached from the fifth wheel onto the roadway. The contact was made aware of the failure after parking the travel trailer and noticed that the rear spare tire was missing. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11429723August 19, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Cherokee. The contact stated that he experienced several electrical failures with the trailer including a defective refrigerator. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the wiring within the circuit breaker panel was not properly secured. Upon further investigation, the contact discovered that the propane wiring was crimped and not properly secured, which he stated could lead to a severe failure. The contact was able to repair the wiring failures himself. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that he would receive a call back. The contact had not received a response despite numerous attempts to reach the manufacturer by phone and email. The dealer was also notified of the failure and denied reimbursement to the contact for the repairs. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000. Consumer stated where it says propane wiring it should say main propane supply line was crimped causing leakage. Issues with electrical and loss of power once in awhile, 12 volt line black unattached.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425650July 20, 2021
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On my 2021 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16TS, I observed on the passenger side frame where the wheel is that at some point the axle/leaf spring components came in contact (perhaps many times) with the frame of the trailer. This had made a noticeable dent in the frame. The trailer was not heavily loaded and within GVAWR, GVWR, & CCC limits. From my observations, had I not already changed out the brake assembly's after discovering a failed component inside them, it is clear that the axle collision would have severed the electric brake cables resulting in the trailer brakes being unable to respond and/or failing altogether. My personal assessment of this is that the combination of the 3500lb rated axle as well as the capacity of the leaf springs on these trailers is not sufficient enough to account for allowed cargo weight, plus standard road conditions to avoid having the axle come in contact with the frame above it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425493July 19, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150 used for hauling a 2021 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup travel trailer. The contact stated that while driving at 5 mph, the trailer disconnected warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and inspected underneath the travel trailer and found that the brake line was fractured and had detached. The contact reattached the brake line with electrical tape however, the failure recurred. The contact noticed upon inspection that there were two brake lines that had fractured and were detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that it would be several months before the RV could be diagnose or repaired. The contact left a voicemail to notify the manufacturer of the failure and was awaiting a callback. The failure mileage was 7,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Forest River Cherokee