2008 Forest River Salem problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (2) · Tires (1)
Safety recalls (2)
Equipment:appliance:oven/Stove/Cooktop 2020-11-23 · campaign 20V727000 · 4,203 vehicles
Defect: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Coachmen Chaparral and Shasta, 2019-2020 Coachmen Concord and Orion, 2020-2021 Coachmen Cross Trek and Forest River Berkshire, 2019-2021 Coachmen Freelander, Leprechaun and Prism, 2020 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit and Sportscoach, Dynamax Force, DX3, Dynaquest XL and Isata and Forest River Wildwood and 2008 and 2020 Forest River Salem vehicles equipped with Dometic 3 burner cooking stoves. The saddle valve securing bolt may be overtightene
Risk: A gas leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit of gaskets, washers, thread locker bolts, and two round orange labels, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995, or Dometic customer service at 1-574-293-0681. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1259.
Equipment 2017-11-22 · campaign 17V756000 · 365,885 vehicles
Defect: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2003-2018 Forest River Berkshire, Charleston, Rockport, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Riverstone, Salem, Sandpiper, Sierra, Vengeance, Wildcat, Wildwood, XLR Boost, Cargo Mate, Continental Cargo, motorhomes, recreational trailers, toyhaulers, cargo trailers and restroom trailers and 2009-2018 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit, Concord, Leprechaun, Freelander, Orion and Prism motorhomes, 2009-2017 Coachmen Apex and Catalina recreational trailers, and 2013-20
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on December 27, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440, or Kidde customer service toll free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0544.
Service bulletins (1)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment 2020-08-05 · 511213 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a document that describes how to take the required photos to assess the slideroom mechanism for adjustment and function.
What owners report
2011-08-02 · Suspension“tl* the contact owns a 2008 forest river salem trailer. the contact stated that both front and rear axles were severely damaged. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised that the four leaf springs were poorly designed and dangerous. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was made aware problem. the failure and current mileag…”
2011-04-18 · Tires · 510 mi“purchased a 2008 flagstaff trailer model 31fkbbs in june 2009. have had three tire blow outs one each in october 2009, july 2010, and feb 2011 and a wheel bearing failure possibly caused by last blow out in feb 2011. unable to tow trailer in excess of 45 mph because of tire problem. after last tire blowout tire dealer pointed out data on trailer …”
2009-10-26 · Suspension · 10,000 mi“we have a 2008 forest river surveyor model 301 30 ft travel trailer equipped with lippert axles. we were on vacation and we heard a loud bang like a tire blowing out. i pulled over got out and inspected the trailer and my tow vehicle and found nothing wrong. within 600 miles my rt rear tire went bald on the outside and i took it to a tire dealer i…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.