2017 Forest River Sandpiper

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 2013-2017 Shasta Oasis and Revere recreational trailers, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. 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.

When traveling along I-40 in Oklahoma we experienced poor road conditions causing our camper to violently buck, bounce and move excessively while driving. Upon arrival in Texas we noticed cracking along the exterior fiberglass of the unit. We contacted insurance to start the claim process. While talking with industry professionals and progressive insurance it was recommended to have the camper inspected structurally prior to any fiberglass repair. Upon inspection by Certified RV in Elkhart, IN we were informed that our camper has several issues with assembly which caused the walls of the camper to disconnect from the frame. Progressive insurance is involved and claims it’s a structural issue that they do not cover. Although our agent claims it’s a known problem with Forest River We’ve contacted Forest River only to be cast aside with camper age, previous owner excuses. Forest River will (how I don’t understand) confirm the unit was assembled correctly. Although will not or cannot provide any documentation to substantiate. Forest River has also refused an opportunity to inspect the camper since it is currently disassembled in Elkhart near their headquarters.

THE LEAF SPRINGS ON ONE SIDE OF OUR FIFTH WHEEL FAILED DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE WEIGHT ON THAT SIDE (THERE ARE THREE SLIDE OUTS -SANDPIPER 372LOK) THE ORIGINAL LEAF SPRINGS SEEM TO BE INADEQUATE AS THEY HAVE FAILED ON THAT SIDE. WE NEEDED TO INCREASE THE WEIGHT CAPACITY FOR THE LEAF SPRINGS ON THAT SIDE. BECAUSE WE INCREASED IT ON THE ONE SIDE, WE HAD TO INCREASE IT ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE AS WELL. OUR CAMPER IS NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD, AND FOREST RIVER HAS REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. THEY HAVE INSTEAD SAID THAT IT IS DEXTERS ISSUE. DEXTER HAS STATED THAT THEY WILL ONLY REPLACE THE CURRENT LEAF SPRINGS THAT ARE INADEQUATE FOR THE WEIGHT. WE ARE NOW $470 OUT OF POCKET BECAUSE FOREST RIVER REFUSES TO HONOR A WARRANTY FOR A SAFETY ISSUE.