2013 Forest River Sandstorm

Defect. Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.

Risk. If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.

2013 FOREST RIVER SANDSTORM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AXLES AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER NOTICED ONE OF THE TIRES WAS LOW, AND AIR WAS PUT IN THE TIRE, ONE MONTH LATER, THE CONSUMER AND HIS WIFE WERE FACED WITH A WATER ISSUE. THE RV WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR FACILITY FOR THE WATER ISSUE AND WHILE THERE, THE CONSUMER MENTIONED THE TIRE ISSUE. THE REPAIR SHOP SUGGESTED A PLACE TO TAKE THE RV FOR THE TIRE. THE WATER PROBLEM WAS FIXED AND THE CONSUMER RETURNED HOME. WHEN THE CONSUMER THEN WENT TO TAKE THE TIRE ODD THAT WAS LOOSING AIR TO HAVE IT FIXED, LUG NUTS WERE SO HOT, HE COULD HARDLY TOUCH THEM WITH GLOVES ON. THE CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE BUSINESS, THAT HANDLED WARRANTY ISSUES, AND HE WAS INFORMED TO TAKE IT TO A REPAIR FACILITY, AS THE PROBLEM COULD BE A BEARING ISSUE. AN INSPECTION REVEALED A MUCH LARGER ISSUE WITH THE AXLE THAN THE BEARINGS.