2005 Forest River Travel Trailer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Forest River › Travel Trailer › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Forest River Travel Trailer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2005 Forest River Travel Trailer. Newest first.
On certain travel trailers that use aluminum wheels, the lug bolts and wheels can come off.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of the lug nut could cause the wheel to come off the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Forest river has not yet provided a remedy for this recall. the manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. owners may contact forest river at 1-574-389-4600.
Owner complaints
21 complaints2 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Frame and members
At about 3:00 pm on the 29TH of july, 2009 my wife myself and two grandchildren departed our home in bel aire, ks destined for taylor park, co. we were driving our 2002 ford E-350 van with V-10, towing a work and play trailer made by forest river (frame by lipert components). This trailer…
At about 3:00 pm on the 29TH of july, 2009 my wife myself and two grandchildren departed our home in bel aire, ks destined for taylor park, co. we were driving our 2002 ford E-350 van with V-10, towing a work and play trailer made by forest river (frame by lipert components). This trailer contained a honda rincon 4-wheeler loaded directly over the tandem axles and 5000 watt honda generator loaded just behind it. In the very rear was a high chair, garden hose and several lawn chairs. Near the front of the trailer in the closet there were shirts and coats. On the floor near the front there were a few groceries (we always shop for the bulk of our groceries in buena vista, co before crossing the cottonwood pass into taylor park) the fresh water tank was less than one third full. On highway I-135 north of newton, ks, my wife heard a loud scraping noise which lasted about 10 to 20 seconds and ceased. We agreed that we needed to have a look at what might have gone wrong but in the interest of safety continued a few miles to the "moundridge" exit. After stopping safely on the exit ramp, I discovered that the tongue of the trailer had collapsed just in front of the trailer box and allowed the trailer to hit the pavement. The only reason the trailer did not completely drag the ground was the aluminum box on the trailer tongue was in "compression" as if it were an air bag. This force was great enough to tear the aluminum material at the corners but fortunately did not fail completely. This could have easily been a fatal accident. The propane valves were in the open position and the gas pipe feeding the refridgerator drug the ground. Our grandchildren were strapped into their car seats and likely could not have been extricated in time had the trailer caught fire and tanks exploded. This was directly a result of poor design. Wall thickness of the tongue was .100" to .110" on my 2005 24' model. the thickness of a 2008 18' model had a wall thickness of .180 to .200". *Dt
- Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer
While performing a safety recall on the refrigerator in my rv, the technician discovered that the burner tube was cracked and leaking ammonia. The recall was to possibly prevent a fire "in the event this did happen ". The company, keyston rv/dometic refrigerators are aware of this situation. It IS…
While performing a safety recall on the refrigerator in my rv, the technician discovered that the burner tube was cracked and leaking ammonia. The recall was to possibly prevent a fire "in the event this did happen ". The company, keyston rv/dometic refrigerators are aware of this situation. It IS my contention, that since this IS a related problem, it should be covered and replaced at no cost to the owner.as of this date, they refuse to pay for this repair action. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tongue on these trailers are made of a material too thin to support their weight. My tongue folded up while enroute from a camping trip. It was less than 3 inches from the ground by the time I got home. I had no knowledge this occurred. Any bump in the road could have grabbed the trailer and ripped…
Tongue on these trailers are made of a material too thin to support their weight. My tongue folded up while enroute from a camping trip. It was less than 3 inches from the ground by the time I got home. I had no knowledge this occurred. Any bump in the road could have grabbed the trailer and ripped us apart. the manufacture has told me they have had to increase the thickness of the metal subsequent to their own discovery of this issue - but no recall. Also, they sent me a new tongue of the same gauge metal as the one I have that failed to support the weight of the trailer. They refused to provide a stronger tongue. I had to hire a welder to build one from scratch at my cost. what you need to do IS investigate the fact that they have produced these trailers that are at risk of collapsing on the roadways while still being pulled by passenger vehicles. We could have been killed and so can others who have these light weight tongues on #12,000 lb trailers. I still have the tongue for your inspection. I also have plenty of pictures even those while still attached to my vehicle after the camping trip. I would have failed to clear a speed bump. *tr
- Unknown or other
I purchased a travel trailer manufactured by forest river on 11/10/07. this trailer specifies that the unladen vehicle weight IS 3640 pounds. my tow vehicle struggles to pull this trailer. I had it the vehicle weighed on a certified public scale. the actual unladen vehicle weight of this…
I purchased a travel trailer manufactured by forest river on 11/10/07. this trailer specifies that the unladen vehicle weight IS 3640 pounds. my tow vehicle struggles to pull this trailer. I had it the vehicle weighed on a certified public scale. the actual unladen vehicle weight of this trailer IS 5036 pounds. it IS apparent to me that the vehicle IS labeled in error. as a result of the discrepancy I have not used the vehicle because I don't feel safe towing it with my tow vehicle. *tr
- Wheels
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river all american sport fifth wheel (na) with carlisle wheels. the wheels are cracking at the point where the center of the wheel IS welded to the outer rim. previously, another wheel experienced the same failure and was replaced by the dealer. the contact…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river all american sport fifth wheel (na) with carlisle wheels. the wheels are cracking at the point where the center of the wheel IS welded to the outer rim. previously, another wheel experienced the same failure and was replaced by the dealer. the contact would like the dealer to replace all wheels. no other vehicle information was available. updated 04/16/08 *bf updated 04/16/08 *tr
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river wild wood (na) travel trailer. while driving 55-60 mph, the passenger side wheel detached from the vehicle. the failure caused minor body damage to the vehicle, which the contact repaired himself. the wheel was repaired, however, he was afraid to drive the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river wild wood (na) travel trailer. while driving 55-60 mph, the passenger side wheel detached from the vehicle. the failure caused minor body damage to the vehicle, which the contact repaired himself. the wheel was repaired, however, he was afraid to drive the trailer because the failure could recur. nhtsa campaign ID number 05v121000 (wheels:lugs/nuts and bolts) was referenced. the engine size, number of cylinders, transmission type, powertrain, fuel type, and fuel system were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 5,000.
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river travel trailer. while driving 60 mph, the contact heard a loud noise and the vehicle began to swerve. the vehicle was pulled over and the contact noticed that the passenger side middle tire had blown out. the tire was replaced with a spare. the tire…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river travel trailer. while driving 60 mph, the contact heard a loud noise and the vehicle began to swerve. the vehicle was pulled over and the contact noticed that the passenger side middle tire had blown out. the tire was replaced with a spare. the tire damaged the turn signal. thirty miles later, the rear driver side tire blew out. the remaining tires were inspected and it was found that the tread on all the tires was beginning to separate. the repair shop replaced all six carlisle tires. the tire failure mileage was approximately 1,500. no other vehicle information was provided.
- Unknown or other
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river travel trailer. the contact stated that the dealer sold him a 2006 vehicle and stated that it was a 2007. when the contact attempted to notify the dealer, they would not speak to him. the contact has lived in the vehicle for 8 to 9 months. he discovered…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river travel trailer. the contact stated that the dealer sold him a 2006 vehicle and stated that it was a 2007. when the contact attempted to notify the dealer, they would not speak to him. the contact has lived in the vehicle for 8 to 9 months. he discovered that all the vehicles from forest river were affected by hurricane katrina and contained femaldahide. the contact and his family have gotten sick, experienced loss of breath, and contracted rashes since moving into the vehicle. no other vehicle information was available.
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river travel trailer. while driving 55 mph, the passenger side rear tire blew out. the spare was placed on the vehicle. the braces were damaged. the rear driver side tire had blown out twice before. the make and model of the tires were unknown, but the tire…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river travel trailer. while driving 55 mph, the passenger side rear tire blew out. the spare was placed on the vehicle. the braces were damaged. the rear driver side tire had blown out twice before. the make and model of the tires were unknown, but the tire size was st22575r15. the contact conducted his own investigation and determined that the axles cannot support the weight of the vehicle. the vehicle IS 11,500 lbs. And the axles are only rated for 5,080 lbs. the tires can only hold 2,540 lbs. A piece. the current and failure mileages were 3,000. no other vehicle information was available. the consumer stated the dealer refused to add an axle and refused to replace the tires. The dealer was willing to repair the damage the tire caused. The consumer stated the rv IS overweight for that type of axle. Updated 09/12/07.*jb
- Suspension › Multiple axle
Subject vehicle IS a 2005 wildcat 28RK fifth wheel travel trailer. in july, 2006, after approximately 3,000 miles of service, I noticed excessive tire wear on the right front tire. I called the axle manufacturer, al-ko kober, stated that I had excessive tire wear on the right front tire, and they…
Subject vehicle IS a 2005 wildcat 28RK fifth wheel travel trailer. in july, 2006, after approximately 3,000 miles of service, I noticed excessive tire wear on the right front tire. I called the axle manufacturer, al-ko kober, stated that I had excessive tire wear on the right front tire, and they were very responsive, to my surprise, and immediately shipped a new axle to my dealer, and they installed. over the next year, I put an additional approximately 3,000 miles on the trailer, and again, noticed the same excessive tire wear at the same location. I took the trailer to an alignment shop, where it was discovered that the right front wheel was toe in, and the right rear wheel was slightly toe out. I faxed the alignment report to my dealer, who then faxed the report to al-ko. al-ko offered to ship me two new axles, which I must pay to have installed, ($300.00), and ship the old axles back to them for evaluation. I requested al-ko pay to have an alignment done, but they only agreed to axle replacement. Now, the interesting part... After discussion with the service manager at my dealer, and the manufacturer of the lasar alignment machine that discovered my alignment problem, it was stated that travel trailers, in general, go out the door without wheel balancing, or wheel alignment. this practice IS unsafe, due to the fact that the misalignment causes rapid, excessive tire wear, causing, in turn, tire failures which can lead to a crash. I offer as a solution: require the trailer manufacturer to perform a wheel alignment, and provide the end user, the consumer, with a before and after certified, alignment report. I will fax you my alignment report, upon request. *tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river cardinal fifth wheel, model# 29TS. while driving 55mph, the driver observed through the rear view mirror that the tread of the right driver side tire seperated from the wheel. the tread of the tires also damaged the vehicle. good sam road side assistance…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 forest river cardinal fifth wheel, model# 29TS. while driving 55mph, the driver observed through the rear view mirror that the tread of the right driver side tire seperated from the wheel. the tread of the tires also damaged the vehicle. good sam road side assistance replaced the tire with the owners spare tire. after driving twenty miles, the second rear tire tread seperated from the vehicle. the tires were kendal kleve ap tires, dot# 7Y9J, and size lt235/85r16. good sams road side assistance was notified again; however, the tire was replaced at the owners expense. after reaching his destination, the dealer replaced all four tires. the manufacturer stated that they don't usually reimburse second owners. the weather was not a factor.
- Suspension › Multiple axle › Torque arm
Had operated surveyor travel trailer, by forest river, for two years, accumulating about 10,000 miles of service. on trip this summer we noticed on 6/24/06, one tire was worn down on inside surface, to the point where the steel cable was visible (photos available). replaced tire. further on the…
Had operated surveyor travel trailer, by forest river, for two years, accumulating about 10,000 miles of service. on trip this summer we noticed on 6/24/06, one tire was worn down on inside surface, to the point where the steel cable was visible (photos available). replaced tire. further on the trip on 7/2/06 we noted that another tire was worn smooth on the inside 2 to 3 inches. replaced tire. on 7/8/06 we noticed that the tire installed on 6/24/06 was already wearing smooth on the inside after traveling only 1,400 miles. replace this tire. luckily we observed the worn tires before the tire failed, so we narrowly avoided a blowout. I complained to the travel trailer dealer who sold the trailer (we are original owners. no response. I contracted al-ko and they offered to ship replacement axles, have them returned for inspection and have the new axles installed. I got a verbal report that three of the spindles were out of alignment, but only two had produced uneven wear. al-ko claimed that the arm holding the spindle shaft was bent. I request a description of the deflection but have not received it. the al_ko representative said that the wheel must of hit a stump or curb. I told him that I have driven all the miles on the trailer and do not recall hitting any such objects. note that at the time of sale I observed misalignment between adjacent wheels and the dealer said that was normal when trailer takes a turn. *jb
- Suspension › Multiple axle
This failure IS of a recreational vehicle. A 5TH wheel trailer. While this vehicle was being repaired as a result of another failure, the repair facility discovered the trailer axles were bent/out of alignment. This condition required the manufacturer to replace both axles. Anecdotal information…
This failure IS of a recreational vehicle. A 5TH wheel trailer. While this vehicle was being repaired as a result of another failure, the repair facility discovered the trailer axles were bent/out of alignment. This condition required the manufacturer to replace both axles. Anecdotal information: this owner has met two other owners of the same trailer make and manufacturer that have experienced similar failures. In each case those owners also had the manufacturer replace the axles. *Jb
- Trailer hitches › Fifth wheel assembly
Dt*: the contact stated while parked in a rest area the fifth wheel collapsed around the pin box into the bed of the truck. the dealer went to the location and determined the pin box had four cracks and will weld the cracks when the vehicle IS either carried or towed to the dealership. the vehicle IS a 2005 forest river cedar creek 36rlts. *ak
- Tires
Dt*: the contact stated over 30 areas of separation was noticed on all four tires. the manufacturer was alerted.
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly › Hanger/bracket
1. I was towing a 2005 wildwood travel trailer on the interstate highway. there was no warning of the impending failure. 2 the failure occurred in the axle suspension. the spring equalizer that links the tandem axle leaf springs together catastrophically failed. as a result, the travel trailer…
1. I was towing a 2005 wildwood travel trailer on the interstate highway. there was no warning of the impending failure. 2 the failure occurred in the axle suspension. the spring equalizer that links the tandem axle leaf springs together catastrophically failed. as a result, the travel trailer fell onto the spinning tires, and the tires went right through the floor of the trailer. once the equalizer broke, the left side of the axle was only held on by one bolt. it could have made the trailer become unstable, swerve and rollover; however, I was towing with a dual rear wheel pickup and the trailer remained behind the tow vehicle. 3. the trailer was taken to coe alignment in jamestown, ky. a new spring equalizer was installed. I still have the old equalizer and can send you pictures if you like. it appears the equalizer had previously cracked and lost a section, making it weak. *jb
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
From purchase creaking under trailer, belly pan fell off on the road twice, then found 5-6 lengthwise cracks in the frame ( welded by lippert's manufacturer of the frame) twice. Trailer now dog tracks. Tires have been replaced from rubbing on frame. motion causes everything to move drawers fall out every trip. counter replaced because it cracked, pulls away from wall. multiple other problems. *jb
- Tires
Dt: 2005, forrest river work and play 5TH wheel. consumer had problems with four tires. three blew out both on the tread and sidewall. on the fourth tire the tread came off. carlisle tires, st235/85r16. they blew out at different locations on the trailer. consumer has not been able to get…
Dt: 2005, forrest river work and play 5TH wheel. consumer had problems with four tires. three blew out both on the tread and sidewall. on the fourth tire the tread came off. carlisle tires, st235/85r16. they blew out at different locations on the trailer. consumer has not been able to get in touch with the manufacturer. on july 31, 2005, the trailer got off the road swiftly. this forced the vehicle into the ditch and the bed of the truck was damaged.*ak
- Equipment
On april 18, 2005 I picked up my car trailer from the dealer. I began towing my trailer home and noticed an extreme amount of instability with the way it was towing. I proceeded towards my house and slowed way down. I continued traveling and the trailer continued to sway. I wrecked the trailer…
On april 18, 2005 I picked up my car trailer from the dealer. I began towing my trailer home and noticed an extreme amount of instability with the way it was towing. I proceeded towards my house and slowed way down. I continued traveling and the trailer continued to sway. I wrecked the trailer shortly before I got home with it. I immediately had the trailer taken to a repair facility to be measured for improprieties to which they found many problems. I consulted mike of team spirit to which he instructed me that they did not use those particular measurements. He said they measured from the center of the wheel to the center of the other wheel and he guaranteed to me that these measurements would be correct. I immediately had these measurements taken and I contacted mike again. I informed him that these measurements were 1/2" off and I asked him what needed to be done. He said the axles need to be properly placed and told me that the insurance company was trying to put the blame on him. He instructed me to contact his attorney with any further questions. I contacted him a few days later for the name of his attorney. I am not satisfied that this trailer IS safe and that can be easily repaired. I have been misled about the quality of this trailer and could have easily been killed by the manufacturers carelessness. the trailer IS manufactured by team spirit of elkhart, inc. 56616 elk park drive, elkhart, in 46516 (574) 266-2966 model no:tsce-10222t2
- Structure · Structure › Body · Suspension · Unknown or other
I purchased a 2005 lexington motorhome from a dealer in san diego, california which was manufactoured by forest rive, inc. I started a trip around the country and shortly into my trip I discovered that apparently due to a design defect, under the motorhome slideout 4 holes allow carbon monoxide…
I purchased a 2005 lexington motorhome from a dealer in san diego, california which was manufactoured by forest rive, inc. I started a trip around the country and shortly into my trip I discovered that apparently due to a design defect, under the motorhome slideout 4 holes allow carbon monoxide into the cabin. At first the carbon monoxide came from the generator exhaust but later we discovered that another vehicle parked next to the motorhome also presented a problem. Measurments of over 450ppm where registered on the CO2 alarm. I ended up in emergency twice and had three exposures and confirmed poisonings of carbon monoxide. Forest river inc. Manufactured the motorhome and has yet been willing to address the issue. If it had not been for my co alarm, I feel I would be dead today. The factory (of course) denies there IS a problem with their design. Because of this life threatening defect, I am not morally able to sell this motorhome as it IS a death trap. I feel the factory has a moral obligation to notify the owners of the many models that use this slideout design in their motorhome of this potential life threatening problem before someone does die or suffers serious damage from this very dangerous poision. also, the manufacture apparently did not do the ford recommended alignment of the body after building the motorhome and the vehicle was dangerous to drive. I was however able to get a ford dealership to repair the safety problem.
- Structure
I purchased a 2005 motorhome from a dealer in san diego, california. I started a trip around the country and shortly into my trip I discovered that apparently due to a design defect, under the motorhome slideout 4 holes allow carbon monoxide into the cabin. At first the carbon monoxide came from…
I purchased a 2005 motorhome from a dealer in san diego, california. I started a trip around the country and shortly into my trip I discovered that apparently due to a design defect, under the motorhome slideout 4 holes allow carbon monoxide into the cabin. At first the carbon monoxide came from the generator exhaust but later we discovered that another vehicle parked next to the motorhome also presented a problem. Measurements of over 450ppm where registered on the CO2 alarm. I ended up in emergency twice and had three exposures and confirmed poisoning of carbon monoxide. Forest river inc. Manufactured the motorhome and has yet been willing to address the issue. If it had not been for my co alarm, I feel I would be dead today. The factory (of course) denies there IS a problem with their design. Because of this life threatening defect, I am not morally able to sell this motorhome as it IS a death trap. Does someone actually need to die for something to be done to correct the problem? I feel the factory has a moral obligation to notify the owners of the many models that use this slideout design in their motorhome of this potential life threatening problem before someone does die or suffers serious damage from this very dangerous poison. *Jb
Every Forest River Travel Trailer model year
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