Are Forest River RVs any good? (a full review)
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Are Forest River RVs any good? We will review two of the most popular Forest River RV models and discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of these motorhomes.
Are Forest River RVs any good?
Forest River trailers are a good deal for their price and a popular choice in the United States, sometimes due to the huge number and models that there is on the market.
The best-selling Forest River vehicles are the very popular Georgetown or the C-Class Sunseeker, vehicles that are built with an arched fibreglass monocoque roof having an R-18 insulation ratio. The advantages of this choice of construction are numerous and important for a future buyer:
- Longer lifespan;
- Greater weather resistance;
- Does not require annual maintenance (roof);
- Fewer joints creating possible water infiltration in the future;
- Double windows for better insulation and therefore a longer period of use;
- Greater soundproofing in the vehicle;
- The higher resale value of the vehicle;
- 2-inch Vacuum-Bond Laminated exterior walls;
- Block foam insulation;
- Superlite composite named AZDEL;
- Plastic-coated fibreglass exterior;
- One-piece Beauflor coating in certain vehicles;
- Aluminium frame.
Forest River makes travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, pop-up trailers, Class C and Class A motorhomes, with a price under the $30,000 mark.
Common Forest River RVs issues
Besides the advantages and the good reputation of Forest River RVs, it is important to know that some models were recalled for certain technical issues. This is not common with Forest River, but nonetheless, it is important to also know the downsides of this brand.
- Models: Berkshire 2018-2020; Legacy 2018-2019; Sportscoach 2018-2021
On certain motorhomes, the inner wheel tire valve stem extension could be damaged by contact with the outer wheel. If this were to happen, the inner tire could bleed out, which could overload the outer tire and cause it to fail.
Safety Risk: A tire failure can cause loss of control and increase the risk of a collision.
- Models: Wildwood 2021
On certain travel trailers, the heater, when turned on, could affect the burner inside the cooktop. This could potentially reverse the burner flame.
Safety Hazards: A reversed burner flame could create a burn hazard or cause a fire.
- Models: Coachmen Sportscoach 2018-2019, Forest River Berkshire 2017-2019, Charleston 2018, Legacy 2017-2018.
On certain vehicles built on a Freightliner chassis, the rear-mounted Power Distribution Module (PDM) may have a manufacturing defect that could cause intermittent operation of the rear marker light, brake lights, or left rear turn signal.
Without a brake light, motorists in the back of an affected vehicle may not realize that a vehicle in front of them is braking, increasing the risk of an accident injuring someone or damaging them. material goods.
- Models: Cherokee 2019-2021
On some classic caravans, the wiring for the parking socket may not have been properly connected. As a result, the wiring could overheat and melt.
Safety Risks: Wiring that overheats or melts could create a fire hazard.
- Models: Palomino 2014
On certain conventional trailers, the heater exhaust vent may be missing.
Safety Risks: If the heater is operated without an exhaust vent, carbon monoxide could enter the trailer, which could lead to asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Models: Coachmen Chaparral and Chaparral Lite 2018–2020; Chaparral XLite 2019–2020; Shasta Phoenix 2018-2020
On certain fifth-wheel trailers, the 110V outlet in the outdoor kitchen is not protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Safety Risks: A kitchen electrical outlet that is not equipped with a GFCI could create a risk of electric shock or electrocution.
- Models: Coachmen Apex and Spirit 2019; Forest River Impression and Tracer 2019
On certain conventional trailers, the inner hub bearings of the axles may not be sufficiently greased. This could cause the bearings to overheat and fail, which could cause a wheel to jam or come off. It could cause a loss of control and an accident.
In addition, a loose wheel could strike a vehicle, stationary object, or person nearby, injuring someone or damaging property.
- Models: Berkshire 2018-2019, Starcraft 2019
In certain vehicles equipped with certain types of compressed air disc brakes, the brake calliper mounting bolts may have been improperly tightened. For this reason, the bolts of the pouring out will be removed, which will cause the detachment of the pouring.
The devices for the wrong fixation will be able to offer the appropriate tightening force between the brake court and the brake plaque, which will reduce the effect of the brake. It augments the braking distances, it augments the risks of an accident that leads to the blessings or the material suns (or both).
- Models: Flagstaff et Rockwood 2019
South contests classic caravans, the inner axle bearings could be incorrect and seize up. This appears in a blog of wheel and increases the rolling resistance of the tow vehicle, which could affect the road behaviour of the vehicle and increase the risk of an accident injuring someone or damaging property.
A review: Forest River Flagstaff Micro-Lite
An option that provides luxury and convenience would be the Flagstaff Micro-Lite Travel Caravan. The many floor plans provide some comfort in knowing that you can find something to your liking.
Floor plans differ in how much your caravan will weigh. These floor plans are unlikely to be too heavy for yours to the caravan. The highest rate floor plans are Flagstaff Micro-Lite 23LB and Flagstaff Micro-Lite 25FBLS.
The Micro-Lite 23LB is highly rated for some of its interior and exterior details that give the caravan an extremely luxurious feel.
- The Micro-Lite has a murphy bed;
- Double berths;
- A bathroom with a bathtub included;
- An outdoor gas grill;
- And a countertop extension!
These features are great for any family! Children especially will love the double bunk function that they can climb into after a long day outdoors. And for parents, the folding bed will be a comfortable choice!
The Micro-Lite 25FBLS is a friendlier option for couples! Its interior is perfect for two who love to travel. Some notable features of this plane make the experience memorable.
- A back bathroom;
- A private front bedroom;
- Theatre seats;
- Pantry;
- And a single sliding bed!
This trailer has an entertainment centre that can be a useful way to spend the day with your partner. Along with its comfortable theatre-style seating, it also comes with a queen-size bed inside the front bedroom. Your wardrobe and sliding shelves are an effective way to protect space.
The general features of this travel caravan model are somewhat similar to the other floor plans it offers.
Characteristics
- Solid wood doors and drawers and raised panels located inside
- Comes with an aluminium frame
- There is an electric awning and an adjustable rain chute with LED lighting.
- Includes vinyl/rubber composite roof membrane
- 17 different floor plans to choose from!
Flagstaff is a great option for anyone who needs something functional, stylish, and high-quality. It has high-tech features and the storage is perfect for families who need a nature getaway.
A review: The Forest River Sunseeker MBS 2400B
The popular Forest River Sunseeker can hold up to 6 people. You can travel and live in it due to the presence of all facilities – a shower, a stove, a toilet. The driver’s seat is located directly in the van, so there is no need to take an extra car with you.
The MBS 2400B motorhome has a large 120 l tank, which is especially important for long, uninterrupted journeys away from cities. During a long stay indoors, there is no discomfort due to the optimal height of 2057 mm, a width of 2400 mm and length of 7747 mm. The berths also have comfortable dimensions – 1,905 x 1,524 mm and 2,032 x 1,371 mm.
Advantages:
- The capacity of the freshwater tank is 159 litres;
- 220V electrical system;
- Volumetric capacity for wastewater – 159 litres;
- Optimal location of the kitchen and living area;
- Lots of windows and lots of natural light.
Disadvantages: Small refrigerator.
The bottom line
When looking for a recreational vehicle it is very important not to make mistakes and therefore to seek sound advice on the vehicle that interests us. This purchase is in many cases a vehicle to keep for several years in order to fully benefit from it.
This is the reason why it is essential to observe the quality of the product we acquire and this quality can be observed by simple facts such as the material used for the roof or the thickness of the manufacture of the walls etc.
Forest River does have a good reputation among RV manufacturers. After reading our review, would you consider investing in one?
Please feel free to share your thoughts or to ask any questions about the content!
References
- Forest River Reviews on RV Insider
- Sunseeker Class C Motorhomes | Forest River RV – Manufacturer of …
- Forest River
