Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  12/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On November 5, 2024 I purchased a Columbus 388FKH made by Forest River Inc. from ***************** in **********, *********. I was told while purchasing that the unit I paid for ********** wire) for $82,776.00 included a dishwasher installed, the unit had Ultra Quiet AC units with Heat Pumps installed, a convection above range microwave. None of these items are installed in the unit as promised. I have sent the video where I was told on multiple occasions that the unit had the items. Also, the refrigerator/freezer in the unit does not work (FC code flashing on the refrigerator and ice maker has not worked since I got it to the camp ground).

  Business response

  12/20/2024

  Thank you for forwarding this customer's concern.  We have been working directly with the customer and the dealership to resolve their complaints as customer goodwill.  ********************** does not own or operate the dealerships.  

• Initial Complaint

  11/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We purchased a new Forest River travel trailer in March of 2024. Mid summer we noticed ripping on the the ceiling of the camper and wanted to have it looked at for a potential leak in the roof, which we believe should be covered by warranty. After attempts to contact our dealer with no success, we made numerous attempts to contact several different contacts with Forest River, hoping to get information on how to get warranty work done. Not one email or phone call was returned from any of the departments we attempted to contact. In early August our travel trailer was involved in a vehicle collision, and after our insurance company did their assessment we took the unit to a collision shop for an estimate for repairs. The collision shop confirmed that the rippling we had noticed previously was likely due to a leak, and they produced an additional estimate to repair that issue as well. We were again told to get in touch with Forest River regarding filing a warranty claim and to find out if Forest River would cover repairs done at this repair shop. Again numerous messages were left with several different departments/contact numbers at Forest River, with no reply. We left numerous messages with our dealer, and our salesperson at our dealer with no response whatsoever. Eventually we received an response from ****** *******, Warranty Representative at Forest River and had several emails back and forth including sending requested photos of the unit. ****** eventually stopped responding despite several more attempts on our end to reach out. My last email from him was Oct 16th. At this point we have exhausted all options in contacting Forest River regarding this repair and haven't received any kind of answer about whether the warranty will cover it (we certainly believe it should) and whether Forest River will allow the shop that will already have our unit in for repairs do the work under their ************: *****************

  Business response

  11/13/2024

  Forest River is sorry for any delays; it is our understanding that ********** in agreement to assist in any outstanding warranty concerns. If you feel this is not correct or need further assistance, please contact *** ******** by phone at ************ or by email at **************************************************************.

  Thank you.

  Customer response

  11/14/2024

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  we find their proposed resolution unacceptable.
  While Mr. ******* has agreed via email since our initial complaint on 11/4/2024 to reimburse us for repairs, this commitment has not been formally documented or communicated to the Better Business Bureau. To ensure a satisfactory resolution, we require the following:
  Formal confirmation from Forest River, in writing, that they will reimburse us for all repair costs, including parts and labor. This confirmation should be provided to myself and likewise, the Better Business Bureau.
  It would be much appreciated if Forest River could assist in expediting repairs, including prioritizing parts delivery to the collision shop.
  We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to a swift and complete resolution.
  

  Business response

  11/26/2024

  Forest River has been transparent in regard to coverage, and we stand behind our word to our customer.  Mr. ******* will reach out (if he hasn't already) with documentation regarding completion of the estimated remaining repairs, with a request for a release to cover involved parties in order to finalize the repair plan. It is our understanding that there was separate damage that was being covered by the customers' insurance, and that the ************************* firm is not an affiliated repair center for Forest River. 

  Thank you

  Customer response

  11/29/2024

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  

  This is not what we asked for all Im asking is for Forest River to be held accountable for the warranty work. We have received the runaround multiple times from Forest River and our dealer. This is why we had to make the Better Business Bureau complaint in the first place.
  

  I am asking for Forest River to acknowledge the issues in front of the Better Business Bureau so Forest River can be held accountable

• Initial Complaint

  10/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On 12-30-2023 we bought a Coachmen Clipper manufactured by Forest River. Model: 18BHS | VIN: *****************. The camper we bought is advertised with a weight rating of *****. A jpeg of the sales brochure is attached. After we bought it, we noticed there is a mismatched sticker on the camper which limits the weight to ***** lbs. When I looked into it, the axle on the camper is only rated to ***** lbs.We asked Forest River and they admitted that the axle did not match citing a product change. On April 29th, ******* ********* with Forest River agreed, to have a claim filed saying in an email, "We will need to have them file a claim and put the correct axle on order so we can swap your original with new. The new axle will be [Part Number] 4400# instead of the 4000# axle that is currently on your unit."Now that we have the camper at a repair facility, Forest River is now declining to follow through with the repair.

  Business response

  11/01/2024

  Forest River has been in contact with the customer, and we are working to rectify this issue.

  Thank you.

  Customer response

  11/01/2024

   Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

  
  

  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  10/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  ***BUYER BEWARE***We went to lazy days and bought a brand new 2024 ******. While the salesman and team members have always been great, This camper has been a nightmare! We didn't even get it home before the siding started ripping off. Sent it back, they fixed it. Took it out for 3 days and realize the shower was never caulked and water runs everywhere. Sent it back and got it back NOT FIXED so I had to fix that myself with forest River walking me through the task. Go to use it for a hunting trip, the refrigerator starts pouring water into the floor from under the cabinets (so now we're worried about mold) and the ac quits in the middle of the night. All of our trips have either been cancelled because of this camper not being available or I have had to pay out of pocket for somewhere else to stay. Meanwhile we're still making all payments on time. Nothing has been offered on lazy days or forest rivers part to try to help the situation. If we werent on contract I'd tell them to take it back and keep it.

  Customer response

  10/29/2024

  Please see attached for Model and Vin #

  Business response

  11/07/2024

  Forest River would like to respond to a complaint from one of our customers expressing concern of a 2024 ************** that was purchased on 5/21/2024, with a warranty expiration date of 5/21/2025.
  The metal concern the customer has expressed has been resolved by Lazy Days. The caulking around the shower has been resolved as well with Forest River assisting the customer in remedying this concern. The ** is currently at Camping World of Holiday, **. This dealership has submitted claims regarding the air conditioner concern which have been authorized by Forest River to make repairs under the warranty. We will continue working with Camping World to assist them with pinpointing and resolving the refrigerator concern the customer has expressed.

  Thank you.

  Customer response

  11/07/2024

   I am rejecting this response because I feel we were sold a "lemon". Our trips have been cancelled or cost us more out of pocket because we had to find somewhere else to stay due to all the issues we have had with the unit.  The camper has been nothing but a headache and we are unhappy with the purchase.  We bought this brand new so we didn't have the issues.  It has been being repaired more than we have had a chance to use it and even when it was sent for repairs, I had to repair an issue myself once it was returned to us.   I would be embarrassed to say this is the kind of quality sold by my company.  It's literally falling apart before the purchaser made it home.  
  
  

  Business response

  11/13/2024

  Forest River would like to respond to a customer expressing a concern regarding a 2024 ************** that was purchased on 5/21/2024, with a warranty expiration date of 5/21/2025.
  
  Forest River is focused on providing a product with superior value and backing it through excellent service and support.  We understand the customer is unhappy with the camper at this time and we are working with the dealership to make the appropriate repairs under the warranty.We would dispute that this trailer is lemon, as the dealership has remedied the concerns the customer has expressed.
  
  We remain sympathetic to the customers concern and are working to resolve them as quickly as possible.

  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  10/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  2024 Grey Wolf 26DBH camper, purchased in May of 2024. Took on vacation in the mountains and received a "trailer disconnected" message on the dash of my truck. Stopped to investigate and found the axle u-bolts had made contact with the frame of the camper and pinched/cut the electric trailer brake wiring and caused damage to the frame of the camper on all 4 spring locations. I made a roadside repair of the wiring and relocated the wiring to continue safe travels. Took in for warranty repair and my claim was denied, called Forest River and was asked to bring the camper back in for more pictures and information. After bringing it in a second time my warranty claims was denied again. Called Forest River again and was told Terran Axle denied the claim, I called Terran Axle and was told they don't deny or accept claims, they only sell axles to Forest River and to call them back. Contacted Forest River again and was asked to email the pictures I had taken with a tape measure in the picture showing the clearance. I did so and was informed that the clearance is adequate and the damage could ONLY be cause by hitting a pothole or curb. They denied my claim again. Have since contacted several different people at Forest River and have gotten zero response. Upon an internet search I have discovered this to be a common occurrence on this model of trailer. Terran Axle also informed me that Forest River should have installed the axles "over the spring" vs "under the spring" for more clearance between the frame and axles u-bolts.

  Customer response

  10/17/2024

  VIN number is: *****************

   

  Model is 2024 Grey Wolf 26DBH 

  Business response

  10/24/2024

  Forest River reached out to the customer and let them know the claim has been authorized to proceed with the repairs.

  Customer response

  10/24/2024

   Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

   

  I am accepting this resolution provided that Forest River follows through with the agreed upon actions to repair my camper. 

   

  Thank you.

  Customer response

  12/30/2024

  After bringing my camper in for the repairs that Forest River finally authorized, they only replaced 1 axle assembly and "suspension system". They told me the repair to my camper would be authorized due to the brake wires being cut on the axles, however they only replaced one axle and not both. They also did nothing to alleviate the axle contacting the frame of my trailer, this leaving a poorly designed, dangerous suspension issue on my trailer. After I contacted them to ask for an explanation, the only reply they would give me is "we have authorized what we can on this". No further information was provided to me. They absolutely will not stand behind their failure design, I don't care if the leaf springs are in spec and still "show arc". They did NOT design enough clearance into the leaf springs mounts to keep it from hitting the frame. I now have a damaged frame and decreased value on a brand new camper. They refuse to take responsibility for it. I want my camper fixed with improved, proper parts, or bought back.

  Business response

  01/03/2025

  We respectfully decline assistance regarding this matter.  All available information was sent to the manufacturer of the axles.   They have reviewed and do not believe that there is any structural defect caused by manufacturing.  

  Customer response

  01/03/2025

   I am rejecting this response because: this is an absolute design failure and will kill someone when an axle breaks or bends. There are hundreds of these trailers with the exact same issue and all it takes is a little internet search. I will be posting pictures and conversations online in any forum I can find to warn people of the poor business practices this company operates under. This is my third brand new Forest River product and will without a doubt be my last. Forest River declines repairing them because they will be on the hook for fixing them all. I will be following all channels for an investigation into this poor design. 
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  10/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On Sunday 09/15/2024 we went to the Hershey RV show. We began discussions with **** to purchase a ******** ******** 27THS. After some negotiating we were presented with an offer of a $399 monthly payment for the unit on the lot with $2000 down. We left without a signed agreement but agreed to talk in 24 hours. **** called twice that next week and we continued to discuss the agreed upon $399 monthly payment. I then spoke with his manager **** from the Indiana store. He told me we would be working with the PA location. I then was put in contact with a different **** who restated everything discussed at the show with ****. We filled out the credit application and waited.2 days later we received an email stating they found a lender but they insisted we borrow a minimum of $50000. In order to get the deal to this number, they were adding ************* and a 5 year service plan. Bringing our monthly payment to $682. I immediately emailed asking what happened to our quoted $399 monthly payment. Then I sent **** in ******* a text asking the same. I never heard back from either party. We want the deal we agreed upon at the Hershey RV show for the fully loaded 2025 ******** ******** Trail Blazer 27THS.

  Customer response

  10/07/2024

  There was no specific location at the ********** show. We were in the ******** area of the show and dealing with sales **** and managers from all over the country.  Our main point of contact was **** the manager from *******. When he and I spoke he told me the sale would be coming from the ************ location I placed on the complaint. Do you want the name and address of the Indiana location? 

  If so, here is what I found ******************* *********************************************************************************************************. His contact number is ************.

  Business response

  10/10/2024

  It appears that this complaint was received in error. This was received to *************** and the complaint is in reference to Coachman RV. 

  Business response

  10/14/2024

  Forest River is sorry to hear that this customer had an unsatisfactory experience.  While Forest River manufactures Coachmen branded products for sale to dealers, we do not sell units directly to the public.  Since we do not operate stores or dealerships, we do not believe that the names mentioned in the complaint (****, ****) are Forest River employees.  As Forest River is not privy to any sales or financing agreements made by the dealerships, we are unable assist in this matter.  

• Initial Complaint

  10/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This is in reference to an ongoing issue with the Prime Time Sanibell ************************************************** August 2023. It is currently sitting at ************ in **********, *****, waiting for repairs or some resolution from the warranty department at River Forest. We used the camper immediately after it was bought and noticed the ** would not cool to more than ten degrees below the outside temperature. Considering the summer of 2023 in ***** had record highs for months, you can imagine how hot our new fifth wheel was. It stayed at a sweltering 95 and above the night we used it. It was miserable. My husband immediately took our new fifth wheel to Crestview for repair. After weeks of repair, we picked up the fifth wheel and stored it. We used it over Thanksgiving break but didn't use the ** due to the outside temps, so we assumed the dealer had rectified the problem. In July 2024, we took a trip to *********** with temps of ****** degrees Fahrenheit. Once again, the ** failed to work correctly and cooled ten degrees or less than the outside temp even while parked in the shade. This issue significantly impacted our trip to ***********, making the trip awful and causing great inconvenience. Upon our return, my husband returned the ******* to the Crestview to repair it. We were still within our warranty. Since leaving the ** at *********, my husband has constantly communicated with ***resentatives at Forest River and the service *** and sales at *********. ********* has tried to complete the repairs and filed claims for ** repair but has been denied. The ** needs to be repaired, and we cannot use the **, for which we pay over $600.00 a month. This ongoing issue has not only been a colossal disappointment and an unnecessary expense for an ** we can't use.We have tried to resolve this issue with the Forest River directly, but they have not responded.Information:Year: 2023 Make: Prime Time Sanibel Model: 3602WB VIN: *****************

  Business response

  10/14/2024

  To whom it may concern: 

  The customer contacted ********************** on August 9, 2024, to discuss the roof A/C concerns. Since then, we have been working with their local dealer to resolve the situation. Warranty claims were submitted on August 26, 2024, and have been authorized in order to complete the repairs needed. We have not denied any warranty requests relating to this customer or their RV.
  
  Please let us know if further information is needed.

  Thank you.

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  10/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We purchased a 2024 brand new camper from ************* in *****, Sept 2023. We have had nothing but issues with the camper since our first trip. I have been in touch with Camping World and Forest River since October of 2023 about the list of issues. Camping World has addressed a few of the issues but we were told from Forest River that they need the camper at their facility, to address the issues. I have emailed every month probably if not more since we purchased the camper trying to get a refund, a replacement, something they are ignoring me and let the manufacture warranty lapse. I was told Forest River could not pick up the camper until December 2024, they have not given me a date or a time frame for when we will get it back. I have let them know we use the camper almost year round and cannot be without the camper or that we will need funds to pay for the cost to rent one, no response on that. I have informed them of the several times our food has spoiled they will not replace the costs (due to issues with the fridge and the electrical). There is a serious health concern with this camper, a electrical wire already caught fire and singed under our bed but they are not taking quick action to ensure the safety of our family. We pay $750 per month for a camper that we have had nothing but issues with we cannot afford legal counsel and yet we are being completely ignored. Since the warranty is expired Camping World is unable to help us we are stuck with a health hazard and something that doesn't work correctly.

  Customer response

  10/02/2024

  *****************

   

  2024 Wolfpack
  

  Business response

  10/11/2024

  Forest River is working with the Elmblads to help them to find a dealership that is skilled in electrical repairs since the dealership they purchased the unit from is not comfortable doing these types of repairs.

• Initial Complaint

  09/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Transaction: 26 July 2024 **** $64,361.07 Dealer and Manufacturer were both committed to provide me with a vehicle that is operable, I had a 1 yr manufacturer warranty and purchased a 5 yr dealer extended warranty.Nature of dispute: According to the dealer an o-ring in the water line was not installed by the manufacturer which the dealer claims caused a water leak. We connected water to our camper and came back approximately 30 hrs later and the entire camper was filled with water. The camper is not habitable and both the dealer (Rte 125 ************ and the manufacturer (Forest River) refuse to do anything with the trailer. They are pointing the finger at each other and we have not had a camper since 8 Aug 2024. This was the second time the trailer went back for problems, the first was 4 days after we purchased the trailer. The first day we hooked up the trailer to water/electric it blew electrical outlets along the washer/dryer closet hook-**** master bedroom, and bathroom. We have only had the camper in our possession for a combined 7 days between the two issues. We are not able to take this as a loss on our insurance as it was deemed a manufacturer warranty issue by the dealer already. The bank authorized us to remove insurance since it is currently a total loss.

  Business response

  09/19/2024

  Forest River would like to bring this unit back to our facility for inspections and repair.  After all repairs have been completed, we would have a third-party inspector to perform mold testing.  Please contact ************************************* to arrange.

  Thank you

  Customer response

  09/22/2024

   I am rejecting this response because: Its brand new and now its salvaged and rebuilt with a dramatic decrease in value. I am requesting a full buy back. Thank you.
  
  
  

  Business response

  09/27/2024

  ***** ******* co-owner has authorized Forest River to pick up their Surveyor for inspection and repair.

  Thank you.

  Customer response

  09/27/2024

   I am rejecting this response because: The dealer requested that I give permission for the trailer to be picked up at the dealer by Forest River. I don't care what Forest River does. Im requesting a full buy back as this camper is no longer new and will be salvaged and rebuilt. I paid for a NEW camper, not a rebuilt one!
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Purchased the Grey Wolf Valentines Day paid cash, and its been issue after issues. Thermostats stopped working, AC not working, fridge freezes, or ruins food. Faulty door caused injury to my finger that now requires surgery to fix the disfigurement, Propane issues, water issues, Stable jacks broke. Door locks broke, screen doors get stuck you get trapped inside. Electrical issues. Bunks broke, stove does not stay on, convection oven shuts off after 30 mins of use, striker plates had to be taken off just for the doors to latch. Slide out supports are breaking, Shower surround coming away from wall, shower floor is sinking, virtually no water pressure, Emergency exits hard to open. Tankless hot water heater always throwing error codes, Carbon Monoxide detector is always going off, *********** does not work, battery power does not work, awning gets stuck when bringing it back in, blinds get stuck, bunks broken, couches broke, kitchen table supports came out of the floor, kitchen sink is falling, random holes appearing in the cabinet doors, sensors for tanks do not work. One gets more water pressure from a water fountain. Outlets dont work, the list goes on and on. Been going at this for 6 months. LEMON of all things. I have asked to be refunded what I paid, and a replacement RV, and all they want to do is send my rig to them to repair. This is what my son and I call home, now we are going to be homeless because of their faulty product, and CW would not resolve. They were also sent a letter certified on July 13, and they never responded until I found an email address for Cherokee owners.

  Customer response

  08/20/2024

  VIN

  *****************

   

  Cherokee **************  Purchased Feb 13 2024.  It was manufactured Oct 2023

  Business response

  08/29/2024

  Forest River is currently working with this customer to have her unit brought in for ***********************. 

  Thank you. 

  Customer response

  09/03/2024

   Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and would like to add the following comments.  
  I reached out through owners resources at FR to try to get a hold of someone to try to get my issues resolved. I was contacted by one individual who talked to me about all the issues in my unit and then got it over to her management team and then the warranty department who then reached out to me to get me to sign some documents and now they will bring it back to ******* to repair because there is just so much wrong with the unit. Since I made the initial complaint there have been more things added to the list of things wrong including an electrical short where the wires connect the ac thermostat. Have not heard of when they will pick up my unit from me to get it fixed or how long they will have it. Also my unit came with no books, no warranty information nothing.  But for now they are taking it back to ******* to repair. Lets see what happens out of that.   
  

  
  

  Thank you.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩