Forest River

Forest River Rpod Problems I have been holding off submitting this to the forum until I heard back from the dealer (PoulsboRV) and Forest River. On October 22, 2017 we purchased a brand new 2017 Rpod 180RB for our trip to Palm Springs.

 I immediately found some things wrong and took it back to PoulsboRV to get fixed before our trip.   After taking the unit back to PoulsboRV with problems two times, over several weeks. We were unable to get the work scheduled or have parts in prior to our departure date of 12-14-17. Despite extending our departure date we left with repairs undone and many questions.

At this point in time it was either go the way it was or cancel the trip we had been planning for a year AND all reservations were already made and paid for. We went on the trip which, because of the Rpod problems and weather, will forever be remembered as the vacation from ***.  We finally cut the vacation short, took our loses, and came home. As soon as we got home I delivered the Rpod back to PoulsboRV for the repair work on 1-12-17.

Got word today, 2-2-17, from PoulsboRV (and indirectly from Forest River) that they were finished and we could pick up our Rpod. We picked it up on 2-7-17 with most of the repairs being denied by Forest River and so PoulsboRV refused to fix. Here are the problems that we had and the results & comments. 1:  When we got the unit home after purchasing on Oct 22.

it sat in the driveway for 2 days before we had time to start loading it.  When I turned the lights on they were dim so I checked the battery voltage and it was 10.4 volts.  What the heck! I plugged the shore power in and the built in charger picked up the load.

  While connected to power I was trying to listen to the AM radio and the noise was so loud the radio was useless.  Finally figured out that the "converter" in the unit has so much RF noise that it totally blanks the radio. (This is common in the cheap solid state switching type chargers with poor filtering - OK for battery chargers but not OK for radio because of the noise it generates)  With the AC power disconnected the radio was fine. Result:  I was told the "converter" was within specs, per FR, so PoulsboRV would not do anything about it.

 At this point the battery is probably shot and they will not replace it either. I was also told by the service department that the "converter" was known to be faulty by Forest River and had been replaced with a different one. If I wanted the new one I would have to pay for it myself..... On a unit I had used once.

I had previously asked PoulsboRV if they could do a load check on the battery as I suspect that with the deep discharge it might be ruined.  I was told that I would have to pay for the load test if Forest River would not pay for it. PoulsboRV did not do a battery load test. SOLUTION: On 3/10/17 I replaced the “converter” with a MJF power supply at a cost of $109.

The radio now works perfectly and I have a voltmeter and ampmeter on the MFJ. Moving right along. 2:  With the power off for the night, having charging all day, the next day the battery was dead again.  I traced it to a ½ amp load on the battery ALL THE TIME.

 There are some house loads that DO NOT GO THROUGH THE DC FUSE BLOCK.  The ONLY way to keep the battery from going dead is to disconnect the battery. In a car this would be like not being able to turn your parking lights off…..unless you disconnect the battery. Result: PoulsboRV did not even look at this after telling them about the problem.

SOLUTION: I installed a disconnect on the battery. 3:  When we got to Palm Springs after a couple of showers my wife questioned where all the water in the bathroom floor was coming from.  I removed the inspection plate on the shower stall and the floor was flooded.  The next shower my wife took, I was watching the plumbing under the shower and water was running all over the place from the drain piping.

 Found out that the shower stall was only supported on the edges and while taking a shower it felt like you were on a trampoline.  The plumbing is all rigid ABS plumbing which does not tolerate flexing so it was broken. (I GUESS I COULD HAVE JUST CUT *** IN THE FLOOR UNDER THE P-TRAP TO THE OUTSIDE AND THE PROBLEM WOULD BE SOLVED) 4 pieces of 1”x2” in the corner is the total shower support and with the hole for the drain cut in the middle of the plywood it is very unstable. A RV repairman was found in Palm Springs and he replaced all the piping with new AND then added three additional pieces of 2X4 putting them under the shower floor in the center to give it some additional support.

 This was to get us through the trip.    Note: Forest River did pay for this because we were extremely insistent it was their failure and we were 200 miles from the nearest dealer. They initially expected us to take it to a dealer which would mean leaving our paid for RV park, driving 400 miles round trip, and just hoping that the dealer could get us in and could fix the problem. This would of course force us into a motel.

Result:  After looking at the repair done in Palm Springs, PoulsboRV (not us) wanted to take the shower stall out and reinforce the support.  They were told by Forest River that the shower was installed per spec and would not pay for it so PoulsboRV would not do it. SOLUTION: PoulsoboRV did re-replace the fittings ("customer gratis" as they said) as they said it was still leaking (which it wasn’t). I then added 4 more braces under the shower to further steady it up to prevent further damage. I hope this is sufficient. 4:  The cord that plugs into the tow vehicle had about 3/4" of the wiring exposed at the plug.  Result:  PoulsboRV replaced the cord. But why was it sent out this way?

5:  All of the pull down night shades were installed crooked. Result:  Dealer said they adjusted the shades. But why was it sent out this way? COMMENT: The shades look just as crooked after the adjustment as they did before so they are still crooked and this is unresolved. 6:  The brake/tail lights had LED segments that were not working.

I noticed this when we took delivery and it was noted by PoulsboRV at that time. They did not have any in stock so I had to leave it till we got home. Result:  Lamps were replaced  COMMENT: Seems to be OK 7:  Just before leaving on our trip, the propane detector started going off and it COULD NOT be silenced nor reset.  I had to remove it from the wall and cut the power wire to the unit to silence it.

 This is one of the loads that do not go through the fuse block and is part of the "phantom load" in the unit. Result:  PoulsboRV replaced the unit just before we left. They said FR had gotten some bad units from the manufacturer.  They did not comment on the constant load it presents.  COMMENT: Battery switch I added solved the problem.

8:   The brackets that hold the kitchen Venetian blinds were incorrectly installed as the brackets were installed wider than the blinds.  Therefore the blinds could not be secured at the bottom and flopped around. Result:  They remounted the bottom brackets. But why was it sent out this way? 9:  The factory installed wires that connect to the battery were not crimped properly and were totally corroded and covered with a green corrosion and this was before a battery was even installed in the unit.

 The battery was installed AFTER we bought the unit from PoulsboRV. COMMENT: Before leaving on the trip I cleaned off the corrosion, re-crimped the wires and soldered the connection.  But why was it sent out this way? 10:  It was almost impossible to get the propane tank cover off and on.

 Prior to my taking delivery of the 180 it had deep gouges in the plastic cover which was cutting the plastic deeply when you tried to remove or install the cover, which will be required every time you fill the tank. Result:  It was being gouged by the over length bolts that were used to bolt on the plate that holds the pressure regulator.  I simply reversed the bolts.  Poor Installation. But why was it sent out this way?

COMMENT: PoulsboRV decided to replace the torn up cover “gratis” 11:  The door stop for the bathroom door was the door *** hitting the mirror mounted on the closet door.  VERY POOR design. COMMENTS:  To prevent the mirror being broken by the door *** I mounted a bumper on the bottom of the bath room door so that now it hits the on the floor mounted fire extinguisher instead of the mirror. But why was it sent out this way? 12:  I am installing a second battery in the space behind the power panel and converter AND installing a battery switch so I can disconnect the batteries.

 As far as factory wiring is concerned this involved installing the battery switch in 1 existing wire. Result:  I was told by the service rep at PoulsboRV that this modification has now voided the factory warranty on the electrical system. Be aware folks… make any electrical change and you have voided your warranty. 13:  Except for the exposed floor the 180 was filthy.  Sawdust and construction debris in all the storage areas, in the storage lockers, in the hot water tank area, in the water pump area, in the drawers, in the over counter storage areas.....

Looks like the only thing done by Forest River and PoulsboRV was to vacuum the floor that you could see. COMMENT:  My wife spent a day cleaning the unit.  Imagine delivering a unit in this condition to a customer... VERY POOR consideration for the customer by Forest River and/or PoulsboRV, which ever was supposed to clean the unit. But why was it sent out this way?  14:  The hot water is so hot it will scald you.

 I asked if it could be turned down. Result: I was told by PoulsboRV that they would have to see if Forest River would pay for checking the water temperature... if they wouldn't I would have to pay for that. Today I was told that it was between 120 and 140 degrees that it was with in factory spec so they would not do anything.

COMMENT: Still unresolved but one added item. We used the unit for 1 month and the anode in the water heater is over 50% gone. I have purchased a new one which I will put in when we next use the unit. Over the years, and I am 80 so there have been many of them, I have owned; 1 truck/cab-over camper, 1 Scamp trailer, 3 Class B RVs, 2 Class C RVs, 1 Class A, and now this Rpod.

Most have had some initial problems but all the dealers made them good with no problems and no arguments. This is the ONLY one of the bunch that I am totally disgusted with. The design and layout is great but the factory craftsmanship is poor, Forest River does not support their customer, and PoulsoboRV will not do ANYTHING on their own. Really great customer service all around don't you think?  Before my problems were apparent a friend saw mine just after I brought it home and he purchased an identical unit from PoulsboRV a week later.

I just talked to him and he is experiencing some of the same problems I have had. At this point if we could return the unit and get our money back we would.  I cannot recommend to anyone the purchase an Rpod, or Forest River product without a warning that you are on your own. I am also very disappointed in the attitude of PoulsboRV.

All promises when you buy and abandoned when you need service. WE ARE NOT HAPPY RPOD OWNERS and with all the bent axles being reported I’ll have something else to watch for. Oh goody. I know that from now on I am on my own with any problems with this Rpod and have totally written off Forest River and PoulsboRV.

Bottom line: Today I took the 180 to a RV repair shop that has an EXCELLENT reputation who believe that the customer comes first. I’ll let you know how it goes.

We bought a brand new travel trailer (junk) on Feb 17th, 2024. It's now August 29th, 2025, and we finally got it back like 2 weeks ago and just noticed the back window is leaking.

But this all started when we bought it. I bought this for a Valentine birthday present for my wife and I, and she found a grocery list of problems: leaks in the slide, screw holes in the wall, countertop damage, backsplash falling off the wall, an outlet coming out of the wall, water heater doesn't work. Then it's supposedly fixed. Drive there?

Nope, not fixed. Then they say they replaced the slide gaskets; they said it's done and nope, still leaks. Then they tell me it's been there too long; I have to take it. Nope, I'm not taking it until it's fixed.

Then, after many trips back and forth, we go to get it and the power jack broke trying to put it on my truck. We get it home and found the water heater didn't work and there was delamination on the driver's side bedroom window. Then back to General RV and the plumbing that wasn't connected properly. The battery blew up on my brand new RV pad, then multiple trips back and forth.

They were saying it's fixed and when we would get there, nope, it's not. I told the general manager, Chris Dietrich, to go through the whole thing and test everything. Well, he didn't. Then it went from Jacksonville General RV to Forest River in Goshen, Indiana, and I guess they rebuilt the unit.

From the beginning, General RV at all locations and all people would call me up and would just straight up lie about anything and everything, even Chris Dietrich—just all lies. Well, now the manufacturer has it, and I get it back and I still have an acid burn in the brand new concrete RV pad, and now my driveway is torn up from the delivery driver, and the sliding door got damaged in transport and broke the strap and the guide. I fixed it myself, and the back window now is leaking. So, General RV and Forest River decided, after about 100 emails and all my gas and wasted time and wasted monthly payments, that they will give me 3 grand, and they want me to sign a release that basically says they want nothing to do with this rolling junk and I have to remove all my bad reviews and I lose my extended warranty.

I said, between the damages to the concrete, the damage to the driveway, the monthly payments, and insurance, forget about the rest—I'm at 23 grand. So the best they are willing to do is 8 grand, and the same no warranty; they want nothing to do with it.

I hung up on the *** and told him that was an insult. The phone calls, emails, and text messages for 1 year and 7 months are INSANE.

Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you. Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you.

Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you. Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you. Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you. Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you.

Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you. Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you! Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you!! Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you!!!

Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you!!! Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you!!! Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you!!! Send me your email address and I'll forward it to you!!!

as in repeatedly getting this same type of runaround!!! Get it!!

BUYER BEWARE!!! I recently purchased a 2025 Forest River Wildcat 36ML.

I overlooked that it didnt include a stereo system, a sink cover and an outdoor ladder because those items were not promised. But I drew the line at the KING MATTRESS!!! My sales documents plus the sticker inside my RV say I bought an RV with a KING MATTRESS. What i was given was a 66" x 80" x 4" light foam pad and a fitted sheet 60" x 80"...which didn't fit the pad!!!

I called FORREST RIVER CUSTOMER SERVICE and spoke to a really nice manager.

He contacted FOREST RIVER'S MATTRESS SUPPLIER who explained this 66" mattress pad is an industry standard for a KING SHORT MATTRESS. THIS IS NOT TRUE!!! The standard King Short is 72" x 74" NOT 66" X 80"!!! AND does FOREST RIVER actually allow their suppliers to dictate what they sell or do THEY tell their suppliers what they need to supply???

In the end, the nice Customer Service Manager offered to send me mugs & tshirts. I declined. I WANT THE RV KING MATTRESS THAT I HAVE PAID FOR...72" X 80"!!! My next contact will be the Better Business Bureau & whatever other forums I can complain to.

I will also be searching for a lawyer to help me get what i paid for...though this will cost more, it's the principal.

The included pictures shows the mattress pad i was given on top of the RV KING mattress topper i had from my previous RV. You can see the 6" difference to the 72" wide RV KING i had previously.

Plus the FOREST RIVER supplied pad is filled with a very light stuffing...not even foam. After two nights sleeping on it, dips are already forming plus the board underneath is felt at every move.

I will be a very happy customer IF FOREST RIVER provides the 72" x 80" MATTRESS I bought!!!

I reached out to the company and talked to multiple people. I just bought my XLR Nitro.

It is a 2012 but it is new to me. Within 6 months of buying it the seats fake leather started peeling. To the point that it is literally everywhere. I reached out to the company to see if they could send me new cushion covers.

They said they dont make that pattern anymore which I totally understand. I told them I dont care about the pattern I would take whatever I could get. They said they do not and will not send me new covers. I even offered to pay for them and they still said no.

Do not go with this company as they will not stand behind their product. Very disappointing.

Minimal insulation in the walls, lots of missing insulation completely. The bathroom fan is dead ended between the insulation and ceiling panel.

Poor quality electrical switches and plugs. The on-off water heater switch started on fire and melted. The AC unit that comes with the park model is very inefficient; it is installed underneath the park model and does not work well even though it is large enough to cool the park model. Screws are missing on the dresser drawer hardware; they used an air gun to staple the brackets to the wall, which pulled out after a while.

But on the opposite side of the room, the dresser drawers are screwed in properly. When I pulled all the drawers out, I found the dresser drawer bracket screws lying on the floor. I bought this unit new, and over the first years, I tried to get an answer from Forest River, but I couldn't get a response from them. Buyer beware that if you get one of these, it is going to be a very low-quality trailer.

They have poor craftsmanship and obviously poor quality control. The unit is a 2011 Forest River Quail Ridge QT 45 park model.

Purchased a brand new Wildwood 31KQBTS in November 2023, perfect for my family of 5. Had it delivered in April 2024.

Had a massive leak in my dinette, the side of the slide out was not sealed. Called the warranty dept, sent pictures of molded floor and carpet. After multiple emails and voicemails, I was told to call around to dealers and RV repair businesses to see who could come out and assess the damage. This would be out of my pocket.

After multiple phone calls to dealers (they would not help since I didn't buy it from them), and all the RV repair businesses said no. I was forced to find a contractor that could fix the damage. Now we wait for the first set of parts. The roof was repatched over the slide out and the side of the slide was caulked.

Now we need to replace wood floor and carpet that is molded. After another set of emails and voicemails, I was told we would have to replace the entire floor, no other details. They send the entire floor (you need to drop out the slide and replace it. It came on a tractor trailer.

No one could do this in a campground. Communication between me and the warranty dept was absolutely ridiculous. No protocol, no help. Finally find a place to take my trailer and I am responsible for hauling both ways, reset up and to get the parts to the dealer.

How do I haul the parts, I don't own nor do I know anyone with a tractor trailer to get them there. I still have to this day 5/5/25 a molded floor and wood. And to add to it I now have leak in the roof over my bed, coming through the cabinet.

If I could I would have negative stars on the top of this review. Customer satisfaction is not their #1 priority

I bought a east west class c motor home in feb.2024. That unit spent more time in the shop then in my driveway and campground combined.

There customer service is worse then there quality control. First off the wiring looks like a blind man teaching a 1st grader how to do the work. The purpose of a hose clamp is to hold the hose on what you are hooking it to and not to look like a wedding band at the base of your finger. No pride what so ever in the factory workers work.

Customer service is just as bad,we had some chassis issues took it to Ford and called Ford motorhome and was told I had no warranty it belong to forest river. The dealership I bought the unit from also called Ford and was told the same thing. I contacted forest river and was told I had to call Ford. What part of the conversation the customer service manager did not understand when I explained myself and the dealer called them she did not understand.

The response of the customer service manager was that I had to call Ford that forest river does not make phone calls. There quality is junk,there work ethics is below par,there bride in there work and product is not there. If I was the ceo of this company I would start holding people more accountable or hit the road. The poor dealership has twice as much work to do because of forest river.

Needless to say I will never by a forest river product and I will do my best to talk people from buying one and having to go through the same bs.i went through.

And my rv is back in the shop again for warranty work as I write this. Thank God for the extended warranty I bought,or I would be paying for warranty work on a year and a half old class c motorhome.

Where begin...first I get electrical issue is hard to trouble shoot. That's a given.

That being said, I don't expect to be sent on wild goose chase either looking for things that don't actually exist.

Refrigerator molex connector for example.

When you say you are going to call someone back, you call them back. Even if you don't have good news. Just basic common courtesy abd customer service for something you build.

You build these things, you should know what the basics are from wiring perspective. Disappointing when you say you do not have schematics of any kind.

As the manufacturer you should be required to have such things on hand and probably do and just lying about it.

You should know where all the electrical junction boxes are.

I would never buy a forest river brand again based on this.

Horrible horrible service. Don't expect much help if you buy one.