2021 Forest River Cherokee Owner Complaints

I am the original owner of a 2021 Forest River Wolf Pack 325PACK13 fifth-wheel trailer (VIN: [XXX]), purchased new on [XXX]. The trailer is built on a Lippert Components chassis manufactured in September 2020. My trailer developed multiple structural cracks in the front overhang/pin box area of the frame. This is not a single crack. The damage includes multiple cracks in the steel chassis, separation between the fiberglass front cap and the trailer body, gaps between structural members beneath the floor, and movement throughout the front of the trailer. Because the pin box transfers all towing forces into the frame, I considered the trailer unsafe to tow and immediately removed it from service. This is a structural failure involving the primary load-bearing chassis, not cosmetic damage. I am concerned this defect could affect towing stability, structural integrity, and increase the risk of failure during highway travel. The trailer has remained at an authorized repair facility for approximately four months awaiting repairs. During that time, I have repeatedly contacted Forest River for updates, often daily, but have received virtually no meaningful communication. My calls have routinely gone unanswered or unreturned, and the repair facility has also struggled to obtain responses, significantly delaying repairs. I am concerned this may represent a broader safety issue affecting other Forest River trailers built on similar Lippert chassis. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether these structural frame failures are occurring in other units and determine whether a safety-related defect exists that warrants corrective action. I have photographs documenting the multiple frame cracks, structural separation, repair records, warranty documentation, and communication records and will provide them upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11754798

Incident

Oct 5, 2025

Tire exploded during highway use creating a hazard to everyone near by. This is the second time this brand exploded on this trailer, same brand, same tire, different batches. There also also hundreds of complaints online on these tires. Pressure was checked that same morning and was not used above 75mph

NHTSA ID

11731816

Incident

Apr 10, 2026

Tire size was ST 205 / 75 R 15. This tire experienced a significant belt separation failure that I fortunately noticed before departing our campsite. While doing a walk around inspection before departure, I noticed a severe tread deformity in the front passenger side tire on our camper. The tires were cold and the ambient air temperature was in the low 60's. Before removing the tire and wheel from the trailer, I checked the tire pressure on all 4 tires, and all were within 2 psi of the recommended 65 psi cold pressure, including the failing tire. I removed the wheel and tire assembly and deflated it for safety, and then took it to a local tires shop to replace the tire. They diagnosed it as belt separation and further stated that it would have likely failed with a blowout within a few miles if I hadn't caught it. The tire had an estimated 15,000 miles on it at the time, but had been professionally repaired for a screw puncture approximately 7,000 miles earlier.

NHTSA ID

11726947

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Cherokee Toy Hauler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the frame was flexing at the RV pin box location. The contact stated that while unhitching the trailer, the contact noticed that there was weld separation on the left and right sides of the tow hitch outer frame. Additionally, the contact stated that the cargo door holding the propane tank was opening unintendedly while driving. The trailer was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with spring damage, and the contact was informed that the cargo door that held the propane tank was opening unintendedly because the frame was flexing at the RV pin box location. The Lippert manufacturer that installed the frame was contacted and advised the contact to send pictures of the failure. The manufacturer, Forest River, was notified of the failure and advised the contact to apply gel in the weld gaps. The trailer was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11685770

Incident

Aug 31, 2025

ST 225/75R15 One driver side tire blew in May/2025 which caused extensive damage to the RV floor and sidewall. I replaced and did not file a claim. My family was in the tow vehicle when the blowout occurred. Debris was thrown across the highway and I had no room on the side of the highway to change the tire. Police called. Yesterday July 14/2025, the spare tire blew up all on its own while at a campground. It was on the back of the camper not being used. The spare tire cover was destroyed. Neighbors thought a propane tank exploded. Anybody walking by could have been seriously injured. I did a search and found a recall for these tires.

NHTSA ID

11673588

Incident

Jul 14, 2025

Had for approximately 3 years. Spare tire never on ground but suddenly bulging.

NHTSA ID

11671277

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

When I bought this camper I paid extra for an extensive warranty including the tires. On a recent trip I blew a tire on the trailer and contacted the warranty company. Was instructed to take the trailer and tire to an authorized service center. Upon doing so the service center notified me that the axles were bent because they were insufficient for the size of the trailer. The gentleman I spoke with said that regardless of what the tags read on the camper the axles were not sufficient for the load rating listed on the tag inside the camper. Thus they put excessive strain on the tires and one blew while I was traveling on the highway. He told me another one was ready to blow out. I reached out to the RV dealership where I bought the trailer and they referred me to the trailer manufacturer who denied any responsibility and claimed that the axles were sufficient for that trailer. This is a recurring issue with these travel trailers as I have friends who have the same models and one has already had to replace his axles because they bent and a tire blew out and damaged the side of his camper and the other one changed his tires and springs to help offset the weight issue. I even reached out to the axle manufacturer who supplied these components to the RV company and all they provided was this measurements I needed to order new axles. All I wanted from the RV manufacturer was even a pittance of an offer to help me with this issue but all they did was claim that all the parts were good and they weren't responsible. I have ordered new heavier duty axles and larger tires to accommodate the weight. As I stated the RV repair center that is working on my trailer said the axles were insufficient and the tires were actually too small for a trailer that size. Apparently the only way an RV company will do the right thing is if they are threatened with a lawsuit. Forest River has already been implicated in a lawsuit for other issues. So they are aware that they have issues!

NHTSA ID

11671234

Incident

Jun 21, 2025

Camped all weekend, and started to return home. Drove half an hour from changing the last tire and lost the driver side front. Traveling 65 mph on the highway it blew and split the tire from bead to bead perpendicular to tread. Tires were at 80psi before trip. ST225/75r15

NHTSA ID

11660484

Incident

May 11, 2025

Camped all weekend, and started to return home. Merged onto highway 10 miles from campground, and 2.5 miles onto the highway at 65 mph, passenger side front tire blew the tread off and split tire from bead to bead perpendicular to tread. Tires were at 80psi before trip. ST225/75r15

NHTSA ID

11660482

Incident

May 11, 2025

The slide mechanism and gear rack are out of spec per their manufacturer of the component (schwintek inverted gear rack). On my unit the “shoe” part of the rack has failed (possibly because of improper installation) and I am afraid that if the slide is not secured by the gear rack that it could slip out while the vehicle is in motion. Lippert does have a TSB for this, but apparently doesn’t apply to my date range. Lippert TSB is 146-001-2022. Forest river tells me “this can happen over time from usage.” Lippert (schwintek mfg) says: “The concern appears to stem from an out-of-spec installation. We recommend reaching out to the coach manufacturer, as they may participate in resolving the issue” Neither company appear to be concerned for safety

NHTSA ID

11656771

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

We heard a loud bang and found the spare tire attached to the back of the trailer had exploded. Trailer was not in use, stored in the side of the house. ST205/75R14

NHTSA ID

11645805

Incident

Mar 2, 2025

Front entry door opens while driving down the road. I have started deadbolt locking it. Lucky the hand rail folded in has caught the door from swinging out. Still could be dangerous for other drivers if something inside falls out of the RV.

NHTSA ID

11615018

Incident

Sep 2, 2024

Castle Rock ST225/75r15 Was traveling with a 2021 Forest River RV and had a rapid loss of tire pressure and complete tread separation. Tires were at the proper pressure and driving below the speed rating of 70 mph. Incident occurred about an hour into trip, but less than 15 minutes after a stop and check of tires. Even a flat or picking up something in the road should not cause a full scale tread separation. These are just poorly made tires. No symptoms of problems, just a cheap tire.

NHTSA ID

11613030

Incident

Jul 15, 2024

Noticed interior night stand and paneling buckled. Upon inspection, found multiple welds on frame and hitch area that had separated due to poorly performed welds. Contacted both Forest River and Lippert. Neither were interested in this safety concern. The failures of these welds will result in this RV detaching from tow vehicle if not identified soon enough. Mine was very close to this!

NHTSA ID

11603456

Incident

Jul 6, 2024

Shortly after buying the camper used in April of 2024 on the way home I had a tire blow out going about 60-65 miles. Date code of tire is 1520. The tire tread looked good and confirmed correct amount of tire psi before leaving the dealership with salesman. While camper was parked, resting on 2x6 boards, not sitting directly on the ground. Where the tire was touching the board the tread completely split open. Date code also 1520.

NHTSA ID

11602309

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

This is a summary of 2 passenger side tire failures: First tire failure: On August 29, 2023 I packed up my Forest River Cherokee Black Label travel trailer in Perry, FL and relocated it to Tallahassee, FL. On the way to Tallahassee on Highway 27 maybe a mile east of Capps, Fl noticed some tire debris behind me in side mirrors. My girlfriend was following me, called and alerted me something appeared to be wrong and tire and other debris was coming off the bottom right side of the coach. I was unable to pull over immediately due to traffic safety concerns and lack of side lane for parking. I was able to park at Hwy 19 to I-10 exit at Capps, where assessed the situation. The tire and rim was totally destroyed along with parts of the wheel well and skirt. I was able to install the spare wheel and continue to Tallahassee. Prior to moving the coach, I verified air pressure in all tires based on the side wall ratings using tire gauge and portable air compressor. My speed was between 45mph and 55mph. Second tire failure: This happened at Camping World repair shop around September 28, 2023. Tire failure was on the same side as the previous one, right side of coach. I was told the tire spontaneously exploded without any signs of tire failure prior. As far as I know, there were no changes in air pressure or modifications to the wheel. The wheel had been removed and inspected prior during axle maintenance. I was told immediately after the the incident, they reduced air pressures on the remaining wheels for safety concerns. Tires had no more than 2,000 miles and regularly checked inflation, travelling and parked. I bought the coach new in 2022 and never noticed any tire rot, bulging or other or damage. I’m not confident remaining tires or replacements using Castle Rock products are safe and I am having all 4 tires replaced with brand new steel belted "G" rated tires fro reputable MFG. These incidents have cost me thousands of dollars in repairs. I contacted L

NHTSA ID

11550756

Incident

Aug 29, 2023

Castle Rock ST Tire size ST 225/75R15 blew out on the way home from a camping trip. The tires are like new. No warning at all the tread just peeled away like a tin can on the highway causing lots of damage to my camper. I put the spare on and a week later I took it to the dealer so they could do an estimate on it for repairs the other tire blew out on the highway causing more damage to my camper.

NHTSA ID

11529914

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

Castle Rock ST 226 Tire P 205 / 75 R14 ST226 had catastrophic failure while properly inflated, far below rated load, and below rated speed. The Towing company that inspected the tire and Discount Tire that replaced the tire both stated that the tire failed due to a defect. Additionally, the immediate destruction of the tire caused significant damage to the vehicle wheel well and caused the travel trailer to veer off the road along a busy Interstate freeway.

NHTSA ID

11528001

Incident

Jun 18, 2023

Trailer tire installed by manufacturer was defective. Tire was on the trailer when bought new. Tire had less than 1000 miles and 2 years use. Tire suffered a rupture/blowout while parked in driveway. Trailer had been sitting stationary for two weeks. Proper tire pressure was checked and maintained prior to and after each tow. Castle Rock ST Radial ST226 ST205/75R15 DOT JUJT 1MT Manufactured 4020

NHTSA ID

11525428

Incident

May 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Cherokee. The contact stated while attempting to enter the camper, it was difficult to open the front and rear doors. After a visual examination, the contact discovered that the doors were splitting at the base. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to submit a claim to the manufacturer. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact that the doors were out of warranty, requiring the contact to purchase out-of-pocket to replace the doors. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11524683

Incident

May 15, 2023

My coach was purchased brand new, straight off the lot, 11/14/2020. On Mon, May 22, 2023, I came home to my black tank hanging out of the bottom of my camper. Upon inspection, the black tank had none of the straps underneath it and was not being held in place by the bracket because the bracket had been welded in backwards. Its amazing that this has not fallen completely out while it was traveling down the road. I have been shuffled between the manufacturer, the dealer, my warranty people. I have sent several pictures and I need to know someone else I can speak with. Even if I was to get a new tank, that bracket will have to be cut off, turned around, and then welded back in place. This is not a “my camper is too old and my warranty has expired” problem. This is a “It was made in your factory by someone that didn’t pay attention to what they were doing” manufacturer problem. This could have caused a serious accident and could be a liability if it could even be moved to the dealer for them to look at it. At this time, it is not operational because it is a liability. This has been escalated to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Trade Commission.

NHTSA ID

11524432

Incident

May 22, 2023

There was a sudden thread separation while trailer was being towed on a highway in Florida at about 65 MPH. The thread that came off the tire damaged the underbody of the travel trailer as seen in the pictures. These ST 225/75R15 trailer tires were installed by the manufacturer and were fabricated in WK12 2021. I am positive the tire was at 80 PSI as it was checked before the trip from Florida to North Carolina on 4/14/2023. I contacted the manufacturer Forest River and because the trailer is past the 1 year warranty, they recommended to talk to the tire manufacturer Lionshead, for which you receive a voicemail and asks you to fill out a warranty information. I will fill out the information and see what happens, but this incident could have caused a huge accident. If you google, "castle rock thread separation" - you will find multiple complaints in multiple forums about this issue. I hope it gets corrected and accidents prevented. Thank you, JP Ledermann

NHTSA ID

11518029

Incident

Apr 14, 2023

Three tires blew up within a few hours of each other while traveling on I81/I75, the tires are available for inspection at my personal residence. With a complete blow out each time finding a safe place to pull off the interstate was challenging, slowing traffic and speeding vehicles. The tires were replaced while on the side of a busy interstate risking one's life in the process. The tires have been inspected by 2 different tire stores of whom stated the tires are poorly made and "garbage". The insurance company has been notified with a claim number issues however, the RV can not be inspected until December 15th (first available date). Tires are continuously monitored with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with readings of 79-82 psi. There were absolutely no warnings or symptoms of an impending failure of the tires. These tires are going to kill someone and should not be allowed to be sold in the U.S. let alone installed on new RV's.

NHTSA ID

11495500

Incident

Nov 27, 2022

The electric fireplace in our RV caught on fire. A visible flame was seen behind the fireplace glass near the thermostat display on the right side of the fireplace. Visible smoke and burning smell observed from the upper right vents above the control panel buttons. The fireplace unit itself had an audible alarm, in addition to the RV smoke detectors that were triggered. We were inside the RV when this occurred, and once smoke and flame were observed, we immediately extinguished the fire by shutting off the master power breaker, and promptly removed the fireplace unit from the cabinet prior to any damage to the RV.

NHTSA ID

11489719

Incident

Oct 15, 2022

CASTLE ROCK RADIAL, ST 226 ST 225/75R15, LOAD RANGE E, DOT JULT 1MT 5019 75MPH 2021 WOLF PACK 23PACK15. TIRES HAVE LESS THAN 4,000 MILES. TIRES STILL HAVE 9/32 TREAD LEFT. LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD PEELED OFF WHEN TRAVLING ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING OVER 4,000.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES TO THE UNDER SIDE OF TRAILER AND SLIDEOUT. NO IMPACT TO TIRE OR DID NOT HIT ANYTHING IN THE ROAD. TRAILER HAS TPMS SENSORS THAT READ ON MY DASH TIRE PRESSURE AND TEMP. NO WARRING TIRE STILL HAD AIR BUT TREAD PEELED OFF FROM THE STEEL BELTS. THE OTHER TIRES HAVE BUMPS IN THE TREAD AND ARE NOT SAFE TO USE. CONTACTED MY DEALER AND THEY STATED TIRES ARE [XXX] TIRES. NOT A GOOD ANSWER. WAS TOLD TO CONTACT LIONSHEAD TIRE AND WHEEL. I MADE A NUMBER OF CALLS WITH NO RESPONCE ONLY OPTION WAS TO FILL WARRANTY FORM. CONTACTED FOREST RIVER AND WAS TOLD I HAD TO CONTACT TIRE MANUFACTURE. I DID GET A RESPONCE BACK FROM LIONSHEAD TIRE THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR ONE TIRE $105.00 NOTHING FOR THE OTHER TIRES, DAMAGES, LOSS OF USE OR DIMINISHED VALUE AS THE DAMAGES TO THE UNDERSIDE CAN NOT BE REPAIR TO PRELOSS CONDITION. WITH OVER 40 YEARS AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE AND 30 YEARS RV EXPERIENCE THIS IS NOT NORMAL. I SEE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS WITH NO RESOLUTION. ***** HOPE SOMEONE WILL LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. NOT TO SAY IT DID NOT ALREADY HAPPEN JUST NOT REPORTED. ***** INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11483871

Incident

Jun 17, 2022