Dexter axels can not be aligned, resulting in excessive tire wear and blowouts. I purchased a 2019 Rockwood travel trailer used on [XXX]. Tires looked nearly new. On [XXX] I replaced tires in Kanab, UT. On 8/31/2021 I had the alignment checked at Superior Spring in Cheshire, MA. The axels were severely out of alignment but due to the Dexter design they could not be aligned. I called the trailer manufacturer and was referred to Dexter. Although I was 2 years into the 10 year warranty, Dexter told me the warranty only covered the original purchaser. Since that time, I have replaced tires two more times on 5/3/2022 and 4/10/2023. The tires are now showing uneven wear and will need to be replaced soon. I BELIEVE THE INABILITY TO ALIGN THE AXELS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW AND A SAFETY CONCERN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Forest River Rockwood tire blowout problems
30 of the 120 owner complaints about the Forest River Rockwood describe tire blowout or tread separation, most of them for the 2003 model year.
- owner complaints
- 30
- worst model year
- 2003
- typical mileage
- 2,000
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Rockwood RV equipped with Castle Rock Tires, Tire Line: Radial ST226, Tire Size: 225/75/R15, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the front and rear driver's side tires experienced blowouts. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The tires were replaced with a spare tire and a replacement tire. The tires were original tires. Additionally, the contact stated while driving to the residence, the rear passenger's side tire experienced a blowout. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and noticed that the front passenger's side tire was also damaged. The contact's husband was in the process of purchasing two replacement tires from the tire shop. The front and rear passenger's side tires were not replaced. The tires were original tires. The manufacturer was not contacted. The RV failure mileage was approximately 2,500. The tires failure mileage was approximately 2,500.
Riding down 2 lane Road at 55 mph on 85 degree morning when tire just blow out. Split in half straight across tire.
First trip with trailer, 200 mile trip, stopped for gas and tire sidewall blowout sounding like a gunshot. Trailer not overloaded, cool day 60 degrees. So glad it did not happen while on the freeway as the tire blow out and lost all air would have been hard to control trailer. Goodyear Endurance Tire size ST205/7515d
The contact owns a 2018 Forest River Rockwood Mini-Lite M-1905 Camper. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the front driver’s side tire experienced a blowout. The contact stated while inspecting the camper, he noticed that the subframe was collapsing. The contact stated he continued driving back to his residence after replacing the driver’s side tire. The contact took the camper to the local dealer and was informed that they were unable to repair the camper. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The VIN information was not available. The contact noted that the manufacturer has been notified and that the camper is not functional.
2020 Forest River Rockwood 8326BH Travel Trailer purchased March 2, 2020. Castle Rock ST tires included on trailer at time of purchase as standard equipment. Feb 26, 2022, the drivers side front tire had a tread separation incident. The tread came off causing damage to the fender area. This occurred while at moderate speed approx. 50 mph, tire inflation was at recommended PSI of 80 at beginning of trip. Upon stopping to assess tires, it was noted that tread came completely off. The steel belts were exposed, checked the tire Pressure, it was 70 PSI. The two drivers side tires were replaced with a manufactures tires. After traveling another 5 or 6 miles the front passenger side tire had the same type failure. Causing damage to the area around wheels. Insurance adjuster inspected the trailer on 2-28-22. This occurred without warning or visible signs. From social media information and research found that tire failure issues are not uncommon with the Castle Rock tires supplied on Forest River travel trailers.
The contact owns a 2018 Forest River Rockwood equipped with Castle Rock tires, Tire Line: Radial ST226, Tire Size: ST205/75/R14, DOT Number: JUJTYMT2817. The contact stated while driving 58 MPH, the driver’s and passenger’s side rear tires experienced blowouts and thread separation. The contact was able to pull over safely and replace the tires. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
The contact owns 2018 Forest River Rockwood equipped with Lionshead Tires, Tire Line: Castle Rock ST Radial 226, Tire Size: ST225/75/R15, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that the passenger’s side tire had a blowout with no warning. The contact stated that the tire was completely shredded. The contact stated that the tire was replaced with the spare which also had a blowout. The spare tire was also a Lionshead Tire, Tire Line: Castle Rock ST Radial 226, Tire size: ST225/75/R15, DOT Number: JULT1MT2016). The tire was not taken to be inspected. The contact stated that she was awaiting a call back from the tire manufacturer. The contact stated that the driver's side Lionshead, Tire Line: Castle Rock ST Radial 226, Tire Size: ST225/75/R15, DOT Number: JULTMT3017 was bulging. The failure mileage was unknown.
Constituent is requesting that castle rock tires' st 225/75r15 be investigated due to received complaints regarding blowouts and other safety concerns.
The tires are hitting the bottom floor if you hit the bumps or pot holes in road and causing the tire to bottom out on the floor of the trailer causing the tires to blow out and wear out prematurely. This was noticed on previous year models…
Related recalls
Tires
- What is wrong
- Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2016 Rockwood RLT2604WS, WRLT2604WS, Flagstaff FLT26RLWS and WFLT26RLWS recreational trailers. Due to insufficient clearance between the front tire and slide out actuator, the tire may contact the slide out bracket and become damaged.
- Risk
- If the front tire becomes damaged, it may fail and cause a loss control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit that will provide the proper clearance between the tire and the slide out bracket. Damaged tires will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1‑574‑642‑8943. Forest River's number for this recall is 10D-1159.
Recall number 20V221000 · Recall details
Tires
- What is wrong
- Forest River is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Rockwood, Windjammer, Vlite and Flagstaff travel trailers manufactured February 3, 2012, through February 4, 2013. When an affected trailer hits a large bump or pot hole, the trailer tire may contact the bottom of the floor.
- Risk
- As a result, the tire may become damaged and possibly blow out which may cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will add a lift kit between the frame and the axle mounting brackets, free of charge. Owners may contact Forest River at 1‑574‑825‑7178.
Recall number 13V554000 · Recall details
Questions about the Forest River Rockwood tire blowout
Which Forest River Rockwood years have tire blowout or tread separation problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2003 (5 complaints), 2018 (5 complaints) and 2015 (4 complaints).
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