The main frame of the trailer has failed doe to a gross error of the mechanical design in making the front crossmember too thin to support the weight of the trailer. Additionally, the requirement to use a load leveler by the dealer as recommended by the manufacturer increases this load to the point that the calculated safety margin of the crossmember that supports the tongue is 1:1. The crossmember material is standard a36 steel with a nominal thickness of .1 inches and is bent in the shape of a c channel, welded to the front of a 10 inch I-beam which comprises the majority of the load bearing structure of the main frame. The front crossmember in question is used as a support point for the underslung tongue that is welded to the lowermost point of the I beam and the front crossmember creating a fulcrum ratio of approximately 2.896 : 1. The lever being the tongue tubing itself that is then pushed upward into the front crossmember with a force of 2400 pounds as calculated using a measured tongue weight of 830 pounds with the vehicle completely unloaded of all cargo and wastewater and with empty propane cylinders. This force is supported by a tongue comprised of a 2x6 rectangular tubing with a nominal wall thickness of .098 inches that has deformed longitudinally and expanded laterally across the short axis directly under the front crossmemeber. The front crossmember has then receded into the underbelly of the camper and begun a vertical crack that has compromised the handling characteristics of both the tow vehicle and the trailer at speed. Additionally, the electrical braking system has failed due to other design flaws in the protection of wiring within the wheel and the design of the mechanical actuation that impinges on the wiring harnesses freedom of movement while being actuated.
The worst 2011 Forest River Salem problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Suspension1
Recalls 3
Equipment
- What is wrong
- Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2003-2018 Forest River Berkshire, Charleston, Rockport, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Riverstone, Salem, Sandpiper, Sierra, Vengeance, Wildcat, Wildwood, XLR Boost, Cargo Mate, Continental Cargo, motorhomes, recreational trailers, toyhaulers, cargo trailers and restroom trailers and 2009-2018 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit, Concord, Leprechaun, Freelander, Orion and Prism motorhomes, 2009-2017 Coachmen Apex and Catalina recreational trailers, and 2013-2017 Shasta Oasis and Revere recreational trailers, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit:
- Risk
- In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Forest River will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on December 27, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1‑800‑348‑7440, or Kidde customer service toll free at 1‑855‑262‑3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0544.
Recall number 17V756000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: springs: leaf spring assembly
- What is wrong
- Forest river is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 salem travel trailers manufactured from september 25, 2009, through january 13, 2011. The bottom leaf on the leaf springs may rotate out of position and make contact with the tire.
- Risk
- This will cause the tire to blow out without warning and a loss of control of the vehicle resulting in property damage and/or personal injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will place two square bend "u" bolts with washers and nuts and retaining plate that will be centered on the spring center bolt to restrain the lower spring leaf. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on february 3, 2011. Owners may contact forest river at 574‑389‑4600.
Recall number 11V017000 · Recall details
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer: lpg systems: water heater
- What is wrong
- Forest river is recalling certain model year 2011 salem and wildwood travel and fifth wheel trailers manufactured from october 2009 through june 11, 2010. The temperature control mechanism of the water heater may have been damaged during installation in the unit. As a result, the burner may flame up out of control when lit.
- Risk
- The excess flame outside of the burner chamber can result in a fire in the rv trailer.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair or replace the water heater free of charge. The safety recall began on june 15, 2010. Owners may contact forest river at 574‑534‑6913.
Recall number 10V281000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Forest River Salem 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2011 Forest River Salem owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 forrest river salem. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, another driver alerted her that the rear of the vehicle was on fire. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder. The contact extinguished the fire, which was located on the rear axle. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that the rear axle melted due to a bearing failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
Compare the 2011 Forest River Salem
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Questions about the 2011 Forest River Salem
Is the 2011 Forest River Salem reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2011 Forest River Salem, fewer than a typical Salem model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Forest River Salem?
Body and structure, with 1 complaint. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2011 Forest River Salem have?
3 recalls, covering equipment and suspension.
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