Issue - one of two of the main support beams in pin box cracked due to manufacturer defect because of incomplete weld in the front portion of the pin box frame. Details-while returning from a 5 week (6,200 mile) vacation in august in 2013 I noticed a small crack in the fiberglass side panel on the driver side of the pin box (below slide out to left). The crack grew longer over time and a second cracked began to appear (above slide out to right); the sheet metal under the hitch pin also began sag and the trim was pulling away from the trailer. I removed the propane tanks to inspect under the area where the hitch pin and the frame connect. I discovered one of the two main support beams was cracked completely through. I removed the sheet metal under the hitch pin and discovered the front driver side corner of the hitch pin had split at the weld; it had only been spotted welded in one spot. The front passenger side corner of the hitch pin had a complete weld at the corner. I was surprised to discover how thin the gauge of the metal used in the hitch pin area and that the incomplete weld was not caught during qc. I feel the lack of qa from the frame builder (lci) and the rv manufacturer (forest river) contributed directly to the failure of the frame weld separating and the frame cracking in half. I have had heard of other frame failures with lci and forest river and believe this is not an isolated incident. I am grateful we did not experience a catastrophic failure while traveling that could have cost us ours lives and/or the lives of others. I have many pictures available as well.
The worst 2005 Forest River Sierra problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body1
Problems by type
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- Body1
Recalls 2
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
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
- What is wrong
- Forest river is recalling certain my 2003-2006 motor homes, fifth wheel and travel trailers equipped with a two-door refrigerator manufactured by the dometic corporation. The refrigerator may have a defect in the boiler tube. Pressurized coolant solution could be released into an area where an ignition source (gas flame) is present.
- Risk
- If this solution is exposed to an ignition source under certain specific circumstances, it can result in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Forest river is working with dometic to repair these refrigerators (please see 08e032). Dometic will repair these refrigerators by installing a secondary burn housing, a thermal fuse, and a melt fuse free of charge. Dometic has retained stericycle inc. To manage this campaign. Stericycle will assist the owner in locating dealerships or service centers and will provide assistance with scheduling of appointments. Owners may contact dometic/stericycle at 1‑888‑446‑5157 or forest river at 1‑574‑389‑4600.
Recall number 08V346000 · Recall details
What 2005 Forest River Sierra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 2005 Forest River Sierra
Is the 2005 Forest River Sierra reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2005 Forest River Sierra, fewer than a typical Sierra model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Forest River Sierra?
Body and structure, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2005 Forest River Sierra have?
2 recalls, covering equipment.
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