2008 Forest River Berkshire problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 3 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Forest River Berkshire. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Other: 1 recall, 1 complaint
Recall 17V756000 (22/11/2017): EQUIPMENT
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
Fix: 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.
Motorhome chassis: 1 recall, 1 complaint
Recall 08V204000 (06/05/2008): STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING 93 MY 2007-2008 CHARLESTON AND BERKSHIRE MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS. THE FASTENERS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING ARM OR TIE ROD ARMS TO THE SPINDLE MAY BE OVER OR UNDER-TIGHTENED.
Fix: FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07V306). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-389-4600.
What a tech checks: The chassis (Ford, Freightliner, Mercedes, Ram) is serviced by the chassis maker's dealer, not the RV shop. RV techs handle the house, not the drivetrain. Before you buy: Chassis recalls are fixed free at the chassis maker's dealer.
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 1 recall, 1 complaint
Recall 08V345000 (28/07/2008): SUSPENSION
FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING 57 MY 2007-2008 MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER XC CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH SAF-HOLLAND REAR SUSPENSIONS. IN SOME INSTANCES THE TRANSVERSE BEAM WAS NOT PROPERLY WELDED WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE WELD.
Fix: FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH DAIMLER TRUCKS AND SAF-HOLLAND TO HAVE A VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE ADL TRANSVERSE BEAM PERFORMED. IF A WELD DEFECT IS IDENTIFIED, SAF-HOLLAND WILL PROVIDE A SERVICE REPLACEMENT KIT THAT CONTAINS A NEW TRANSVERSE BEAM, ALL NECESSARY INSTALLATION HARDWARE, BEAM REPLACEMENT, AND INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 08E031 AND 08V269). OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAF-HOLLAND AT 1-231-773-3271, DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712, OR FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-389-4600.
What a tech checks: Bearings, brake magnets, worn shackle bolts and bent axles. A trailer that wears tires on the inside edge or pulls to one side usually has an axle or suspension problem. Before you buy: Bolts tight, springs not flat, brakes apply with the breakaway pin pulled.
Chassis and towing lessons · Trailer guide
Structure, roof and leaks: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Roof sealant, seams, window and slide seals, and the frame. Water intrusion shows up as delamination, soft floors and stained ceilings months after the leak started. Before you buy: Press the sidewalls and walk the floor; look at every seam and seal.
Roof, leaks and body lessons · Seals and leaks guide
What owners reported to NHTSA
11/29/2012, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FOREST RIVER BERKSHIRE MOTOR HOME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE FOUR SLIDES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE MOTOR HOME AND THE HYDRAULIC HOSES FOR THE SLIDES AND LEVELING SYSTEM WERE LEAKING OIL DIRECTLY THROUGH THE FABRIC OF THE HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO C
04/19/2013, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: MY 2008 FOREST RIVER BERKSHIRE 390QS MOTORHOME (FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS WITH A CUMMINS 340 HP, 6.7 ENGINE) WITH 13,200 MILES ON IT SUDDENLY OVERHEATED FORTUNATELY ON A 2 LANE ROAD. THE UNIT WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT THE 4 BOLTS THAT HELD THE FAN HUB IN PLACE HAD SHEARED CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. HE INFORMED ME THAT IN HIS OPINION 4 BOLTS CANNOT HANDLE THE STRESS PLACED
Looking at a 2008 Forest River Berkshire?
The Buyer's Check walks you through it on your phone: what to ask, the outside walk-around, water damage, every system on every power source, with the recalls above built in. You get a report that says what's a walk-away and what to negotiate on.
Checked against NHTSA 2026-10-23. Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer. Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA and are not verified.