2018 Forest River R Pod problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 1 recall and 10 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Forest River R Pod. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Water and plumbing: 1 recall
Recall 20V763000 (10/12/2020): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:PLUMBING:SEWAGE/BLACK:PIPE/FITTINGS
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RPOD travel trailers. The sewer termination bracket may fail, causing the plumbing to drag on the ground or to detach completely.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new securement bracket, free of charge. The recall began January 12, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-3119, option 2. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1265.
What a tech checks: Pumps that cycle, fittings that split after a freeze, and tank valves. Most plumbing complaints are leaks from fittings behind walls, found with the pump running and the taps closed. Before you buy: Pump on, taps closed: it should stop and stay stopped.
Water and plumbing lessons · Water pump guide
Structure, roof and leaks: 3 complaints
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
Tires: 3 complaints
What a tech checks: Age, load range and pressure. RV tires age out before they wear out, and an underrated tire on a heavy trailer is a blowout waiting to happen. Before you buy: Read the DOT date and the load range on the sidewall.
Chassis, towing and tires lessons · Trailer guide
Other: 3 complaints
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 2 complaints
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
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Voltage drop, grounds, the converter and the transfer switch. Melted shore-cord plugs and bad grounds cause most of the electrical complaints techs actually see. Before you buy: Battery at rest, converter output on shore power, GFCI test, every outlet.
12 V electrical lessons · 120 V and generator lessons · Wiring diagrams
What owners reported to NHTSA
11/28/2018, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER: MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THERMOSTAT WIRE TO LIQUID PROPANE TANK. (XXXXXX). PROPANE HEAT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. TOOK IN FOR WARRANTY WORK AND WAS ADVISED THE CAUSE WAS A CRIMPED WIRE IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF WE WERE NOT PRESENT TO SHUT OFF THE PROPANE TANK, IT WOULD HAVE BURNT DOWN OR WORSE. *DT PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF
10/24/2024, SUSPENSION: The contact owns a 2018 Forest River R-Pod Towable. The contact stated while stepping on the RV floor, the contact noticed that the side of the floor located behind the axle was sagging. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side outriggers were significantly corroded, fractured, and bent. Additionally, the contact stated that there was less than an inch clearance between the driver's side wheel well and
09/21/2021, TIRES: The contact owns a 2018 Forest River R-Pod equipped with Lionhead Tires, Tire Line: Castle rock, Tire size: 225/75/R15, Dot Number: JULT-1MT. The contact stated while the RV was parked outside of the residence, he heard a load pop coming from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the spare tire had exploded, and the thread of the tire was separated and split into two pieces and separated fro
09/15/2017, STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 (NA) FOREST RIVER R-POD 176 TRAVEL TRAILER. WHILE DRIVING, THE BLACK WATER TANK PIPE DETACHED AND DRAGGED ON THE GROUND WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VALVE LEAKED OF SEWAGE. THE CONTACT INDEPENDENTLY REPLACED THE VALVE, THE TERMINATION CAP, AND THE THREE INCH BAYONET AND DOUBLE WACK NUT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACT
09/08/2021, UNKNOWN OR OTHER: This is a 2018 Forest River Rpod RPT180 travel trailer, total about 10 trips or 4500 travel mileage. The underneath 2 support carriage beam for the whole structure buckle and bent down due to the manufacturer design/material failure. Both supporting beams above the axle buckle and the passenger side is more sever. On passenger side: there's about 4 inch drop/bent start from the axle; the rear wall frame already separ
08/29/2024, SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE: There is a problem with the Axel on this trailer. It is making the floor buckle and the slide is sagging.
Looking at a 2018 Forest River R Pod?
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.