2011 Forest River Sandpiper problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 2 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Forest River Sandpiper, including 1 fire. 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
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.
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 1 recall
Recall 10V460000 (08/10/2010): POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SANDPIPER AND SIERRA TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH DEXTER AXLES. ON SOME AXLES, CRACKS COULD APPEAR IN THE SPINDLE WELD.
Fix: FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH DEXTER AXLE AND WILL INSPECT THE AXLE SERIAL NUMBER AND REPLACE IT IF IT FALLS WITHIN THE SERIAL NUMBER RANGE. REPLACEMENT OF THE AXLE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREST RIVER'S WARRANTY DEPARTMENT AT 1-574-534-3167 OR DEXTER AXLE AT 1-800-400-2164.
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
Doors, windows, steps and lights: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Mostly adjustments and wear: steps that stop halfway on a bad switch, doors out of alignment after a slide shifted, exterior lights with a corroded ground. Before you buy: Every door, lock, window and light.
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
11/30/2017, EXTERIOR LIGHTING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FOREST RIVER SANDPIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE MELTING THE COVER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE FAILURE WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE LIGHTS WITH LED LIGHTS AND THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. THE CONTACT REQUESTED TO INCLUDE TH
04/02/2017, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: RECENTLY EXPERIENCED AN ISSUE WHERE MAIN LIGHTING AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING QUIT WORKING. AFTER TROUBLESHOOTING AND ANALYSIS, I WAS ABLE TO FIND THE ROOT CAUSE. BEHIND THE POWER INVERTER AND CABINETRY I DISCOVERED WHERE ALL THE CAMPER WIRING CAME TOGETHER. I DISCOVERED SEVERAL BUNDLES OF 12V COMMON/GROUND WIRING BUNCHED TOGETHER. I THREE AREAS I FOUND UP TO 7 WIRES CONNECTED TOGETHER WITH A BLUE WIRE NUT AND WRAPPED
Looking at a 2011 Forest River Sandpiper?
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.