NHTSA Complaint #11600661 — 2022 FOREST RIVER SHOCKWAVE

On [XXX], while traveling NB on [XXX], my 2022 Forest River Shockwave (purchased new in July 2022), suffered a catastrophic suspension failure on the driver's side while hauling my son's dirt bike and a golf cart. I was able to safely get my vehicle and the toy hauler off to the shoulder. A wheel had nearly come off the trailer. After being previously torqued to spec, it still somehow loosened itself and suffered a failure, shearing off lugs. The back spring was collapsed and after getting towed to RV Country in Kelso, loose shackle bolts were found on all ends of the springs. The original company I purchased it from is no longer in business and the new company that took over the are doesn't not have my information. I have been trying to work with Forest River and Lippert (suspension manufacturer) for help, but I feel like they are trying to pass the buck. I have a $2300 bill over this matter with RV Country. The Regional Director of RV Country, Andy Jackson, indicated it is possible the loose shackle bolts shook enough to loosen the wheel and cause the leaf spring failure. Parts were shipped out to Lippert for inspection, and they claim to have tested the brake drum for defects (not the loose shackle bolts) and denied the claim, I after I was assured by Forest River, it would be taken care of. This may be a problem bigger than just my trailer. If that wheel would have come off and injured or worse killed someone over a manufacturing issue, I would have been devastated. My [XXX] son was with me and this traumatized the both of us knowing what happened. There is nothing in the owner's manual that indicates the owner should inspect/tighten shackle bolts on the leaf springs before each trip. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)