2021 FOREST RIVER IMPRESSION — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

On [XXX], while driving home from camping, I received a message on my truck dash, “CHECK WIRES”. I checked the fifth wheel hitch, the seven-way cable, walked around the RV, did not see a problem. A RV restoration company [RVRC], was sent to my home by an insurance agent to repair the power awning on my 2021 Forest River Impression 290VB, VIN: [XXX] , 1) While working on the power awning, the [RVRC] discovered a major electrical short in a bundle of wires which travel throughout the RV. The electrically damaged wires supplied power to the following items: i.12 VOLT AUXILIARY ii.RIGHT TURN SIGNAL iii.BRAKES iv.12 VOLT GROUND v.LEFT TURN SIGNAL vi.EXTERIOR RUNNING LIGHTS vii.ADDITIONAL ITEMS SUPPLIED FROM 12 VOLT SYSTEM The [RVRC] returned to begin replacing said wire bundle. The cause of the electrical short was discovered behind a wall. The bundle of wires passed through a drilled hole in sheet metal without a grommet. While traveling, the wires moving back and forth, the insulation on one of the wires wore out and touched the sheet metal and the electrical short occurred. [if this electrical short had happened a few hours earlier it could have caused a fire and could have killed seven adults and children]. Additional Defects 2) This RV had multiple fasteners holding the “slide-out topper” in place. Each fastener had been screwed into sheet-metal, and were not screwed into anything solid. All the fasteners started backing out from their position. 3) the slide-out has an object in the path of the movement in-and-out causing internal damage as well as... 4) external damage to slide-out support board and external siding. 5) Internally, the large pantry door, is so heavy, it has tilted out of place and will eventually drag on the floor. These defects have not been verified or reproduced by anyone else. Only an insurance co had reviewed defect #1. I could not upload photos due to the captcha INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION

While driving down the highway, the electric Solera awning opened on its own. This caused the arms to partially rip off the side walls of the 5th wheel, the fabric to rip, and the awning tube to come off, falling in traffic on the four lane highway. There was nothing near the wall mounted switch inside, and the battery was turned off, so there was no power to the awning.

During our travels, the refrigerator popped out of it place breaking all the trim work around it. It and the trim work landed in close proximity to the kitchen island. I question as to how the refrigerator was secured in place to begin with. Apparently there is nothing, similar to what a kitchen stove has to keep it from tipping over. I don't believe, although our interstates are in terrible condition, that normal driving on the interstate should have caused this to happen. If you would like pictures of what we found when we opened the door at a refueling stop, and to take some lunch, I will gladly send the.

Electrical wires melted and burnt in the unit less than 6 months after purchase. We were stopped at a stoplight when the truck alerted us to a trail service error. Upon investigation, it was found that multiple wires were burnt and melted throughout the camper box and around the battery.