2020 FOREST RIVER ROCKWOOD — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

We were traveling with our Rockwood Mini Lite and stopped at a traffic light. Someone from another vehicle ran over and told us there appeared to be an issue with one of our tires on the trailer and it looked dangerous. When we stopped to look, the passenger side tire on the front axle was bent in toward the center of the trailer. It is now at a repair shop and they have reported that the axle is broken. We don’t recall hitting anything, but filed an insurance claim for the replacement of the axle. Repair shop reports that they are still awaiting a response from the manufacturer, Dexter Axles, on when a replacement will become available. This morning, while perusing a Facebook page for Rockwood Mini Lite owners, I ran across a post from someone dealing with the exact same issue. Following, were numerous comments from others with the same issue. While this seems very odd, I cannot locate any recalls on the Dexter Axles. I feel as though this could have been disastrous for us if someone had not told us about the issue as well as these others who posted the same issue on Facebook. This is something that should possibly be brought to light.

We were traveling with our Rockwood Mini Lite and stopped at a traffic light. Someone from another vehicle ran over and told us there appeared to be an issue with one of our tires on the trailer and it looked dangerous. When we stopped to look, the passenger side tire on the front axle was bent in toward the center of the trailer. It is now at a repair shop and they have reported that the axle is broken. We don’t recall hitting anything, but filed an insurance claim for the replacement of the axle. Repair shop reports that they are still awaiting a response from the manufacturer, Dexter Axles, on when a replacement will become available. This morning, while perusing a Facebook page for Rockwood Mini Lite owners, I ran across a post from someone dealing with the exact same issue. Following, were numerous comments from others with the same issue. While this seems very odd, I cannot locate any recalls on the Dexter Axles. I feel as though this could have been disastrous for us if someone had not told us about the issue as well as these others who posted the same issue on Facebook. This is something that should possibly be brought to light.

2020 Forest River Rockwood 8326BH Travel Trailer purchased March 2, 2020. Castle Rock ST tires included on trailer at time of purchase as standard equipment. Feb 26, 2022, the drivers side front tire had a tread separation incident. The tread came off causing damage to the fender area. This occurred while at moderate speed approx. 50 mph, tire inflation was at recommended PSI of 80 at beginning of trip. Upon stopping to assess tires, it was noted that tread came completely off. The steel belts were exposed, checked the tire Pressure, it was 70 PSI. The two drivers side tires were replaced with a manufactures tires. After traveling another 5 or 6 miles the front passenger side tire had the same type failure. Causing damage to the area around wheels. Insurance adjuster inspected the trailer on 2-28-22. This occurred without warning or visible signs. From social media information and research found that tire failure issues are not uncommon with the Castle Rock tires supplied on Forest River travel trailers.

We heard a loud pop yesterday and found that one of our tires on our camper had exploded! Thankfully, the camper was sitting at our house. I researched the Forest River forums and there have been numerous reports of these tires exploding on and off the road. We are now concerned with the integrity of the other tires and fear of trailering on our next camping trip. The tires have less that 2,000 miles and are barely 2 years old. ST 205/75R14. It is my understanding these tires have been reported and are dangerous. We are lucky we were not driving. We always maintain proper tire pressure and use tire covers so this is a defective from the Castle Rock manufacturer.

The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Rockwood. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, an abnormal snapping sound was coming from the RV, followed by a dragging sound. Upon inspection of the RV, the contact discovered that the battery had fallen out of the vehicle due to faulty metal straps. The contact was able to temporarily fix to the RV until reaching his destination. The contact was able to replace the battery and the straps to prevent the failure from returning. The contact linked the failure to a manufacturing defect. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered to assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 2,500.