Free RV manual

Forest River R-Pod Manual

The Forest River R-Pod is a travel trailer built by Forest River. Federal safety records on it cover model years 2009 to 2024. This page shows how its systems work, every recall on file for it, and where to find the official owner's manual.

Built by	Forest River
Kind	Travel trailer
Model years on record	2009 to 2024
Recalls on file	10

The official owner's manual

Forest River keeps owner's manuals online, free to read. Pick the model year of your rig. It is on the sticker by the entry door.

Forest River owner's manuals

Component manuals

Dometic · Fridges, air conditioners and awnings
Suburban · Furnaces and water heaters
Lippert · Slides, awnings, jacks and leveling
Thetford and Norcold · Norcold fridges and Thetford toilets
Dexter · Trailer axles, brakes and bearings

How its systems work

Our free manuals for every system on a travel trailer. The ones its recalls touched come first.

1 recall touches thisFresh water and the water heaterCity water, the fresh tank, the pump and the water heater. How to fill it, turn it on and keep it clean.1 recall touches thisShore power and batteries30 amp and 50 amp shore power, the 12 volt battery side and the inverter. What runs on what, and how not to trip a breaker.Free manualThe water heaterGas, electric or both. How to fill it, light it, drain it and care for the anode rod, plus what to do when there is no hot water.Free manualBlack and gray tanksThe order, the hose, the valves and what to put down the toilet. Dumping your tanks the right way, step by step.Free manualThe toiletHow to flush, what paper to use and how to keep the black tank from clogging or smelling.Free manualSolar and lithium batteriesHow solar charges your batteries, what lithium changes, and how to tell how much power you really have left.Free manualPropane, furnace and fridgeOpening the tanks, lighting the stove, running the furnace and fridge, and what to do if you smell gas.Free manualPropane, smoke and CO alarmsWhere each alarm is, what each one means, how to test them and why the propane alarm sometimes beeps on a low battery.Free manualThe refrigeratorGas and electric absorption fridges, 12 volt compressor fridges, how long they take to cool and how to keep food cold on the road.Free manualThe furnaceA propane furnace with a 12 volt fan. How it starts, why it drains the battery and what to check when it blows cold air.Free manualThe roof air conditionerHow much power it needs, why it freezes up, how to clean the filters and what to try before you call for help.Free manualRoof and sealsWater is the biggest enemy of an RV. How to check the roof and seams, which sealant to use and the signs of a leak.Free manualSlide outsWhen to open them, when not to, and what to check first. Slide outs are the most common repair on a rental, and most of it is avoidable.Free manualAwningsPower and manual awnings, how to set them, and why wind is the thing that breaks them.Free manualLeveling and jacksBlocks, tongue jacks, stabilizers and auto leveling. How to get level, why it matters and why stabilizers are not for lifting.Free manualWinterizing and spring start upDrain it, bypass the water heater and fill the lines with RV antifreeze. Then how to undo it all in spring.Free manualHitching a trailerCoupler, safety chains, breakaway cable and lights. A simple routine to hitch up the same way every time.Free manualTrailer brakes and breakawayElectric brakes, the brake controller in your truck, how to set the gain and how to test the breakaway switch.Free manualTires, wheels and bearingsTire age, pressure and load, lug nut torque and when to service trailer wheel bearings. The parts that cause the most trouble on the road.Free manualWeight and payloadWhat GVWR, cargo capacity and tongue weight mean, how to weigh your rig, and why sway almost always starts with weight.

Recalls on file

NHTSA has 10 recalls on file for the Forest River R-Pod. The most common areas are coil springs (1), critical fasteners (1) and labels (1). Each one is listed below as filed. A recall is fixed free at a dealer, even on a used rig, and even years later.

Coil springs · model year 2024 · 26V336000, filed May 26, 2026

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2026 Riverstone, Cedar Creek, and 2024 R-Pod recreational trailers equipped with Curt Touring Coil Suspensions. The shock bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.

What can happen. Broken shock retainer bolt heads and washers may detach and become a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Dealers will replace the shock bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Cedar Creek customer service at 1-260-593-4000, R-Pod customer service at 1-574-642-3119, and Riverstone customer service at 1-260-593-4028. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-062.

Campaign 26V336000. See it on NHTSA

Critical fasteners · model years 2023 to 2024 · 24V029000, filed January 19, 2024

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022-2024 No Boundaries (NOBO), and 2023-2024 RPOD, and IBEX trailers. The fasteners for the independent suspension may loosen, allowing the independent suspension to detach.

What can happen. A detached independent suspension can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix. Dealers will inspect the fasteners and replace or secure them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-642-1612. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1727.

Campaign 24V029000. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model year 2022 · 22V556000, filed July 29, 2022

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Coachmen Catalina, Cross Trail, Pursuit, Sportscoach, East to West Della Terra, Silver Lake, Forest River Forester, FR3, Sunseeker, Wildwood, 2022 Coachmen Adrenaline, Apex, Brookstone, Chaparral, Chapparral Lite, Clipper, Freedom Express, Independence Trail, Mirada, Spirit, Viking, Work and Play, East to West Ahara, Tandara, Forest River Aurora, Cardinal, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Flagstaff, Georgetown, Ibex, Impression, Ozark, Puma, R-Pod, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Sierra, Solera, Stealth, Stealth Evo, Surveyor, Vengeance, Vibe, Wildcat, XLR Toyhauler, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Tracer, Shasta Oasis, and Phoenix fifth wheel and travel trailers. The electric retractable awning has a welded seam on the fabric that may separate, potentially allowing the awning to drop beyond normal operation.

What can happen. An awning that drops or extends beyond normal operation can increase the risk of injury.

The fix. Dealers will replace the fabric roll or complete awning, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact the customer service numbers listed in the recall report for their designated model. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1532. This recall supersedes and expands NHTSA recall number 22V-486.

Campaign 22V556000. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model year 2022 · 22V486000, filed July 8, 2022

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022 Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Ozark, Tracer, Sanibel, East to West Della Terra, Silverlake, Forest River Cherokee, Flagstaff, IBEX, RPod, Rockwood, Salem, Sierra, Sandpiper, and Wildwood fifth wheel and travel trailers. The electric retractable awning has a welded seam on the fabric that may separate, potentially allowing the awning to drop beyond normal operation.

What can happen. An awning that drops or extends beyond normal operation can increase the risk of injury.

The fix. Forest River will replace the awnings, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at the following numbers: 1-574-862-1025 (Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Tracer, and Ozark), 1-574-264-6664 (East to West Della Terra and Silver Lake ), 1-260-499-2100 (Cherokee), 1-574-642-8943 (Rockwood and Flagstaff), 1-574- 642-3119 Option 2 (IBEX & RPOD), 1-574-534-3167 (Salem & Wildwood), 1-574-534-4574 (Sierra & Sandpiper). Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1532. This recall has been superseded by NHTSA recall 22V-556.

Campaign 22V486000. See it on NHTSA

Labels · model year 2022 · 22V450000, filed June 24, 2022

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022 RPOD RPT153 travel trailers. The Federal Placard states an incorrect axle rating of 4400 lbs, instead of the correct rating of 3500 lbs, which can cause the vehicle to become overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

What can happen. An overloaded vehicle can cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will mail replacement labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-3119 Option 2. Forest River's number for this recall is 80-1525.

Campaign 22V450000. See it on NHTSA

Pipe/fittings · model years 2018 to 2020 · 20V763000, filed December 10, 2020

What is wrong. 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.

What can happen. If the plumbing were to detach, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

The 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.

Campaign 20V763000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our fresh water and the water heater manual.

General RV equipment · model year 2020 · 20V075000, filed February 12, 2020

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Surveyor, NO BO, Cherokee, R. POD, Clipper, Viking, Independence, Puma and East to West trailers. The spare tire carrier U-bolts may fail allowing the spare tire carrier and spare tire detach from the vehicle.

What can happen. If the spare tire carrier and spare tire detach from the vehicle while in motion, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace U-bolts, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact Surveyor, NO BO, R. and POD customer service at 1-574-642-3119, Independence, Viking, and Clipper customer service at 1-269-467-4600, Puma customer service at -574-642-0606, East and West customer service at 1-574-264-6664 or Cherokee customer service at 1-877-426-5337. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1133.

Campaign 20V075000. See it on NHTSA

Fuses and circuit breakers · model years 2019 to 2020 · 19V356000, filed May 10, 2019

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R. Pod travel trailers. The wire for the refrigerator's spark igniter may have been connected to a breaker that permits a current higher than the wire can handle.

What can happen. Without the proper circuit breaker protection, the wire can melt, increasing the risk of fire.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will move the wire from the 30 AMP circuit to the designated 15 AMP circuit, free of charge. The recall began May 28, 2019. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-3119. Forest River's number for this recall is 80-1011.

Campaign 19V356000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our shore power and batteries manual.

Non-powered axle assembly · model year 2016 · 15V359000, filed June 9, 2015

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Evo, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Wildwood, Cherokee Grey Wolf, Wildcat Maxx, Vibe, R-Pod, and Surveyor trailers. In the affected trailers, the studs that are used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs may break.

What can happen. If the wheel studs break, the wheel could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected wheel hub, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-05142015-0037.

Campaign 15V359000. See it on NHTSA

Exterior lighting · model years 2009 to 2011 · 11V010000, filed January 12, 2011

What is wrong. FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 R-POD TRAVEL TRAILERS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 27, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2010, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE LIGHTS.

What can happen. This could render the vehicle less visible to other motorist during hours of darkness, possibly resulting in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury.

The fix. Forest Rivers petition for relief from remedy based on its belief that the noncompliance was inconsequential to motor vehicle safety was denied by NHTSA on May 16, 2012. Accordingly, Forest River will conduct a safety recall campaign. The safety recall began in May 2012. Owners nay contact Forest River at 1-574-642-3119.

Campaign 11V010000. See it on NHTSA

Check your own rig. Put your VIN into the NHTSA recall lookup. It shows any open recall on that exact rig, including the chassis.

Questions owners ask

Where can I find the Forest River R-Pod owner's manual?

Forest River keeps its owner's manuals online. Look up your model year there. Our free manuals on this page explain how each system works.

Does the Forest River R-Pod have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for it. The most common area is coil springs. Check your own VIN on the NHTSA site to see if yours was fixed.

Is a recall repair free on a used RV?

Yes. A safety recall is fixed free by the maker's dealers no matter who owns the rig now or how old it is. Call the maker or any dealer for that brand with your VIN.

Where is the VIN on an RV?

Look for a sticker by the entry door, inside a cabinet near the door, or on the tongue or front frame of a trailer. The title and registration show it too.

Renting one from us? Call or text 909-259-RVDR before you try a fix. We would rather talk you through it than have you guess, and it is free.

Other Forest River manuals

Forest RiverCherokeeTravel trailer and fifth wheel, model years 2000 to 202635 recalls on file Forest RiverCedar CreekFifth wheel, model years 2000 to 202619 recalls on file Forest RiverWildwoodTravel trailer and fifth wheel, model years 2000 to 202661 recalls on file Forest RiverSalemTravel trailer and fifth wheel, model years 2000 to 202663 recalls on file Forest RiverXLRToy hauler, model years 2003 to 202436 recalls on file Forest RiverVengeanceToy hauler, model years 2003 to 202517 recalls on file

Every Forest River line we cover