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Forest River Sabre Manual

The Forest River Sabre is a fifth wheel built by Forest River. Federal safety records on it cover model years 2008 to 2026. This page shows how its systems work, every recall on file for it, and where to find the official owner's manual.

Built byForest River
KindFifth wheel
Model years on record2008 to 2026
Recalls on file11

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

How its systems work

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

3 recalls touch 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.1 recall touches thisPropane, furnace and fridgeOpening the tanks, lighting the stove, running the furnace and fridge, and what to do if you smell gas.Free manualFresh 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.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, 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 11 recalls on file for the Forest River Sabre. The most common areas are labels (2), wiring (2) and oven and stove and cooktop (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.

Oven/stove/cooktop · model year 2026 · 25V424000, filed June 20, 2025

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2026 Sabre fifth wheel recreational trailers. The exterior griddle may have been incorrectly installed, allowing the griddle to be stowed while still connected to the LPG.

What can happen. Stowing the griddle while connected to the LPG increases the risk of a fire.

The fix. Dealers will install self-tapping screws to properly secure griddle to shelf, free of charge. Owner notifications letters were mailed July 11, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-499-2100. Forest River's number for this recall is 62-1943.

Campaign 25V424000. See it on NHTSA

Step/ladder · model year 2025 · 25V245000, filed April 14, 2025

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Coachmen Catalina, Forest River Aurora, Cascade, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Sandpiper, Sierra, 2025 Campsite Reserve, Impression, Pause, Puma, Sabre, Salem, Vengeance, and Wildwood fifth wheel and travel trailers, equipped with a removable step assembly. The clip-on bracket mounting bolts may come loose, allowing the steps to detach.

What can happen. Steps that detach while in use increase the risk of injury.

The fix. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the clip-on bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2025. Owners may contact customer service at Aurora & Catalina (1-574-825-4995), Campsite Reserve, Cascade, Cherokee, Sabre, Vengeance (1-260-499-2100), Cedar Creek (1-260-593-4000), Impression (1-574-327-2716), Pause (1-574-327-2681), Puma (1-574-642-0588), Sierra & Sandpiper (1-574-534-4574), and Salem & Wildwood (1-574-534-3167). Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1915.

Campaign 25V245000. See it on NHTSA

Escape/egress/exit · model year 2024 · 24V386000, filed June 3, 2024

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024 Sabre fifth wheels. The emergency exit window was not installed on the driver's side of the vehicle.

What can happen. A missing emergency exit window could prevent or delay occupants from exiting in the event of an emergency, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix. Dealers will install an emergency exit window, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-2100. Forest River's number for this recall is 62-1785.

Campaign 24V386000. See it on NHTSA

Labels · model year 2024 · 23V611000, filed September 1, 2023

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024 Sabre fifth wheels. The Federal Placard indicates an incorrect cargo carrying capacity (CCC) and dry weight, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars" and 49 CFR Part 567 "Certification."

What can happen. An overloaded vehicle can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Dealers will mail owners a new Federal Placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-260-499-2100. Forest River's number for this recall is 62-1671.

Campaign 23V611000. 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

Lines and fittings · model years 2021 to 2022 · 22V243000, filed April 13, 2022

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Coachmen Adrenaline, Apex, Catalina, Freedom Express, Spirit, East to West Alta, Della Terra, Silver Lake, Forest River Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Columbus, Flagstaff, Impression, Ozark, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Stealth Evo, Vengeance, Vibe, Wildwood, XLR Toyhauler, Palomino Puma, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Shasta Oasis, 2022 Coachmen Cross Trail, Prism, Forest River Aurora, Rainier, Wildcat, Work and Play, Prime Time Tracer, 2021-2023 Coachmen Leprechaun, and 2022-2023 Coachmen Freelander fifth wheel and travel trailer recreational vehicles. The quick disconnect fittings in the LP gas system may be cracked, causing a gas leak.

What can happen. A gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix. Dealers will replace the quick disconnect and perform a LP system check, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2022. Owners may contact the applicable customer service number for their vehicle model. Please see the recall report for the list of phone numbers.

Campaign 22V243000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our propane, furnace and fridge manual.

Electrical system · model year 2022 · 22V135000, filed March 8, 2022

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022 Coachmen Catalina, Aurora, Apex, Freedom Express, Spirit, Work N Play, Forest River XLR Toy Hauler, Vengeance, Sabre, Cherokee, and Cardinal travel trailers and fifth wheels. The wire cord that connects to the back of the 50AMP shore power inlet may be loose.

What can happen. Loose wires may contact each other and cause an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix. Dealers will replace the shore cord inlet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact the following customer service numbers: Forest River 1-574-825-4995; Catalina & Aurora 1-574-825-8657; APEX 1-574-825-8205; Freedom Express & Work n Play 1-574-825-6302; Cardinal 1-574-296-7700; Cherokee and Vengeance 1-260-499-2100; Sabre 1-574-642-2100; and XLR 1-574-642-0432. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1485.

Campaign 22V135000. See it on NHTSA

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

Wiring · model years 2019 to 2020 · 19V669000, filed September 20, 2019

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Sabre trailers, models SRF261RK-C, SRF270RL-C and SRF301BH-C. The rotating pin box may come into contact with the 7-way junction box/wiring and cause an electrical short circuit.

What can happen. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire or cause unexpected brake failure, which can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the 7-way and junction box to a location that allows movement when the pin box is pivoting, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-2100. Forest River's number for this recall is 62-1085.

Campaign 19V669000. See it on NHTSA

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

Labels · model year 2019 · 19V151000, filed March 1, 2019

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Forest River Sabre trailers. The Federal Placard may incorrectly state that the trailer has 6,000 lb. capacity axles when the trailer actually has 5,200 lb. capacity axles.

What can happen. The incorrect label can cause the operator to overload the vehicle, which may lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of crash.

The fix. Forest River has notified owners, and dealers will provide replacement placards that indicate the correct axle weight rating, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-2100. The Forest River number for this recall is 62-0972.

Campaign 19V151000. See it on NHTSA

Wiring · model years 2013 to 2014 · 15V160000, filed March 20, 2015

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Sabre travel trailers and fifth wheels manufactured August 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014. The wires that control the brakes may have been improperly routed resulting in the wires chaffing, breaking or shorting.

What can happen. Damage to the wires that control the brakes may unexpectedly lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, a short in the wires may increase the risk of a fire.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trailers and reroute the brake wires, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 6, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-389-4600. Forest River's number for this recall is 430-03112015-0017.

Campaign 15V160000. See it on NHTSA

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

General RV equipment · model years 2013 to 2014 · 13V203000, filed May 17, 2013

What is wrong. Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.

What can happen. If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.

Campaign 13V203000. 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 Sabre 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 Sabre have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recalls for it. The most common area is labels. 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.
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