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Forest River Sierra Manual

The Forest River Sierra is a travel trailer and fifth wheel built by Forest River. Federal safety records on it cover model years 2000 to 2025. 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
KindTravel trailer and fifth wheel
Model years on record2000 to 2025
Recalls on file16

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 travel trailer and fifth wheel. The ones its recalls touched come first.

1 recall touches thisTrailer brakes and breakawayElectric brakes, the brake controller in your truck, how to set the gain and how to test the breakaway switch.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 manualShore 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 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 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 16 recalls on file for the Forest River Sierra. The most common areas are labels (3), step and ladder (1) and service brakes (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.

Step/ladder · model years 2024 to 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

Service brakes · model year 2024 · 23V559000, filed August 7, 2023

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024 Sandpiper, and Sierra fifth wheels. The axle may be installed backwards, which can reduce braking ability.

What can happen. Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Dealers will remove and reinstall the axle, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2023. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-534-4574. Forest River's number for this recall is 3-1665.

Campaign 23V559000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our trailer brakes and breakaway manual.

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

Frame and members · model year 2021 · 21V378000, filed May 24, 2021

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021 Sierra and Sandpiper Fifth Wheel and Travel Trailers. The bolts that hold the floor to the chassis were improperly tightened.

What can happen. Improperly tightened bolts could cause the trailer body to detach from the chassis, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Dealers will tighten the bolts to the chassis outriggers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-4574. Forest River's number for this recall is 03-1347.

Campaign 21V378000. See it on NHTSA

Non-powered axle assembly · model year 2019 · 18V624000, filed September 13, 2018

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Coachmen Catalina and Apex travel trailers and Forest River Shasta, Wildwood, Salem, Vibe, Sierra, Sandpiper, XLR and Prime Time travel trailers. The axles may be missing inner bearing races on the hubs, which can cause the bearing to burnout or cause the hub to overheat.

What can happen. The missing bearing race may cause premature hub bearing failure, possibly resulting in a separation of the hub from the axle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective hubs with new hubs or replace the axles, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2018. For customer service, Catalina owners may contact Coachmen at 1-574-825-8657, Apex owners should call 1-574-358-0401, Shasta owners: 1-574-825-8717, Wildwood and Salem owners: 1-574-534-3167, Vibe owners: 1-574-296-2084, Sierra and Sandpiper owners: 1-574-534-4574, XLR owners: 1-574-642-0432, Prime Time owners: 1-574-862-1025. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0851.

Campaign 18V624000. See it on NHTSA

Labels · model year 2018 · 17V808000, filed December 15, 2017

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018 Sandpiper and Sierra recreational trailers. The Federal Placard may incorrectly indicate the recommended tire pressure to be 110psi, however, the actual tire pressure should be 95psi. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims," and these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

What can happen. If the tires are inflated incorrectly to 110psi, it can cause premature wear of the tire, potentially causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on January 2, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-4574. Forest River's number for this recall is 03-0599.

Campaign 17V808000. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model years 2003 to 2018 · 17V756000, filed November 22, 2017

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2003-2018 Forest River Berkshire, Charleston, Rockport, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Riverstone, Salem, Sandpiper, Sierra, Vengeance, Wildcat, Wildwood, XLR Boost, Cargo Mate, Continental Cargo, motorhomes, recreational trailers, toyhaulers, cargo trailers and restroom trailers and 2009-2018 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit, Concord, Leprechaun, Freelander, Orion and Prism motorhomes, 2009-2017 Coachmen Apex and Catalina recreational trailers, and 2013-2017 Shasta Oasis and Revere recreational trailers, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

What can happen. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on December 27, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440, or Kidde customer service toll free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0544.

Campaign 17V756000. See it on NHTSA

Labels · model years 2014 to 2016 · 15V480000, filed July 30, 2015

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Sandpiper and Sierra recreational vehicles manufactured October 15, 2013, to July 13, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Certification labels with an inaccurate gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 567, "Certification."

What can happen. Inaccurate weight information can mislead an owner as to the vehicle's weight carrying capacity which could result in vehicle overloading and a crash.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new set of corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-8386. Forest River's number for this recall is 03-07292015-0067.

Campaign 15V480000. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model year 2015 · 15V273000, filed May 11, 2015

What is wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Dynamax, 2014 Cardinal trailers, and 2015 Cedar Creek, Sierra and Sandpiper trailers. In the affected vehicles, a rivet for the quad entry steps may shear and fail, causing the steps to give when being used.

What can happen. If the rivet shears causing the quad step to fail, the step user may fall, increasing the risk of personal injury.

The fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will remove the rivets and the step sections will be bolted together, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-389-4600. Forest River's number for this recall is 15-05062015-0034.

Campaign 15V273000. See it on NHTSA

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

Axle assembly · model year 2011 · 10V460000, filed October 8, 2010

What is wrong. FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SANDPIPER AND SIERRA TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH DEXTER AXLES. ON SOME AXLES, CRACKS COULD APPEAR IN THE SPINDLE WELD.

What can happen. THESE CRACKS CAN PROPAGATE AND CAUSE THE SPINDLE TO DETACH FROM THE AXLE TUBE, RESULTING IN THE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL END FROM THE VEHICLE, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD AND/OR COMPROMISING THE DRIVER'S CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

The fix. FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH DEXTER AXLE AND WILL INSPECT THE AXLE SERIAL NUMBER AND REPLACE IT IF IT FALLS WITHIN THE SERIAL NUMBER RANGE. REPLACEMENT OF THE AXLE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREST RIVER'S WARRANTY DEPARTMENT AT 1-574-534-3167 OR DEXTER AXLE AT 1-800-400-2164.

Campaign 10V460000. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model year 2004 · 10V454000, filed October 1, 2010

What is wrong. FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIMPLEX ELECTRAFLAME, SYMPHONY, OR OPTIFLAME BRANDED ELECTRIC FIREPLACES, STOVES, AND FIREPLACE INSERTS. THE PLUG IN REMOTE CONTROL RECEIVER FOR THE FIREPLACE CAN OVERHEAT.

What can happen. AN OVERHEATED RECEIVER COULD CAUSE A FIRE.

The fix. FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH DIMPLEX AND DIMPLEX WILL PROVIDE OWNERS A FREE REPLACEMENT PLUG-IN REMOTE CONTROL KIT. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DIMPLEX NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-888-346-7539.

Campaign 10V454000. See it on NHTSA

Labels · model year 2010 · 09V375000, filed September 30, 2009

What is wrong. FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2010 SIERRA AND SANDPIPER RECREATIONAL TRAVEL TRAILERS AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." ON THE TIRE LOADING INFORMATION PLACARD AND THE CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY (CCC) PLACARD THE CCC IS EQUAL TO THE GVWR EXCEPT FOR THE FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS. THERE IS A PRELOADED WEIGHT FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE TRIPOD SUPPORT FRAME THAT THE HITCH PLATE RESTS ON WHILE BEING WEIGHED.

What can happen. THE UNIT MAY BE OVERLOADED AND CAUSE TIRE FAILURE WHICH MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.

The fix. CUSTOMERS MUST TAKE THEIR UNIT TO A FOREST RIVER DEALER TO HAVE IT WEIGHED EMPTY AND DRY AT A CERTIFIED WEIGHT SCALE AND THE INFORMATION RECORDED ON THE ENCLOSED CARD AND MAILED TO FOREST RIVER CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO RECEIVE THE CORRECT PLACARD. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FOR YOU FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREST RIVER AT 574-534-3167.

Campaign 09V375000. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model years 2003 to 2006 · 08V346000, filed July 7, 2008

What is wrong. FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MY 2003-2006 MOTOR HOMES, FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.

What can happen. IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

The fix. FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-389-4600.

Campaign 08V346000. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model years 2000 to 2003 · 07V085000, filed March 5, 2007

What is wrong. CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.

What can happen. RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.

The fix. FOREST RIVER WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-389-4600,

Campaign 07V085000. 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 Sierra 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 Sierra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 16 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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