Forest River boasts an extensive line of recreational equipment and vehicles. The company is merged with several other RV manufacturers, like Rockwood, Cherokee, Prime Time, Sonoma, Vibe, and Wildcat, and they're one of the leading travel trailer brands.
Their line also includes motorhomes, pontoons, fifth-wheel campers, camper travel trailers, and innovatively crafted toy haulers. Their catalog is represented by multiple dealerships and manufacturing facilities all across the United States.
In 2018, the Forest River 26DBH-L was awarded the “Best In Show” award by RV News. And to help you decide whether this company is worth a try, we’ve reviewed some of the best travel trailers offered by Forest River. Make sure you go through them all before you finalize your purchase!
Who is Forest River?
Forest River was founded in 1996 by Peter Liegl. He had a vision and foresaw a company that was committed to helping people discover and experience the beauty of the great outdoors by building quality recreational vehicles.
The company was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. and Warren Buffett in 2005. The company then expanded its operations by acquiring assets of Coachmen RV in 2008. Today, Forest River is one of the best and most popular RV manufacturers in the industry and offers a wide range of options in terms of layout, price, and style.
A one-year manufacturer’s warranty backs all Forest River vehicles against defects in workmanship and materials. Almost all their RVs have received positive reviews, and the company gets a lot of return customers.
What Makes Forest River Travel Trailers Stand Out?
The wide range of travel trailers offered by Forest River is what makes it stand out from the competition. The company ensures all of its trailers are made with dependability and quality. The diversity it offers further enables it to approach the industry with a new perspective, allowing it to make better-quality products.
Forest River has manufacturing facilities across the west and Midwest coast, so it’s able to complete all orders quickly without rushing through the manufacturing process. This further ensures that each travel trailer is built properly and undergoes a detailed inspection before it’s shipped.
Review of the Best Forest River Travel Trailers
A travel trailer is a big investment. To ensure you don’t end up wasting your money, we’ve reviewed some of the best models offered by Forest River. Make sure you go through them all and find the one that best suits your needs!
Best Overall:
Forest River Salem Cruise Lite
Pros
Cons
Forest River Salem Cruise Lite Layout
Almost all models in this series include a spacious rear bathroom and a large kitchen with burner cooktop, glass-fronted cabinets, and solid surface countertops. Nearly all units feature a queen bed, while some boast the EZ Bed Lift System, which folds down for a bed and folds up for a sofa.
A U-shaped dinette is also included, providing additional sleeping space. The trailers also offer plenty of storage space, with some offering walk-in closets, dedicated C-pap cubbies, and walk-in pantries.
Does the Forest River Salem Cruise Lite Come With Appliances?
All the Forest River travel trailers in this series come with appliances, including an awning, gas stove, gas furnace, air conditioner, microwave, and a gas/electric refrigerator. Some units also include a retractable power slide-out, while the bathroom of all units features a standard vent system. They also boast a propane alarm, a carbon monoxide detector, and a smoke detector.
Who is the Forest River Salem Cruise Lite Best For?
The Salem series offers several different floor plans, so you’ll certainly be able to find a unit that suits you and your needs. Some models can accommodate up to five people, while some are perfect for a family of three. Some floor plans also include bunk beds, so you can comfortably sleep up to six people without worrying about space.
2. Forest River R-Pod Travel Trailer
Pros
Cons
Forest River R-Pod Layout
The Forest River R-Pod offers a total of 11 floorplans, including an expandable model that features a 60x74 queen bed. If you prefer a trailer without slides, then the RP-172 and RP-171 are right up your alley. If you’re traveling with kids and would like to have twin or bunk beds, check out the RP-191 and RP-176.
The RP-195 and RP-179 are further designed with a rear kitchen, while the RP-180 boasts a rear bathroom. Lastly, RP-171 and RP-178 feature a rear bedroom, while the RP-189 offers a sofa and removable table instead of a dinette.
Does the Forest River R-Pod Come With Appliances?
R-Pods include some pretty great appliances. Most trailers are designed with a Thule-powered awning that features a built-in LED strip. Some models boast an outside kitchen with a dry sink and a two-burner cooktop.
Buyers can also opt for a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a 24” LED flat-screen TV, and a convection microwave. The interior kitchen includes a 3.7 cubic foot refrigerator, hardwood drawers, and residential-style cabinets.
Who is the Forest River R-Pod Best For?
The R-Pod's non-expandable layout can accommodate two people, while the expandable layout offers sleeping space for up to four people. If you’re looking for a small unit with curb appeal, then the R-Pod is certainly worth a look. However, if you have a large family or need a lot of storage space, then it’s best to go for another model.
3. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro
Pros
Cons
Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro Layout
Nearly all Flagstaff E-Pro models feature an outdoor kitchen that’s designed with everything you would need to make a delicious dinner at the campground. If you prefer a unit with a bunkhouse, then the E16BH and E20BHS are the perfect options.
Almost all trailers feature a U-shaped dinette that can be converted into a cozy bed with enough room for two people. The bathroom in these units is incredibly compact but still offers impressive storage space and ample counter space.
Does the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro Come With Appliances?
The majority of the models in this line include an AM/FM stereo with a USB port and Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi Range booster with Wi-Fi connectivity, a 12V TV with a built-in DVD player, a shower miser water saver, and a solar panel with 1000W converter. Buyers can also opt for a 13,500 BTU air conditioner in their trailer.
Who is the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro Best For?
This Forest River Travel Trailer series is ideal for a couple or a small family of four. Designed for environmentally-conscious campers, the trailers in this series can be towed by a fuel-efficient vehicle or a small SUV. Whether you’re planning on spending a weekend at a campground or just want to spend a day at the lake, the Flagstaff E-Pro is worth a look.
4. Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite 5th Wheel
Pros
Cons
Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite Layout
The kitchen layout in Rockwood Ultra Lite trailers is extremely generous, allowing users more than enough space to comfortably prep meals. Most models also have an entertainment center near the kitchen, so your kids can watch their favorite movie while you get dinner ready.
You’ll also discover a U-shaped dinette that can be converted into an additional sleeping space or a free-standing dinette with chairs, depending on the floor plan you choose. Buyers can also choose a model with double bunks or a separate bunkhouse for their kids.
Does the Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite Come With Appliances?
Each unit in this series comes with a multi-zone stereo with Bluetooth and MP3/AM/FM/CD player hook-up, a Wi-Fi Ranger Sky 4, and day/night shades, so you have privacy whenever you need it. The trailers also include a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a gas oven, microwave oven, refrigerator, LCD TV, a recessed cooktop, and a two-way refrigerator.
Who is the Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite Best For?
Whether you need sleeping space for eight or four people, this 5th wheel series can easily accommodate your entire family with plenty of storage space and room for everyone. If you want an RV for extended trips, then these trailers are an excellent choice. They’re a bit heavy, so they’re ideal for people with smaller trucks.
5. Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Travel Trailer
Pros
Cons
Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Layout
The kitchen in all 12 models of this series includes roller bearing drawer guides and solid surface countertops to ensure ease of use. Some models include a comfortable Murphy bed, so you can have a good night’s rest during the night, and convert into a sofa for extra seating during the day.
The Slatewood interior of these Forest River Travel Trailers is completely residential with hardwood drawers and cabinets. They also offer numerous storage options, including linen closets, shelving, exterior pass-through storage, kitchen wardrobes, and interior wardrobes.
Does the Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Come With Appliances?
All units come with several appliances, such as a microwave oven, nightshades, and a multi-zone stereo with AM/FM/CD/DVD and Bluetooth control. They also include a Wi-Fi booster, a double-door refrigerator, a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a Quick Recovery water heater, and a 55-Amp converter with charger.
Who is the Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Best For?
This compact and light design is ideal for families who own smaller vehicles and want to take a trailer to all their favorite destinations. If you’re a family of four or less, then the Rockwood Mini Lite is the perfect option. Offering secondary outdoor kitchens, numerous storage space options, and bunk bed floorplans, it’s best for average to bigger families.
6. Forest River Wildwood Travel Trailer
Pros
Cons
Forest River Wildwood Layout
This Forest River Travel Trailer series includes a wide range of floor plans. All units boast kitchen amenities, ample storage space, a full bath, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. Their upgraded interiors give them a modern look that’s similar to higher-end RVs. If you prefer a bunkhouse model, then you should give the 25RLS, 26DBLE, 26DBUD, 26TBSS, and 27DBK a look.
If a spacious rear living area is more up your alley, then the 27RE, 27REI, and 27REIS are ideal options. Lastly, if you prefer outdoor kitchens, then make sure to check out the 29VBUD, 30KQBSS, 30QBSS, and 32BHT.
Does the Forest River Wildwood Come With Appliances?
All models in this series boast some pretty amazing appliances. These trailers come with exterior speakers with a blue LED light, 30-Amp service, a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a three-burner cooktop, a microwave, a solar power prep kit, and tablet-compatible USB ports in bunks and bedrooms.
Who is the Forest River Wildwood Best For?
The Forest River Wildwood is best for large families. The largest model can accommodate up to ten people, while the smallest unit offers sleeping space for up to five people. With such a wide range of expertly designed floorplans, you’re sure to find a model that best suits your family’s needs.
7. Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf
Pros
Cons
Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf Layout
All units in this series boast full kitchens and a comfortable bedding ensemble with a premium comforter, while the West models include a stainless-steel sink and a power booster. The fish house models are designed with an extra-large dinette, a heavy-duty rubber floor, and big windows, which allows for plenty of natural light.
Larger models offer a bunkhouse with a front bedroom, while smaller ones include a Murphy bed or a U-shaped dinette. Most units also boast an outdoor kitchen, so you can enjoy the weather while cooking your favorite meals!
Does the Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf Come With Appliances?
The Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf comes with an outside shower that offers both cold and hot water, an outside TV bracket, a solar prep kit, and a power awning. It also includes an RV grill quick connect, an entertainment system, an attic fan in the bathroom, an oven, and a roof-mounted air conditioner.
Who is the Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf Best For?
With so many different platforms, this series can accommodate the needs of almost every camping enthusiast. This family-friendly trailer offers units for both couples and larger families. The smallest travel trailer in this series offers sleeping space for three people, while the largest one can accommodate up to ten people.
Popular Features of Forest River Travel Trailers
Forest River builds all its travel trailers with dependability and quality in mind. Some of the most popular features of their vehicles include:
Higher Manufacturing Standard
All Forest River travel trailers are subjected to thorough and rigorous testing. The units are checked for problems in plumbing, function, codes and standards, electrical, LP system, rain bay, cosmetics, and various other tests. This entire process further provides the company with valuable feedback, which helps ensure that all units are built with high-quality standards.
Numerous Manufacturing Plants
Forest River boasts several manufacturing facilities across the Midwest and west coast, enabling them to quickly fill all orders without cutting corners.
Pros and Cons of Forest River Travel Trailers
Forest River is one of the leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles in the world. To ensure you make the right decision, we’ve listed some of the pros and cons of their trailers:
Pros
Quality Design
All travel trailers are designed with standard luxuries, such as water supply, comfortable living supply, refrigeration, and necessary equipment. They’re available in various sizes, so you can easily find one that fits your price range and is suitable for your towing vehicle. All vehicles also have storage space, so you can easily organize your clothes in closets and drawers instead of using a suitcase.
Pre-Wired
All units already include wiring for cable, satellite, and phone. Some models also include an entertainment center, which includes a subwoofer, a TV tuner, speakers, a DVD player, and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, so you don’t have a dull moment on the road!
Plenty of Amenities
Most trailers include residential-sized sinks and refrigerators. Most models are also designed with dryer/washer hook-ups, so you don’t have to go to the laundromat, even if you’re on the road for a long time.
Cons
Storage
Almost all Forest River travel trailers are large and will not fit in a standard garage. Thus, you’ll need to invest in a storage facility with plenty of parking space for your vehicle, so you can safely store it in the off-season.
Comparison Overview
To ensure you don’t end up regretting your decision, we’ve compared Forest River to some other notable RV manufacturers:
Keystone vs. Forest River Travel Trailers
Just as popular as Forest River, Keystone is a well-known company that produces quality products. Both companies offer numerous floor plans, so you can easily find a model that best suits your needs. Both further produce well-built and sturdy trailers and use LCI or Lippert components. However, customers have complained about the poor construction and quality control of Keystone trailers.
Jayco vs. Forest River Travel Trailers
It is very difficult to compare these two brands with regard to reputation. Both Forest River and Jayco are respected, popular RV brands that have turned into household names for vehicle enthusiasts. Jayco is popular because of its warranty and storage space.
Although both brands efficiently and innovatively use space, the storage in some Jayco models is not easily accessible. On the other hand, Forest River models are famous because of their durability and high-quality ACs and heaters.
How to Winterize a Forest River Travel Trailer
It’s essential that you winterize your Forest River travel trailer if you’re living in a cold climate. If you want to winterize your trailer with antifreeze, then you can follow these steps:
- Buy four to six gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze.
- Drain all sewage and freshwater tanks.
- Turn the water heater bypass valve to the bypass position.
- Drain the water heater.
- If a water filter system is installed in your trailer, remove the filter and discard it.
- Use a long funnel to fill the tank with antifreeze until it reaches the minimum water pump operation level.
- Switch on the pump and open the cold water tap on all faucet fixtures. Leave the taps open until you see antifreeze (usually pink in color) flowing out of the faucets.
- Repeat the above step for the hot water sides of the faucets.
- Flush the toilet until you see antifreeze inside the bowl. Pour around one gallon of antifreeze in the toilet so that the black holding tank can be winterized.
- Pour antifreeze down the kitchen and shower sinks to fill p-traps.
- In order to winterize the gray tanks, you’ll need to pour a gallon of antifreeze down each attached sink drain.
When you want to use the water heater, make sure you switch the bypass valve back to the open position. This will allow water to enter and fill the tank. If you want a better idea on how to winterize your trailer, you can watch the following video:
Forest River Travel Trailers FAQs
Purchasing a travel trailer is a big investment and can be an extremely difficult and time-consuming task, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. To ensure you make the right decision and to help clear any confusions you may have, the following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Forest River:
Is Forest River a Good Brand of Travel Trailer?
Forest River is one of the most famous RV manufacturers in the world. It has many manufacturing plants across the States and is able to sell its vehicles at a lower cost than its competitors. Along with providing quality products, Forest River also offers excellent value for the money.
Does Forest River Own Coachmen?
Coachmen became a division of Forest River, Inc. in 2008. Its main manufacturing facilities are located across 220 acres and are dedicated to building Class A, B, and C motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels.
How to Repair Leaky Skylight on a Forest River Travel Trailer
You can repair your trailer’s leaky skylight by completely removing it and then reinstalling and resealing it with 100% silicone caulking. If you don’t want to remove your skylight, you can use Eternabond tape to repair it.
What Travel Trailers Does Forest River Offer a Murphy Bed Option in?
Forest River offers several travel trailers with a Murphy bed option, including the 2019 Salem FSX 280RT Toy Hauler Travel Trailer, the 2020 Wildwood FSX 280RT Murphy Bed Toy Hauler, and the 2018 Rockwood Mini Lite 1905.
How to Open Ceiling Lights Forest River Travel Trailer
In order to open ceiling lights on your travel trailer, you’ll need to grab them and pull them down. Make sure your fingers are not underneath the springs when you’re pulling the light down. If you’re going to replace the light, you’ll need to cut the wires and install the new ceiling light.
What is the Model Progression For Forest River Travel Trailers?
Forest River was established in 1996. It started by producing travel trailers, park models, tent campers, and fifth wheels under several model lines, such as Sierra, Wildwood, Flagstaff, Quailridge, Salem, Sandpiper, Rockwood, and Summit.
In 1998, the company introduced the Forest River Marine and started manufacturing pontoon boats. In 2011, it acquired Dynamax Corporation – a company that produces luxury motorhomes. Furthermore, Forest River Marine launched the Trifecta Pontoon line in 2016. In 2017, Forest River added a new series of luxury buses called the Berkshire Coach and has still shown no signs of stopping its expansion.
Forest River - Leaders in The Travel Trailer Industry
All in all, Forest River is a company that’s dedicated to helping individuals experience the thrill of the great outdoors. Creating dependable and high-quality recreational vehicles, the company enables people to revel in the beauty Mother Nature has to offer.
Forest River has built a reputation since launching, and is one of the most respected travel trailer brands in the industry. If you're determined to buy a Forest River trailer, and why not, make sure you go through all the above Forest River travel trailers and choose the one that best suits your needs!
Forest River Travel Trailers
Looking for all our Forest River Travel Trailer guides? Here they are:
