2014 Coachmen FREEDOM EXPRESS: complaints, problems and recalls

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 COACHMEN FREEDOM EXPRESS BEING HAULED BY A 2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH OVER A RAILROAD TRACK, THE FRAMING FRACTURED AND THE TRAILER DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE TRAVEL TRAILER WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD TWO DIFFERENT RECOMMENDATIONS; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHO WOULD BE BEST SUITED TO PROVIDE A REPAIR SOLUTION. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THERE WAS NO APPLICABLE MILEAGE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10876504 at NHTSA ↗

BLEW A TRAIL EXPRESS POWER TOWING 225/75R/15 LOAD RANGE D TIRE THIS PAST WEEKEND ON MY 2014 COACHMAN 320BHDS. IT MADE A LOUD BLAST AND I PULLED OVER INSTANTLY. I JUST FILLED THE TIRES TO THEIR RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE OF 65 PSI BEFORE I LEFT. TIRES HAVE MAX OF 2500 MILES ON THEM. TRAILER WAS BEING PULLED AT 62 MPH ON INTERSTATE I-29. I WAS 30 MILES INTO MY TRIP THAT WAS 120 MILES TO MY DESTINATION.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10876834 at NHTSA ↗

BLEW A TRAIL EXPRESS POWER TOWING 225/75R/15 LOAD RANGE D THIS PAST WEEKEND ON MY 2014 COACHMAN 320BHDS. IT MADE A LOUD BLAST AND I PULLED OVER INSTANTLY. I JUST FILLED THE TIRES TO THEIR RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE OF 65 PSI BEFORE I LEFT. TIRES HAVE MAX OF 2500 MILES ON THEM.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10902079 at NHTSA ↗

The steel I-beam that is the basic frame on this trailer has extensive cracking and breakage. The steel hanger that holds up the leaf spring in completely broken away from the frame and the rear most axle. A certified RV service repair shop investigated the problem and declared there is so much cracking that the trailer in totaled and undrivable. If driven further there is a chance the real axle will fall away from the frame which is a serious safety issue. There is no warning about this problem but was detected when fast excessive tire wea…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11733621 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2013-05-17 (May 17, 2013)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2017-10-02 (October 2, 2017)

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express recreational trailers. The frames on these vehicles may not have had reinforcement stiffeners welded onto the exterior I-Beam in the axle area, allowing the axles to be misaligned.

Consequence: Misaligned axles can affect vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and the frame manufacturer will inspect the trailer for frame reinforcements, installing them as necessary and secure the axle mountings, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8205, or Lippert Components customer service at 1-574-537-8900. Forest River's number for this recall is 220-0529.

Reported: 2017-11-22 (November 22, 2017)

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

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

Remedy: 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.