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Forest River Salem Recall 17V218: Wrong weight rating label could lead to overloading and crash risk

NHTSA campaign 17V218, reported March 31, 2017, 6 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

The federal certification label on certain 2017 Forest River Salem and Wildwood recreational vehicles lists the axle Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) as 5,080 lbs, but the axles actually have a capacity of 4,400 lbs. The vehicles therefore do not meet the federal certification requirements in 49 CFR Part 567.

Because the label overstates how much weight the axles can carry, an owner could load the vehicle beyond what the axles are rated for. An overloaded vehicle can lose control and increase the risk of a crash.

Forest River will notify owners, and authorized dealers will install a new Federal Placard showing the correct GAWR at no cost. Owners with questions can contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-4058 and reference recall number 27-03292017-0362. You can also check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for any open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 17V218Forest River, Inc.
Component
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Problem
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017 Salem and Wildwood recreational vehicles. The Federal Placard on these vehicles incorrectly lists the Gross Axle Weight Rating capacity (GAWR) being 5,080 lbs, when the axles actually have a capacity of 4,400 lbs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk
The incorrect GAWR may result in the vehicle being overloaded, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will provide a new Federal Placard with the correct GAWR, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-4058. Forest River's number for this recall is 27-03292017-0362.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Forest River Salem2017
Forest River Wildwood2017