Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Forest River Salem
The 2018 Forest River Salem shows moderate issues, primarily with its electrical system and equipment due to multiple recalls and a few complaints. There are wiring concerns affecting the safety features like brakes, and there are labeling errors regarding tire and weight specifications. Buyers should be vigilant about these specifics. The complaint and recall numbers indicate issues, but are not overwhelming, so inspection remains crucial.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Forest River Salem has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 6 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V682000 Missing Over Current Protection May Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V563000 Breakaway Switch Wired Incorrectly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V550000 Break-Away Safety Switch may be Improperly Wired NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V436000 Outside Shower Cover Covers Water Heater Exhaust NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V232000 Incorrect Tire Pressure Label/FMVSS 110/Part 567 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V790000 Incorrect Tire Info on Label/FMVSS 110, Part 567 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V756000 Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V484000 Incorrect Weight on Federal Placard/Part 567 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V282000 Incorrect Federal Placards Issue/FMVSS 110, 567 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Structure 2 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
- Tires 1 complaint
- Wheels 1 complaint
Of the 6 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Improper wiring connections
How to check: Inspect the wiring connections for visible damage or disconnections.
Incorrect break-away switch wiring
How to check: Verify that the break-away switch is connected to constant power.
Incorrect tire pressure labeling
How to check: Check the current tire pressure against the label and requirement.
Incorrect weight placards
How to check: Compare trailer's actual weight to the information on placards.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Ensure electrical systems start with no errors.
Red flag: Dash warning lights persist.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual sounds near battery area.
Red flag: Audible buzzing or clicking.
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Verify brake function with manual switch.
Red flag: Brakes fail to activate.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Stability of trailer and no vibrations.
Red flag: Any shaking or imbalance.
- 05
Smooth road cruising
What to check: Verify tire performance and suspension smoothness.
Red flag: Noticeable bouncing or uneven feel.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the wiring in the trailer been inspected or modified?
- Are the brake systems wired to a constant power source?
- Have the tires and their pressures been recently checked?
- Can you confirm the trailer's actual weight?
- Have any recalls been addressed and resolved?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair confirmations
- Service and repair records
- Certificate of weight compliance
- Tire inspection report
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Forest River Salem at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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