What You Need to Know About a Class Action Lawsuit Against Forest River RVs
Recreational vehicles (RVs) are a favorite mode of transportation for many people across the United States. When gearing up for an outdoor adventure, you expect your RV to be safe and free from hazards. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
It is believed that certain Forest River Fifth Wheel RVs contain a faulty electrical wiring defect that makes them prone to catching fire. This dangerous defect has led to thousands of Forest River fifth wheels being recalled and has sparked a growing class action lawsuit.
At Conner, Marr & Pinski, we are currently investigating this class action and related claims. If you own a Forest River Palomino Puma Fifth Wheel RV, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our office today for a free, no-obligation consultation to determine your eligibility to join the lawsuit.
What Is the Class Action Lawsuit Against Forest River?
In the summer of 2022, Jay Nelson, the owner of a Palomino Puma Fifth Wheel RV, filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer after the fifth wheel caught fire. Despite efforts to have the fifth wheel fixed, it is reported that the manufacturer failed to comply with safety regulations during repairs.
It is alleged that the fifth wheel on model years 2002-2022 contains a dangerous wiring defect that makes them more prone to catching fire. As reported by RVtravel.com, the fifth wheels reportedly do not contain a circuit breaker in the wiring that connects the house batteries to the junction box. Without a circuit breaker, any short in the wiring can lead to an overload and an increase in the risk of fire.
Who Owns Forest River?
Forest River was originally founded in 1996. It is considered one of the “largest RV manufacturers in North America” and has a wide range of products, including class A and C motorhomes, fifth wheels, and an assortment of trailers. In 2005, Forest River was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate led by Warren Buffett. As a result, Berkshire Hathaway is also named in some class action claims, alleging that the company’s subsidiary failed to address faulty wiring defects that led to fires in Forest River RVs.
What Is the Risk to Consumers?
It is believed that the faulty wiring may present an increased risk of fire on the Palomino Puma Fifth Wheel RV model years 2002-2022. A class action lawsuit has been filed against Forest River in Montana Federal Court. On March 23, 2023, a federal judge ruled that the class action lawsuit filed by Jay Nelson could move forward.
If you own a Forest River recreational vehicle — particularly a Palomino Puma Fifth Wheel manufactured between 2002 and 2022 — you may qualify to join this lawsuit. Don’t wait. Contact our attorneys today to learn about your legal rights. Time limits may apply to your claim.
Forest River Allegedly Committed Safety Violations During Repairs
According to reports, Forest River allegedly failed to meet safety standards when repairing vehicles affected by the wiring issue. Owners have claimed that repairs were either incomplete or did not bring the RVs up to federal compliance standards.
These allegations have further strengthened the class action claims, as they suggest a pattern of negligence in handling consumer safety concerns.
If your RV was repaired under a recall or warranty but still experienced electrical issues, you may still be eligible to join the Forest River class action lawsuit.
What If I Need Representation?
If you own a Palomino Puma Fifth Wheel RV and are in need of legal representation or would like to learn more about the class action lawsuit, contact our office. We offer free, no-obligation case evaluations.
At Conner, Marr & Pinski, we have a proven record of success in complex product liability and class action cases. We continue to investigate claims related to fire risks in Forest River RVs and are actively pursuing compensation for affected consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Forest River Class Action Lawsuit
Which Forest River RV models are affected by the faulty wiring issue?
The lawsuit primarily involves Forest River Palomino Puma Fifth Wheel RVs manufactured between 2002 and 2022, but investigations are ongoing into whether other Forest River brands or models may also be affected.
Why are Forest River Fifth Wheel RVs being investigated?
Certain Forest River Palomino Puma Fifth Wheel RVs, model years 2002–2022, may contain a wiring defect that increases the risk of electrical fires. The alleged defect involves missing circuit breakers in the wiring between the house batteries and the junction box, which can cause an electrical overload or short circuit.
My Forest River RV has electrical issues — what should I do?
If you’ve noticed flickering lights, burning smells, battery issues, or electrical shorts in your Forest River RV, stop using it immediately and have it inspected by a qualified RV technician. Then, contact our firm for a free case review to see if your situation qualifies for the ongoing class action lawsuit against Forest River.
Has there been a recall on Forest River RVs for electrical or fire problems?
Yes. Thousands of Forest River Fifth Wheel RVs have been recalled due to faulty wiring and electrical safety risks. Even if your RV has been repaired under recall, you may still qualify to join the lawsuit if you continue to experience wiring or electrical issues.
Which Forest River models are affected by the wiring defect?
The primary model involved in the lawsuit is the Palomino Puma Fifth Wheel RV (2002–2022). However, investigations are ongoing to determine whether other Forest River brands or models — including Salem, Rockwood, Flagstaff, and Wildwood — may also be affected by similar electrical defects.
What caused fires in Forest River RVs?
It’s alleged that some Forest River Fifth Wheel RVs were manufactured without a circuit breaker in the wiring system connecting the house batteries to the junction box. Without this breaker, any wiring short or overload can cause overheating and increase the risk of fire.
How do I know if my Forest River RV is part of the recall?
You can check for active recalls on your Forest River RV by locating your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall lookup tool at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your RV is listed — or if you’ve experienced electrical or fire issues — you may still be eligible to join the class action.
Is Berkshire Hathaway involved in this lawsuit?
Yes. Forest River is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, and some class action claims name Berkshire Hathaway as a co-defendant for allegedly failing to address known safety issues in Forest River’s manufacturing and repair processes.
My Forest River RV caught fire — can I file a claim?
Yes. If your Forest River RV caught fire, smoked, or experienced major electrical damage, you may qualify for compensation through the lawsuit. Our attorneys can review your situation and help determine whether your case fits within the class action or should be filed individually.
What if my RV was repaired under warranty or recall but still has issues?
You may still qualify. Many owners have reported that Forest River’s repairs did not bring their RVs up to safety standards or that problems returned shortly after. Even if you’ve had repairs completed, you could still be eligible for compensation.
How do I join the Forest River class action lawsuit?
To join, you’ll need to contact an attorney who is currently investigating these claims. Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations to determine your eligibility. Simply complete our contact form or call our office, and we’ll review your situation.
