Recall 10V281 affects 1,488 2011 Forest River Wildwood and Salem trailers for a water-heater flame defect. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River recall 10V281 covers 1,488 2011 Wildwood and Salem travel and fifth wheel trailers because the water heater's temperature control mechanism was damaged during installation. When the burner is lit, excess flame can escape the burner chamber and start a fire in the trailer; a Forest River dealer will repair it free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The water heater in the 2011 Forest River Wildwood and Salem trailers uses an LPG burner to heat the tank for sinks, showers, and other onboard water use. Its temperature control mechanism is supposed to regulate burner operation, so the flame stays controlled while the heater is running.
On affected trailers, that temperature control mechanism was damaged during installation. With the control damaged, the burner does not regulate normally when it is lit, and the flame can flare out of control instead of staying inside the intended burn area.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is tied to the water heater control itself, so an owner is not expected to see a normal control-panel light or appliance alert before the burner misbehaves.
Who's affected?
Covers the Wildwood and Salem travel-trailer lines, both tied to the same water heater component.
| 2011 Forest River Wildwood | Water heater |
|---|---|
| 2011 Forest River Salem | Water heater |
| Units affected | 1,488 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
An excess flame outside the burner chamber creates a fire risk inside the RV trailer. Until the recall repair is complete, avoid using the water heater and schedule service promptly if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Forest River dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Forest River Wildwood or Salem trailer is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Forest River owner notice if you never received one; letters were sent on June 15, 2010.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to ask about the free water-heater repair or replacement that fixes the damaged temperature control mechanism and burner flame-up risk.
- Reference recall number 10V281 when you call the dealer.
- Avoid lighting the water heater until the dealer confirms the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician repairs the water heater or replaces the unit covered by recall 10V281. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. The filing does not list a repair time, so ask the service desk what to expect when you schedule. Forest River can also confirm whether the work has already been completed on a 2011 Wildwood or Salem trailer.
Timeline
| June 15, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V281?
Recall 10V281 covers 1,488 2011 Forest River Wildwood and Salem travel trailers and fifth wheel trailers with a water heater temperature-control mechanism damaged during installation. When lit, the burner can flame outside the chamber and start a fire. Forest River dealers will repair or replace the water heater for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Forest River Wildwood or Salem is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 10V281. If it is, contact a Forest River dealer to schedule the free water heater repair or replacement. Reference recall number 10V281 when you call, and ask whether the trailer needs to be brought in with the water heater unused.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Forest River's remedy says dealers will repair or replace the water heater free of charge. The safety recall began on June 15, 2010.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire inside the RV trailer. The water heater burner can flame outside the burner chamber when lit, which can ignite nearby material. If your VIN is included, stop using the water heater until a Forest River dealer completes the free recall repair.
What if I bought my Forest River trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011 Wildwood or Salem is included, then contact a Forest River dealer and reference recall number 10V281.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V281000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 574-534-6913 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V281 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V281000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →