Recall 17V500 covers 47 2016-2017 Forest River Berkshire vehicles for battery-cable routing that can short circuit. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 47 2016-2017 Berkshire vehicles under recall 17V500 because the battery cable mounting bracket can be installed incorrectly, letting the cable contact the frame rail. Chafing can cause a short circuit and increase the risk of fire; the dealer repair will be free once Forest River makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The 2016-2017 Forest River Berkshire uses a battery cable to carry electrical power between the battery system and the coach wiring on the Freightliner Custom Chassis XCR chassis. That cable has to stay clipped in the correct path so it does not rub against the metal frame rail while the vehicle moves.
On affected Berkshire vehicles, the battery cable mounting bracket was not installed correctly. With the bracket out of position, the cable is routed or clipped too close to the frame rail. Road vibration and normal chassis movement then let the cable rub against the frame. That rubbing wears through the cable insulation, exposes the conductor, and creates a path for a short circuit.
There is no warning sign before failure. The cable routing problem is on the chassis, so an owner is not expected to see it during normal use.
Who's affected?
The scope is limited to Berkshire motorhomes, with the same battery-cable component listed for both model years.
| 2016 Forest River Berkshire | battery |
|---|---|
| 2017 Forest River Berkshire | battery |
| Units affected | 47 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
A battery cable short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer inspection soon and ask Forest River how to handle the vehicle before service. Repair will be free at any franchised Forest River dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Forest River Berkshire is included in this recall.
- Watch for Forest River's owner notice if you have not received one, then confirm repair timing with a franchised Forest River dealer.
- Ask the dealer for the free battery-cable bracket inspection and routing repair that keeps the cable from chafing against the frame rail.
- Bring the recall notice if Forest River mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V500 when you call.
- Park away from flammable materials and avoid using the vehicle until the dealer confirms the battery cable is routed correctly.
What happens at the repair
Forest River has described the dealer repair as an inspection of the battery cable mounting bracket and cable routing. Once the final repair is available, a Forest River technician will revise the bracket and routing where needed so the battery cable stays clear of the frame rail. The dealer repair will be free, including parts and labor. Ask the service desk to confirm that the bracket and cable routing are both checked before the vehicle is returned.
Timeline
| August 10, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 29, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 6, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| October 6, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 6, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V500?
Recall 17V500 covers 47 2016-2017 Forest River Berkshire motorhomes built on Freightliner Custom Chassis XCR chassis. The battery cable mounting bracket was installed incorrectly, letting the cable contact the frame rail, chafe, and short circuit. Forest River dealers inspect and revise the bracket and cable routing for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Forest River Berkshire is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 17V500. If it is, contact a Forest River dealer and ask for the battery cable bracket and routing inspection. Reference recall 17V500 or Forest River number 40-08032017-0491 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Forest River dealers inspect the battery cable mounting bracket and revise the bracket or cable routing as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from a battery cable short circuit. If the battery cable rubs against the frame rail, the cable can chafe and short. Forest River's remedy is dealer inspection and correction of the bracket and cable routing.
What if I bought my Forest River Berkshire used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016-2017 Berkshire is included, then give the dealer recall 17V500 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V500000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-800-745-8000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V500 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V500000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →