Recall 18V628 affects 20 2019 Forest River East To West travel trailers for incorrect axle shackles. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 20 2019 East To West travel trailers because incorrect axle shackles can let the tires contact the floor or wheel well while moving. Tire contact can damage the tires, cause tire failure, and lead to loss of vehicle control; Forest River dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The axle shackles are part of the rear suspension on 2019 Forest River East To West travel trailers. They connect the suspension links and help set the space between the axle, tires, floor, and wheel well. With the correct shackle length, the suspension moves while the tire still has room to clear the trailer body.
On the recalled trailers, the axle shackles installed during production were too short. That leaves too little tire clearance as the trailer moves over the road. The tire can rub against the floor or wheel well, which means the suspension is not holding the tire in the space Forest River designed for it.
There is no warning sign before failure. Forest River identified the issue through a manufacturing review, not through owner complaints or injury reports.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Forest River East To West | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 20 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2019 Forest River East To West trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Tire contact with the trailer can damage the tire until it fails. A tire failure can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the recall repair soon and use caution until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Forest River East To West is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free suspension repair that installs a taller equalizer so the tires stay clear of the floor and wheel well.
- Bring any owner letter to the dealer, or reference recall number 18V628 when you call.
- Inspect the tires before towing, and stop if you see tire damage or hear rubbing from the floor or wheel well.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician installs a taller suspension equalizer so the shackle has the added length called for by the recall. That change is meant to keep the tires from contacting the floor or wheel well while the trailer is moving. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Tell the service desk you are asking about Forest River recall 500-0856 or NHTSA campaign 18V628, and ask them to confirm that the suspension equalizer and shackle setup are covered before the appointment.
Timeline
| September 13, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 13, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 13, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 10, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 23, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V628?
Recall 18V628 covers 20 2019 Forest River East To West travel trailers, model 27KNS, built with incorrect axle shackles. The shackles can let the tires contact the floor or wheel well while moving, damaging the tires and increasing crash risk. Forest River dealers install a taller suspension equalizer for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Forest River East To West is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V628. If it is, contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the suspension repair. Reference recall number 18V628 or Forest River recall number 500-0856 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Forest River dealers will install a taller equalizer to the suspension free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is tire damage and tire failure while the trailer is moving. If the tires contact the floor or wheel well, the trailer can lose vehicle control and increase crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then have the dealer complete the free suspension repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V628000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-264-6664 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V628 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V628000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →