Recall 20V069 covers 20 2020 Forest River Crusader trailers with a rear ladder blocking the emergency-exit window. Free repair at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 20 2020 Crusader recreational trailers because the rear ladder is positioned where it can block the rear-wall window and stop it from working as an emergency exit. If that window cannot be used during an emergency, injury risk increases; Forest River dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear wall emergency egress window on the 2020 Forest River Crusader is supposed to open far enough for someone inside the trailer to escape during an emergency. That window is the backup exit when the normal door path is blocked. The rear ladder should sit clear of that opening so the window can do its job.
On affected Crusader trailers, the wrong window designation was used during purchasing. That created a layout where the rear ladder blocks the operation of the rear egress window. The trailer still has a window in that location, but the blocked opening prevents it from working as a secondary escape route.
There is no warning sign before failure because the problem is built into the window and ladder layout. An owner looking at the rear wall can see the ladder in relation to the window, but the safety problem appears when the window needs to open for escape.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Forest River Crusader | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 20 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
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?
The rear window is part of the emergency exit path. If it cannot be used during an emergency, people inside the 2020 Crusader have one fewer way out, increasing injury risk. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Forest River Crusader is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free rear-window replacement that restores the rear emergency exit.
- Bring the owner letter if Forest River sent it, and reference recall number 20V069 when you call.
- Keep the rear emergency exit clear until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician replaces the rear window so the rear wall window can function as an emergency exit instead of being blocked by the ladder. Parts and labor are free under recall 20V069, and the repair is available now. Forest River has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related rear window repair before the recall notice. Contact Forest River customer service about submitting documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 10, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 3, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 18, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| March 18, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 18, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V069?
Recall 20V069 covers 20 2020 Forest River Crusader recreational trailers with a rear ladder that blocks the rear wall window, preventing that window from serving as an emergency exit. Forest River dealers will replace the rear window for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Forest River Crusader is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 20V069. If it is, contact a Forest River dealer to schedule the rear-window replacement. Reference Forest River recall number 49-1137 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's remedy says dealers will replace the rear window free of charge. You can also contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-862-1025.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is blocked emergency exit access. If the rear window cannot be used to exit the trailer during an emergency, occupants face an increased risk of injury. The free repair replaces the rear window so the exit path works as intended.
When did Forest River start this recall repair?
Forest River began the recall on March 3, 2020. Since the remedy is available, owners with included VINs can contact a Forest River dealer to schedule the free rear-window replacement and reference recall 20V069.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V069000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-862-1025 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V069 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V069000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →