Recall 20V656 affects 1,150 2019-2021 Forest River Palomino trailers for an antenna wing that can detach. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 1,150 2019-2021 Palomino trailers because the roof antenna wing was not properly secured and can detach while the trailer is moving. A detached antenna can become a road hazard and raise crash risk; Forest River dealers will secure the antenna free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The roof antenna wing on 2019-2021 Forest River Palomino trailers is the raised part of the TV or radio antenna assembly. It sits on a base mounted to the trailer roof and needs to snap fully into that base so it stays secured when the trailer is towed. The antenna wiring passes through the same area, so the fit between the wing and base matters.
On affected trailers, the antenna wires were not pulled through all the way during assembly. Those wires kept the antenna wing from seating and snapping into the base. With the wing only partly seated, road movement and wind over the roof can loosen it until it detaches from the trailer.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to hear, see, or feel a clear signal from inside the tow vehicle before the antenna wing comes loose.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Palomino model years, with the scope tied to trailer equipment and TV, radio, or speaker equipment.
| 2021 Forest River Palomino | Tv/radio/speakers |
|---|---|
| 2021 Forest River Palomino | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2019 Forest River Palomino | Tv/radio/speakers |
| 2019 Forest River Palomino | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2020 Forest River Palomino | Tv/radio/speakers |
| 2020 Forest River Palomino | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| Units affected | 1,150 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the antenna detaches while the trailer is moving, it creates a road hazard and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before detachment, so schedule the inspection and repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Forest River Palomino is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free antenna inspection and repair that secures the antenna wing to the roof.
- Bring the recall notice if Forest River mailed one, and reference recall number 20V656 when you call.
- Keep the trailer parked until the dealer checks the antenna if the antenna wing looks loose or shifted.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician inspects the roof antenna and checks whether the antenna wing is secured correctly. If the antenna or its mounting needs work, the dealer repairs it or replaces the antenna under the recall. Parts and labor are free. The recall repair is already available, so owners with an included VIN can contact a Forest River dealer or Forest River customer service to arrange the inspection and any needed repair.
Timeline
| October 26, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 23, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 2, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| December 2, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 2, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V656?
Recall 20V656 covers 1,150 2019-2021 Forest River Palomino trailers with an antenna wing that was not secured properly to the roof. If it detaches while moving, it can become a road hazard and increase crash risk. Forest River dealers will inspect, repair, or replace the antenna for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Forest River Palomino is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 20V656. If it is, contact a Forest River dealer to schedule the antenna inspection and repair. Reference recall number 20V656 and Forest River recall number 400-1243 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Forest River's remedy says dealers will inspect, repair, or replace the antenna free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trailers included in recall 20V656.
Is it safe to tow my Palomino before the repair?
The safety risk is that the roof antenna can detach while the trailer is moving and become a road hazard. Confirm your VIN first. If your trailer is included and you need to tow it before service, call the Forest River dealer and ask whether inspection is needed before the trip.
When did Forest River begin this recall?
Forest River began recall 20V656 on November 23, 2020. If you bought the trailer used or never received a letter, the VIN check still decides whether your specific Palomino is included. You can also call Forest River customer service at 1-269-432-3271.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V656000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-269-432-3271 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V656 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V656000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →