November 25, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V844000
Vehicle GVWR Exceeds GVWR Hitch Coupler
A trailer that detaches from the tow vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V844
Manufacturer Forest River
, Inc.
Components TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number of Units Affected 328
Summary
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Cascade and Cherokee travel trailers. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle exceeds the GVWR of the trailer hitch coupler, potentially resulting in the coupler failing and the trailer detaching.
Remedy
Forest River will notify owners and dealers will replace the coupler, free of charge. The recall began February 17, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-499-2100 or 1-541-995-3447. Forest River’s number for this recall is 64-1114.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
NHTSA RECALL: 19V844
CANADA RECALL: 2019-594
FR ID: 64-1114
<<VIN>>
<<OWNER NAME/DEALERNAME>>
<<ADDRESS>>
<<CITY>>, <<ST>> <<ZIP-XXX>>
2/12/2020
This Notice applies to your vehicle VIN listed above.
Dear Forest River Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This notice is also sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Forest River – Office of Corporate Compliance (“OCC”) has decided that a defect, which relates to the motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 20182020 Cascade and Cherokee Travel Trailer Recreational Vehicles. This is to inform you that your vehicle may contain a defect that could affect the safety of a person.
WHAT IS THE DEFECT/NONCOMPLIANCE?
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (“GVWR”) of the vehicle exceeds the GVWR of the trailer hitch coupler.
EVALUATION OF THE RISK TO THE VEHICLE AND OPERATOR(S) RELATED TO THE RECALL.
The coupler may fail, which may increase the risk crash, property damage or personal injury.
WHAT IS FOREST RIVER AND OUR DEALERSHIPS GOING TO DO?
Forest River is notifying dealerships of the recall. Please contact your Forest River Dealership for the coupler replacement. When contacting the Forest River Dealership, request to speak to service and ensure they have welding capapbilities. Your dealer will be able to assist you in facailiting the need for the RV to go to another entity if they do not have welding capabilities. If you need help finding a service center please call our customer service line at (541) 995-3447. You may also visit www.forestriverinc.com for dealer locations.
However, it is preferable if you have your selling dealership perform the remedy. Forest River completely covers your cost for the remedy; you will not receive any bill of sale for anything covered under the above recall number.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Please contact your dealer without delay and request a service appointment to schedule the free remedy. The vehicle Owner is responsible for making arraignments to have the work completed. Please state you have been notified by Forest River of having a recall in process for your vehicle and provide the recall number for the dealership. It is also helpful to the dealership to have a copy of this letter when you take your vehicle in for the recall remedy.
HOW LONG WILL THE REMEDY PROCESS TAKE?
The estimated time of repair is 1.0 hours. However, the dealership may need to keep your vehicle or schedule an appointment with you for a later date to fit into their regular service schedule.
WHAT IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR REPAIRS TO YOUR VEHICLE FOR THIS PARTICULAR CONDITION?
If you have already paid for a repair that is within the scope of this defect under recall, you still need to have this recall inspected and/or performed to ensure the correct parts and procedures were utilized.
Additionally, you may be eligible for a refund of previously paid repairs. Refunds will only be provided for within the scope of this defect under recall.
Please send the service invoice to the following address:
Cherokee Oregon
Forest River, Inc.
Attn: WARRANTY MANAGER
30725 Diamond Hill
What if you no longer own this vehicle?
If you no longer own this vehicle and have the address for the current owner, please forward this letter to the new owner within 10 working days after the day in which the notice is received. You have received this letter because government regulations require that a notification is sent to the last known owner of record. Our records indicate that you are the current owner.
PLEASE NOTE: FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT ANY VEHICLE LESSOR RECEIVING THIS RECALL NOTICE MUST FORWARD A COPY OF THIS NOTICE TO THE LESSEE WITHIN TEN DAYS.
MAY FOREST RIVER ASSIST YOU FURTHER?
If you have difficulties getting your vehicle repaired, please contact your Forest River Representative listed below:
| CONTACT | PHONE |
| Customer Service | (541) 995-3447 |
If you are still having difficulty getting your vehicle/towable repaired in a reasonable amount of time or without change, you may write to the following address:
| For US Owners Please Contact: | For Canadian Owners Please Contact: |
| Administrator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590
Or you may call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or (TTY: 1-800-424-9153).
Or visit www.safercar.gov and search; | Head of Recalls Motor Vehicle Safety Investigations Laboratory Transport Canada 80 Noël street, Gatineau, Quebec, J8Z 0A1
Telephone (800) 333-0510
RecallID: 2019-594 |
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION
A SECONDARY NOTICE WILL FOLLOW WHEN THE REMEDY IS AVAILABLE
NHTSA RECALL: 19V844
CANADA RECALL: 2019-594
FR ID:64-1114
<<VIN>>
<<OWNER NAME/DEALERNAME>>
<<ADDRESS>>
<<CITY>>, <<ST>> <<ZIP-XXX>>
1/9/2020
This Notice applies to your vehicle VIN listed above.
Dear Forest River Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This notice is also sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Forest River – Office of Corporate Compliance (“OCC”) has decided that a defect, which relates to the motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 20182020 Cascade and Cherokee Travel Trailer Recreational Vehicles. This is to inform you that your vehicle may contain a defect that could affect the safety of a person.
WHAT IS THE DEFECT/NONCOMPLIANCE?
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (“GVWR”) of the vehicle exceeds the GVWR of the trailer hitch coupler.
EVALUATION OF THE RISK TO THE VEHICLE AND OPERATOR(S) RELATED TO THE RECALL.
The coupler may fail, which may increase the risk of property damage or personal injury.
WHAT IS FOREST RIVER GOING TO DO
The remedy for this recall is still under development. Forest River will notify all owners with a second notice when the remedy becomes available.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Do not exceed the stamped weight on the coupler of 5,000 lbs.
PLEASE NOTE: FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT ANY VEHICLE LESSOR RECEIVING THIS RECALL NOTICE MUST FORWARD A COPY OF THIS NOTICE TO THE LESSEE WITHIN TEN DAYS.
| CONTACT | PHONE |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | (541) 995-3447 |
| For US Owners Please Contact: | For Canadian Owners Please Contact: |
| Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590
Or you may call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or (TTY: 1-800-424-9153).
Or visit www.safercar.gov and search; Recall ID: 19V844 | Head of Recalls
Motor Vehicle Safety Investigations Laboratory Transport Canada 80 Noël street, Gatineau, Quebec, J8Z 0A1
Telephone (800) 333-0510 Facsimile (819) 420-4292
Recall ID: 2019-594 |
Sincerely,
Cherie Schmucker
Office Manager,
Office of Corporate Compliance
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
NHTSA RECALL: 19V844
CANADA RECALL: 2019-594
FR ID: 64-1114
<<DEALERNAME>>
<<ADDRESS>>
<<CITY>>, <<ST>> <<ZIP-XXX>>
2/13/2020
Pursuant to USC49CFR §577.13 – Notification to Dealerships and Distributors – Paragraph B
“It is a violation of Federal Law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by the notification under a sale or lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied. Substantial civil penalties apply to violations of this law.”
–Forest River motorized and towable products are contained in this section-
CANADA: Pursuant to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act, section 5
Companies who sell new non-complying vehicles may be in violation of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Substantial penalties apply to violations of this law. This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This is to inform you that your vehicle may contain a defect that could affect the safety of a person.
Forest River – Office of Corporate Compliance (“OCC”) has decided that a safety defect exists in certain 2018-2020 Cascade and Cherokee Travel Trailer Recreational Vehicles. Forest River is recalling the defect model(s) to ensure the safety of our future retail consumers and your dealership. Forest River apologizes for any inconvenience this action may cause your dealership; however, safety continued satisfaction and our commitment to building great products are of the utmost importance to Forest River.
The identified VIN referenced in the attached document(s).
The designated Date range of production is August 30, 2017 through October 24, 2019.
DEFECT/NONCOMPLIANCE:
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (“GVWR”) of the vehicle exceeds the GVWR of the trailer hitch coupler.
EVALUATION OF RISK:
The coupler may fail, which may increase the risk of property damage or personal injury.
SERVICE PROCEDURE:
Dealership Service Department Service procedures for addressing the coupler replacement is included with this notification.
AVAILABILITY OF REMEDY:
The remedy for this recall is included with this notification.
WHAT IS THE PART NUMBER OF THE REMEDY KIT?
Coupler – 135430
Jack Plate – 113512
PARTS AND RETURN:
Pictures are required for the remedy and/or inspection after installation. Pictures of the remedy are a condition of payment in which must be provided with a claim against the repair code(s).
DEALER REPAIR CODES: Dealer Central
| UNITED STATES | CANADA | REPAIR CODE | DESCRIPTION | ALLOWABLE HOUR(S) |
| 19V844 | 2019-594 | 10-19V844 | REPLACE COUPLER | STRAIGHT TIME |
OR
DEALER REPAIR CODES: Dealer Connect
| UNITED STATES | CANADA | REPAIR CODE | DESCRIPTION | ALLOWABLE HOUR(S) |
| 19V844 | 2019-594 | RC-004-01–003355 | REPLACE COUPLER | STRAIGHT TIME |
HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION:
| CONTACT | PHONE |
| Customer Service | (541) 995-3447 |
The Recall shall be considered the utmost priority to remedy the 2018-2020 Cascade and Cherokee Travel Trailer Recreational Vehicles in question. The retail consumer shall not be charged any amount of monies for remedy to their 2018-2020 Cascade and Cherokee Travel Trailer Recreational Vehicles listed under this Recall.
If your dealership has already performed the remedy to 2018-2020 Cascade and Cherokee Travel Trailer Recreational Vehicles, your dealership is entitled to the reimbursement as stated above by filing a claim using the indicated repair code(s). If the remedy needs to be performed on an out of warranty 2018-2020 Cascade and Cherokee Travel Trailer Recreational Vehicles in which the VIN falls under as stated in the identified VIN listing, your dealership is entitled to the reimbursement as stated above by filing a claim using the indicated repair code(s).
Notice:
In no manner shall a Forest River Product Owner or Coachmen Product Owner be charged any fee(s) for scheduling, conduction or completion of the recall. Additionally, all dealership(s) that are Forest River and/or Coachmen dealership(s) are Federally Mandated to perform the recall once presented with this recall whether by the Owner or Dealership receipt of this letter, without denial of service to the Owner. Lastly, denial of a remedy for this recall is a Federal Violation punishable by law resulting substantial fines and/or civil penalties.
Federal Regulation requires that any lessor receiving this Recall must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days. If your dealership no longer owns this vehicle, please inform the Warranty Manager of the product listed above of the change of ownership.
<<VIN>>
<<OWNER NAME/DEALERNAME>>
<<ADDRESS>>
<<CITY>>, <<ST>> <<ZIP-XXX>>
<<DATE>>
This Notice applies to your vehicle VIN listed above.
Dear Forest River Customer:
We are following up with you to make you aware that part of the completion of Recall 19V844 includes changing the coupler size, which in turn, will require a different hitch ball size. Once the recall is complete, please change your hitch ball size from a 2” to a 2 5/16” hitch ball to fit the new coupler size. If you have already had this recall performed, please ensure that the hitch ball is the required 2 5/16” prior to towing the vehicle. The purchase of the 2 5/16” hitch ball is not covered under the recall remedy.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
| CONTACT | PHONE |
| Customer Service | (541) 995-3447 |
6 Affected Products
Vehicles
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| FOREST RIVER | CASCADE | 2018-2020 |
| FOREST RIVER | CHEROKEE | 2018-2020 |
13 Associated Document
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)
RCMN-19V844-1655.pdf 220.453KB
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-1
RCLQRT-19V844-7084.PDF 211.13KB
Recall 573 Report – Amendment 2
RCLRPT-19V844-1153.PDF 214.209KB
Recall 573 Report
RCLRPT-19V844-9868.PDF 214.084KB
Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1
RCLRPT-19V844-8200.PDF 214.2KB
Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-2
RCLQRT-19V844-4585.PDF 211.228KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-19V844-9040.pdf 211.168KB
ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RIONL-19V844-7712.pdf 185.904KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-19V844-6079.PDF 213.969KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-19V844-7886.pdf 245.049KB
Recall 573 Report – Amendment 2
RCLRPT-19V844-7974.PDF 213.978KB
Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-3
RCLQRT-19V844-3681.PDF 211.315KB
Miscellaneous Document-19V844 – Follow up Letter – Hitch ball size change.
RMISC-19V844-7441.pdf 173.482KB
Latest Recalls Documents
- PRECISE FIT. This trailer coupler is designed to mount onto a 3-inch wide trailer tongue beam and couple to any standard 2-inch diameter trailer ball
- EASILY ADJUSTABLE. Equipped with a posi-lock spring and adjustable nut on the inside, this trailer hitch coupler can easily be adjusted to ensure a snug fit on the trailer ball
- SECURE COUPLING. The posi-lock latch mechanism of this trailer tongue coupler accepts a safety pin or coupler lock for enhanced security
- HIGH-STRENGTH. Constructed from punched, die-cut steel, this trailer ball coupler is rated as a class 3 trailer coupler and has a capacity of 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 700 lbs. tongue weight
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. To easily outlast the elements, including rain, snow, dirt, road grime and more, this straight tongue trailer coupler is finished in a durable zinc plating and makes a great boat trailer coupler
- Effortless Towing Connection: EZ Latch mechanism enables quick and secure coupling in seconds. Just lower the trailer onto the ball, and the coupler automatically locks into place. No need for pins, levers, or extra tools.
- Durable Materials, Built to Last: The coupler is constructed from high-strength steel with a corrosion-resistant zinc coating for longevity. The composite latch handle is tough, weatherproof, and designed to operate smoothly in harsh conditions.
- Fits a Range of Trailers: It is engineered to work with standard 2-5/16" hitch balls and adjustable channel mounts. Supports trailers up to 21,000 lbs GVWR, ideal for utility, livestock, cargo, and heavy-duty equipment hauls.
- Stress-Free Towing Experience: Say goodbye to difficult hook-ups. The EZ Latch clicks firmly into place for a solid connection, so you can hit the road confidently without second-guessing your setup or dealing with alignment issues.
- Tested and Certified Safe: The trailer coupler complies with SAE J684 industry standards to ensure dependable performance and safe towing. Includes a limited lifetime warranty on the latch handle for added durability and user confidence.
- 3,500 LBS HEAVY-DUTY RATING Rated for a gross trailer weight (GTW) of 3,500 lbs, this 2" coupler is engineered for heavier loads. It provides robust support for 19 ft bow riders, sailboat trailers, and mid-sized equipment haulers, offering a significant capacity upgrade for your towing setup.
- 2" BALL & CHANNEL COMPATIBILITY Designed for a standard 2" diameter hitch ball and a 2" wide straight trailer tongue. This specification allows users to standardize multiple trailers to a single ball size, simplifying the connection process for utility and cargo trailers.
- QUICK-RELEASE LATCHING SYSTEM The integrated easy-lock latching mechanism ensures efficient attachment and detachment. The spring-loaded lever provides a firm grip on the hitch ball, maintaining a secure connection through marinas, farm fields, or job sites.
- SAFETY LOCK PRE-DRILLED HOLES Features integrated holes specifically sized to accept a safety pin or coupler lock (sold separately). This design provides a dedicated spot for secondary security to help prevent accidental uncoupling during travel or while parked.
- DURABLE E-COATED SURFACE Constructed from thick, die-cut steel with a uniform black E-coated finish. This electrophoretic coating is designed for superior outdoor durability and provides a professional look that complements black trailer frames.
- Constructed from die-cut steel with a durable zinc-plated finish to withstand rust and corrosion to ensure a long service life
- Rated as a class II trailer coupler and has a maximum gross trailer weight capacity of 3,500 lbs and 350 lbs. maximum tongue weight capacity
- Designed to mount onto a 3" wide straight trailer tongue beam and couple to any standard 2" diameter trailer ball
- Equipped with a quick-release latch mechanism for optimal connect and disconnect operation
- Features holes to accept a safety pin with chain to ensure that coupler remains securely latched and connected to hitch ball
- Replaces coupler latch in CURT posi-lock couplers for 2-inch trailer balls (coupler sold separately)
- Fits couplers with 2-inch, 2-1/2-inch or 3-inch channel widths (trailer tongue width)
- Spring and nut posi-lock mechanism allows for easy adjustment
- Features holes to accept a safety pin or coupler lock
- Constructed from high-strength steel and protected by a durable zinc-plated finish
Last update on 2026-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.