Forum Discussion

1FastSS's avatar
1FastSS
Explorer
Nov 24, 2017

2018 Forester 3011DS

Well, in a week I'll have our new 2018 Forester 3011DS. Had to look around a bit to find one with all the options we wanted. Wish me luck. Any horror stories from Forest River owners or advice on what I should look for when I go pick it up?

Trading in the 2006 MAXlite. Tired of towing and all the setup. Going to setup the 2003 TJ as a toad.....

Thanks in advance for any input.
Class C
  • Kit_Carson's avatar
    Kit_Carson
    Explorer
    Nov 24, 2017
    Congratulations on your purchase. I hope you have many safe, adventurous miles of enjoyment.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Nov 24, 2017
    Congratulations! Forester seems to be a decent model in the FR lineup. Still, RV's are assembled quickly with price point materials, so...

    A VERY VERY VERY thorough Walk Through and Pre Delivery Inspection. Every drawer and look inside at the framing when it's open. Every cabinet door. Every appliance in every one of their functions. The roof. Look underneath. Fluids and Tires. Tires, check Inflation and check Valves. Should be accessible to you and should not be rubber. Outside compartments, check them. Slides and levelers should run smoothly, extend fully and retract completely. No funny business in any of the systems. Water system, valves, etc.

    Take time. This is NOT a 15-minute task. My list is off the cuff. There are searchable PDI's on the web.
  • Steeljag's avatar
    Steeljag
    Explorer
    Nov 24, 2017
    We have that same unit (Purchased in April) and really like it ! We did about a years search looking / researching before ordering ours ! Ordered it with the recliners instead of the couch, double door fridge, Big foot leveling system, 15000 BTU AC with heat pump, and power drivers seat.

    Made our first toad pull in October of our Jeep JK ( 1300 miles) without issue.

    Check out the Forest River owners forum for info on the Foresters, by owners of the unit !

    Happy camping !
  • 1FastSS's avatar
    1FastSS
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2017
    Well, it's in the driveway. All is good so far. It was hard for me to let the MaxLITE TT go, Had a good 12+ years and I knew how to fix everything.

    A few questions so far:

    Scare light - Where is it? I have the touch panel. Only thing I can figure is there is one light above the sewer compartment about a foot down from the roof that I can't get to work. I missed it in the PDI I guess.

    AirBags? What's a good pressure to start with? I have 60psi currently.

    I have a "Tank Heater" button on the touch panel. My build sheet doesn't show having any. If the button is there, does that mean I have them?

    I have the 4 door Dometic refrigerator - right side refrigerator door is a pain in the a$$ to open....can that be adjusted?

    Finally - Do you all run with 80psi in your tires all the time?


    Not a big fan of the power awning. I like my old one. I could tilt it for rain runoff.

    More questions to come.....I can assure you.

    Thanks in advance
  • PghBob's avatar
    PghBob
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2017
    1FastSS wrote:
    Well, it's in the driveway. All is good so far. It was hard for me to let the MaxLITE TT go, Had a good 12+ years and I knew how to fix everything.



    Finally - Do you all run with 80psi in your tires all the time?

    Thanks in advance


    I adjust the tire pressure in our rig based on the weight I'm carrying, and the recommended pressures by the tire manufacturer. A little less pressure when going only for a week or so (less stuff), more pressure when I'm carrying more stuff for longer trips. Too much pressure generally means a harsher ride, to little pressure can cause the tires to overheat and possibly fail.

    Good luck with your new rig.
  • Steeljag's avatar
    Steeljag
    Explorer
    Dec 07, 2017
    1FastSS wrote:
    Well, it's in the driveway. All is good so far. It was hard for me to let the MaxLITE TT go, Had a good 12+ years and I knew how to fix everything.

    A few questions so far:

    Scare light - Where is it? I have the touch panel. Only thing I can figure is there is one light above the sewer compartment about a foot down from the roof that I can't get to work. I missed it in the PDI I guess.

    That's it

    AirBags? What's a good pressure to start with? I have 60psi currently.

    I like 70 with 1/3 tank of water

    I have a "Tank Heater" button on the touch panel. My build sheet doesn't show having any. If the button is there, does that mean I have them?

    On mine yes

    I have the 4 door Dometic refrigerator - right side refrigerator door is a pain in the a$$ to open....can that be adjusted?

    It is a PIA....my wife slides her fingers in and moved the lock

    Finally - Do you all run with 80psi in your tires all the time?

    I run the recommended tire pressure from the door sticker


    Not a big fan of the power awning. I like my old one. I could tilt it for rain runoff.

    I'm not thrilled with awning compared to my TT awning, but it will tilt down and lock

    More questions to come.....I can assure you.

    [COLOR=]This is a very good forum, but again, for specifics on the Forester check out the Forest River Forum. Also a great group of people who own and operate the Foresters !

    Thanks in advance

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