Forest River fined $35 Million

I don't know FR financials but $35MM is a big hit. As for raising their prices, seems to me that's where competition and the consumer steps in.

Not buying FR products sends a loud message.

In Berkshire Hathaway Inc's 2005 annual report, speaking of buying Forrest River, Warren Buffett states, "Pete is a remarkable entrepreneur" and adds, "You can be sure that I won't be telling Pete how to manage his operation".

Seems like some guidelines were in order.

ChopperBill wrote:
They might have got fined 35 million but consumers will pay that off after they increase the price of each unit a bit.

So, in the end, the cost of RVs will rise to the level required for manufacturers to provide adequate safety features in their products. This is called free market economics.

You mention escape window so I will share this. I bought a 14 yr old FW that still had a heavy zip tie securing the escape window arm. It was used during shipping and never removed by the dealer. The previous owner never noticed it I guess. Scared me when I spotted it. The previous owners answer to everything I mentioned was " We never had a problem with it". No I suppose you wouldn't until late one night when you cant see and are choking on smoke and trying to break a 1/4 wide zip tie. I know the handles can pop out of the holder notch so I just use a twist tie like those used on a bread bag. It's enough to keep it seated but very easy to break. Instructed DW how to use it also.

They might have got fined 35 million but consumers will pay that off after they increase the price of each unit a bit.

Here is the NHTSA press release (note NHTSA, not NTSB).

To report a vehicle problem, see https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/index.xhtml

To report a problem with equipment, tires, etc. see https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/online.cfm.

Landing page for owners is http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Owners.

Minnow did you read the article....they are not being fined for quality/safety, they are being fined for improper reporting procedures to NHTSA.

You are correct, it isn't just Forrest River. Keystone ignores numerous safety issues is seems.

The handle on our emergency escape window broke immediately after taking delivery of our new Montana. We got the run around from our dealer, Keystone, and the window manufacturer for almost a year. It seems the short handle was not available.

Myself and a couple more Montana owners with these broken handles filed complaints with the NSTB and what do you know.....all of a sudden the handles were available!

I would encourage anyone that discovers a defect with their RV that involves safety to contact the NSTB.