Forum Discussion

coolmom42's avatar
coolmom42
Explorer II
Sep 21, 2016

Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ?

My short list of TT includes a Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16 FQ. I'm well aware that this is an entry level trailer, but it should suit my needs, tow vehicle, and budget. I like the floor plan, and it's one of the few that has a decent size bathroom with a sink in it.

Wolf Pup 16 FQ

Just wondering if anyone has any input on recent experiences with this product line from Forest River.

One concern I have is the Lippert axles. I've read some of the horror stories, but they seem to be from 2010-2011 time range. Obviously a lot of people are using later model Forest River products and I don't find complaints about axles from the last couple of years. Any recent experiences with Lipper axles in FR or other brands?
  • coolmom42 wrote:

    So.... where does the tongue weight go when you are not hitched up? It's sitting on the axle, of course!


    No... it's sitting on the tongue jack when you are not hitched up.
  • chryslermastertech wrote:
    That looks just like my 2015 Viking 17FQ also by forest river, have not had a single problem my wife and my self love it plenty of room for both of us.


    Great!

    So what is the weight rating on your axle?
  • ~DJ~ wrote:
    coolmom42 wrote:
    I know about the possibilities of shoddy workmanship. I intend to do an extremely thorough PDI and not sign anything until all the issues I find are resolved.

    I'm mainly concerned about the Lippert axle issues. Little things I can fix or deal with, but the axle is a big thing.

    How can I tell what the weight rating of an axle is?


    Your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is just under 4000# so I would imagine you will have a 3500# or bit less axle. It should be listed on a sticker on the side of the TT towards the front. Yes, most manufacturers won't put axles on to equal the GRWR as they are counting on 10% of the weight on the hitch.
    I think this is exactly right. Given the specs, if you subtract the listed tongue weight from the GVWR, it is exactly 3500 lb.

    So.... where does the tongue weight go when you are not hitched up? It's sitting on the axle, of course!

    IMHO that is ridiculous, and just a disaster waiting to happen.

    This may push me back to looking harder at Jaycos. I don't know who makes their axles, but their frames are good. My closest dealer also has a very good reputation. A little more money up front but likely not in the long run.
  • That looks just like my 2015 Viking 17FQ also by forest river, have not had a single problem my wife and my self love it plenty of room for both of us.
  • coolmom42 wrote:
    I know about the possibilities of shoddy workmanship. I intend to do an extremely thorough PDI and not sign anything until all the issues I find are resolved.

    I'm mainly concerned about the Lippert axle issues. Little things I can fix or deal with, but the axle is a big thing.

    How can I tell what the weight rating of an axle is?


    Your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is just under 4000# so I would imagine you will have a 3500# or bit less axle. It should be listed on a sticker on the side of the TT towards the front. Yes, most manufacturers won't put axles on to equal the GRWR as they are counting on 10% of the weight on the hitch.
  • How can I tell what the weight rating of an axle is?

    It is printed on a sticker or a plate on the axle.
  • I know about the possibilities of shoddy workmanship. I intend to do an extremely thorough PDI and not sign anything until all the issues I find are resolved.

    I'm mainly concerned about the Lippert axle issues. Little things I can fix or deal with, but the axle is a big thing.

    How can I tell what the weight rating of an axle is?
  • On the other side of the coin, my MIL purchased a Forest Rver MH and has had excellent luck with little warranty work.
  • I have had nothing but problems with Forest River/Coachmen. I have had two but will not have another. A list of my problems would cause a stone to cry. Cheaply built with little fit/finish. They (and other manufacturers) aim to put as many units out and let dealers/customers correct their errors. I bought a higher end 32 ft trailer and then things started to break and come apart. First the electrical connections were hosed up. After that and many, many issues we ended up with the black tank simply falling out. We discovered the installers of the tank bent retention rails to make their job easier (and it let the tank exit easier too!). So, I tell anyone asking to stay away from FR and all their products. Maybe if I cause enough lost business they will improve their quality control (yeah, right).