Forum Discussion

NickG's avatar
NickG
Explorer
Aug 26, 2017

I'm back! Forest River Flagstaff info requested.

Used to be here a lot when I had our 2001 30' Mallard 30E. Sold it about 4-5 years ago and finally purchased another camper. This came up at work here at GM and I felt it was a fait-to-good deal. It is a 2011 Forest River/Flagstaff 27BHSS.
Bought new by a couple with no kids, washed every trip, waxed annually at minimum (and it shows), roof treated with the 303 (301?) annually, covered each winter with custom cover, not a mark inside or out. New tires, new 4000 lb electric tounge jack, electric stabilizer jacks, all hitch equipment with EZ sway system, all silverware and stuff like that. NADA had it at about 13,000 - 15,000 depending on options. I'm paying 10,000. Not being familiar with Forest River, I still felt I should grab it. They sold due to the tow vehicle being totalled and they replaced it with a vehicle that won't pull it.

All that said, what might I look out for in this product? It is clear that it is certainly a notch or 3 above my old Mallard.
  • Give the frame, axles and brakes a good checkout.

    Give the roof seams and all penetrations a thorough check, looking for any cracks in caulking or sealant.

    Inspect the ceiling and walls inside for any signs of leaks. Check all the cabinets and any hidden areas for a musty odor or obvious signs of leaks.

    Check the date code on the tires, and check them for cracking or checking on the sidewalls. If they are over 5 years old, replace them regardless of how they look.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Forest River owner here. Grab it at that price! Flagstaff and the Rockwood clone are top notch
  • Currently have our second Flagstaff trailer. Pretty much the same as other travel trailers. It's all about how well they are maintained.
  • Congratulations on the new TT ! You may also want to check out the Forest River Owners group web site for specifics on FR products !
  • We had our forest river flagstaff for just under 3 years.The major problem that developed with ours was the poor welds on the Dexter torsion axles. Not the axles themeselves but how they were welded to the frame. I had a complete failure this sping where the welds on the front axles failed . I found myself tire to tire in a parking lot. Had the trailer welded in the parking lot as there was no way for the trailer to move. The shifting of the axle caused the brakes to wear from mis alignment. I found out thjat FR used the 4,000 lb axle and the brake drums are hard to come by I had to go to the Dexter factory to pick them up. Also craeted a propane line leak.
    I liked the layout a lot on this unit it was very comfortable. I did have a slide problem as well that about drove me nuts. I called FR and they brought the coach in and replaced the slide pan.
    I do have to say that I was treated right by the Rockwood/Flagstaff plant. I do think that with all the emphasis on making the trailer a "super lite" that the overall quality suffers from the attempt to make these units 1/2 ton towable.
    I did come out of a 34' DP class A and have since purchased a 35' Newmar class A. Perhaps my expectations of the TT were too much.
  • Great info here and much appreciated.
    While I agree that the "Lite" build TT's may skimp on some more robust design materials and procedures, it is my opinion that all low-to-mid level TT's are built pretty badly. I actually expect some leaks and general material flaws eventually. Hence, is the reason I try to stay ahead of things and keep a watchful eye on the unit.

    My main concern was getting to know some FR specific issues that I might be aware of. I WILL look at the axle welds!!! Wow! Glad that wasn't worse!!
  • Got the trailer home tonight. A few observations:

    - It has the 4-link EZ WDH and sway control. As I pulled out onto the highway, My van wanted to pull to the right. i had to hold the wheel a bit left to go straight. It eventually cleared up. The trailer pulls quite stable and smooth.

    - The hitch is LOUD! Creaky, moaning, groaning... Very annoying!

    -I hate the 14 inch wheels. The tires are new carlisles, which are not my choice of tire, but won't worry about it this late in the season. However, I want to change to 15 inch wheels with Maxxis tires next season.

    -On the way home, the skies opened up and we were in a freaking Michigan monsoon! Cars were pulled over. Hard to see at all. Flash flood warnings. Some freeways became lakes with fully submerged cars. It poured hard the whole ride home. Had to back into my driveway basically blind at night with my wife and kid barking directions at me in the downpour. Couldn't hear them. Couldn't see squat. All the corrections I had to make musta woke the neighbors with that creaking, crunching hitch!

    It's in the yard. I used the monsoon opportunity to do another leak check. All corners and joints were bone dry.