Salem 179DBK Reviews

[Schaef291234]

Hello Everyone.

I am new to this forum and am new to RV'ing. I have recently put a down payment on a 2019 Forest River Salem 179DBK, but have not completed the purchase yet. It is a 22.5 foot travel trailer.

It's completely my fault for not doing enough research beforehand, however, better late than never I suppose. I recently read several reviews on Forest River travel trailers (Salem editions). It seems that many people who have reviewed these have said the quality leaves a lot to be desired (ie. siding coming off, laminate peeling, shelves coming apart, things that were not cut square by the manufacturer, and general overall poor construction.).

Many of these reviews said that these problems surfaced in the 1st year! I suppose the good thing about this is that you still have your bumper to bumper during that time period, however, the last thing I want is my trailer to be in the shop 3-4 months out of the year when I should be using it.


Has anyone else had problems with Salem edition travel trailers? Perhaps the reviews I read were just the few and far between cases and the people were angry enough to go online? I have no idea. However, I am starting to have 2nd thoughts on this type of product.

Any thoughts that you could offer would be much appreciated!

Thanks.

[Bama Rambler]

While we don't have the model you're interested in, it is a Salem.

We've had very few few problems with our unit. It's been back to the dealer once and it spent less than a week there. I've spent a lot more time upgrading stuff than fixing stuff.

Having said that, If you want something that you're not going to have to fix things on once in a while, an RV isn't for you. There's a certain amount of things that just happen.

[Schaef291234]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

While we don't have the model you're interested in, it is a Salem.

We've had very few few problems with our unit. It's been back to the dealer once and it spent less than a week there. I've spent a lot more time upgrading stuff than fixing stuff.

Having said that, If you want something that you're not going to have to fix things on once in a while, an RV isn't for you. There's a certain amount of things that just happen.

Thanks very much!

[XenoRev]

We have a 27DBK, the big brother of the 179. We bought in October a year and 1/2 ago.
Overall happy with it. Realize that a travel trailer is like strapping your house behind a truck and taking off. There will be some problems.
We did a shakedown trip the first weekend and used everything. Crawled under/over and around the whole unit, pulled interior panels, looked at seals, ran water, etc.
It went back to the dealer the next week with a list of about 35 issues and pictures. The most major was the bathroom door not latching. The most concerning was poorly sealed belly penetrations. All fixed within a couple weeks.
No major issues since.
We went 9 times last summer rolling about 700 miles.

[firemedicmark]

We bought ours in November. We love the floor plan. This is our first TT. I had "slide in" type truck campers prior to getting married and having kids. We only had one small issue and the dealer fixed it in less than 3 hours. All of that being said campers are houses on wheels. One should not expect perfect finishes and joints because it is just not possible on something that moves. With this in mind, I have not had any of the issues that some are posting. I think since this model is an "entry" type, some may have unrealistic expectations. Hope you enjoy whatever you decide to purchase.

[dsjohns71]

Originally Posted by firemedicmark

We bought ours in November. We love the floor plan. This is our first TT. I had "slide in" type truck campers prior to getting married and having kids. We only had one small issue and the dealer fixed it in less than 3 hours. All of that being said campers are houses on wheels. One should not expect perfect finishes and joints because it is just not possible on something that moves. With this in mind, I have not had any of the issues that some are posting. I think since this model is an "entry" type, some may have unrealistic expectations. Hope you enjoy whatever you decide to purchase.

We are looking at purchasing one of these TT’s. How is everyone liking these small trailers? Anything we should know about or what you’d change? How do they tow? ( I also currently own a 34’ Heritage Glen TT that I use for work. It’s kind of a pia to use for quick weekend warrior trips with a grandson and fur babies. Want something smaller and a bit earlier to tow. ) thanks in advance…

[firemedicmark]

Originally Posted by dsjohns71

We are looking at purchasing one of these TT’s. How is everyone liking these small trailers? Anything we should know about or what you’d change? How do they tow? ( I also currently own a 34’ Heritage Glen TT that I use for work. It’s kind of a pia to use for quick weekend warrior trips with a grandson and fur babies. Want something smaller and a bit earlier to tow. ) thanks in advance…

After 3 years and numerous trips still love it. The area under the bottom bunk is perfect for our "fur baby", an 88lb boxer. Plenty of room for us, and love being able to get fuel anywhere. also including our tow vehicle it can be parked in two end to end parking spots with room to spare. The large awning and outdoor kitchen as well as the murphy bed make it seem like a much larger rig.

[dsjohns71]

Originally Posted by firemedicmark

After 3 years and numerous trips still love it. The area under the bottom bunk is perfect for our "fur baby", an 88lb boxer. Plenty of room for us, and love being able to get fuel anywhere. also including our tow vehicle it can be parked in two end to end parking spots with room to spare. The large awning and outdoor kitchen as well as the murphy bed make it seem like a much larger rig.

Thank you..
Does it tow pretty good? No sway issues? My TV is a Ram 1500, 5.7.. do you use a WDH? Sorry for all the questions, mainly for my DW..LOL

[sj flagstaff]

I just purchased the 178bhsk and tow it with a Ford Explorer with the turbo 4 in it. I did get a WDh to help with sway but it tows nice

[firemedicmark]

Originally Posted by dsjohns71

Thank you..
Does it tow pretty good? No sway issues? My TV is a Ram 1500, 5.7.. do you use a WDH? Sorry for all the questions, mainly for my DW..LOL

Tows great with our frontier, Ram 1500 would be plenty. We use an equalizer WDH.

[Mkequipment1]

We absolutely love our FR Salem, the interior of a camper will never be perfect, it travels down the road and shakes back and forth. I’ve found a bottle of wood glue and clamps solves all the loose trim and makes the wife happy