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Vehicle recall · NHTSA · Published February 24, 2017

FOREST RIVER SALEM (2017) recall — Equipment

Forest River recalls 2017 Salem recreational trailers with improper propane vent installation that could cause fire or explosion if propane leaks near ignition sources.

🇺🇸 NHTSA recall #17V118000VehicleForest River ›
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No email on file for this recall — reach the company by phone or its official page instead.No contact details on file — see the official NHTSA notice.
✎ GovInfoNow plain-language explainer

What happened, in plain English

Forest River is recalling certain 2017 Salem recreational trailers due to a propane leak risk from improper vent installation. This could lead to fire or explosion if propane enters the vehicle near ignition sources. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1225879-forest-river-2017-salem-trailers-propane-leak-fire-risk.

Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1225879-forest-river-2017-salem-trailers-propane-leak-fire-risk · Updated October 8, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #17V118000

Cite this page

“Forest River 2017 Salem Trailers: Propane Leak Fire Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 8, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1225879-forest-river-2017-salem-trailers-propane-leak-fire-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #17V118000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V118000).

Why it’s dangerous

The refrigerator's lower sidewall vent was improperly installed, allowing propane gas to enter the vehicle. If propane leaks near an ignition source like a flame or spark, it could cause fire or explosion.

Who’s affected

Owners of 2017 Salem recreational trailers (model SMT197BH) are affected. Trailer users with propane refrigerators are most at risk.

How to tell if you have this one

Check for 2017 Salem recreational trailers with model SMT197BH. The recall started April 7, 2017, and affects trailers sold during that time.

  • Brand
    Forest River
  • Category
    Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy

What to do — step by step

  1. Contact Forest River

    Call 1-260-593-4001 to get the vent installed free of charge.

Official remedy

What NHTSA says to do

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new vent into the vehicle floor, free of charge. The recall began on April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-260-593-4001. Forest River's number for the recall is 72-02162017-0329.

✎ GovInfoNow

Questions people ask

Why is this recall happening?

The refrigerator's lower sidewall vent was improperly installed, allowing propane gas to enter the vehicle.

How do I know if my trailer is affected?

Check for 2017 Salem recreational trailers with model SMT197BH.

What should I do if I have this trailer?

Contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-260-593-4001 to get the vent installed free of charge.

Take action

Contact Forest River

We’ve drafted a message you can send Forest River to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.

Subject: Recall 17V118000 — Forest River Forest River

Hello,

I own a Forest River that is covered by recall 17V118000 from Forest River.

The official recall notice states: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new vent into the vehicle floor, free of charge.  The recall began on April 7, 2017.  Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-260-593-4001.  Forest River's number for the recall is 72-02162017-0329.

I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this?

Thank you.

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Where this comes from

The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.

  • Official source: NHTSA Recall #17V118000 (February 24, 2017)
  • Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 8, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
  • GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.
GovInfoNow is an independent guide. We are not NHTSA or any government agency. Always confirm details with the official recall.Data: CPSC · FDA · NHTSA · USDA