Forest River-Cedar Creek RV Exposed: Water Leaks, Slide/Suspension Failures, Warranty Delays

Forest River Cedar Creek: What Owners Report, What Shoppers Need to Know

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Forest River’s Cedar Creek line positions itself as a luxury fifth wheel: residential features, high-end finishes, and a reputation for comfort among full-timers and seasonal campers. Yet, alongside the amenities, a large body of owner feedback and public complaints portrays persistent quality-control issues, water intrusion risks, slide and suspension problems, and protracted warranty delays that can sideline a coach for months. This investigation synthesizes patterns from consumer forums, BBB filings, YouTube reviews, Reddit threads, and recall databases to help shoppers protect themselves before they sign.

Before you go further: if you’ve owned or shopped a Cedar Creek, your firsthand details help others. Have you had any chronic issues? Share your experience.

Find Real-World Cedar Creek Feedback (Start Here)

To verify and expand on the issues below, use these curated links and search queries. Read multiple sources and look for patterns, not one-offs.

• General complaints and patterns: Google search: Forest River Cedar Creek Problems
• YouTube owner walk-throughs and repairs: YouTube search: Forest River Cedar Creek Problems
• BBB complaints and manufacturer/dealer responses: BBB search: Forest River Cedar Creek
• Reddit threads (unfiltered owner talk): r/rvs: Forest River Cedar Creek Problems, r/RVLiving search, r/GoRVing search
• Owner review aggregators: RVInsider search: Forest River Cedar Creek Problems, Good Sam Community search
• Recalls (safety-sensitive): NHTSA recall search: Forest River Cedar Creek
• Forums (use onsite search): RVForums.com, RVForum.net, RVUSA Forum (search “Forest River Cedar Creek Problems”).
• PissedConsumer: Browse and then search for Forest River Cedar Creek (enter the model in the site’s search bar).
• Facebook owner groups: Join model-specific groups for unfiltered feedback and photos of issues and fixes: Google: Forest River Cedar Creek Facebook Groups

Independent investigations, like those from Liz Amazing, have helped expose systemic RV industry issues; browse her channel and search the model you’re considering: Liz Amazing’s RV quality deep-dives (search for Forest River Cedar Creek).

Why You Must Arrange a Third-Party Inspection Before Delivery

Before you accept delivery, book an independent RV inspection. It’s your only real leverage: once the dealer is paid, many owners report being pushed to the back of the service line. Some end up with canceled trips and rigs sitting at dealerships for months awaiting parts. Use a certified inspector (e.g., NRVIA) to pressure-test plumbing, scan for leaks, test slides/leveling repeatedly, and document defects in writing so you can require fixes before signing.

• Find a local pro: Start here: Google search: RV Inspectors near me
• Bring a punch list: Inspect every slide, window, roof penetration, underbelly, and the washer/dryer closet (often a leak point).
• Do a same-day re-test: After “fixes,” run all systems again before finalizing paperwork.

If you’ve been told to “just bring it back later” and then waited months, tell readers what happened in your case.

Build Quality and Fit/Finish: Inconsistent Execution

Cabinetry, Trim, and Hardware Loosening

Cedar Creek markets residential finishes, but owner reports detail loosened cabinet faces, misaligned latches, staples working through trim, and doors out of square early in ownership—particularly after towing over rough roads. Some describe shelves detaching, decorative molding separating at joints, and pantries pulling from walls.

• See real-world complaints: Google: Forest River Cedar Creek Interior Quality Problems
• Owner videos show fixes and failures: YouTube: Cedar Creek Fit and Finish Problems
• Long threads discuss cabinetry repairs: Good Sam: Cedar Creek Interior Issues

Windows, Entry Doors, and Seals

Owners frequently report entry doors binding, striker plates misaligned, and window weep holes blocked by sealant. Mis-sealed windows can channel water down into walls and cabinetry. Many of these fixes are quick, but they’re early indicators of rushed assembly or poor QC.

• Forum threads and DIY repairs: search onsite at RVForum.net and RVForums.com
• Video walk-throughs of seal failures: YouTube: Cedar Creek Window Leak Problems

Water Intrusion: Roof, Front Cap, Slide Toppers

Water intrusion remains one of the highest-cost risks in fifth wheels, and Cedar Creek is no exception. Reports include recurring leaks at front cap marker lights, poorly sealed roof fixtures (especially around satellite/solar ports), and slide roof pooling that overwhelms seal design. The hung-wall construction Cedar Creek often touts can mitigate some delamination risks vs. laminated walls, but poor sealing still causes swollen wood, staining, and mold in cabinets and under slide floors.

• Video evidence of roof and cap leaks: YouTube: Cedar Creek Water Leak Problems
• Complaint clusters on water damage: Google: Cedar Creek Water Leak Damage
• Discussions on slide seal maintenance: Good Sam: Cedar Creek Slide Seal Problems

Typical narratives: brand-new coaches showing ceiling stains near front cabinets after heavy rain; slide toppers channeling water behind facia; failed caulking at ladder mounts and roof seams. Some owners report multiple dealer visits before root causes are addressed.

Independent voices like Liz Amazing have repeatedly spotlighted roof/caulking neglect across brands—watch her maintenance and buying guidance and search the channel for this model: Liz Amazing: Avoid costly water damage (search Cedar Creek).

Structural, Suspension, and Braking: Flex, Alignment, and Wear

Heavy fifth wheels stress frames, axles, and suspension. Owners report “frame flex” at the pin box area (door binding when leveled is an indicator), cracked hangers and spring shackles, premature tire wear from misalignment, and braking inconsistency. Many Cedar Creek units ride on supplier components (e.g., Lippert) used across the industry, so patterns will look familiar to seasoned RVers.

• Safety recalls are essential reading: NHTSA recalls for Forest River Cedar Creek
• Owner threads on suspension upgrades (wet bolts, shackle kits, shocks): Google: Cedar Creek Suspension Problems
• Reddit field reports on tire wear and axle issues: Reddit: Cedar Creek Axle Problems

We see repeated mentions of:

• Pin box flex/door misalignment: Doors rubbing or popping at the latch after leveling can indicate structural stress.
• Axle alignment off from factory: Uneven tire wear within a few thousand miles; some owners perform professional alignment immediately.
• Brake wiring chafe and weak braking: Intermittent trailer brake faults traced to wiring routes and connector quality.

Any of the above can rise to safety hazards—particularly braking inconsistencies and spring/shackle failures at highway speeds.

Electrical, 12V/120V Systems, and HVAC

Wiring, Breakers, and Transfer/Inverter Issues

Owner reports include loose neutrals, poorly secured junction boxes, and miswired outlets that trip GFCI circuits. Transfer switches and inverters sometimes fail early; intermittent power to parts of the coach can be traced to wire nuts backing off or vibration-loosened screws. These are fire risks if not addressed promptly.

• Complaint searches: Google: Cedar Creek Electrical Problems
• Videos on troubleshooting loose connections: YouTube: Cedar Creek Electrical Issues

Air Conditioning and Heating Performance

Dual or triple A/C setups on luxury fifth wheels promise comfort, but reports cite uneven ducting, poor return-air sealing, and thermostat miscalibration. Furnaces sometimes short-cycle due to placement of sensors or kinks in duct runs. Owners often need to re-seal duct joints, add baffles, or reconfigure returns to meet expectations.

• Owner strategies to improve cooling: Good Sam: Cedar Creek A/C Problems
• HVAC walk-throughs and fixes: YouTube: Cedar Creek A/C Not Cooling

Slide-Outs and Leveling Systems

Reports describe slide rooms going out of sync, rollers chewing flooring, slide toppers collecting water, and hydraulic systems leaking at fittings or rams. Auto-level systems can throw “Out of Stroke” or sensor errors and require re-calibration. On some coaches, repeated cycles reveal binding due to framing variances that were missed at the factory.

• Slide failures and remedies from owners: YouTube: Cedar Creek Slide Out Problems
• Leveling pump/actuator issues and backorders: Google: Cedar Creek Leveling System Problems
• Reddit threads on Schwintek/hydraulic tuning: Reddit: Cedar Creek Slide Problems

Ask your inspector to run slides and leveling through multiple cycles, monitor amperage draw, and listen for motor strain while measuring square. If a dealer says “they all do that,” push for in-writing correction commitments before closing.

If slide or leveling headaches derailed your trips, add your story for other shoppers.

Plumbing, Tanks, and Sanitation

Common patterns in Cedar Creek reports include PEX crimps weeping at joints, leaky sink traps, black tank flush check-valve failures, and inaccurate tank sensors. Fresh-tank overfilling through the vent and odor intrusion from dry or mis-installed traps are also cited.

• Troubleshooting guides and owner fixes: YouTube: Cedar Creek Plumbing Problems
• Thread clusters on tank sensors: Good Sam: Cedar Creek Tank Sensor Problems

Plumbing issues are often manageable DIY repairs, but leaks left unattended translate into cabinetry swelling and subfloor rot—connecting back to the water-intrusion risks above.

Warranty Delays, Parts Backorders, and Service “Ping-Pong”

One of the most damaging patterns for Cedar Creek owners is time. Complaints detail months-long waits as dealers await approvals or parts from the manufacturer or suppliers, with the coach stuck in the yard. Owners describe being bounced between dealer and manufacturer, with neither taking full responsibility, and repeated “we’re waiting on parts” calls that wipe out planned trips.

• See how complaints are handled: BBB: Forest River Cedar Creek
• Aggregate owner reviews capture service sentiment: RVInsider: Cedar Creek Problems
• Community reports of backorders: Reddit: Cedar Creek Warranty Problems

To reduce the odds of becoming collateral damage in the service queue, insist on pre-delivery corrections documented by your inspector. Consider negotiating holdbacks or written return-to-service deadlines in your purchase agreement.

Independent voices have repeatedly urged pre-delivery inspections for exactly these reasons: Liz Amazing on avoiding warranty purgatory (search Cedar Creek).

Price, Options, and Value Alignment

Cedar Creek’s marketing promises “residential” comfort, but buyer feedback often notes misalignment between price and execution. Shoppers describe pricey option bundles that look great at the show but underwhelm in practical use—outdoor kitchens prone to leaks, solar packages too small for off-grid needs, and theater seating that delaminates early. “Residential refrigerator” packages can strain undersized battery banks when boondocking.

• Reality checks on option value: Google: Cedar Creek Options Problems
• Community feedback on furniture wear: Reddit: Cedar Creek Furniture Peeling

Be laser-specific in contracts about what you’re getting, test it before delivery, and reject vague promises. If promotional claims didn’t match your experience, what would you warn shoppers about?

Recalls and Safety Notices: What to Watch

Forest River products, including Cedar Creek, have seen a variety of recalls over time covering components such as LP systems, awning arms, axles/brakes, and electrical routing. Because running gear and other systems are sourced from suppliers used across brands, you’ll see overlapping issues with other manufacturers as well. Always run a VIN through the recall database and confirm completion paperwork before you take possession.

• Authoritative source: NHTSA Recalls for Forest River Cedar Creek
• Owner videos summarizing recall work: YouTube: Cedar Creek Recall

Ask your dealer for the unit’s recall status in writing. If they cannot prove closure, do not accept delivery.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

If you encounter persistent defects or warranty runarounds, you may have legal avenues:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Federal law requiring clear written warranties and prohibiting deceptive coverage limitations. Document all repairs and communications. If a manufacturer fails to fix defects within a reasonable number of attempts or time, consumers can seek damages and attorney fees in many cases.
• State “lemon law” and UCC: Some states exclude towables from traditional lemon laws; others include them. Even where excluded, the Uniform Commercial Code’s implied warranty of merchantability can apply. Consult an attorney versed in RV law in your state.
• NHTSA safety complaints: Defects affecting safety (brakes, axles, LP systems, electrical) should be reported to the NHTSA; patterns can trigger investigations and recalls.
• FTC deceptive practices: If advertising claims materially misled you, you can file with the FTC and your state attorney general.
• Arbitration clauses: Purchase contracts may include binding arbitration. Review before signing; negotiate removal if possible.

Start your paper trail on day one: dated photos, written repair orders, and copies of all correspondence. If you’ve fought a warranty dispute on a Cedar Creek, your lessons could save another buyer time and money.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Based on cross-source patterns, the most consequential Cedar Creek risks cluster around water intrusion, structural/suspension integrity, and electrical reliability. These risks carry both safety implications and financial exposure:

• Safety: Brake wiring faults, axle misalignment, and suspension hardware failures at highway speed can lead to loss of control. LP leaks and loose electrical connections are fire/health hazards.
• Financial: Water damage often isn’t fully covered after the warranty period, and even in-warranty, delays can cost you weeks of lost use. Frame/suspension rework and slide repairs are expensive, especially out of warranty.
• Resale: Documented leaks, soft floors, or structural repairs can depress resale values and prolong time to sell.

These are not theoretical. Browse recall categories and owner threads to understand the lived consequences for Cedar Creek owners: NHTSA: Cedar Creek Recalls, Google: Cedar Creek Complaints, and YouTube: Cedar Creek Issues.

Signs of Improvement and Owner Tips

Some owners report satisfactory experiences with recent Cedar Creek units, including appreciation for hung-wall construction, insulation, and floorplans. A subset of reports note improved fit on later model years and attentive dealers. Nonetheless, variability remains wide, and proactive ownership is essential.

• Pre-delivery inspection (again): Hire a pro: RV Inspectors near me
• Sealant strategy: Day-one inspection of roof, cap lights, ladders, and all penetrations. Log a calendar for quarterly inspections.
• Baseline the chassis: Get a professional alignment, inspect torque on suspension hardware, and consider upgrades (wet bolts, heavy-duty shackle kits, shocks).
• Electrical safety: Retorque panel screws, verify proper GFCI protection, and test the transfer switch. Use an EMS/surge protector from day one.
• Slide care: Calibrate per the manufacturer’s protocol, clean/lube seals, and listen for binding at end-of-travel.

Also invest time in independent education: Liz Amazing’s buyer prep and maintenance videos can help you separate marketing from must-haves.

Walk-Through Checklist: What To Verify Before You Sign

• Water test: Dealer hoses on the roof; run showers/sinks simultaneously. Inspect for drips in all ceiling corners, under cabinets, behind the shower wall, and in the front closet.
• Slide cycles: Extend/retract each slide at least three times. Observe for scraping, uneven travel, or resets. Inspect under-slide floors for water or soft spots.
• Leveling test: Auto-level several times on uneven ground. Check jack feet for leaks and the control panel for error codes.
• Chassis: Inspect spring hangers/shackles for deformation, verify tire date codes/pressures, and request a written axle alignment report.
• Electrical: Plug into shore power with an EMS, test GFCI trips and resets, verify inverter passes through and powers specified circuits, load-test house batteries.
• HVAC: Run all A/Cs and furnace; verify temps at multiple vents and check for duct leaks with a smoke pencil or tissue.
• Plumbing: Pressurize, then check every P-trap and crimp. Test the black tank flush; inspect check-valve location for leaks.
• Appliances: Run refrigerator on both electric and propane (if absorption type). Test oven/igniters, microwave, washer/dryer.
• Documentation: Confirm NHTSA recalls are closed and get printed proof. Collect all component warranties and serial numbers.

If the dealer resists a serious PDI, that’s a red flag. Consider walking. You can line up professionals here: search RV inspectors near you.

Owner Voices and Additional Research

Hearing the unvarnished experiences of owners is essential. Dive deeper:

• YouTube: Forest River Cedar Creek Problems (watch for patterns: leaks, slides, suspension, electrical)
• BBB: Forest River Cedar Creek (note response quality and resolution times)
• Google: Forest River Cedar Creek Issues (scan images in reviews for evidence)
• Reddit: Cedar Creek Complaints (full-time and seasonal users compare notes)
• Find Facebook owner groups via Google to see repair photos and timelines.

Already own a Cedar Creek? What should buyers look for during inspection?

Balanced Notes: What Cedar Creek Gets Right

To maintain objectivity, it’s fair to highlight why some buyers remain loyal: Cedar Creek’s hung-wall construction and robust insulation appeal to extended-stay users; floorplans often deliver excellent storage and livability; and some dealers provide above-average delivery prep and support. A number of owners report smooth ownership after an aggressive initial PDI and early warranty cleanup. Yet, this outcome tends to correlate with rigorous pre-delivery inspections and proactive maintenance, not blind trust.

Bottom Line for Shoppers

Across public complaints, forums, and recall summaries, Cedar Creek’s biggest risk factors are water intrusion, slide/leveling inconsistencies, and chassis/electrical reliability—amplified by lengthy repair timelines when things go wrong. These problems are not unique in the RV industry, but their combination and frequency are consequential for a luxury fifth wheel.

• Protect yourself before purchase: Hire an independent inspector, demand proof of closed recalls, and ensure all deficiencies are corrected in writing pre-delivery.
• Be ready for ownership demands: Quarterly seal inspections, electrical checks, and routine chassis evaluations will be needed to keep the rig safe and dry.
• Verify dealer capability: Ask about their average warranty wait times and parts turnarounds; get promised timelines in writing.

If you ultimately decide on a Cedar Creek, go in eyes wide open with a strong inspection strategy and a documented PDI process. If you experienced these issues, what would you do differently next time?

Final recommendation: Given the volume and seriousness of owner-reported issues—especially with water intrusion, slide/leveling, and structural/suspension concerns—paired with frequent service delays, we cannot broadly recommend the Forest River Cedar Creek at this time. Shoppers should consider alternative brands/models with stronger quality-control reputations or purchase a well-vetted used unit with a fully documented repair history and a clean, leak-free inspection.