Forest River RV batteries: a guide across the brands

Forest River was founded in 1996 in Elkhart, Indiana, by Peter Liegl, and was bought by Berkshire Hathaway in 2005. It builds an enormous range of RVs under many brand names, including Rockwood, Flagstaff, Cherokee, Wildwood, Salem, Cedar Creek, Sandpiper, Palomino and others, plus motorhomes like the Sunseeker, Forester, Georgetown and Berkshire. Coachmen is also part of Forest River.

What that means for batteries

Because Forest River builds so many different lines, there isn't one Forest River battery setup. Entry-level travel trailers often come with a single 12-volt battery on the tongue, or ship without a battery so the dealer installs one. Larger fifth wheels may have two or more batteries in a front compartment. Motorhomes have separate chassis and house systems.

Some recent Forest River models come with solar packages, larger inverters, or lithium options. If your RV has a factory solar package, the controller settings need to match your battery type.

What we see in Florida

Dealer-installed batteries that are too small. Some new RVs leave the lot with an inexpensive starter-type or marine battery. It works, but it doesn't last when you camp without hookups. A proper deep-cycle replacement often makes a big difference.

Solar that undercharges lithium. A controller left on a lead-acid profile can undercharge lithium. See RV solar battery basics.

Fifth wheel landing gear and slides. Big fifth wheels have hydraulic or electric landing gear, slides and levelers that need strong batteries.

Upgrades

Lithium upgrades and AGM are both common. We check the converter, solar controller and wiring first.

Fitment note: Battery locations, tray sizes and electrical packages vary by model, floor plan and model year. Treat this as a general guide, not a fitment guarantee. We confirm what your RV has before anything is installed.