Salem Travel Trailers: Worth The Hype?

Salem travel trailers are built by Forest River RV. They come in a variety of models, including the Hemisphere, Cruise Lite, Salem Sport, and Villa. The trailers are designed to accommodate families of different sizes, offering functional floor plans, full bath and kitchen amenities, comfortable sleeping spaces, and ample storage.

While some users have praised the layout, cabinets, and appliances of Salem travel trailers, others have reported issues with appliances, leaks, and poor customer service.

The pros of buying a Salem travel trailer

There are many advantages to buying a Salem travel trailer. Here are some of the pros:

• Years of memories: With a variety of floor plans to choose from, Salem travel trailers are designed to meet the needs of families of different sizes. Whether you're a couple or a large family, you can find a layout that suits your needs.
• Sturdy construction: Salem travel trailers are built with sturdy construction, ensuring durability and a long lifespan.
• Full amenities: These trailers come packed with full bath and kitchen amenities, comfortable sleeping spaces, and ample storage for all your belongings.
• Easy to find: Salem travel trailers are widely available through various dealerships and wholesalers across the US and Canada.
• Wholesale prices: Some wholesalers offer Salem travel trailers at wholesale prices, making them more affordable.
• Variety of models: With a wide variety of models to choose from, you can find a Salem travel trailer or fifth wheel that perfectly matches your needs and preferences.
• Functional floor plans: Salem trailers offer functional floor plans that maximize space and provide a comfortable living environment.
• Warranty: Forest River, the manufacturer of Salem trailers, offers a warranty on their products, giving you peace of mind.
• Customer satisfaction: Forest River prioritizes customer satisfaction, ensuring that you receive a quality product and excellent service.

The cons of buying a Salem travel trailer

While there are many positive reviews of Salem travel trailers, there are also some negative experiences that have been shared by customers. Here are some of the cons of buying a Salem travel trailer:

• Poor quality: Some customers have complained about the poor quality of their trailers, with multiple issues arising soon after purchase. One review mentions issues with the refrigerator, furnace, air conditioner, and furniture peeling. Another review mentions issues with the black tank, awning, converter, shower floor, and other small problems.
• Challenging to deal with: Some customers have found the dealer and Forest River challenging to deal with when trying to get issues resolved. They spent hours trying to get things fixed or replaced.
• Misdiagnosis by dealer: One customer mentioned that the dealer misdiagnosed the issue with their toilet multiple times, causing further inconvenience and frustration.
• Inconsistent cosmetic issues: One review mentions issues with inconsistencies and visible cosmetic problems, such as gaps between surfaces and poorly cut holes for running power and water lines.
• Safety concerns: A review mentions a potentially dangerous situation with a gas line that was not properly secured. Another review mentions an issue with the water heater being wired backwards, which could have been a safety hazard.
• Warranty issues: Some customers have had issues with their warranties not being honoured or being difficult to claim.
• Frequent repairs: Some customers have had to take their trailers in for repairs multiple times, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
• Poor dealer preparation: One customer mentioned that the dealer did nothing to prepare or set up their trailer, and they had to fix multiple issues themselves.

The cost of a Salem travel trailer

The price of a Salem travel trailer can also depend on the dealer and the region in which it is sold, as well as any additional features or customisations requested by the buyer. It is always best to contact a local dealer for a quote to get an accurate and up-to-date price for the specific model and features you are interested in.

The best floor plan for a Salem travel trailer

The Forest River Salem travel trailer comes in a variety of floor plans to accommodate different family sizes. Here is a detailed look at some of the best floor plans for the Salem travel trailer:

Salem Platinum 22ERASX:

This floor plan is perfect for couples, offering a cozy and spacious oasis on wheels. It features a rear kitchen with a hidden pantry, an oversized fridge, and 2 bar stools. The walk-through bathroom has a walk-in shower, and the entertainment center swivels to reveal hidden shelves. The custom King bed has dual wardrobes/nightstands, and there is pass-through storage for all your essentials. The exterior is smooth fiberglass.

Salem Platinum Edition 22RBSX:

Accommodating up to 4 people, this floor plan offers an oversized refrigerator and a front private bedroom with a custom King bed. The kitchen features a 3-burner cooktop, microwave, and a walk-in pantry. The full rear bath has a walk-in shower and a linen closet.

Salem 26DBUD:

For larger groups, the Salem 26DBUD can accommodate up to 10 travelers. It features a full kitchen with a 3-burner cooktop and a walk-in pantry. There are double-size bunks with Teddy Bear bunk mattresses, a full bathroom with a walk-in shower, and an exterior camp kitchen.

Other Notable Floor Plans:

• Salem 22RBS: Front bedroom, rear bath, sleeps 4.
• Salem 22FK: Outdoor kitchen, front bedroom, sleeps 4.
• Salem 22ERAS: Walk-through bath, rear kitchen, sleeps 2.
• Salem 27RK: Outdoor kitchen, rear kitchen, sleeps 4.
• Salem 28DBUD: Double bed bunks, sleeps 10.
• Salem 29VBUD: Private bunkhouse, fireplace, sleeps 10.
• Salem 31KQBTS: Spacious bunkhouse, sleeps 10.
• Salem 32BHDS: Bunkhouse, outdoor kitchen, sleeps 10.

Reviews of Salem travel trailers

Salem travel trailers are manufactured by Forest River, a company that produces a wide range of recreational vehicles. The quality of Salem travel trailers has been called into question by several customers, with some describing them as "junk" and a "disaster". However, there are also customers who are satisfied with their purchase, praising the spaciousness and comfortable features of their trailers.

One of the main issues raised by customers is the poor craftsmanship and attention to detail. Many customers have reported finding metal shavings, exposed staples, crooked screws, and gaps in the trim and walls. Some have also experienced more significant problems, such as water leaks, faulty brakes, and electrical issues. These problems have led to concerns about the safety of the trailers, with one customer reporting that their trailer and truck burned down due to an electrical issue.

The demand for travel trailers has increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some customers believe that this has led to a decline in quality as manufacturers rush to meet demand. A welder at Forest River commented that "there isn’t a single one of them that’s built with care anymore". However, not all customers have experienced issues, and some have praised the floor plans, ease of towing, and comfortable features of their trailers.

One customer who purchased a 2022 Forest River Salem FSX 178BHSK described it as "a thing of junk", citing exposed staples, peeling wallpaper, and a small back screen door that does not latch properly. Another customer who purchased the same model in 2020 reported similar issues but found that most of them were purely cosmetic and did not affect the functionality of the trailer.

Overall, while some customers have had positive experiences with their Salem travel trailers, there are also many who have been disappointed by the poor quality and craftsmanship. It is important for potential buyers to carefully inspect trailers before purchase and be prepared to make repairs or upgrades themselves, as warranty service can be slow and unreliable.

Frequently asked questions