If you own a Forest River Forester or Sunseeker motorhome, a new Lippert hydraulic pump bracket recall may affect your RV, even if you haven’t received a notice yet. Supplier Lippert recently filed the recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for hydraulic pump brackets (part #707427) manufactured between January 2018 and July 2021. These brackets may crack, detach, and potentially become road debris.
The recall impacts roughly 5,600 hydraulic pump brackets which were used exclusively for exterior-mounted hydraulic pumps on Forester and Sunseeker models. Lippert notes that the bracket design was replaced in July 2021 with an updated version that “has been tested and found to have no risk.”
What’s the defect?
The affected brackets “may experience a fracture at the top of the gusset on the 90-degree bend of the bracket where it is welded onto the frame,” according to NHTSA. Stress concentration at this bend can lead to fatigue cracking over time.
Safety concern
If the bracket fails while traveling, it could create road debris, which “elevates the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash,” Lippert warns.
Signs to watch for
During pre-trip inspections, owners might notice the hydraulic pump sitting lower than normal or at an angle. Early cracking may also be visible “at the top of the gusset at the 90-degree bend.”
Here’s a photo from a Forest River user forum from a user who claims they had a mount break. It appears they used a rather unorthodox—but commonly available—fix in the form of a big rubber bungee cord.
The real fix
Dealers will install an additional welded support bracket to reinforce the existing bracket, free of charge. No official notification schedule has been released yet. Lippert customer service can be reached at 574-538-4514 for more information.
What RV owners should do now
Not every Forester or Sunseeker will have the affected bracket, so it’s a good idea to perform a visual inspection and monitor NHTSA updates. Once the recall notification begins, dealers will reinforce the brackets at no cost.
RELATED
- Forest River recalls some toy haulers, water tank may fall off
- Forest River recalls 2025–2026 RV models for fire hazard
- Forest River RV recalls 2018-2026 fifth wheels for brake failure danger
- Forest River recall: Trailer brakes may lock up from incorrect wiring
- Forest River recalls motorhomes for fuel leak issue
- Forest River recalls trailers for possible propane hose danger
- Wall Street Journal alleges serious quality flaws in Forest River RVs
RVT1238b
I have a 2022 Entegra Esteem 30x and my bracket just broke in the exact location. It caused the tank to hang by the hoses. Very poor desgin.