2018 Forest River Hemisphere 269RL — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $24,000–$35,000. There are 2 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
The Forest River Hemisphere is a mid-range fifth wheel with a rear living layout that's popular for couples. Solid value for the price. Inspect slide seals, roof membrane, and the landing gear. Seven-year-old Forest Rivers need a thorough once-over.
What we checked
Not checked against public records
Motorhomes are in NHTSA’s database and we intend to use it. We have not switched it on yet because recall notices name sub-brands and floorplans rather than the model we key on, and folding them in carelessly would put another coach’s recall on this page. What follows is our own write-up, and it has not been reconciled against an official record. Treat it as a starting point, not a verdict.
Known Issues for the 2018 Forest River Hemisphere 269RL
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents. How we decide that.
Seven-year-old slide seals need careful inspection. Press every slide floor corner.
Repair cost (estimate): $400-$6,000
Source: not yet checked against public records.
EPDM roof requires annual sealant at the nose cap seam, vent bases, and perimeter. Check for cracks and water staining inside.
Repair cost (estimate): $200-$5,000
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Slide floor soft spots
- ✗Water staining on interior walls or ceiling
- ✗Roof sealant cracked or missing at any penetration
Good Signs
- ✓Annual service records with roof inspection
- ✓Clean dry interior
- ✓Landing gear operating smoothly
- ✓All slides cycling correctly
More from Forest River
Similar rvs & motorhomes
Also in the guide: Vans (Cargo & Passenger)
Also in the guide: Trailers & Campers
Found a specific Forest River Hemisphere 269RL?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2018 Forest River Hemisphere 269RL in general. A free read looks at the one you're considering— it checks that seller's asking price against the market and names the issues that matter most for this exact year.
Get a free read on it →Instant, on the page, no card and no account. The year, make and model come with you — you add the asking price and the mileage.
The free read stops short of a verdict, because that needs the photos. The full report — $7.99 takes your photos and the seller's description, does the fair-offer math, and ends in BUY, NEGOTIATE or WALK AWAY with a negotiation script. Delivered to your inbox, usually within minutes.
Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
No bullshit, no upsells, no affiliate links. One report, one price — we'll never charge you rent for your own thinking.
Think we got something wrong? Tell us — a real person reads every message.