Table of Contents Show
When you look around a campground, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a Forest River Salem. It’s a popular series of travel trailers with various floor plans.
These campers may be worth considering if you want a new recreational vehicle. But with 17 different options, which one is right for you?
Today, we’re breaking down the entire Forest River Salem lineup.
Let’s get to it!
Pro Tip: Be sure to read Who Owns Forest River RV for more information about the company before purchasing from them!
About Forest River
Peter Liegl launched Forest River in 1996. The goal was to create a company that produced recreational vehicles that helped people experience the outdoors. While they started with travel trailers, they eventually began making motorhomes, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.
Over the years, the company has grown tremendously through acquiring numerous other brands. You may not realize it, but Coachmen, Dynamax, and Palomino are all under the Forest River umbrella. These acquisitions allow them to expand their reach for helping people experience the outdoors.
They’ve grown their reputation in the RV community by randomly testing rigs as they leave their plants. They complete these extensive inspections at their 20,000-square-foot facility. Forest River tests electrical, plumbing, LP systems, and many other systems. Data collected during the tests allows them to hone their manufacturing processes to create high-quality campers.
In 2011, Forest River launched its Forest River Owners Group (FROG) community. Today, it has more than 165,000 members. Members often attend rallies to connect and rub elbows with industry professionals. This free membership only requires owning a Forest River RV and submitting a form online.
About the Forest River Salem
As you’ll soon see, the Forest River Salem is a versatile travel trailer. Like families, these recreational vehicles come in a variety of sizes. What works for one adventurous group may not work for another. Luckily, you’ll have plenty of options to consider when you choose this line of travel trailers.
If you’re looking for a smaller camper, you won’t likely find it here. Almost all of these campers are over 30 feet long, making it challenging in many state and national parks. Those looking to stay under this magical number only have three options.
Like we said, they’ve done an incredible job offering something for everyone. The available floor plans include front bunks, front kitchen, rear living, and many others. Some contain multiple entrances, outdoor kitchens, and large pass-thru storage compartments.
Where Is the Forest River Salem Made?
Like many other major RV manufacturers, Forest River has its headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana. As a result, it’s no surprise that there is also a manufacturing plant for the Forest River Salem in Elkhart. However, this isn’t the only manufacturing plant for the lineup.
Forest River also has manufacturing plants for the Salem series in Dallas, Oregon, and Rialto, California. As they have some regionally specific RVs, it makes sense that they have regionally specific plants. Doing so enables them to adjust production based on the region’s demands.
The Forest River Salem Lineup
If you’re in the market for a new RV, the Forest River Salem lineup has plenty to choose from. Let’s look at the specifics for each model and see which one is right for you and your crew.
Forest River Salem 22ERAS
Hitch Weight: 685 pounds
Height: TBD
Length: 28’2”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 6,195 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 1,489 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 22ERAS is a rear-kitchen camper under 30 feet long. Despite its tiny size, it has an oversized pantry and hidden shelving unit behind the entertainment center. Instead of a bulky dinette, this unit uses a large counter area with bar stools. You’ll have plenty of room to prepare food and do dishes. This is an excellent rig for adventurous couples.
Forest River Salem 22RBS
Hitch Weight: 765 pounds
Height: 11’3”
Length: 26’11”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 5,928 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 1,837 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 22RBS is the smallest unit in the lineup. It’s another excellent option for couples looking to get out and explore. It has a front queen bedroom with a walk-in shower. In addition, the 8′ chaise lounge doubles as the dinette space and has a direct view of the fireplace and entertainment center.
Forest River Salem 26DBUD
Hitch Weight: 795 pounds
Height: 11’3”
Length: 33’3”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 6,923 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 2,672 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 26DBUD has a double bunk at the rear and a queen bed on the opposite end. With a large U-shaped dinette, you’ll have plenty of space for everyone to sit and enjoy meals, play games, or spend time together. The fireplace creates a relaxing vibe and keeps you toasty while camping. It’s an excellent option for a small family.
Forest River Salem 26RBS
Hitch Weight: 923 pounds
Height: 11’3”
Length: 31’1”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 6,721 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 3,002 pounds
About: The Forest River 26RBS is nearly identical to the 26DBUD but eliminates the rear bunks and provides a more spacious bathroom. You get the same U-shaped dinette, queen bed, and sizeable pass-thru storage. However, the 26RBS provides a larger exterior awning. This would be another option for a couple or small family that doesn’t mind converting a sleeping space.
Forest River Salem 27RE
Hitch Weight: 955 pounds
Height: 11’5”
Length: 33’8”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 7,583 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 2,332 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 27RE has two opposing slides that open up to create a massive living space. You’ll have an enormous amount of room to host friends and family. This is only one of a few trailers in the lineup that has a kitchen island. It also has a walk-in shower, linen closet, and a walk-in closet in the bedroom.
Forest River Salem 27RK
Hitch Weight: 955 pounds
Height: 11’3”
Length: 33’6”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 6,863 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 1,092 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 27RK and its massive kitchen deserve you to take a second look at it. This single-slide camper comes with enormous panoramic windows. However, it’s important to know that these windows are on the driver-side of the trailer. If you spend much time in RV parks or campgrounds, you’ll look right into your neighbor’s campsite.
The rear kitchen features overhead storage throughout and a large pantry. Another highlight is the two recliners separated by an end table. If you’re looking for a comfortable place to enjoy your morning coffee, this is a great place to start.
Forest River Salem 28DBUD
Hitch Weight: 805 pounds
Height: 11’3”
Length: 29’11”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 5,885 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 1,920 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 28DBUD is another single-slide model with rear double bunks and a bathroom. The Versa lounge converts to form the rest of the U-shaped dinette and adjusts to your needs. You’ll have tons of sleeping space despite being just shy of 30’ long. This is an incredible option if you’re a larger family looking to make memories.
Forest River Salem 28FKG
Hitch Weight: 1,080 pounds
Height: TBD
Length: 32’2”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 7,789 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 3,491 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 28FKG is a front-kitchen camper with a lot of space for a couple. It has a massive pantry, an oversized fridge, and barstool seating. One unique feature of this unit is the Versa garage space. With no shelving or cabinets taking up space, you’ll have some flexibility in using this area and what you put here.
Forest River Salem 28VIEW
Hitch Weight: 1065 pounds
Height: 11’4”
Length: 32’3”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 7,753 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 3,512 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 28VIEW has a massive seven-foot island with a double sink and seating space for four. Additionally, Forest River includes some hidden storage space behind the entertainment center. The only seat is the section at the rear of the unit. However, we love that you can access the bathroom and bedroom without opening the slide.
Forest River Salem 29BDB
Hitch Weight: 930 pounds
Height: 11’3”
Length: 36’9”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 7,923 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 1,807 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 29BDB is an excellent option for large families. It features a rear bunkhouse with a half bathroom. Mom and Dad will love not sharing a bathroom with the kids. Again, Forest River uses the convertible lounge to maximize the use of space and avoid a boxy dinette. Our favorite feature of this unit is the hidden pantry behind the entertainment center.
Forest River Salem 29VBUD
Hitch Weight: 910 pounds
Height: 11’3”
Length: 36’2”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 7,728 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 1,982 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 29VBUD has a gigantic bunkhouse with three beds. Despite being a single-slide model, it has a generous amount of open floor space. With a walk-in pantry, you’ll have plenty of room to bring snacks and other goodies. This is an excellent option for families, whether traveling across the country or parking in a nearby state park.
Forest River Salem 29VIEW
Hitch Weight: 1,010 pounds
Height: 11’4”
Length: 34’10”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 8,0001 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 1,809 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 29VIEW offers one of the most unique floor plans we’ve ever seen in any RV. It bypasses the standard dinette and replaces it with an L-shaped counter space at the rear. Additionally, behind the entertainment center is a separate bunk space. While we appreciate the ingenuity, we’re not wild about it. We imagine the kitchen getting crowded as meals wrap up and don’t like the idea of asking kids to sleep on the floor in the bunk area.
Forest River Salem 31KQBTS
Hitch Weight: 905 pounds
Height: 11’5”
Length: 36’7”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 8,573 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 1,292 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 31KBQTS provides one of the best bunkhouses of any RV. With three slides, two of which create a gigantic bunkhouse, this unit has tons of space. We love the dual closets at the rear of the bunkhouse. Additionally, the outdoor kitchen is a great addition to help make it easy to prepare meals outside. With sleeping space for nine, it’ll be tough to consider other RVs.
Forest River Salem 32BHDS
Hitch Weight: 859 pounds
Height: 11’3”
Length: 36’5”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 7,993 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 1,826 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 32BHDS has two slides, an outside kitchen, and a coffee nook. While we enjoy coffee, other similar models use this area better by providing a larger pantry. However, it’s simply about priorities. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a rig for weekend trips. You may not need to hold a week’s worth of groceries. It can be an incredible camper for a family with a few kids to take short adventures.
Forest River Salem 32RET
Hitch Weight: 935 pounds
Height: 11’5”
Length: 37’0”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 8,853 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 2,282 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 32RET has two massive slides in the living space and one in the bedroom. The opposing slides in the living area create a feeling of openness despite a large island with dual sinks. Forest River tucks the pantry in the slide behind the entertainment center. This is an excellent option for those who don’t need much sleeping space but want room to spread out.
Forest River Salem 33TS
Hitch Weight: 1,088 pounds
Height: 11’5”
Length: 38’9”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 9,276 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 2,012 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 33TS is the second-largest RV in the Salem lineup. It features a rear bunkhouse, an outside kitchen, and a king bed in the primary bedroom. It’s similar to the 27RK but replaces the coffee bar with a larger pantry. We’ve heard of families traveling full-time in this unit. The main bedroom has a closet space for a stackable washer and dryer. In addition, it has its own gray tank for these connections.
Forest River Salem 36VBDS
Hitch Weight: 1,155 pounds
Height: 11’5”
Length: 38’11”
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): 8,533 pounds
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 1,582 pounds
About: The Forest River Salem 36VBDS breaks the mold for bunkhouses. This unit places the bunks at the front of the rig instead of the back. There’s sleeping space for 10, so you’ll have room for everyone to come with you on your adventures. Our only complaints are that you must go through the bathroom to get to the bedroom, and the tank sizes (40 fresh, 38 black, 27 gray) are insufficient for 10 people.
Could a Forest River Salem Be Your Next RV?
As you can see, the Forest River Salem lineup has numerous floor plans to consider. If you can’t find one that works for you, it might not exist. It’s great to see that Forest River is stepping out and innovating when it comes to its layouts. While they may not work for everybody, they can be excellent options for some.
Which Forest River Salem works best for you?
