I remember the first time I walked through a dealership lot, gazing at shiny RVs lined up like little houses on wheels. I spotted the Forest River logo on more than a dozen different models, from tiny campers to massive fifth wheels, and thought, “Who actually owns Forest River RV?” If you’ve ever had the same question, you’re not alone. Ownership matters—not just for curiosity’s sake, but because it tells us a lot about stability, product quality, and brand reputation.
The short answer? Forest River RV is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett’s holding company, through Forest River, Inc. But the full story is a lot more interesting. Let’s dive in.
Who Owns Forest River RV Company?
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Forest River RV is a division of Forest River, Inc., which was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2005. Berkshire Hathaway is the multinational conglomerate led by Warren Buffett. This move gave Forest River financial backing and the ability to expand its manufacturing and distribution on a massive scale.
What’s important to note is that “Forest River RV” isn’t the whole company—it’s a division. Forest River, Inc. also owns and operates a wide family of brands that stretch beyond RVs, including buses, cargo trailers, and commercial vehicles.
When Did Berkshire Hathaway Buy Forest River?
The acquisition took place in August 2005. At the time, Forest River was already one of the fastest-growing RV manufacturers in North America. Berkshire Hathaway saw the potential and stepped in, adding Forest River to its growing portfolio of industry leaders.
This purchase gave Forest River the financial security to compete head-to-head with other giants like Thor Industries. It also cemented the brand’s place as a trusted name in the RV world, especially since Warren Buffett is famously cautious about where he invests.
Who Leads Forest River After 2024?
Forest River’s founder, Peter “Pete” Liegl, guided the company for decades and was instrumental in its success. He passed away in late 2024, a significant moment in the RV community. After his passing, leadership transitioned to other long-standing executives within the company, supported by Berkshire Hathaway’s oversight.
Today, Forest River continues to be run by seasoned industry professionals who maintain the company’s original mission: providing a wide variety of affordable and reliable RVs to meet different lifestyles.
Which RV Brands Fall Under Forest River?
Forest River isn’t just one brand—it’s a family of many. Some of the most recognizable include:
- Coachmen RV
- Rockwood
- Salem
- Wildwood
- R-Pod
- Cedar Creek
- Prime Time Manufacturing
This brand portfolio allows Forest River to serve first-time buyers with small travel trailers as well as luxury enthusiasts shopping for Class A motorhomes.
Where Are Forest River RVs Made?
Most Forest River RVs are manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana, known as the RV capital of the world. Elkhart is home to many suppliers, skilled tradespeople, and a long tradition of RV craftsmanship. Forest River also operates facilities in nearby towns and across the U.S. to meet high demand.
The concentration of manufacturing in Indiana keeps supply chains efficient and helps maintain consistent quality across different product lines.
Is Forest River RV a Good Brand?
Like any major RV manufacturer, Forest River has its champions and critics. On the positive side, it offers one of the broadest selections of models and price ranges in the industry, which means there’s truly something for everyone. Having Berkshire Hathaway as the parent company also provides financial stability and credibility.
However, because Forest River builds so many units each year, quality can vary between models and production runs. Owners often recommend doing a thorough pre-delivery inspection and staying up to date on recalls. To its credit, Forest River provides an online recall search tool to help owners stay informed.
FAQs About Forest River RV
1. Is Forest River publicly traded?
No. Forest River is a private company owned by Berkshire Hathaway, which itself is a publicly traded corporation. If you own shares of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A or BRK.B), you indirectly own a piece of Forest River.
2. Does Berkshire Hathaway own other RV companies?
Berkshire Hathaway primarily owns Forest River in the RV industry. Thor Industries and Winnebago are independent and not connected to Berkshire.
3. Where can I verify who owns Forest River RV?
The official Forest River website clearly states the company is a division of Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company. Independent sources like Wikipedia and RV industry publications confirm the 2005 acquisition.
4. How does Forest River compare to Thor or Winnebago?
Thor Industries is slightly larger in market share and owns brands like Airstream and Jayco. Winnebago is known for its motorhomes. Forest River sets itself apart with its wide range of affordable towables and entry-level options, while still competing in the luxury segment.
Wrapping Up the Journey
So, who owns Forest River RV? The answer is clear: Forest River is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, giving it the financial muscle and stability that many other RV makers can’t match. That ownership structure, combined with a wide variety of brands and models, has made Forest River one of the most recognizable names on the road today.
If you’re considering buying a Forest River RV, knowing the company’s ownership can give you confidence in its long-term support and resources. And while the RV world has other big players like Thor and Winnebago, questions like who owns Jayco RV? often come up too—showing just how important ownership and backing are when shoppers compare different RV brands. Forest River’s tie to Berkshire Hathaway keeps it unique in this competitive landscape.
