I remember the first time I pulled into a national park and saw the sheer number of rigs sporting that distinctive tree logo. As someone who has spent years traveling the country in various campers, I often found myself asking who owns Forest River RV and how they managed to become such a massive force in the industry. It is a question that many owners and prospective buyers ask when they are looking for stability and reliability in their purchase. I decided to dig deep into the history and corporate structure to understand the foundation of my own home on wheels.
💡Key Takeaways
- Parent Company: Forest River is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate led by Warren Buffett.
- Current Leadership: As of early 2025, Doug Gaeddert serves as the sole CEO following the retirement of co-CEO David Wright.
- Manufacturing Hub: The company operates over 100 facilities, with its primary headquarters and most production based in Elkhart and Goshen, Indiana.
- Market Standing: Forest River is one of the “Big Three” RV manufacturers, competing primarily with Thor Industries and Winnebago.
The story behind the acquisition
The answer to who owns Forest River RV is actually a legendary story in the world of high finance and American business. Since 2005, Forest River has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate led by the famous investor Warren Buffett. I found it fascinating that such a massive RV empire was acquired after what many describe as a simple handshake deal. This acquisition provided the company with a level of financial backing that few other manufacturers in the world can claim to have.
A legacy built on trust
My personal journey with this brand started when I was looking for a trailer that could handle long seasons of boondocking. I quickly realized that many of the most popular names in the industry were actually part of this same parent organization. When you buy a Forest River product, you are tapping into a massive network of manufacturing facilities spread across the Midwest and West Coast. This scale is what allows them to offer so many different floor plans and price points for every type of traveler.
The benefits of forest river parent organization stability
It shows that the foundations of the forest river RV company were solid enough to impress one of the greatest investors in history. I have spent a lot of time in Elkhart, Indiana, which is often called the RV capital of the world. Seeing the forest river headquarters in person really puts the size of the operation into perspective for me. They are not just a single factory but a collection of dozens of specialized plants.
Investing in the future of camping
Each plant focuses on specific brands, which helps them maintain a high level of expertise in their particular niche. This geographic concentration is a major reason why the company can move so quickly on new designs. One thing I have learned during my time on the road is that the forest river parent organization provides a unique form of stability. While other companies might struggle during economic shifts, being part of Berkshire Hathaway gives them a long term outlook that prioritizes stability over short-term gains.
Diversified manufacturing excellence
This means they can invest in better technology and customer service even when the market is volatile. I always feel more comfortable knowing that the company behind my rig has the financial strength to survive for decades to come, especially after learning that Warren Buffett bought obscure RV maker Forest River and backed its long-term growth strategy. When I first started looking at motorhomes, I was surprised to find out that Forest River RV Company also owns brands I never associated with them, continually adding new names to its growing portfolio. They have a massive portfolio that includes Coachmen, Palomino, and even marine divisions like South Bay pontoons.
Understanding the leadership of forest river today
This diversity is a strength because they can share manufacturing techniques across different types of vehicles. I noticed that the cabinets in my friend’s boat looked remarkably similar to the high quality ones in my travel trailer. I often get asked who makes forest river RV units on a day to day basis. While the ownership is corporate, the actual building happens at the individual plant level under the guidance of experienced managers.
Transitioning to a new era
Peter Liegl founded the company in 1996 and remained at the helm for many years after the sale to Berkshire Hathaway. His leadership style was very hands off, which I believe allowed the individual brands to keep their own unique identities. Following his passing in late 2024, the company moved into a co-CEO model before shifting to a permanent leadership structure. Recently in early 2025, David Wright retired, leaving Doug Gaeddert as the sole CEO to lead the entire organization.
Analyzing the forest river RV quality standards
I have owned several different campers over the years and I have seen the forest river RV quality evolve significantly. They have recently invested heavily in a massive pre delivery inspection facility in Indiana. This is where they pull random units from the line and put them through rigorous testing for leaks and electrical issues. I appreciate this extra step because it shows they are listening to the feedback from the community regarding forest river quality issues, supported by transparency tools like an online recall search tool for owners.
Competitive advantages in the market
It gives me more confidence when I am pulling a new rig off the lot. People often ask me is forest river a good RV brand compared to the competition. In my experience, they offer some of the best value for the money in the entire industry. Because they produce so many units, they have massive buying power with suppliers, which can also influence resale value, and readers often ask what is my RV worth? when comparing long-term ownership costs.
Debunking common industry myths
I think it is important to clarify a common myth I hear at campgrounds about who owns Forest River RV. Many people mistakenly believe that Thor Industries owns them, or that Forest River owns Thor. In reality, they are completely separate companies that compete fiercely for market share. While Thor owns brands like Jayco and Airstream, Forest River remains a proud part of the Berkshire conglomerate, which often leads readers to ask who owns Jayco RV? when comparing major manufacturers. To understand the market, you have to look at what brands does thor own, such as Keystone and Dutchmen. For example, THOR Industries purchased Jayco Corp in 2016 for approximately 576 million dollars.
The growth of the forest river goshen indiana plants
I think this culture is why the company has been able to maintain its lead for so long. They do not get bogged down in corporate red tape like some other large firms. This agility allows them to react to customer feedback and change their designs much faster than the competition. I have spent many nights in my Forest River rig listening to the rain on the roof and feeling perfectly safe.
National reach for local service
The company also has a strong presence in the west with their forest river goshen indiana and California facilities. This allows them to serve customers on both sides of the country without massive shipping costs. I have visited some of the western plants and saw the same level of dedication to craftsmanship as in Indiana. When people ask where are forest river campers made, they are often referring to the network of forest river manufacturing locations.
🎥 A Closer Look at What Forest River Builds Under Berkshire Hathaway
Take a quick walk through a Forest River RV and see what all the buzz is about. From smart layouts to practical features, this video shows how Forest River has grown into one of the largest RV manufacturers in the U.S. and how the long-term backing of Berkshire Hathaway supports everything from the Elkhart factories to real life on the road.
Future technology and the forest river RV company
It is a huge relief when you are thousands of miles from home. I believe the future of the forest river RV company is very bright under the leadership of Doug Gaeddert. They are continuing to expand into new markets and integrate more technology into their vehicles. I have seen some of the new smart home features they are testing, and they are truly impressive.
Making the right choice for your lifestyle
Look at the different brands and see which one speaks to your needs. But keep in mind the strength of the forest river parent organization when you are making your final decision. It is a factor that many people overlook until they actually need support. In my years on the road, I have found that a stable manufacturer makes all the difference in the long run.
Summary of Forest River RV Ownership
| Category | Information Details |
| Who owns forest river | Berkshire Hathaway (Acquired 2005) |
| Forest river headquarters | Elkhart, Indiana |
| Primary Market Competitor | Thor Industries |
| Forest river subsidiaries | Coachmen, Dynamax, Shasta, Palomino, Prime Time |
| Current Leadership | Doug Gaeddert (CEO) |
| Financial Backing | warren buffett RV company (Berkshire Hathaway) |
FAQs:
1. Who owns Forest River?
Forest River is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate founded by investor Warren Buffett. This connection provides the brand with strong financial stability, which is why many people refer to it as a Berkshire Hathaway RV company.
2. Is Forest River owned by Thor?
No, Forest River is not owned by Thor. While many people ask does Thor own Forest River, they are separate and competing companies. Thor owns brands such as Airstream and Jayco, but Forest River is not part of its portfolio.
3. Who makes Forest River RV units?
Forest River manufactures its own RVs through multiple Forest River subsidiaries operating across various manufacturing locations. Much of the production takes place near the company’s headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana.
4. Is Forest River a good RV brand today?
Many owners consider Forest River a reliable option for the price. Forest River RV quality can vary by model, ranging from entry-level campers to higher-end motorhomes. The company has also taken steps to address past quality issues through improved inspection processes.
5. Where are Forest River campers made?
Most Forest River campers are manufactured in Indiana, particularly in Goshen and Elkhart. These locations allow access to a skilled workforce and well-established RV supply chains.
6. Is Forest River owned by Thor Industries?
This is a common misconception, but Forest River is not owned by Thor Industries. Forest River remains a Berkshire Hathaway company, while Thor operates as a separate competitor in the RV market.
Final Thoughts: A Future Built on Solid Ground
As we look toward 2026 and beyond, the forest river RV company remains a cornerstone of the American outdoor experience. The transition from the legendary era of peter liegl to the focused leadership of Doug Gaeddert has been remarkably smooth, primarily due to the unwavering support of the forest river parent organization, Berkshire Hathaway.
For those of us on the road, knowing who owns forest river RV is about more than just corporate trivia. It is about knowing that the company has the financial “staying power” to honor warranties, innovate with new technologies, and maintain a massive parts network. While the industry will always face new challenges, Forest River’s foundation in elkhart and forest river goshen indiana remains the most stable in the business. Choosing a brand backed by the warren buffett RV company provides a level of security that few competitors can match.
