2017 Forest River Forester 3011 DS Review

RVGuide.com
by RVGuide.com

The Forest River Forester 3011DS will have you living large both inside and out, wherever your adventures take you. With luxurious standard features and details, it’s easy to see why this Class C motorhome is a top seller.


Fourteen Forester floorplans are available in a range of sizes. We’ll be taking a look at the Forester 3011 DS. It has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 14,500 lbs, Gross Combined Weight Rating of 22,000 lbs and a tow capacity of 7,500 lbs. Bumper to bumper, this motorhome is 33’3” in length, has an exterior height of 11’3” and a width of 101”. In terms of fluid capacities, the fresh water tank can hold 44 gallons, while the gray and black water tanks have a capacity of 39 gallons apiece.

Built on a Ford chassis, the 3011DS has Firestone Ride Right suspension and adjustable air springs, providing you with a better ride and load balancing. It also has a four-point automatic self-leveling system for easy set-up. Other exterior features to make your life easier include heated remote exterior mirrors, driver-side safety light, and roof ladder. The Forester’s enclosed utility station uses warm air from the furnace to protect the tanks and valves. It also has a water filtration system to keep your family’s water clean and ready to drink. Like all Foresters, the 3011DS is Certified Green by TRA certification.


The exterior has 2” aluminum framed laminated sidewalls made of a lightweight composite. Other features include gel coat exterior fiberglass as well as a fiberglass roof. The one-piece front cap is seamless for better aerodynamics.


COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Fleetwood Tioga Ranger 31D


Set up for outdoor living, the Forester 3011 DS comes equipped with a 15.5’ power awning with LED light strip, outdoor speakers, and each of its arms is adjustable, making it easy to get just the right angle at any time of day. Add on the optional outdoor television and grill options and you’ll be set for dinner and a movie under the stars.

As you head inside, you’ll notice the entry step is integrated right into the sidewall so you don’t need to worry about slippery, wet power steps. Also make note of the motorhome’s roomy 7’ ceiling height which, thanks to the split level design and the raised cab area, doesn’t compromise pass-through storage.


The cab area will have you feeling like a boss with its in-dash stereo system, complete with 7” touch screen radio with DVD, USB, and Bluetooth. It also conveniently connects to your smart phone to access GPS and other applications. The color back-up camera and rearview mirror are another bit of welcome help in tight situations.


When you’re ready to turn your back on the open road and enjoy a little down time, both the driver and passenger seats swivel to become a part of the living area. The Forester 3011DS’ two slideouts – each with an awning – make for an incredibly roomy kitchen and living area. Large, panoramic windows offer plenty of natural light and fresh air, while the roller black-out blinds give you privacy and darkness when you need it. Slip-resistant flooring throughout is reassuring when it inevitably gets wet. Customize the space by choosing between three neutral-colored décor combinations and two finishes for the residential-style hardwood cabinetry.

You’ll want to keep the six-cubic-foot double-door refrigerator well-stocked because, with the amount of seating in the U-shaped dining area, chances are you’ll be hosting a crowd. The kitchen will keep the busiest and most creative cooks happy: double sink, stainless steel appliances, a recessed three-burner range with flush glass cover, range hood with light and fan and microwave. Additionally, a flip-up countertop extension adds extra length to the already ample solid surface counter.


COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Winnebago Navion 24J


On cool and rainy days, get cozy on the leather sofa in front of the LED flat panel adjustable side television. The multimedia entertainment center features surround sound, AM/FM radio, DVD player, Bluetooth, and outside speaker control. There’s also a USB charging station to keep the whole family’s electronics powered up. At the end of the day, the sofa pulls out into a queen bed. Need still more sleep space? The cabover bunk with optional safety net is rated for 500 lbs.

LED floor lighting in the main area will guide the way for nighttime trips to the loo. In the bathroom, the shower has a skylight and glass door, sink cabinet, mirror, and electric fan. Accessories include towel bar, toothbrush holder, and soap dish.


The bedroom features a cedar-lined double wardrobe and a walk-around queen bed with a memory foam mattress – the perfect comfort at the end of a fun-filled day. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your motorhome comes standard with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and a propane alarm.


For more information on the Forest River Forester 3011 DS, visit http://www.forestriverinc.com/.

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