2018 Forest River RV Forester 2861ds Specs
Know Before You Drive
Key specs for safe motorhome driving
⚠️ Height Alert: Over 11' tall. Watch for low bridges and overhangs!
Compact
<14k
Mid-Size
14-20k
Large
20-26k
XL
26k+
DRIVING QUICK FACTS
GVWR
14,500 lbs
Tow-Behind
500 lbs
License Requirement
Standard driver's license
Standard
Check State
CDL May Apply
Essential Upgrades for the 2018 Forest River RV Forester 2861ds
Towing & Dimensions
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GVWR | 14500 lbs | - | - | - |
| Dry Weight | 12300 lbs | - | - | - |
| Hitch Weight | 500 lbs | - | - | - |
| Payload Capacity | 2200 lbs | Coil SumoSprings | - | - |
| Length | 369 in | Furrion Backup Camera | Shop Cameras | - |
| Width | 101 in | Clip On Mirrors | Shop Mirrors | - |
| Interior Height | 84 in | - | - | - |
| Towing Capacity | 7500 / 3402 lbs | - | - | - |
| Exterior Height | 135 in | Telescoping Ladder | Shop Ladders | - |
Specs
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GVWR
14500 lbs
Dry Weight
12300 lbs
Hitch Weight
500 lbs
Payload Capacity
2200 lbs
Length
369 in
Width
101 in
Interior Height
84 in
Towing Capacity
7500 / 3402 lbs
Exterior Height
135 in
Towing & Dimensions Best Sellers
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Electrical & Solar
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Converter Amps | 60 | - | - | - |
| Shore Power | 30 Amps | - | - | - |
| Battery Type | 12V Lead-Acid | Renogy 100Ah LiFePO4 | RV Batteries | Top 5 |
| Solar Pre-Wired | Optional | - | - | - |
| Inverter | Optional | - | - | - |
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Battery Converter Amps
60
Shore Power
30 Amps
Battery Type
12V Lead-Acid
Solar Pre-Wired
Optional
Inverter
Optional
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Tank Capacities
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number Of Fresh Water Holding Tanks | 1 | - | - | - |
| Number Of Gray Water Holding Tanks | 1 | - | - | - |
| Number Of Black Water Holding Tanks | 1 | - | - | - |
| Fresh Water Tank Capacity | 44 gal | 44 Gal Tank | Fresh Water Tanks | - |
| Gray Water Tank Capacity | 39 gal | - | - | - |
| Black Water Tank Capacity | 39 gal | - | Back Water Tanks | - |
| Number Of Propane Tanks | 1 | - | - | - |
| Propane Tank Capacity | 41.6 lbs | - | Propane Tank Capacity | - |
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Number Of Fresh Water Holding Tanks
1
Number Of Gray Water Holding Tanks
1
Number Of Black Water Holding Tanks
1
Fresh Water Tank Capacity
44 gal
Gray Water Tank Capacity
39 gal
Black Water Tank Capacity
39 gal
Number Of Propane Tanks
1
Propane Tank Capacity
41.6 lbs
Tank Capacities Best Sellers
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Tires & Wheels
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels Composition | Steel | - | - | - |
| Front Tire Aspect Ratio | 75 | - | - | - |
| Rear Tire Speed Rating | E | - | - | - |
| Rear Tire | LT225/75R 16E Full Spec | - | - | - |
| Rear Wheel Diameter | 16 | - | - | - |
| Front Tire | LT225/75R 16E Full Spec | - | - | - |
| Front Tire Width | 225 | - | - | - |
| Wheelbase | 202 / 5130.8 in | - | - | - |
| Rear Tire Aspect Ratio | 75 | - | - | - |
| Rear Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc | - | - | - |
| Front Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc | - | - | - |
| Front Tire Speed Rating | E | - | - | - |
| Rear Tire Width | 225 | - | - | - |
| Rear Wheel Width | 6 in | - | - | - |
| Front Wheel Width | 6 in | - | - | - |
| Front Wheel Diameter | 16 | - | - | - |
Specs
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Wheels Composition
Steel
Front Tire Aspect Ratio
75
Rear Tire Speed Rating
E
Rear Tire
LT225/75R 16E Full Spec
Rear Wheel Diameter
16
Front Tire
LT225/75R 16E Full Spec
Front Tire Width
225
Wheelbase
202 / 5130.8 in
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio
75
Rear Brake Type
Hydraulic Disc
Front Brake Type
Hydraulic Disc
Front Tire Speed Rating
E
Rear Tire Width
225
Rear Wheel Width
6 in
Front Wheel Width
6 in
Front Wheel Diameter
16
Heating & Cooling
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning Type | Automatic | Dometic 13.5K Air Conditioner | Shop All RV AC | - |
| Water Heater Tank Capacity | 6 g | RV Tank Water Heater | RV Water Heaters | - |
| Heater Type | Automatic | - | - | - |
| Water Heater Pump Power Mode | Electrical / Propane | - | - | - |
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Air Conditioning Type
Automatic
Water Heater Tank Capacity
6 g
Heater Type
Automatic
Water Heater Pump Power Mode
Electrical / Propane
Heating & Cooling Best Sellers
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Living Room / Bedroom(s)
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Bedroom Mirror Doors | No | - | - | - |
| Sofa Material | Vinyl | - | - | - |
| Reclining Sofa | No | RV Loveseat Recliner Sofa | Shop Sofa | - |
| Master Bedroom Flooring Type | Vinyl | - | - | - |
| Number Of Bathrooms | 1 | - | - | - |
| Number Of Sofas | 1 | Tri-Fold Sofa | - | - |
| Master Bedroom Door Style | Accordion | - | - | - |
| Full Size Master Bedroom Closet | Yes | - | - | - |
| Number Of Queen Size Beds | 2 | Queen RV Mattress | Shop Mattresses | - |
| Master Bedroom Location | Rear | - | - | - |
| Master Bedroom Shades / Curtains | Yes | - | - | - |
| Living Area Location | Front | - | - | - |
| Number Of Convertible / Sofa Beds | 2 | - | - | - |
Specs
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Master Bedroom Mirror Doors
No
Sofa Material
Vinyl
Reclining Sofa
No
Master Bedroom Flooring Type
Vinyl
Number Of Bathrooms
1
Number Of Sofas
1
Master Bedroom Door Style
Accordion
Full Size Master Bedroom Closet
Yes
Number Of Queen Size Beds
2
Master Bedroom Location
Rear
Master Bedroom Shades / Curtains
Yes
Living Area Location
Front
Number Of Convertible / Sofa Beds
2
Living Room / Bedroom(s) Best Sellers
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Kitchen / Dining
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen / Living Area Flooring Type | Vinyl | - | - | - |
| Refrigerator Size | Mid-Size | - | - | - |
| Kitchen Table Configuration | Bench Seats | - | - | - |
| Refrigerator Power Mode | Electric / Propane | - | - | - |
| Kitchen Location | Center | - | - | - |
| Number Of Oven Burners | 3 | - | - | - |
Specs
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Kitchen / Living Area Flooring Type
Vinyl
Refrigerator Size
Mid-Size
Kitchen Table Configuration
Bench Seats
Refrigerator Power Mode
Electric / Propane
Kitchen Location
Center
Number Of Oven Burners
3
Bathroom
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Location | Center | - | - | - |
| Bathroom Flooring Type | Vinyl | - | - | - |
| Toilet Type | Plastic | RV Toilet with Sprayer Attachment | Toilets | Top 5 |
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Bathroom Location
Center
Bathroom Flooring Type
Vinyl
Toilet Type
Plastic
Exterior
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Length | 14 ft/m | Awning Fabric Replacement | All Awnings | - |
| Number of Awnings | 1 | Motorized RV Awning Set | Shop Awnings | - |
| Number Of Axles | 1 | - | - | - |
| Sidewall Construction | Fiberglass | - | - | - |
| Number Of Emergency Exits | 1 | - | - | - |
| Number of Doors | 1 | - | - | - |
| Door Type | Plastic / Glass | - | - | - |
| Body Material | Aluminum | - | - | - |
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Awning Length
14 ft/m
Number of Awnings
1
Number Of Axles
1
Sidewall Construction
Fiberglass
Number Of Emergency Exits
1
Number of Doors
1
Door Type
Plastic / Glass
Body Material
Aluminum
Exterior Best Sellers
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Options
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surround Sound | Yes | - | - | - |
| Air Conditioning Prewiring | Yes | - | - | - |
| Heat Prewiring | Yes | - | - | - |
| Water Heater Tank Bypass | Yes | - | - | - |
| Power Retractable Awning | Yes | - | - | - |
| Seat Armrests | Yes | - | - | - |
| TV Antenna Prewiring | Yes | - | - | - |
| Overdrive | Yes | - | - | - |
| Satellite | Yes | - | - | - |
| Bunkhouse | No | - | - | - |
| Supercharged | No | - | - | - |
| Interior Wood Finish | Yes | - | - | - |
| Reclining Seats | Yes | - | - | - |
| Washer / Dryer Prewiring | No | - | - | - |
| Phone Prewiring | No | - | - | - |
| Screened Room | No | - | - | - |
| Turbocharged | No | - | - | - |
| Refrigerator | Standard | - | - | - |
| Battery Power Converter | Yes | - | - | - |
| Heated | No | - | - | - |
| Power Retractable Slideout | Yes | - | - | - |
| Sliding Glass Door | No | - | - | - |
| Wallpaper | Yes | - | - | - |
| Overhead Fan | Yes | Overhead Fan | - | - |
| Satellite Prewiring | Yes | - | - | - |
| Cable Prewiring | Yes | - | - | - |
Specs
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Surround Sound
Yes
Air Conditioning Prewiring
Yes
Heat Prewiring
Yes
Water Heater Tank Bypass
Yes
Power Retractable Awning
Yes
Seat Armrests
Yes
TV Antenna Prewiring
Yes
Overdrive
Yes
Satellite
Yes
Bunkhouse
No
Supercharged
No
Interior Wood Finish
Yes
Reclining Seats
Yes
Washer / Dryer Prewiring
No
Phone Prewiring
No
Screened Room
No
Turbocharged
No
Refrigerator
Standard
Battery Power Converter
Yes
Heated
No
Power Retractable Slideout
Yes
Sliding Glass Door
No
Wallpaper
Yes
Overhead Fan
Yes
Satellite Prewiring
Yes
Cable Prewiring
Yes
Cabin Specs
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Type | Bucket | - | - | - |
| Number Of Rows | 1 | - | - | - |
| Seat Material | Leather | - | - | - |
| Number Of Seats | 2 | - | - | - |
| Seat Specifications | Standard | - | - | - |
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Seat Type
Bucket
Number Of Rows
1
Seat Material
Leather
Number Of Seats
2
Seat Specifications
Standard
Cargo
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 62.5 / 401.8 / 1769.8 cuft/gal/l | - | - | - |
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Storage Capacity
62.5 / 401.8 / 1769.8 cuft/gal/l
Chasis
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis Brand | Ford | - | - | - |
| Chassis Model | E450 | - | - | - |
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Chassis Brand
Ford
Chassis Model
E450
Drivetrain
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number Of Speeds | 6 | - | - | - |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | - | - | - |
| Driveline Type | 4X2 | - | - | - |
| Transmission Brand | TorqShift | - | - | - |
Specs
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Number Of Speeds
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Driveline Type
4X2
Transmission Brand
TorqShift
Engine
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower RPM | 4250 | - | - | - |
| Cylinders | 10 | - | - | - |
| Engine Type | V10 | - | - | - |
| Torque | 569.4 Nm | - | - | - |
| Horsepower | 305 bhp | - | - | - |
| Carburetion Type | Fuel Injected | - | - | - |
| Torque RPM | 3250 | - | - | - |
| Carburetion | Standard | - | - | - |
| Engine Brand Name | Triton® | - | - | - |
Specs
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Horsepower RPM
4250
Cylinders
10
Engine Type
V10
Torque
569.4 Nm
Horsepower
305 bhp
Carburetion Type
Fuel Injected
Torque RPM
3250
Carburetion
Standard
Engine Brand Name
Triton®
Entertainment
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number Of Televisions | 1 | Insignia LED HD Alexa TV | Shop RV TV's | - |
| Number Of Discs | 1 | - | - | - |
| Speaker Location | Interior / Exterior | RecPro Exterior Speakers | - | - |
Specs
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Number Of Televisions
1
Number Of Discs
1
Speaker Location
Interior / Exterior
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Fuel & MPG
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Capacity | 55 / 208.2 gal/l | 5Gal Gas Can | - | - |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Fuel Treatment | - | - |
Specs
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Fuel Capacity
55 / 208.2 gal/l
Fuel Type
Gas
Fuel & MPG Best Sellers
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Instrumentation
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number Of Radios | 2 | - | - | - |
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Number Of Radios
2
Quick Overview
| Specs | Value | Buy | Shop All | Top 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Forest River | - | - | - |
| Year | 2018 | - | - | - |
| Make | Forest River | - | - | - |
| Display Name | Forester 2861DS | - | - | - |
| Class | Class C | - | - | - |
| Max Sleeping Count | 8 | - | - | - |
| Number of Slideouts | 2 | - | - | - |
| Introduction Year | 2004 | - | - | - |
Specs
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Parent Company
Forest River
Year
2018
Make
Forest River
Display Name
Forester 2861DS
Class
Class C
Max Sleeping Count
8
Number of Slideouts
2
Introduction Year
2004
How We Scored This RV
Our MintRV Rating analyzes over 50 specifications across 5 key dimensions. Each dimension starts at 5.0 points and adjusts based on how this RV's specs compare to others in its class. Below is exactly how we calculated each score for this class c.
Drivability & Handling
6.5/10
Base Score
5.0
Spec-based adjustments
Based on Class C class averages
+1.5
Final Drivability & Handling
6.5
Living Space & Layout
5.3/10
Base Score
5.0
Spec-based adjustments
Based on Class C class averages
+0.3
Final Living Space & Layout
5.3
Comfort & Features
5.3/10
Base Score
5.0
Spec-based adjustments
Based on Class C class averages
+0.3
Final Comfort & Features
5.3
Storage Space
5.5/10
Base Score
5.0
Spec-based adjustments
Based on Class C class averages
+0.5
Final Storage Space
5.5
Off-Grid & Campsites
5.8/10
Base Score
5.0
Spec-based adjustments
Based on Class C class averages
+0.8
Final Off-Grid & Campsites
5.8
About Our Rating Methodology
MintRV Ratings are calculated using verified manufacturer specifications. We compare each RV against others in its class type and weight category. Scores are updated when new specs become available. Learn more about our methodology →
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Frequently Asked Questions
To safely tow the 2018 Forest River RV Forester 2861ds, ensure your vehicle's rated tow capacity exceeds its GVWR of 14500 lbs. With a dry weight of 12300 lbs and hitch weight of 500 lbs, most midsize trucks and SUVs can tow it comfortably with a 10-20% safety margin.
This Class C has a dry weight of 12300 lbs and a GVWR of 14500 lbs, giving a payload capacity of 2200 lbs for gear, water, and supplies.
The approximate dimensions are length 369 in., width 101 in., and height 135 in. Always confirm clearances for garages, storage, and campsites.
The Forester 2861ds includes a fresh water capacity of gallons, black water tank(s), and lbs of propane capacity-ideal for off-grid weekends.
Many Forester 2861ds owners add a weight-distribution hitch, brake controller, leveling system, and portable generator to improve towing comfort. Solar kits, backup cameras, and upgraded tires are also popular upgrades.
With a GVWR of 14500 lbs and dry weight of 12300 lbs, the Forester 2861ds is light enough for smaller tow vehicles yet rugged enough for light off-road travel. Add solar, extra propane, and a generator for extended off-grid stays.
This floorplan sleeps up to 8 people comfortably - perfect for couples or small families seeking a lightweight, easy-tow Class C.
The Forester 2861ds features body construction with sidewalls and 1 axle(s). Its GVWR of 14500 lbs ensures strength without excessive towing weight.
?? Tip: Always check your vehicle's specific towing capacity in the owner's manual. Consider payload and tongue weight too!
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