RVRESOLVE

A fire that caused more than $1 million damage Tuesday (Oct. 11) at Western RV Inc., Yakima, Wash., will suspend production of the company’s line of mid- to upper-priced motorhomes for around two weeks, according to a report in the Yakima Herald-Republican. Firefighters said the origin of the fire had been isolated to the one motor coach that was destroyed by flames, but the exact cause remained under investigation. In addition to the cost of the motorhome, Western RV’s production facility suffered extensive smoke and water damage, said Dave Woodall, assistant to Western RV's vice president of marketing. Woodall said the fire may disrupt completion of between five and 10 coaches. The company's customer service center at an adjacent warehouse remains operational, as well as a separate towable production plant. Manufacturing employees at the affected plant may avoid down-time by being assigned to restoration work, Woodall said.

Make / Models :

Model/Build Years:
FOUR WINDS / CHATEAU CITATION

2006
FOUR WINDS / DUTCHMEN DORADO

2006
FOUR WINDS / HURRICANE

2006
FOUR WINDS / MAGELLAN

2006
FOUR WINDS / SIESTA

2006
FOUR WINDS / WINDSPORT

2006
Manufacturer : FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 05V465000
Mfg's Report Date : OCT 05, 2005
Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 221
Summary: ON CERTAIN CLASS A AND CLASS B MOTOR HOMES, THE HITCH MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A SPACER PLATE THAT DOES NOT FIT FLUSH TO THE REAR EXTENSION.
Consequence: THIS CAUSES THE FASTENERS TO BE CORNER LOADED WHEN TIGHTENED WHICH COULD CAUSE THE HITCH TO FAIL DURING USAGE CAUSING A CRASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN DEATH AND INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPACER PLATE AND ADD SIX NEW BOLTS, WASHERS AND NUTS TO SECURE THE SPACER PLATE IN PLACE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON NOVEMBER 7, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FOUR WINDS AT 574-266-1111.