Saturday, September 02, 2006
COACH-NET LIST OF COMMON RV FAILURES
RV NEWS 09-01-06
Top Operational RV Issues Preventable, Coach-Net Says
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. - Coach-Net Technical and Roadside Assistance urges travelers to review maintenance procedures, service their RVs early and check system operation to avoid potential issues they may encounter on their next trip. In researching more than 85,000 service calls, Coach-Net found the majority of operational RV issues preventable.
Engine
Engine concerns top the list at 31.7 percent of the calls. "Most inoperable engines are not due to catastrophic engine failure," says Patrick Cipres, RVIA-RVDA Master Certified Technician. "Minor problems such as those caused by incompatible coolant, a filter needing to be changed or improper fuel are the root of most calls related to chassis." If left unattended, minor issues often lead to major ones.
Brake and Suspension Systems
Modern air brake and suspension systems result in the second most common call to Coach-Net. "Many stranded travelers simply need operational guidance," he says. "For example, when trying to level their RV, some owners unknowingly 'dump the air' in the suspension, causing system failure." Reviewing the owner's manual and checking system operation prior to use will help travelers avoid this problem.
Batteries
Third on the list are batteries. Ensure they are well-maintained - even new ones. If the RV is in storage or at an RV park, charge the engine battery every 7-10 days by running the engine for an hour. If the RV is plugged into shore power, the house battery charges automatically, but check the water level weekly at a minimum. If power problems begin at a campground, question the reliability of the shore power connection.
Slide Rooms and Leveling Systems
Twenty-four percent of calls surveyed reveal the most common "house" issues are slide rooms and leveling systems that fail to retract. Many times they will stick from non-use. Avoid getting stuck during vacation, and test slide rooms beforehand to ensure they are in good working order - especially if the RV has been stored.
Electrical AC 110-Volt
Fifth on the list of concerns is overload of the electrical alternating current (AC) 110-volt. RVs are rated to operate harmoniously with the appliances outfitting them. Be careful about adding big amp draws, such as a hairdryer, a blender or coffeemaker. The roof air conditioner probably is the largest power consumer, so before switching it on "high," turn off other appliances, or risk tripping a circuit breaker.
"It's clear that a concerted effort is occurring industry-wide to reach exceptional levels of customer satisfaction," says President and CEO Henry Stroup. "By conducting research we are identifying opportunities to help our industry partners and RVers alike enhance the RV lifestyle."
Meeting the demands of RV travelers throughout the United States and Canada since 1987, Coach-Net pioneered RV Tech AdvantageTM, which provides RV owners access to a team of RVIA-RVDA Certified Technicians 24/7, 365 days a year to troubleshoot common operational issues they may encounter with their RV. Additional information is available on the web site.
Top Operational RV Issues Preventable, Coach-Net Says
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. - Coach-Net Technical and Roadside Assistance urges travelers to review maintenance procedures, service their RVs early and check system operation to avoid potential issues they may encounter on their next trip. In researching more than 85,000 service calls, Coach-Net found the majority of operational RV issues preventable.
Engine
Engine concerns top the list at 31.7 percent of the calls. "Most inoperable engines are not due to catastrophic engine failure," says Patrick Cipres, RVIA-RVDA Master Certified Technician. "Minor problems such as those caused by incompatible coolant, a filter needing to be changed or improper fuel are the root of most calls related to chassis." If left unattended, minor issues often lead to major ones.
Brake and Suspension Systems
Modern air brake and suspension systems result in the second most common call to Coach-Net. "Many stranded travelers simply need operational guidance," he says. "For example, when trying to level their RV, some owners unknowingly 'dump the air' in the suspension, causing system failure." Reviewing the owner's manual and checking system operation prior to use will help travelers avoid this problem.
Batteries
Third on the list are batteries. Ensure they are well-maintained - even new ones. If the RV is in storage or at an RV park, charge the engine battery every 7-10 days by running the engine for an hour. If the RV is plugged into shore power, the house battery charges automatically, but check the water level weekly at a minimum. If power problems begin at a campground, question the reliability of the shore power connection.
Slide Rooms and Leveling Systems
Twenty-four percent of calls surveyed reveal the most common "house" issues are slide rooms and leveling systems that fail to retract. Many times they will stick from non-use. Avoid getting stuck during vacation, and test slide rooms beforehand to ensure they are in good working order - especially if the RV has been stored.
Electrical AC 110-Volt
Fifth on the list of concerns is overload of the electrical alternating current (AC) 110-volt. RVs are rated to operate harmoniously with the appliances outfitting them. Be careful about adding big amp draws, such as a hairdryer, a blender or coffeemaker. The roof air conditioner probably is the largest power consumer, so before switching it on "high," turn off other appliances, or risk tripping a circuit breaker.
"It's clear that a concerted effort is occurring industry-wide to reach exceptional levels of customer satisfaction," says President and CEO Henry Stroup. "By conducting research we are identifying opportunities to help our industry partners and RVers alike enhance the RV lifestyle."
Meeting the demands of RV travelers throughout the United States and Canada since 1987, Coach-Net pioneered RV Tech AdvantageTM, which provides RV owners access to a team of RVIA-RVDA Certified Technicians 24/7, 365 days a year to troubleshoot common operational issues they may encounter with their RV. Additional information is available on the web site.
Friday, September 01, 2006
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
NU WA / CHAMPAGNE EDITION 2005-2006
NU WA / DISCOVER AMERICA 2005-2006
Manufacturer : NUWA INDUSTRIES INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V314000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 09, 2006
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 6
Summary:
ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH DEXTER AXLES, THE DISC BRAKE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS ARE STRIPPED. INSUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD BETWEEN CALIPER AND YOKE CAN CAUSE THE CALIPER TO DISASSEMBLE AND ADVERSELY AFFECT THE TRAILER'S BRAKING SYSTEM.
Consequence:
LOSS OF BRAKING CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEXTER WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES (PLEASE SEE 06E029). A NEW LARGER CALIPER MOUNTING NUT WILL BE INSTALLED. FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU MAY CONTACT DEXTER AXLE AT 1-800-400-2164 OR NUWA AT 620-431-2088.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NU WA / CHAMPAGNE EDITION 2005-2006
NU WA / DISCOVER AMERICA 2005-2006
Manufacturer : NUWA INDUSTRIES INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V314000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 09, 2006
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 6
Summary:
ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH DEXTER AXLES, THE DISC BRAKE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS ARE STRIPPED. INSUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD BETWEEN CALIPER AND YOKE CAN CAUSE THE CALIPER TO DISASSEMBLE AND ADVERSELY AFFECT THE TRAILER'S BRAKING SYSTEM.
Consequence:
LOSS OF BRAKING CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEXTER WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES (PLEASE SEE 06E029). A NEW LARGER CALIPER MOUNTING NUT WILL BE INSTALLED. FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU MAY CONTACT DEXTER AXLE AT 1-800-400-2164 OR NUWA AT 620-431-2088.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
JAYCO / DESIGNER 1995-2002
JAYCO / EAGLE 1994-2002
JAYCO / GRANITE RIDGE 2002
JAYCO / GREYHAWK 2002
Manufacturer : JAYCO, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V320000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 25, 2006
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 6285
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence:
OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURNING, AND IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy:
FORD IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06V286) AND WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332 OR JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
JAYCO / DESIGNER 1995-2002
JAYCO / EAGLE 1994-2002
JAYCO / GRANITE RIDGE 2002
JAYCO / GREYHAWK 2002
Manufacturer : JAYCO, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V320000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 25, 2006
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 6285
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence:
OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURNING, AND IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy:
FORD IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06V286) AND WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332 OR JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
ALFA / SEE YA 2006
Manufacturer : ALFA LEISURE,INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V316000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 16, 2006
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Potential Number Of Units Affected :
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE TOP FLANGE OF THE FRONT AXLE I-BEAM MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE.
Consequence:
A DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy:
FREIGHTLINER WILL REPAIR THESE MOTOR HOMES (PLEASE SEE 05V551). DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR ALFA LEISURE AT 800-373-3372.
Notes:
FREIGHTLINER/ALFA LEISURE RECALL NO. FL467. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
ALFA / SEE YA 2006
Manufacturer : ALFA LEISURE,INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V316000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 16, 2006
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Potential Number Of Units Affected :
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE TOP FLANGE OF THE FRONT AXLE I-BEAM MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE.
Consequence:
A DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy:
FREIGHTLINER WILL REPAIR THESE MOTOR HOMES (PLEASE SEE 05V551). DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR ALFA LEISURE AT 800-373-3372.
Notes:
FREIGHTLINER/ALFA LEISURE RECALL NO. FL467. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
ALFA / SEE YA 2006
Manufacturer : ALFA LEISURE,INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V316000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 16, 2006
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Potential Number Of Units Affected :
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE TOP FLANGE OF THE FRONT AXLE I-BEAM MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE.
Consequence:
A DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy:
FREIGHTLINER WILL REPAIR THESE MOTOR HOMES (PLEASE SEE 05V551). DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR ALFA LEISURE AT 800-373-3372.
Notes:
FREIGHTLINER/ALFA LEISURE RECALL NO. FL467. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
ALFA / SEE YA 2006
Manufacturer : ALFA LEISURE,INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V316000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 16, 2006
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Potential Number Of Units Affected :
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE TOP FLANGE OF THE FRONT AXLE I-BEAM MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE.
Consequence:
A DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy:
FREIGHTLINER WILL REPAIR THESE MOTOR HOMES (PLEASE SEE 05V551). DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR ALFA LEISURE AT 800-373-3372.
Notes:
FREIGHTLINER/ALFA LEISURE RECALL NO. FL467. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
WHAT IS FEMA GOING TO DO WITH ALL THE USED TRAILERS?
RV Business
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
The fate of the approximately 35,000 recreational vehicles and 70,000 Emergency Living Units (ELUs) manufacturers built as temporary housing for victims of the 2005 hurricanes remains unknown once the residents leave them for permanent dwellings.
The Elkhart Truth reported that rumors have surfaced indicating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will stockpile the units for the next natural disaster or burn the units. However, the industry believes the bulk of those units may roll back onto the market.
At Dandy RV Sales in Birmingham, Ala., owner Jim "Dandy" Cooley said he is concerned about the FEMA units being sold but, he noted, "I don't think it's going to be as bad as people think."
Pointing out that retail giants Wal-Mart and Neiman Marcus exist in the same marketplace, he said the availability and low price of the used hurricane units will not entice all RV buyers.
Similar worries surfaced after four hurricanes whipped Florida in 2004.
"It was much ado about nothing," said Lance Wilson, executive director of the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA), noting the market absorbed the units that were resold.
Wilson does fear that uninformed consumers who buy the FEMA units could sour on the RV lifestyle.
For the 2005 hurricane relief effort, some RV manufacturers built their typical travel trailers while others produced trailers according to FEMA specifications.
The Truth reported that the FEMA units, dubbed ELUs, have no exterior graphics, one window on each side and a door. These units have no holding tanks but come with plumbing that is configured to hook into water and sewer lines.
Since the FEMA units lack some of the amenities of a traditional travel trailer, Cooley shares Wilson's fear. He anticipates that up to 50% of the people who buy one of these used units will leave the RV market.
The potential for retail sale was why Heartland RV in Elkhart, Ind., chose to build standard trailers instead of ELUs. Like many RV manufacturers, Heartland sold units to its dealer network which, in turn, sold to FEMA.
With the outside emblazoned with colorful designs and the inside featuring matching fabrics, Scott Tuttle, vice president of marketing at Heartland, said the trailers could easily be sold as retail if FEMA did not pick up the entire order.
"There will be a glut of travel trailers down South in a year and a half," Tuttle said.
Tuttle and Sid Johnson, marketing director of Jayco Inc. in Middlebury, said if the federal government does sell the units and the market becomes saturated, RV manufacturers in Elkhart County could be forced to slow production.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
The fate of the approximately 35,000 recreational vehicles and 70,000 Emergency Living Units (ELUs) manufacturers built as temporary housing for victims of the 2005 hurricanes remains unknown once the residents leave them for permanent dwellings.
The Elkhart Truth reported that rumors have surfaced indicating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will stockpile the units for the next natural disaster or burn the units. However, the industry believes the bulk of those units may roll back onto the market.
At Dandy RV Sales in Birmingham, Ala., owner Jim "Dandy" Cooley said he is concerned about the FEMA units being sold but, he noted, "I don't think it's going to be as bad as people think."
Pointing out that retail giants Wal-Mart and Neiman Marcus exist in the same marketplace, he said the availability and low price of the used hurricane units will not entice all RV buyers.
Similar worries surfaced after four hurricanes whipped Florida in 2004.
"It was much ado about nothing," said Lance Wilson, executive director of the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA), noting the market absorbed the units that were resold.
Wilson does fear that uninformed consumers who buy the FEMA units could sour on the RV lifestyle.
For the 2005 hurricane relief effort, some RV manufacturers built their typical travel trailers while others produced trailers according to FEMA specifications.
The Truth reported that the FEMA units, dubbed ELUs, have no exterior graphics, one window on each side and a door. These units have no holding tanks but come with plumbing that is configured to hook into water and sewer lines.
Since the FEMA units lack some of the amenities of a traditional travel trailer, Cooley shares Wilson's fear. He anticipates that up to 50% of the people who buy one of these used units will leave the RV market.
The potential for retail sale was why Heartland RV in Elkhart, Ind., chose to build standard trailers instead of ELUs. Like many RV manufacturers, Heartland sold units to its dealer network which, in turn, sold to FEMA.
With the outside emblazoned with colorful designs and the inside featuring matching fabrics, Scott Tuttle, vice president of marketing at Heartland, said the trailers could easily be sold as retail if FEMA did not pick up the entire order.
"There will be a glut of travel trailers down South in a year and a half," Tuttle said.
Tuttle and Sid Johnson, marketing director of Jayco Inc. in Middlebury, said if the federal government does sell the units and the market becomes saturated, RV manufacturers in Elkhart County could be forced to slow production.
