Friday, January 05, 2007
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
ALFA / SEE YA 2006
ALFA / SEEYA 2005
Manufacturer : ALFA LEISURE,INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V338000 Mfg's Report Date : SEP 01, 2006
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 311
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH TIE RODS THAT ARE TOO SHORT FOR THE FRONT AXLE CROSSBAR TAPER. THE RESULTING GAP BETWEEN THE CROSSBAR AND TIE ROD END MAY RESULT IN CORROSION BETWEEN THE 2 PIECES. LACK OF MAINTENANCE WOULD INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF CORROSION.
Consequence:
EXCESSIVE CORROSION OVER TIME COULD CAUSE THE CROSSBAR TO TIE ROD CONNECTION TO FAIL, CAUSING A LACK OF STEERING CONTROL AND POTENTIAL CRASH.
Remedy:
FREIGHTLINER IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL HAVE A GAP BETWEEN THE TIE ROD AND THE FRONT AXLE CROSSBAR TAPER. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-385-4357 OR ALFA LEISURE AT 800-373-3372.
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.
ALFA / SEE YA 2006
ALFA / SEEYA 2005
Manufacturer : ALFA LEISURE,INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V338000 Mfg's Report Date : SEP 01, 2006
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 311
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH TIE RODS THAT ARE TOO SHORT FOR THE FRONT AXLE CROSSBAR TAPER. THE RESULTING GAP BETWEEN THE CROSSBAR AND TIE ROD END MAY RESULT IN CORROSION BETWEEN THE 2 PIECES. LACK OF MAINTENANCE WOULD INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF CORROSION.
Consequence:
EXCESSIVE CORROSION OVER TIME COULD CAUSE THE CROSSBAR TO TIE ROD CONNECTION TO FAIL, CAUSING A LACK OF STEERING CONTROL AND POTENTIAL CRASH.
Remedy:
FREIGHTLINER IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL HAVE A GAP BETWEEN THE TIE ROD AND THE FRONT AXLE CROSSBAR TAPER. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-385-4357 OR ALFA LEISURE AT 800-373-3372.
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.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
A LIST OF RECALLS
RV Business
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued recall notices for the following products related to the recreational vehicle industry:
• An undetermined number of Coachmen recreational vehicles equipped with Dometic two-door refrigerators. A fatigue crack may develop in the boiler tube, which may release pressurized coolant solution into an area where an ignition source is present.
• 17 (2003-2006) EarthRoamer Class C’s, whose welds on front camper mounts can develop cracks, leading to a failure of the camper mounting system, which could result in a crash.
• 7,858 (2004-2007) Fleetwood Bounder, Fiesta, Pace Arrow, Southwind and Terra Class A motorhomes and (2004-2006) Fleetwood Flair and Storm motorhomes built on Workhorse chassis and equipped with General Motors 8.1-liter V8 engines. Improper hardening during the heat treatment process can cause the fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip to fracture, creating a fire hazard.
• An undetermined number of (2006-2007) Class C motorhomes for failing to comply with Part 567 certification, which could lead to improper vehicle loading or tire inflation, increasing the risk of a crash. The problem involves incorrect listing of proper tire pressure in the vehicles’ rear tires. It should say 80 psi, not 60 psi.
• 47 (2005) Monaco Beaver Monterey motorhomes and (2006) Monaco Patriot and Marquis motorhomes, which may have an improper nut and bolt combination involving the steering shaft that could loosen and result in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
206 (2007) Monaco Camelot, Holiday Rambler Scepter and Beaver Contessa Class A motorhomes, whose heat shields were not installed in the liquid propane (LP) tank bay.
• 23 (2007) Monaco Dynasty, Executive, Signature, Holiday Rambler Imperial, Beaver Patriot and Marquis Class A motorhomes, whose windshield wiper motors may be under-fused.
• 14 (2007) Newmar All Star Diesel Pusher motorhomes equipped with busman boxes. The location of the busman box could allow water to enter the box, causing an electrical short, resulting in arcing, a spontaneous engine start with no key or possible fire.
• 88 (2007) Starcraft folding camping trailers and S/T travel trailers. The hub weld is insufficient to hold the spindle to the axle tube, increasing the risk of a crash.
• 1,491 (2003-2006) Winnebago Minnie, Minnie Winnie, Outlook, Chalet, Itasca Spirit and Sundancer Class C motorhomes equipped with front overhead televisions. Incorrect fasteners were used to secure the television, which could become loose and possibly fall, resulting in potential driver or passenger injury or property damage
• 1 (2005) Spartan K3 motorhome chassis under a Fleetwood Heritage motorhome equipped with a Caterpillar C15 engine. The variable actuation oil line may wear, causing a leak that, NHTSA says, could result in personal injury or death.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued recall notices for the following products related to the recreational vehicle industry:
• An undetermined number of Coachmen recreational vehicles equipped with Dometic two-door refrigerators. A fatigue crack may develop in the boiler tube, which may release pressurized coolant solution into an area where an ignition source is present.
• 17 (2003-2006) EarthRoamer Class C’s, whose welds on front camper mounts can develop cracks, leading to a failure of the camper mounting system, which could result in a crash.
• 7,858 (2004-2007) Fleetwood Bounder, Fiesta, Pace Arrow, Southwind and Terra Class A motorhomes and (2004-2006) Fleetwood Flair and Storm motorhomes built on Workhorse chassis and equipped with General Motors 8.1-liter V8 engines. Improper hardening during the heat treatment process can cause the fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip to fracture, creating a fire hazard.
• An undetermined number of (2006-2007) Class C motorhomes for failing to comply with Part 567 certification, which could lead to improper vehicle loading or tire inflation, increasing the risk of a crash. The problem involves incorrect listing of proper tire pressure in the vehicles’ rear tires. It should say 80 psi, not 60 psi.
• 47 (2005) Monaco Beaver Monterey motorhomes and (2006) Monaco Patriot and Marquis motorhomes, which may have an improper nut and bolt combination involving the steering shaft that could loosen and result in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
206 (2007) Monaco Camelot, Holiday Rambler Scepter and Beaver Contessa Class A motorhomes, whose heat shields were not installed in the liquid propane (LP) tank bay.
• 23 (2007) Monaco Dynasty, Executive, Signature, Holiday Rambler Imperial, Beaver Patriot and Marquis Class A motorhomes, whose windshield wiper motors may be under-fused.
• 14 (2007) Newmar All Star Diesel Pusher motorhomes equipped with busman boxes. The location of the busman box could allow water to enter the box, causing an electrical short, resulting in arcing, a spontaneous engine start with no key or possible fire.
• 88 (2007) Starcraft folding camping trailers and S/T travel trailers. The hub weld is insufficient to hold the spindle to the axle tube, increasing the risk of a crash.
• 1,491 (2003-2006) Winnebago Minnie, Minnie Winnie, Outlook, Chalet, Itasca Spirit and Sundancer Class C motorhomes equipped with front overhead televisions. Incorrect fasteners were used to secure the television, which could become loose and possibly fall, resulting in potential driver or passenger injury or property damage
• 1 (2005) Spartan K3 motorhome chassis under a Fleetwood Heritage motorhome equipped with a Caterpillar C15 engine. The variable actuation oil line may wear, causing a leak that, NHTSA says, could result in personal injury or death.
JUST ANOTHER EXCUSE!
RV Business
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
National RV Holdings Inc. is moving forward with its lawsuit against fiberglass panel supplier Crane Composites Inc., claiming the company cost the Perris, Calif.-based builder at least $8 million due to defective materials.
The Press Enterprise, Riverside, Calif., reported that National RV sued Crane, which is also known as Kemlite Co., June 29, saying the faulty material forced National RV to tear apart and completely rebuild at least 76 motorhomes, many of which had already been sold to dealers or customers.
It accused Crane Composites, a subsidiary of Crane Co. based in Channahon, Ill., of breach of contract, breach of warranty and misrepresentation. It said the company knew about problems in its fiberglass production as far back as 2004 and had met with another manufacturer, Elkhart, Ind.-based Coachmen Industries Inc., about the situation.
The Press Enterprise reported that the matter may be decided during settlement talks or could have to wait for a trial in U.S. District Court in Riverside, possibly sometime this summer, according to Jonathan Corn, attorney for National RV Holdings.
Crane has indicated to National RV it may admit responsibility for some of the damages, Corn said in a recent interview. So the trial may "boil down to a fight over" how much money in damages Crane should have to pay, he said.
Crane attorneys didn't return phone calls seeking comment.
There is also the possibility that the number of damaged units could increase.
"We built 260 motorhomes with Kemlite material and 76 have failed so far,” Corn said. “We think we have identified all of them, but there is a chance there could be failure within the remaining group. That is one of things we have to discuss.”
Although National RV Holdings has blamed the Crane situation, in part, for recent quarterly losses, the company has been losing money for five years.
Last week, it announced a revised plan to sell its 50-acre, 600,000-square-foot headquarters to a real-estate investment firm and then lease it back for 10 years. The sale would give National RV Holdings $31.75 million to help it pay off debt.
National RV Holdings negotiated a similar deal Nov. 22 with Perris-based Warrior Holdings Inc., which markets Weekend Warrior-branded recreational vehicles, but the agreement was terminated on Dec. 20 due to Warrior's inability to obtain a timely financing commitment from its lender.
National RV Holdings is the parent company to National RV Inc. in Perris and Country Coach Inc. in Junction City, Ore. The company employs about 1,000 people in Perris.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
National RV Holdings Inc. is moving forward with its lawsuit against fiberglass panel supplier Crane Composites Inc., claiming the company cost the Perris, Calif.-based builder at least $8 million due to defective materials.
The Press Enterprise, Riverside, Calif., reported that National RV sued Crane, which is also known as Kemlite Co., June 29, saying the faulty material forced National RV to tear apart and completely rebuild at least 76 motorhomes, many of which had already been sold to dealers or customers.
It accused Crane Composites, a subsidiary of Crane Co. based in Channahon, Ill., of breach of contract, breach of warranty and misrepresentation. It said the company knew about problems in its fiberglass production as far back as 2004 and had met with another manufacturer, Elkhart, Ind.-based Coachmen Industries Inc., about the situation.
The Press Enterprise reported that the matter may be decided during settlement talks or could have to wait for a trial in U.S. District Court in Riverside, possibly sometime this summer, according to Jonathan Corn, attorney for National RV Holdings.
Crane has indicated to National RV it may admit responsibility for some of the damages, Corn said in a recent interview. So the trial may "boil down to a fight over" how much money in damages Crane should have to pay, he said.
Crane attorneys didn't return phone calls seeking comment.
There is also the possibility that the number of damaged units could increase.
"We built 260 motorhomes with Kemlite material and 76 have failed so far,” Corn said. “We think we have identified all of them, but there is a chance there could be failure within the remaining group. That is one of things we have to discuss.”
Although National RV Holdings has blamed the Crane situation, in part, for recent quarterly losses, the company has been losing money for five years.
Last week, it announced a revised plan to sell its 50-acre, 600,000-square-foot headquarters to a real-estate investment firm and then lease it back for 10 years. The sale would give National RV Holdings $31.75 million to help it pay off debt.
National RV Holdings negotiated a similar deal Nov. 22 with Perris-based Warrior Holdings Inc., which markets Weekend Warrior-branded recreational vehicles, but the agreement was terminated on Dec. 20 due to Warrior's inability to obtain a timely financing commitment from its lender.
National RV Holdings is the parent company to National RV Inc. in Perris and Country Coach Inc. in Junction City, Ore. The company employs about 1,000 people in Perris.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
DUTCHMEN / T@B 2003-2006
Manufacturer : DUTCHMEN MANUFACTURING, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V491000 Mfg's Report Date : DEC 21, 2006
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG FURNACE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1939
Summary:
ON CERTAIN RECREATIONAL TRAILERS, A FURNACE VENT WAS NOT INSTALLED. THE LACK OF AN EXHAUST VENT ALLOWS FURNACE COMBUSTION PRODUCTS CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES TO VENT INTO THE TRAILER.
Consequence:
THIS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE TRAILER.
Remedy:
OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO VISUALLY CHECK FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE EXHAUST VENT ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE EXHAUST VENT IS NOT PRESENT OR IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, THE OWNER WILL BE INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE THE FURNACE AND TO TAKE THEIR TRAILER TO THE NEAREST DUTCHMEN DEALER OR SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DUTCHMEN AT 1-219-534-1224.
Notes:
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.
DUTCHMEN / T@B 2003-2006
Manufacturer : DUTCHMEN MANUFACTURING, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V491000 Mfg's Report Date : DEC 21, 2006
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG FURNACE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1939
Summary:
ON CERTAIN RECREATIONAL TRAILERS, A FURNACE VENT WAS NOT INSTALLED. THE LACK OF AN EXHAUST VENT ALLOWS FURNACE COMBUSTION PRODUCTS CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES TO VENT INTO THE TRAILER.
Consequence:
THIS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE TRAILER.
Remedy:
OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO VISUALLY CHECK FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE EXHAUST VENT ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE EXHAUST VENT IS NOT PRESENT OR IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, THE OWNER WILL BE INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE THE FURNACE AND TO TAKE THEIR TRAILER TO THE NEAREST DUTCHMEN DEALER OR SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DUTCHMEN AT 1-219-534-1224.
Notes:
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.
