Tuesday, February 06, 2007
NOW WHAT IS FEMA UP TO? (BESIDES WASTING OUR MONEY)
RV Business
Monday, February 5, 2007
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to push hurricane evacuees to find permanent housing nearly 18 months after Katrina, the agency is buying several thousand more trailers.
According to The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., FEMA has spent nearly $30 million since July on 2,000 new travel trailers and mobile homes that are handicapped-accessible. The agency is also seeking proposals for another 1,500.
But fewer than half of the 2,000 trailers already delivered were occupied as of last week. Of the 10,000 or so handicapped-accessible travel trailers and mobile homes in FEMA’s inventory, just over half house people, with the rest in storage.
And Georgia-based Lakeside Park Homes, the company supposed to build the 2,000 trailers in a three-contract deal, was awarded two contracts by FEMA after encountering problems fulfilling the first.
Jack Torrance — executive director of the Louisiana Recreational and Used Motor Vehicle Commission — said he has questions about the contracts already awarded as well as about why more trailers are being bought.
The Advocate reported that FEMA’s staging area for trailers in Baton Rouge is proof the agency doesn’t need any more, he said.
“I have no idea why FEMA is buying all of these units now,” he said.
Torrance, whose agency licenses travel trailer and RV companies, said FEMA should try to renovate the trailers it already has to accommodate people with disabilities.
“A lot of the trailers FEMA has can be modified to handicapped-accessible at the drop of a dime,” he said.
FEMA said the purchases are tied to a federal lawsuit in New Orleans. Eleven disabled evacuees claim FEMA failed to provide temporary housing that meets their needs.
Last fall, the two sides reached a settlement in which FEMA, while admitting no wrongdoing, agreed to provide suitable housing.
The agreement doesn’t stipulate that FEMA must buy new trailers, only that the agency has to provide handicapped-accessible units, modify existing ones or find alternative housing. The settlement also states that if FEMA purchases new trailers or mobile homes, 10% must be handicapped-accessible.
Monday, February 5, 2007
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to push hurricane evacuees to find permanent housing nearly 18 months after Katrina, the agency is buying several thousand more trailers.
According to The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., FEMA has spent nearly $30 million since July on 2,000 new travel trailers and mobile homes that are handicapped-accessible. The agency is also seeking proposals for another 1,500.
But fewer than half of the 2,000 trailers already delivered were occupied as of last week. Of the 10,000 or so handicapped-accessible travel trailers and mobile homes in FEMA’s inventory, just over half house people, with the rest in storage.
And Georgia-based Lakeside Park Homes, the company supposed to build the 2,000 trailers in a three-contract deal, was awarded two contracts by FEMA after encountering problems fulfilling the first.
Jack Torrance — executive director of the Louisiana Recreational and Used Motor Vehicle Commission — said he has questions about the contracts already awarded as well as about why more trailers are being bought.
The Advocate reported that FEMA’s staging area for trailers in Baton Rouge is proof the agency doesn’t need any more, he said.
“I have no idea why FEMA is buying all of these units now,” he said.
Torrance, whose agency licenses travel trailer and RV companies, said FEMA should try to renovate the trailers it already has to accommodate people with disabilities.
“A lot of the trailers FEMA has can be modified to handicapped-accessible at the drop of a dime,” he said.
FEMA said the purchases are tied to a federal lawsuit in New Orleans. Eleven disabled evacuees claim FEMA failed to provide temporary housing that meets their needs.
Last fall, the two sides reached a settlement in which FEMA, while admitting no wrongdoing, agreed to provide suitable housing.
The agreement doesn’t stipulate that FEMA must buy new trailers, only that the agency has to provide handicapped-accessible units, modify existing ones or find alternative housing. The settlement also states that if FEMA purchases new trailers or mobile homes, 10% must be handicapped-accessible.
NOW WHAT IS FEMA UP TO? (BESIDES WASTING OUR MONEY)
RV Business
Monday, February 5, 2007
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to push hurricane evacuees to find permanent housing nearly 18 months after Katrina, the agency is buying several thousand more trailers.
According to The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., FEMA has spent nearly $30 million since July on 2,000 new travel trailers and mobile homes that are handicapped-accessible. The agency is also seeking proposals for another 1,500.
But fewer than half of the 2,000 trailers already delivered were occupied as of last week. Of the 10,000 or so handicapped-accessible travel trailers and mobile homes in FEMA’s inventory, just over half house people, with the rest in storage.
And Georgia-based Lakeside Park Homes, the company supposed to build the 2,000 trailers in a three-contract deal, was awarded two contracts by FEMA after encountering problems fulfilling the first.
Jack Torrance — executive director of the Louisiana Recreational and Used Motor Vehicle Commission — said he has questions about the contracts already awarded as well as about why more trailers are being bought.
The Advocate reported that FEMA’s staging area for trailers in Baton Rouge is proof the agency doesn’t need any more, he said.
“I have no idea why FEMA is buying all of these units now,” he said.
Torrance, whose agency licenses travel trailer and RV companies, said FEMA should try to renovate the trailers it already has to accommodate people with disabilities.
“A lot of the trailers FEMA has can be modified to handicapped-accessible at the drop of a dime,” he said.
FEMA said the purchases are tied to a federal lawsuit in New Orleans. Eleven disabled evacuees claim FEMA failed to provide temporary housing that meets their needs.
Last fall, the two sides reached a settlement in which FEMA, while admitting no wrongdoing, agreed to provide suitable housing.
The agreement doesn’t stipulate that FEMA must buy new trailers, only that the agency has to provide handicapped-accessible units, modify existing ones or find alternative housing. The settlement also states that if FEMA purchases new trailers or mobile homes, 10% must be handicapped-accessible.
Monday, February 5, 2007
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to push hurricane evacuees to find permanent housing nearly 18 months after Katrina, the agency is buying several thousand more trailers.
According to The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., FEMA has spent nearly $30 million since July on 2,000 new travel trailers and mobile homes that are handicapped-accessible. The agency is also seeking proposals for another 1,500.
But fewer than half of the 2,000 trailers already delivered were occupied as of last week. Of the 10,000 or so handicapped-accessible travel trailers and mobile homes in FEMA’s inventory, just over half house people, with the rest in storage.
And Georgia-based Lakeside Park Homes, the company supposed to build the 2,000 trailers in a three-contract deal, was awarded two contracts by FEMA after encountering problems fulfilling the first.
Jack Torrance — executive director of the Louisiana Recreational and Used Motor Vehicle Commission — said he has questions about the contracts already awarded as well as about why more trailers are being bought.
The Advocate reported that FEMA’s staging area for trailers in Baton Rouge is proof the agency doesn’t need any more, he said.
“I have no idea why FEMA is buying all of these units now,” he said.
Torrance, whose agency licenses travel trailer and RV companies, said FEMA should try to renovate the trailers it already has to accommodate people with disabilities.
“A lot of the trailers FEMA has can be modified to handicapped-accessible at the drop of a dime,” he said.
FEMA said the purchases are tied to a federal lawsuit in New Orleans. Eleven disabled evacuees claim FEMA failed to provide temporary housing that meets their needs.
Last fall, the two sides reached a settlement in which FEMA, while admitting no wrongdoing, agreed to provide suitable housing.
The agreement doesn’t stipulate that FEMA must buy new trailers, only that the agency has to provide handicapped-accessible units, modify existing ones or find alternative housing. The settlement also states that if FEMA purchases new trailers or mobile homes, 10% must be handicapped-accessible.
EVEN THOR'S SALES HAVE SLUMPED
RV Business
Monday, February 5, 2007
Jackson Center Ohio-based Thor Industries Inc. reported a decline in revenues for its fiscal second quarter and six months, in part due to hurricane-related demand in the year prior that inflated shipments.
In a preliminary report, Thor said sales during the quarter, ended Jan. 31, totaled $587 million, down 9% from $642 million the previous year. RV sales declined 14% to $495 million from $572 million in the three-month period.
Thor noted that excluding estimated hurricane related sales of $38 million in the year prior, second-quarter RV revenues were down 7%.
For the six months, sales were $1.3 billion, down 6% from $1.4 billion a year ago. Thor reported a 10% drop in RV revenues to $1.13 billion, again noting that sales were down just 1% excluding hurricane sales.
The company’s RV backlog on Jan. 31 was $338 million, down 32% from $498 million the previous year.
The report was the first issued since Thor announced Jan. 31 that it is conducting an internal audit of its Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc. subsidiary. The company estimated the cumulative issues could reduce net income by about $16 million for the period between fiscal 2004 and the first five months of fiscal 2007.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Jackson Center Ohio-based Thor Industries Inc. reported a decline in revenues for its fiscal second quarter and six months, in part due to hurricane-related demand in the year prior that inflated shipments.
In a preliminary report, Thor said sales during the quarter, ended Jan. 31, totaled $587 million, down 9% from $642 million the previous year. RV sales declined 14% to $495 million from $572 million in the three-month period.
Thor noted that excluding estimated hurricane related sales of $38 million in the year prior, second-quarter RV revenues were down 7%.
For the six months, sales were $1.3 billion, down 6% from $1.4 billion a year ago. Thor reported a 10% drop in RV revenues to $1.13 billion, again noting that sales were down just 1% excluding hurricane sales.
The company’s RV backlog on Jan. 31 was $338 million, down 32% from $498 million the previous year.
The report was the first issued since Thor announced Jan. 31 that it is conducting an internal audit of its Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc. subsidiary. The company estimated the cumulative issues could reduce net income by about $16 million for the period between fiscal 2004 and the first five months of fiscal 2007.
RECALL
Winnebago is recalling 1,491 MY 2003-2006 Minnie, Minnie Winnie, Outlook, Chalet, Itasca Spirit,
and Sundancer motor homes equipped with front overhead televisions. Incorrect fasteners were used
to secure the television. The television may become loose and possibly fall from its position which
has the potential to impact the driver or passengers, resulting in personal injury and/or vehicle and
property damage. Dealers will inspect the vehicle to assure the correct fasteners (bolts) were used
in the television retention strap. The recall is expected to begin on or about December 15, 2006.
06V-456
and Sundancer motor homes equipped with front overhead televisions. Incorrect fasteners were used
to secure the television. The television may become loose and possibly fall from its position which
has the potential to impact the driver or passengers, resulting in personal injury and/or vehicle and
property damage. Dealers will inspect the vehicle to assure the correct fasteners (bolts) were used
in the television retention strap. The recall is expected to begin on or about December 15, 2006.
06V-456
RECALL
NUWA is recalling 1,502 MY 2005-2007 Champagne Edition, Discover America, Premier, and
Custom Camper LS fifth wheel trailers equipped with a Demco glide ride pin box. The welds on the
pin box can break. Broken welds can result in the pin box jamming. Dealers will replace the glide
pin assembly with assemblies made with a longer pin and more robust welds. The recall was
expected to begin during November 2006. 06V-452
Custom Camper LS fifth wheel trailers equipped with a Demco glide ride pin box. The welds on the
pin box can break. Broken welds can result in the pin box jamming. Dealers will replace the glide
pin assembly with assemblies made with a longer pin and more robust welds. The recall was
expected to begin during November 2006. 06V-452
RECALL
Monaco is recalling 23 MY 2007 Dynasty, Executive, Signature, Holiday Rambler Imperial, Beaver
Patriot and Marquis Class A motor homes. The windshield wiper motors are under-fused and the
fuse may fail. If the fuse fails, the windshield wipers will stop functioning which would cause a
decrease of the visibility of the operator and could result in a crash. Dealers will install a new
15 amp auto resetting circuit breaker fuse on the vehicle. The recall was expected to begin during
late November or early December 2006. 06V-450
Patriot and Marquis Class A motor homes. The windshield wiper motors are under-fused and the
fuse may fail. If the fuse fails, the windshield wipers will stop functioning which would cause a
decrease of the visibility of the operator and could result in a crash. Dealers will install a new
15 amp auto resetting circuit breaker fuse on the vehicle. The recall was expected to begin during
late November or early December 2006. 06V-450
RECALL
Thor is recalling 17 MY 2005 Vortex, Viper, Tahoe and Fury cargo/travel trailers.
Improper weight distribution may occur when the back of the travel trailer is loaded with
cargo. Under certain load conditions, the improper weight distribution may cause
handling problems, including but not limited to, potential swaying of the trailer while
being towed on the road. This could ultimately result in a crash involving the travel
trailer and the tow vehicle. Dealers will add the necessary weight at the trailer's A-
frame. The recall began on November 15, 2006. Note: This campaign supersedes a
previous recall (please see 04V242). 06V-466
Improper weight distribution may occur when the back of the travel trailer is loaded with
cargo. Under certain load conditions, the improper weight distribution may cause
handling problems, including but not limited to, potential swaying of the trailer while
being towed on the road. This could ultimately result in a crash involving the travel
trailer and the tow vehicle. Dealers will add the necessary weight at the trailer's A-
frame. The recall began on November 15, 2006. Note: This campaign supersedes a
previous recall (please see 04V242). 06V-466
RECALL
Damon is recalling 2,618 MY 2002-2005 Ultrasport, MY 2006-2007 Astoria, Challenger, Tuscany,
MY 2004-2005 Escaper, LX 400, and 2003-2005 Intruder motor homes for failing to comply with
the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, “Lamps Reflective Devices,
and Associated Equipment." Some of these motor homes were built without the red rear reflex
reflectors and without the amber intermediate side reflex reflectors. During night driving conditions
or while the motor home is parked, the rear and side marker lights will not provide any reflex
reflection to mark the vehicle's location in the dark increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will
provide the owners with a kit containing the missing reflectors and instructions for applying them to
their vehicle. Owners may choose to have their dealer do the repair free of charge. The recall is
expected to begin on or about March 15, 2007. 07V-022
MY 2004-2005 Escaper, LX 400, and 2003-2005 Intruder motor homes for failing to comply with
the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, “Lamps Reflective Devices,
and Associated Equipment." Some of these motor homes were built without the red rear reflex
reflectors and without the amber intermediate side reflex reflectors. During night driving conditions
or while the motor home is parked, the rear and side marker lights will not provide any reflex
reflection to mark the vehicle's location in the dark increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will
provide the owners with a kit containing the missing reflectors and instructions for applying them to
their vehicle. Owners may choose to have their dealer do the repair free of charge. The recall is
expected to begin on or about March 15, 2007. 07V-022
RECALL
Fleetwood is recalling 93 MY 2007 Excursion and Providence motor homes for failing to comply
with Section 6.2.6 "Marking of Alternative Exits," as required by the ANSI/NFPA 1192 standard on
recreational vehicles. The dinette alternate exit/emergency egress window is not identified by an
exit label and red egress latches. This window is used to exit the motor home in an emergency
situation and must be clearly identified. In the event of a crash, a passenger may not know
immediately where the exit/ emergency egress window would be located, increasing the risk of
injury. Dealers will inspect and replace the existing black window latch with a red egress window
latch and apply the "Exit" label to the dinette alternative exit emergency egress window. The recall
is expected to begin on or about February 23, 2007. 07V-019
with Section 6.2.6 "Marking of Alternative Exits," as required by the ANSI/NFPA 1192 standard on
recreational vehicles. The dinette alternate exit/emergency egress window is not identified by an
exit label and red egress latches. This window is used to exit the motor home in an emergency
situation and must be clearly identified. In the event of a crash, a passenger may not know
immediately where the exit/ emergency egress window would be located, increasing the risk of
injury. Dealers will inspect and replace the existing black window latch with a red egress window
latch and apply the "Exit" label to the dinette alternative exit emergency egress window. The recall
is expected to begin on or about February 23, 2007. 07V-019
RECALL
Monaco is recalling 171 MY 2007 Monarch, Cayman, Holiday Rambler Admiral, Neptune, Safari,
Simba, Simba Diesel and Trek gas motor homes. An incorrect screw was used to install the black
and white CRT back-up monitor in the dash. The incorrect screws are 1/4" longer than specified and
may contact a PC board inside the monitor which could potentially hit a high voltage circuit on the
PC board of approximately 10,000-13,000 volts. If the screw makes contact with the high voltage
tracer on the PC board, someone could get an electrical shock if they touch the screw head while the
power is on. Dealers will inspect the back-up monitor to verify the operation of the monitor free of
charge. If the monitor is operating properly, the repair will consist of replacing the incorrect screw
with the specified screw and testing for proper operation. If the monitor is not operating properly on
initial inspection, the monitor will be replaced using the correct screw. The recall began during
December 2006. 06V-016
Simba, Simba Diesel and Trek gas motor homes. An incorrect screw was used to install the black
and white CRT back-up monitor in the dash. The incorrect screws are 1/4" longer than specified and
may contact a PC board inside the monitor which could potentially hit a high voltage circuit on the
PC board of approximately 10,000-13,000 volts. If the screw makes contact with the high voltage
tracer on the PC board, someone could get an electrical shock if they touch the screw head while the
power is on. Dealers will inspect the back-up monitor to verify the operation of the monitor free of
charge. If the monitor is operating properly, the repair will consist of replacing the incorrect screw
with the specified screw and testing for proper operation. If the monitor is not operating properly on
initial inspection, the monitor will be replaced using the correct screw. The recall began during
December 2006. 06V-016
RECALL
Monaco is recalling 2,086 MY 2001-2003 LaPalma, MY 2001-2002 Monarch and 2002-2003
Monarch SE, Holiday Rambler MY 2001-2002 Admiral, MY 2002-2003 Admiral SE, MY 2001-
2002 Endeavor gas and MY 2001-2003 Vacationer Class A motor homes. The frame extension
lower flange may crack allowing the hitch to bend and possibly separate from the motor home. This
could result in separation of the towed vehicle. Dealers will add two additional pieces of angle steel
to the frame extension and hitch mounting point in order to reinforce the frame extension flange free
of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2007. This recall was the subject of a
Preliminary Evaluation, PE06-047, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V-010
Monarch SE, Holiday Rambler MY 2001-2002 Admiral, MY 2002-2003 Admiral SE, MY 2001-
2002 Endeavor gas and MY 2001-2003 Vacationer Class A motor homes. The frame extension
lower flange may crack allowing the hitch to bend and possibly separate from the motor home. This
could result in separation of the towed vehicle. Dealers will add two additional pieces of angle steel
to the frame extension and hitch mounting point in order to reinforce the frame extension flange free
of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2007. This recall was the subject of a
Preliminary Evaluation, PE06-047, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V-010
Monday, February 05, 2007
MONACO AND INTERNATIONAL TO PARTNER UP ON CHASSIS/ENGINE PRODUCTION
WARRENVILLE, IL - International Truck and Engine Corporation (NYSE:NAV) recently announced it has signed a definitive agreement to form a joint venture with Monaco Coach Corporation (NYSE: MNC) to manufacture rear engine diesel chassis.
Under the joint venture agreement, International will own 51 percent and Monaco Coach will own 49 percent of the newly formed company called Custom Chassis Products LLC. Initial plans call for the joint venture to manufacture more than 5,000 diesel chassis in the first year.
The transaction, which will be subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in February. The joint venture will begin production in February, and Monaco Coach Corporation will lease its 210,000 square foot Roadmaster chassis plant, located in Elkhart, Ind. to the joint venture.
Under the joint venture agreement, International will own 51 percent and Monaco Coach will own 49 percent of the newly formed company called Custom Chassis Products LLC. Initial plans call for the joint venture to manufacture more than 5,000 diesel chassis in the first year.
The transaction, which will be subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in February. The joint venture will begin production in February, and Monaco Coach Corporation will lease its 210,000 square foot Roadmaster chassis plant, located in Elkhart, Ind. to the joint venture.
