Friday, February 23, 2007

 

RECALL

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
BIGFOOT / B-21 FB 2003-2007
Manufacturer : BIG FOOT INDUSTRIES
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V060000 Mfg's Report Date : FEB 15, 2007
Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 80
Summary:
ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS, THE HITCH TONGUE LOAD MAY BE INSUFFICIENT. WHEN THE TRAILER IS TOWED IN A DRY CONDITION, I.E., NO WATER, LIQUID PROPANE GAS, BATTERY, OR CARGO, IN AN EMPTY STATE, THE TRAILER MAY BEGIN TO SWAY.
Consequence:
THIS MAY OCCUR WITHOUT WARNINGF AND COULD LEAD TO THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE TOW VEHICLE/TRAILER COMBINATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEAVIER STRUCTURAL SECTION IN THE COUPLER AREA AND AN ADD-ON KIT TO SUPPLEMENT THE TONGUE LOAD. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG FOOT AT 1-250-546-2155.
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, February 22, 2007

 

RECALL

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FLEETWOOD / AMERICAN EAGLE 2007
FLEETWOOD / AMERICAN TRADITION 2007
Manufacturer : FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V059000 Mfg's Report Date : FEB 13, 2007
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 133
Summary:
ON CERTAIN AMERICAN EAGLE AND AMERICAN TRADITION CLASS A MOTOR HOMES, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PERMANENTLY MOUNTED. THE MODULE COULD DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE.
Consequence:
THE ANTI-LOCK FEATURE FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM COULD BE LOST.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND PERMANENTLY MOUNT THE ABS MODULE TO THE INSIDE OF THE CHASSIS RAIL. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-509-3418.
Notes:
FLEETWOOD RECALL NO. 70131. 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

ake / Models : Model/Build Years:
KEYSTONE / RAPTOR 2007
Manufacturer : KEYSTONE RV COMPANY
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V049000 Mfg's Report Date : FEB 05, 2007
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 304
Summary:
ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRIC BED LIFT OPTION, A WASHER MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED DURING PRODUCTION.
Consequence:
IF THE WASHER IS MISSING, THE BED PLATFORM MAY BECOME DISPLACED DURING TRANSIT. THIS COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY IF SOMEONE USES THE BED WHEN IT IS PARTIALLY DISPLACED AND DOES NOT NOTICE IT.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ELECTRIC BED LIFT SYSTEM AND INSTALL ANY MISSING WASHERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE RV AT 1-866-425-4369.
Notes:
KEYSTONE RECALL NO. 07-078. CUSTOMERS MAY 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:
FOUR WINDS / MANDALAY 2007
FOUR WINDS / PRESIDIO 2007
Manufacturer : FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V047000 Mfg's Report Date : FEB 08, 2007
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG LINES AND FITTINGS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 26
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES MAY HAVE IMPROPER ROUTING OR SUPPORT OF THE PROPANE (LP) GAS LINE TO THE KITCHEN SLIDE-OUT ROOM.
Consequence:
CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE LP SYSTEM MAY RESULT IN A RUPTURE OF THE GAS LINE CAUSING A GAS LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN FIRE OR AN EXPLOSION.
Remedy:
OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE THE LP SYSTEM UNTIL THEY CAN TAKE THEIR MOTOR HOMES IN TO THE DEALERS FOR REPAIR. DEALERS WILL RECONFIGURE THE LP GAS SYSTEM PIPING TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR BINDING OR KINKING. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MARCH 15, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOUR WINDS AT 1-574-266-1111.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY 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:
COUNTRY COACH / INTRIGUE 2007
Manufacturer : COUNTRY COACH INC
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V037000 Mfg's Report Date : JAN 11, 2007
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 51
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH TUTHILL 1660 INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION HAVE FRONT AIR BRAKE HOSES THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE CHAFFED AND RUBBED BY THE STEER AXLE TIRES OR CHASSIS COMPONENTS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Consequence:
THESE CONDITIONS CAN POTENTIALLY RESULT IN THE LOSS OF BRAKING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE AND SECURE THE BRAKE HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COUNTRY COACH AT 800-547-8015.
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:
HOME AND PARK / ROADTREK 210 2006-2007
Manufacturer : HOME & PARK MOTORHOMES
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V036000 Mfg's Report Date : JAN 31, 2007
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG TANK ASSEMBLY
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 131
Summary:
ON CERTAIN CLASS B MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON CHEVROLET CHASSIS, A BRASS CONNECTOR COUPLING FITTING USED TO CONNECT THE COPPER PIPING FROM THE MOTOR HOME PROPANE STORAGE CONTAINER TO THE BRASS FITTING ASSEMBLY BEHIND THE REFRIGERATOR.
Consequence:
THE CONNECTION CAN LEAK WITH VEHICLE USAGE RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRASS CONNECTOR FITTING AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 20, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HOME AND PARK AT 1-888-762-3873.
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.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

 

NATIONAL RV SELLS THE COUNTRY COACH DIVISION, BOB LEE IS BACK AT COUNTRY COACH

RV Business
Friday, February 16, 2007

National RV Holdings Inc., Perris, Calif., announced late Friday (Feb. 16) that it entered into a binding agreement to sell its Junction City, Ore.-based Country Coach Inc. subsidiary to Country Coach Holdings LLC. The company is owned primarily by Riley Investment Management LLC, headed by Los Angeles investor Byrant Riley who is National RV Holdings' largest shareholder.

According to a press release, the deal calls for a one-time cash payment of $38.75 million and the assumption of approximately $13 million in debt in the form of overdue payables, and is expected to close early next week. National RV Holdings also is parent to National RV Inc., which will continue operations at its Perris headquarters.

In a separate statement, Country Coach announced that Bob Lee, the company’s founder, will return in his role as chairman emeritus. "My heart has always been, and will always be with Country Coach," said Lee, who in November was part of an investment group that purchased Washington state-based Western Recreational Vehicles Inc. "I am pleased to be back home where I began in 1973. We can once again focus solely on the business of making beautiful luxury motorcoaches for our many RVing friends.”

Riley reported that Lee, Country Coach President and CEO Jay Howard and Jim Howard, sales senior vice president, are all “making financial investments in the company, further demonstrating their belief and commitment to the future of Country Coach."

Regarding Friday's deal, Brad Albrechtsen, National RV Holdings CEO noted that the sale brought an end to “a very difficult period and a very public process,” and would enable the company to “clear up our debt and support National RV in its turnaround.”

"We genuinely believe the transaction is in the best interests of both Country Coach and our shareholders,” he said. “The decision stemmed from our inability to provide the capital necessary for both the Country Coach operations and the National RV turnaround. We simply didn't have the resources to fight both battles. It gives Country Coach the opportunities it needs while retaining National RV, and provides an opportunity for growth and value enhancement for our shareholders."

National RV Holdings, which has posted losses in 17 of its last 21 quarters, negotiated in November a sale and leaseback agreement of its real estate at the company’s Perris complex with First Industrial Acquisitions Inc. to generate cash. It has also instituted several cost-cutting measures in the past year to help streamline operations.

The company’s poor performance had created a longstanding rift with Lee, who maintained County Coach remained profitable while the National RV subsidiary struggled. In Friday’s statement, Jay Howard noted that “in a challenging marketplace, where many companies have suffered, Country Coach has just completed its 14th consecutive profitable quarter."

Lee previously partnered with Riley, heading an investment group that tried to purchase National RV Holdings in November 2005 for $92 million, or $6.25 per share, plus the assumption of debt. The board rejected the bid, saying it severely undervalued the company.

Lee quit the National RV Holdings board in August 2006 and then in January sold off his 577,906 shares. There was speculation that Riley had purchased Lee’s shares, but it was never confirmed by National RV Holdings.

As of Friday’s purchase, Riley controlled 1.2 million shares of the company's stock, or 11.4%.

 

A LIST OF RV RECALLS

RV Business
Friday, February 16, 2007

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued recall notices for the following products related to the recreational vehicle industry:

• 166 Crossroads trailers equipped with Lippert axles, due to mislocated spindle welds. Lippert is conducting the recall and will replace the axle if necessary.

• 2,618 (2002-2005) Damon Ultrasport, (2006-2007) Damon Astoria, Challenger, Tuscany, (2004-2005) Escaper, LX 400 and (2003-2005) Intruder motorhomes for failing to comply with the requirements of the of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 involving “Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment.” Some of these vehicles were built without the red rear reflex reflectors and without the amber intermediate side reflex reflectors. During night driving conditions or while the motorhome is parked, the rear and side marker lights will not provide any reflex reflection to mark the vehicle’s location.

• 1,939 (2003-2006) Dutchmen T@B recreational trailers, due to the lack of an installed furnace vent.

• 59 Fleetwood trailers equipped with Lippert axles, due to mislocated spindle welds. Lippert is conducting the recall and will replace the axle if necessary.

• 33 (2006) Fleetwood Prowler Regal, Terry Quantum and Wilderness Advantage fifth-wheel travel trailers for failing to comply with the requirement of Part 567 “Certification.” The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is incorrect. A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading or tire inflation.

• 93 (2007) Fleetwood Excursion and Providence motorhomes, which fail to comply with Section 6.2.6 “Marking of Alternative Exits,” as required by the ANSI/NFPA 1192 standard on recreational vehicles. The window is used as an emergency exit and must be clearly identified.

• 1,271 (2005-2007) Jayco Seneca motorhomes. The distance from the rear cap to the hitch receiver encourages the use of longer ball mounts or extensions, which could create unsafe towing conditions.

• 2,086 (2001-2003) Monaco La Palma, (2001-2002) Monaco Monarch, (2002-2003) Monarch SE, (2001-2002) Holiday Rambler Admiral, (2002-2003) Holiday Rambler Admiral SE, (2001-2002) Endeavor gas and (2001-2003) Vacationer Class A motorhomes. The lower flange in the frame extension of these units may crack, allowing the hitch to bend and possibly separate from the motorhome, resulting in separation with the towed vehicle.

• 171 (2007) Monaco, Cayman, Holiday Rambler Admiral, Neptune, Safari, Simba, Simba Diesel and Trek gasoline powered motorhomes. An incorrect screw was used to install the black and white CRT back-up monitor in the dash and could potentially hit a high-voltage circuit on the PC board of about 10,000 to 13,000 volts.

• 123 (2005-2006) Race City RV ST, HD and HDXL tow trailers. The LED stop, tail, turn and side marker lamp combination package on certain tow trailers fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. The lamps are not separate from the stop-tail-turn lamp combination and are not thick enough to provide the required level of visibility when viewed from the rear as required by the standard.

• 87 (2006) Sunnybrook Titan toy hauler fifth-wheel travel trailers equipped with Great Plains (GPI) fuel pumps. A fuel leak can occur at the pump’s inlet valve, potentially resulting in a fire.

• 117 (2004-2005) Thor Frenzy, Fury, Jazz, Tahoe, Vortex and Wanderer cargo/travel trailers. Overloading and incorrectly positioning cargo in the rear cargo area can result in a light hitch weight and affect stability, resulting in sway at highway speeds, a potential bending of the A-frame assembly, failure of the coupler assembly and/or failure of the safety chains. Dealers will inspect the trailer, tow vehicle and hitch equipment; install new cargo load limit labels and placards; furnish loading limit information; replace the coupler and safety chains; and reinforce the A-frame.

• 17 (2005) Thor Vortex, Viper, Tahoe and Fury cargo/travel trailers. Improper weight distribution may occur when the back of the trailer is loaded with cargo.

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