Thursday, August 23, 2007

 

FEMA, SLOW AS USUAL

RV Business
Thursday, August 23, 2007

Testing of FEMA travel trailers for formaldehyde and other hazards won't begin until September, about the end of the most dangerous stretch of hurricane season.

The Vero Beach Press-Journal reported that a spokesperson for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) responded to questions from Florida congressmen Alcee L. Hastings and Tim Mahone that were posed to FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison. She said the agency still is "developing the parameters" of the travel trailer tests.

"At this time that process is not completed," said Dagny Olivares, a health communications specialist for the Atlanta-based agency. "But I can say it's in its final stages."

A letter sent Wednesday (Aug. 22) by the Democratic congressmen came in response to FEMA’s announcement earlier this summer that it had temporarily suspended using travel trailers as emergency housing. The agency cited possible health problems caused by excessive formaldehyde levels in units sent to the Gulf Coast for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"We applaud FEMA for its decision to protect the health and well-being of current and future disaster victims," the congressmen wrote, "... however, we remain concerned that this decision may result in an immediate shortage of emergency housing."

FEMA officials have said the travel trailers have to be tested for formaldehyde contamination to determine if they can be released for use. Hastings and Mahoney told Paulison they were "interested in learning when air quality testing and research will begin ... and when you expect that testing to be completed."

Olivares said how long the tests will take will depend on several factors, including how many trailers are tested and what they're tested for.

"We'll be looking at broader issues than formaldehyde," she said. "We'll also be looking for such things as mold and other chemicals. It will be a thorough, indoor air quality investigation."

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

 

RECALL

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
PREVOST / H3-41 2006-2007
PREVOST / H3-45 2006-2007
PREVOST / X3-45 2006-2007
PREVOST / XLII-45 2007
PREVOST / XLII-45 COACH 2006
PREVOST / XLII-45 ENTERTAINER 2006-2007
Manufacturer : PREVOST CARS, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V371000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 15, 2007
Component: PARKING BRAKE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 854
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVES, THE INTERNAL RUBBER CHECK VALVE MAY LEAK CAUSING A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKES TO PARK THE VEHICLE AFTER THE OPERATOR PULLS THE DASH VALVE BUTTON.
Consequence:
THIS COULD CAUSE DELAY OR FAILURE IN APPLYING THE PARKING BRAKES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ROLL AWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
PREVOST IS WORKING WITH BENDIX TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES (PLEASE SEE 07E-037). BENDIX WILL INSTALL A CHECK VALVE REPAIR KIT FOR THE AFFECTED SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENDIX AT 1-440-329-9000 OR PREVOST AT 1-418-831-2046.
Notes:
PREVOST RECALL NO. SR07-11. 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:
ITASCA / SUNCRUISER 2008
WINNEBAGO / ADVENTURER 2008
WINNEBAGO / WINNEBAGO 9999
Manufacturer : WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V370000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 17, 2007
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 67
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER MAY FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY.
Consequence:
INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE IMPAIRED VISIBILITY WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW WIPER LINKAGE FROM THE WIPER MOTOR TO THE PIVOT ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 17, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-3535.
Notes:
WINNEBAGO RECALL NO. 106. 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:
NATIONAL RV / PACIFICA 2007-2008
Manufacturer : NATIONAL RV, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V369000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 16, 2007
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 152
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH ATWOOD SEALED BURNER RANGES, THE RANGE AND SLIDE-IN BURNER TUBES LEADING FROM THE GAS MANIFOLD TO THE BURNER HEADS HAD A DEPRESSION OR 'KINK' IN THE EXTERIOR BEND RESTRICTING PROPER AIRFLOW AND GAS MIXTURE.
Consequence:
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
Remedy:
NATIONAL RV IS WORKING WITH ATWOOD TO HAVE THE TUBES REPLACED ON THESE RANGES, THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ATWOOD AT 1-800-348-7418 OR NATIONAL RV AT 1-951-436-3000.
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:
FLEETWOOD / DISCOVERY 2008
FLEETWOOD / EXCURSION 2008
FLEETWOOD / PROVIDENCE 2008
Manufacturer : FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V365000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 14, 2007
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG LINES AND FITTINGS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 41
Summary:
ON CERTAIN 39R MOTOR HOMES, THE PROPANE HOSE, UNDER THE GALLEY SLIDE-OUT ROOM, CAN FLEX AND MAKE CONTACT WITH OTHER COMPONENTS DURING THE SLIDE-OUT ROOM OPERATION.
Consequence:
THIS MAY LEAD TO ABRASION OR KINKING OF THE PROPANE HOSE WHICH MAY RESULT IN A PROPANE GAS LEAK AND THE POTENTIAL FOR AN EXPLOSION AND/OR FIRE.
Remedy:
FLEETWOOD WILL REPLACE THE PROPANE GAS HOSE IF IT IS KINKED OR DAMAGED. IF THE HOSE IS NOT KINKED OR DAMAGED, FLEETWOOD WILL INSTALL INSULATED LOOP CLAMPS TO SECURE THE PROPANE HOSE AWAY FROM COMPONENTS. FLEETWOOD BEGAN CALLING CUSTOMERS ON AUGUST 3, 2007. A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION MAILING WILL BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-322-8216.
Notes:
FLEETWOOD RECALL NO. 70802. 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:
SPARTAN / K2 2006-2008
SPARTAN / K3 2006-2008
SPARTAN / MG 2006-2008
SPARTAN / MM 2006-2008
SPARTAN / NG 2006-2008
SPARTAN / SG 2006-2008
SPARTAN / SU 2006-2008
Manufacturer : SPARTAN CHASSIS, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V363000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 10, 2007
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 3693
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, THERE MAY BE A LOOSE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE BUS BAR AND A GRID PAD DUE TO THE PINS BEING SLIGHTLY SMALLER DIAMETERS AFTER ASSEMBLY. ELECTRICAL POWER MAY BE LOST TO COMPONENTS OF THE MAJOR CHASSIS OPERATING SYSTEMS (ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, STARTING, COOLING) CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN AND/OR NOT BE CAPABLE OF POWERING UP.
Consequence:
EACH VEHICLE COULD POTENTIALLY EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCE WHERE ONE OR A COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS COULD OCCUR: LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, STARTING AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEMS, OPERATION OF THE RIGHT CHASSIS STOP/TURN SIGNAL AND RIGHT TRAILER STOP/TURN SIGNAL, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, AUXILIARY BRAKE SYSTEM, THE HEATER ELEMENTS IN THE AIR DRYER, AND THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THE WATER-IN-FUEL SEPARATOR.
Remedy:
THE DVEC BUSSMANN BOX WILL BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT 1-517-543-6400.
Notes:
SPARTAN RECALL NO. 07025. 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:
NEWMAR / ESSEX 2005
NEWMAR / LONDON AIRE 2005
Manufacturer : NEWMAR CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V351000 Mfr's Report Date : JUL 30, 2007
Component: STEERING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 84
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON SPARTAN CHASSIS, THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY CONTAINS A SPACER WITH INCORRECT DIMENSIONS. A SPACER OF INSUFFICIENT HEIGHT ALLOWS FOR EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE RETURN FUNCTION OF THE RECIRCULATION BALLS AND, AS A CONSEQUENCE, THERE IS A FAILURE IN THE CIRCULATORY FUNCTION OF THESE BALLS.
Consequence:
IF THE FAILURE MODE IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE, THE FINAL RESULT WILL BE INTERRUPTION IN THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE WHEELS OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAN NO LONGER BE STEERED AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
NEWMAR IS WORKING WITH SPARTAN TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT 1-517-543-6400 OR NEWMAR AT 1-574-773-7791.
Notes:
NEWMAR RECALL NO. SPEC 07015. 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, August 21, 2007

 

RECALL

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
NEWMAR / ALL STAR MID-ENGINE 2006-2007
NEWMAR / DUTCH STAR 2006-2007
NEWMAR / KOUNTRY STAR 2006-2007
NEWMAR / VENTANA 2006-2007
Manufacturer : NEWMAR CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V354000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 06, 2007
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 308
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON SPARTAN MM CHASSIS WITH CUMMINS ISL CM850 DIESEL ENGINES, THE CONNECTING ROD CONTAINS A MACHINING DEFECT IN THE WRIST PIN BUSHING OF THE ROD THAT COULD CAUSE A SEIZURE OF THE PISTON PIN.
Consequence:
IF ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THIS CAN LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF THE ROD RUPTURING THE LOCK CAVITY, SPILLING OIL AND DEBRIS ONTO THE ROADWAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
NEWMAR IS WORKING WITH SPARTAN AND CUMMINS TO RECALIBRATE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND ENHANCE THE ENGINE PROTECTION SYSTEM ENABLING IT TO PROVIDE EARLY DETECTION OF THE FAILURE MODE AND AVOID MORE SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE AND RESULTANT SAFETY HAZARD. CUMMINS WILL ALSO INSTALL A NEW VALVE COVER WITH A CRANKCASE PRESSURE SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E033). OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 , SPARTAN AT 517-543-6400, OR NEWMAR AT 1-574-773-7791.
Notes:
NEWMAR RECALL NO. SPEC 07008. 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:
FLEETWOOD / PROWLER 2007
FLEETWOOD / TERRY 2007
FLEETWOOD / WILDERNESS 2007
Manufacturer : FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V352000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 06, 2007
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 56
Summary:
CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE CERTIFICATION AND TIRE INFORMATION LABELS DENOTING THE TIRE PRESSURE IS INCORRECT.
Consequence:
DRIVING WITH UNDER-INFLATED TIRES CAN CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
OWNERS WILL BE SENT CORRECT FEDERAL CERTIFICATION AND TRAILER WEIGHT INFORMATION TAGS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AN OWNER CAN HAVE THESE TAGS INSTALLED AT THEIR DEALERSHIP IF THEY DO NOT WANT TO INSTALL THE TAGS THEMSELVES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-445-3307.
Notes:
FLEETWOOD RECALL NO. 70806. 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.

Monday, August 20, 2007

 

THETFORD ACQUIRES RV SANI-CON SYSTEMS

RV Business
Monday, August 20, 2007

Sanitation and refrigeration product supplier Thetford Corp. has acquired RV Sani-Con Systems, a manufacturer of holding-tank management systems. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

"The acquisition supports our long-term strategies for growth within the recreational-vehicle and marine industries," said Jack Tierney, president and CEO for Ann Arbor. Mich.-based Thetford. "Suppliers and OEMs in both industries are faced with rising costs for materials and labor. Adding new and innovative products that provide value to our customers is just one of the many steps Thetford is taking to maintain profitability and growth in the market."

Thetford said that Lexington, Ky.-based RV Sani-Con, which supplies a wide range of RV manufacturers, produces waste evacuation systems that are compatible with RVs of all types and sizes.

"Thetford's acquisition of RV Sani-Con will open new markets and channels of distribution for our products and provide growth opportunities for Thetford," said Lannie Stegall, RV Sani-Con's owner.

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