Friday, October 19, 2007

 

TORNADO GOES THRU NAPPANEE INDIANA

RV Business
Friday, October 19, 2007

A tornado packing winds of 160 mph Thursday night (Oct. 18) swept across a portion of northern Indiana, damaging hundreds of businesses and homes, including Nappanee-based Gulf Stream Coach Inc., Fairmount Homes and Franklin Coach Co. Inc., according to the Associated Press.

The storm also sent five people from Nappanee to hospitals with what police said were minor injuries.

Nappanee officials declared a state of emergency, asking people in the city about 20 miles southeast of South Bend to stay indoors and all businesses to stay closed Friday.

The storm damaged 200 to 250 buildings, state police Sgt. Tony Slocum said. Of those, 100 to 150 were destroyed or severely damaged, he said.

The storm also wrecked parts of three recreation vehicle and manufactured housing plants — Fairmont Homes, Gulf Stream and Franklin Coach — that are among the city's largest employers.

The storm ripped the roof from a Gulf Stream Coach factory on the city's east side and flipped over dozens of recreational vehicles parked outside.

"Those units are just everywhere," Mayor Larry Thompson said. "Upside down, piled on top of each other. There is a lot of damage.

"We just have a lot of people hugging each other and thanking God that we're alive."

Gulf Stream Coach sustained "pretty hefty" damage and Franklin Coach Co. looked to be destroyed as company officials examined the scenes Friday morning, according to the Elkhart Truth.

"I have not even absorbed it yet," Franklin plant manager David Mekley said while standing in a field of rubble.

Managers and supervisors from Gulf Stream were scheduled to meet Friday to discuss the devastation.

"We definitely took a hit," said Gulf Stream spokesman Dean Crane.

However, the RV maker did not report any injuries.

"Everyone is still walking and breathing," Crane said.

"The tornado went across the east end of town about two miles from our factory,'" John Sammut, Newmar Corp. vice president of sales, told RV Business. "Our buildings are intact and none of our inventory was damaged."

In accordance with the emergency declaration, Newmar's offices were closed for the day.

Per Nappanee Police, U.S. 6 from S.R. 15 to S.R. 19 was closed because of downed power lines and massive amounts of debris, and S.R. 19 was closed from C.R. 46 to 1350 North in Kosciusko County. Northern Indiana Public Service Co. estimated more than 4,000 homes are without power and it may be several days before all power is restored, according to police.

All businesses in Nappanee were asked to stay closed today.

"Many people are waking up this morning and have no idea what happened last night. They don't have electricity, they won't have water, and most roads are closed," said Sgt. Trent Smith, Indiana State Police public information officer.

Resident Bill Anglin said that when he heard the tornado siren Thursday night, he was at one end of his house, his wife at the other and they ran to the center.

"As we met in the middle of the house, the house came down on us. A chair held the ceiling up enough that we crawled out from under it and we walked out to this," he said pointing to the damaged neighborhood. "When we came out the front door, the rain was just sideways blowing across."

The storm blew the roof off Nathan Brokholder's home onto Indiana 19. The back wall was knocked down, but most of the interior walls were still standing.

Groceries were strewn on his lawn, which was filled with downed trees, and his pole barn was destroyed.

Brokholder said he and his wife were still upstairs, trying to make it to the basement when the storm hit about 10:30 p.m.

"You can't describe" the sound, he said. "It's one of the most powerful things I've ever heard. Look around, almost everything is gone."

A National Weather Service survey team on Friday confirmed a tornado caused damage in the Nappanee area of southern Elkhart County.

No other major storm damage was reported elsewhere in northern Indiana, said Michael Sabones, meteorologist-in-charge of the weather service's office in Syracuse.

The same storm system caused scattered damage elsewhere in Indiana and tornadoes touched down in Kentucky and Michigan.

 

RECALL

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
STARCRAFT / FOLDING CAMPING TRAILER 2007-2008
Manufacturer : STARCRAFT RV, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V485000 Mfr's Report Date : OCT 10, 2007
Component: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:WINCH
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1014
Summary:
ON CERTAIN FOLDING CAMPING TRAILERS (FCT) EQUIPPED WITH A POWER WINCH UNIT, MODEL P55000, BUILT BY CAREFREE OF COLORADO, AN INCORRECT MATERIAL WAS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE CABLE SHAFTS ON SOME OF THESE POWER WINCH UNITS. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WHILE THE FOLDING CAMPING TRAILER TOP IS BEING LIFTED, IF THE WINCH IS PLACED INTO A STALL CONDITION, THE CABLE SHAFT MAY BREAK PRIOR TO THE FUSE OR CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIPPING.
Consequence:
SHOULD THE CABLE SHAFT BREAK, THE FCT TOP COULD THEN FREE-FALL INTO THE LOWER POSITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CABLE SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT STARCRAFT AT 260-593-2550.
Notes:
STARCRAFT RECALL NO. 4582. 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:
VIKING / SPORT 2008
Manufacturer : VIKING RV, LLC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V484000 Mfr's Report Date : OCT 15, 2007
Component: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:WINCH
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 27
Summary:
ON CERTAIN FOLDING CAMPING TRAILERS (FCT) EQUIPPED WITH A POWERWINCH UNIT, MODEL P55000, BUILT BY CAREFREE OF COLORADO AND ADDITIONAL AFTERMARKET OR DEALER INSTALLED POWERWINCH UNITS, AN INCORRECT MATERIAL WAS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE CABLE SHAFTS ON SOME OF THESE POWERWINCH UNITS. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WHILE THE FOLDING CAMPING TRAILER TOP IS BEING LIFTED, IF THE WINCH IS PLACED INTO A STALL CONDITION, THE CABLE SHAFT MAY BREAK PRIOR TO THE FUSE OR CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIPPING.
Consequence:
SHOULD THE CABLE SHAFT BREAK, THE FCT TOP COULD THEN FREE-FALL INTO THE LOWER POSITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.
Remedy:
VIKING DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE WINCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VIKING AT 1-269-467-6321.
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:
COACHMEN / AURORA 2006
Manufacturer : COACHMEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V483000 Mfr's Report Date : OCT 12, 2007
Component: TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 193
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY MOUNTED UNDER THE REAR OF THE UNIT IS THE INCORRECT MODEL TO PROPERLY SUPPORT THE SPARE TIRE.
Consequence:
AS A RESULT, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE SPARE TIRE TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE CARRIER ASSEMBLY AND FALL TO THE ROAD SURFACE. SHOULD THE SPARE TIRE DETACH ITSELF FROM THE CARRIER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, A CRASH MAY RESULT.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT SPARE TIRE SYSTEM AND ALSO A SECONDARY MECHANICAL BACK-UP LATCH. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COACHMEN AT 1-800-453-6064.
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:
MONACO COACH / SIGNATURE 2006-2008
Manufacturer : MONACO COACH CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V481000 Mfr's Report Date : OCT 10, 2007
Component: SEATS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 53
Summary:
CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH DRIVER SEATS BUILT BY VILLA INTERNATIONAL FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." THE LOWER SLIDE RAILS OF THE AIR SUSPENSION CAN FAIL.
Consequence:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, SEPARATION OF THE SEAT FROM THE SEAT PEDESTAL MAY LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy:
MONACO IS WORKING WITH VILLA TO INSTALL TWO REINFORCEMENT TETHERS BETWEEN THE FRONT OF THE SEAT PEDESTAL AND THE TOP OF THE AIR SUSPENSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MONACO AT 1-800-685-6545.
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:
KEYSTONE / PASSPORT 2007
KEYSTONE / FREEDOM LITE 2008
Manufacturer : KEYSTONE RV COMPANY
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V480000 Mfr's Report Date : OCT 01, 2007
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 983
Summary:
ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS, THE LP SUPPLY HOSE FOR THE OUTSIDE RANGE IS CONNECTED TOO CLOSE TO THE RANGE. IN CERTAIN WINDY CONDITIONS, THE HEAT FROM THE RANGE BURNER MAY CAUSE THE HOSE TO MELT.
Consequence:
THIS RESULTS IN AN INCREASED RISK OF FIRE, PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COPPER LP TUBING THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE OUTSIDE RANGE WITH ONE OF THE CORRECT LENGTH. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE RV AT 1-866-425-4369.
Notes:
KEYSTONE RECALL NO. 07-093. 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, October 18, 2007

 

NATIONAL RV KEEPS GETTING SMALLER

RV Business
Tuesday, October 16, 2007

National RV Holdings Inc. today (Oct. 16) announced that it will list its common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board.

The announcement came in response to notification from the NYSE Regulation that it intends to remove National RV Holdings’ listing on the Arca index prior to the opening of trading on Oct. 24.

The Perris, Calif,-based company, parent to motorhome builder National RV Inc., was informed Sept. 20 that it had failed to meet compliance standards, falling below the $1 per share minimum for over 30 consecutive days.

"At this point, we are just too small to continue our listing on the NYSE, which is increasing its listing maintenance standards," commented Dave Humphreys, National RV Holdings CEO. "We are confident that our common stock will be listed for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board with no interruption in trading.

“This will have no impact on our business and the OTC Bulletin Board has become the trading venue of many public companies."

The OTC Bulletin Board is a regulated service that displays real-time quotes, last-sale prices and volume information in over-the-counter equity securities. It provides access to more than 3,300 securities and includes more than 230 participating market makers.

 

FEMA IS SPENDING MORE OF YOUR MONEY AGAIN!

RV Business
Thursday, October 18, 2007

Eager to reduce housing aid to the more than 95,000 households still displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, FEMA announced a program yesterday offering up to $4,000 for relocation expenses for families or individuals who return home or find permanent housing elsewhere by the end of February.

According to a New York Times article, the offer is directed at the nearly 30,000 households receiving rental subsidies from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as the more than 65,000 living rent-free in FEMA trailers and the larger mobile home models.

The survivors are far-flung, with "Katrina/Rita households" listed by FEMA in every state except North Dakota. Texas had 13,632; Georgia, 880; Tennessee, 875; Arkansas, 800; and California, 160.

Applicants for the reimbursements need to be already registered and receiving disaster assistance for damaged housing in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi or Texas. They may not have already received more than the current total assistance cap of $26,200. And they may not have received any other relocation aid.

"It's a justification to get out of travel trailers, back into a more normal life to where they are self-sustaining," said Mary Margaret Walker, a spokeswoman for the agency in Washington.

As of Sept. 25, Walker said, 95,439 households were receiving housing aid from the 2005 storms, including 29,798 receiving rent subsidies and the remainder living in FEMA trailers and the larger mobile homes.

All had been moved out of hotels and motels, but 83 survivors with complaints about the air quality in the trailers are temporarily in hotels and motels, Walker said.

To obtain the relocation money, those in trailers and the other mobile homes would need to move into FEMA-financed or private housing anywhere in the continental United States.

Recipients of agency rent subsidies would have to move to nonsubsidized permanent housing at least 50 miles from their current locations.

People living anywhere now without agency aid would need to relocate to permanent housing in the storm-damaged state that they fled, but at least 50 miles away if they have already returned home.

Relocation costs eligible for reimbursement, the agency said, are air, bus or train fares, rental vehicles, furniture movers and gasoline, as well as lodging expenses if the move is more than 400 miles. Transportation costs for boats, recreational vehicles and other large luxury items are not covered, the agency said.

On Dec. 1, FEMA is to turn over its housing subsidies to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

If the relocation payments are a carrot, the government also has a stick. Beginning in March, the Disaster Housing Assistance Program will reduce rental aid by $50 a month "with the goal of leading families closer to complete housing independence," meaning an eventual aid cutoff.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

 

RECALL

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FORETRAVEL / PHENIX 2007-2008
Manufacturer : FORETRAVEL, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V476000 Mfr's Report Date : OCT 09, 2007
Component: SEATS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 13
Summary:
ON CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, THE LOWER SLIDE RAILS OF THE DRIVER SEAT AIR SUSPENSION CAN FAIL.
Consequence:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, SEPARATION OF THE SEAT FROM THE SEAT PEDESTAL MAY LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO REINFORCEMENT TETHERS BETWEEN THE FRONT OF THE SEAT PEDESTAL AND THE TOP OF THE AIR SUSPENSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORETRAVEL AT 936-564-8367.
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.

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