Thursday, November 15, 2007
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
GULF STREAM / INDEPENDENCE 2006-2007
GULF STREAM / SUN SPORT 2006-2007
GULF STREAM / SUN VOYAGER 2006-2007
GULF STREAM / SUN VOYAGER SE 2006-2007
Manufacturer : GULF STREAM COACH, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V522000 Mfr's Report Date : JUN 19, 2006
Component: STEERING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 139
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON WORKHORSE CHASSIS MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH INCORRECT STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS. THE SPLINE CAN STRIP WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEING TURNED.
Consequence:
THIS STEERING CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
WORKHORSE IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06V148). THEY WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-294-6773 OR GULF STREAM AT 1-574-773-7761.
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.
GULF STREAM / INDEPENDENCE 2006-2007
GULF STREAM / SUN SPORT 2006-2007
GULF STREAM / SUN VOYAGER 2006-2007
GULF STREAM / SUN VOYAGER SE 2006-2007
Manufacturer : GULF STREAM COACH, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V522000 Mfr's Report Date : JUN 19, 2006
Component: STEERING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 139
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON WORKHORSE CHASSIS MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH INCORRECT STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS. THE SPLINE CAN STRIP WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEING TURNED.
Consequence:
THIS STEERING CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
WORKHORSE IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06V148). THEY WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-294-6773 OR GULF STREAM AT 1-574-773-7761.
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.
Monday, November 12, 2007
FEMA IS TELL IT'S OWN EMPLOYEES TO STAY OUT OF THE TRAILERS!
Travel trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as temporary homes for Hurricane Katrina victims are emitting far more toxic formaldehyde than previously thought. Recently revealed air quality test results indicate that as many as 95% of occupied FEMA trailers used by Gulf Coast hurricane victims contain twice the level of formaldehyde fumes considered safe by the Centers for Disease Control. What’s more, the same air quality testing also found unsafe levels of formaldehyde in FEMA mobile homes, which were once thought to be a safe alternative to the toxic FEMA trailers.
According to a report posted on MSNBC.com, the Sierra Club conducted independent tests on 600 FEMA trailers and mobile homes being used along the Gulf Coast. In some extreme cases, formaldehyde levels in the structures were 70 times higher than what is considered safe. Of the FEMA trailers and mobile homes tested by the Sierra Club, only 23 had formaldehyde levels that “were at less than twice the acceptable long-term exposure limit” of 0.008 ppm, and only 9 where below that standard. The majority of the FEMA trailers had levels of .56 ppm, while the formaldehyde detected in mobile homes was also above the threshold, in some cases as high as 0.1 ppm.
Formaldehyde is an invisible gas that is known to cause cancer. It can also cause other illnesses ranging from nose bleeds to chronic bronchitis. The chemical was used as glue in the FEMA trailers and mobile homes. At least two deaths of FEMA trailer residents have been linked to formaldehyde exposure.
The mobile homes, which are larger and are meant for long-term use, where considered safer than the FEMA trailers. In fact, FEMA recently decided to stop using the toxic trailers and is in the process of relocating some trailer occupants over formaldehyde concerns. But FEMA is still using the mobile homes, and had provided some to victims of the California wildfires. The FEMA mobile homes are subject to standards set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and a Sierra Club spokesperson told MSNBC that the results of the air quality tests indicate that mobile home manufacturers did not adhere to those standards as they rushed to meet the demand for temporary housing brought on by Hurricane Katrina.
For its part, FEMA has delayed air quality tests on the toxic trailers that were supposed to have begun this month. What’s worse, the agency has told employees to stay out of stored trailers because the air is too dangerous, even as thousands of people on the Gulf Coast remain in the toxic FEMA trailers. Of course, FEMA has never seemed overly concerned about the health of those living in its toxic trailers. E-mails uncovered earlier this year during a congressional investigation into the trailers showed that FEMA lawyers told the agency to drag its feet on air quality testing. One FEMA lawyer advised the agency “do not initiate any testing until we give the OK. . . Once you get the results and should they indicate a problem, the clock is running on our duty to respond to them”. FEMA’s Office of General Council also advised the agency not to test the trailers because doing so “would imply FEMA’s ownership of the issue”.
Hundreds of toxic FEMA trailer residents have already filed lawsuits against trailer manufacturers for the injuries they sustained due to formaldehyde exposure. The revelation that residents of FEMA mobile homes could also be facing the same health risks will do little to restore confidence in an agency that even now, continues to abandon the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
According to a report posted on MSNBC.com, the Sierra Club conducted independent tests on 600 FEMA trailers and mobile homes being used along the Gulf Coast. In some extreme cases, formaldehyde levels in the structures were 70 times higher than what is considered safe. Of the FEMA trailers and mobile homes tested by the Sierra Club, only 23 had formaldehyde levels that “were at less than twice the acceptable long-term exposure limit” of 0.008 ppm, and only 9 where below that standard. The majority of the FEMA trailers had levels of .56 ppm, while the formaldehyde detected in mobile homes was also above the threshold, in some cases as high as 0.1 ppm.
Formaldehyde is an invisible gas that is known to cause cancer. It can also cause other illnesses ranging from nose bleeds to chronic bronchitis. The chemical was used as glue in the FEMA trailers and mobile homes. At least two deaths of FEMA trailer residents have been linked to formaldehyde exposure.
The mobile homes, which are larger and are meant for long-term use, where considered safer than the FEMA trailers. In fact, FEMA recently decided to stop using the toxic trailers and is in the process of relocating some trailer occupants over formaldehyde concerns. But FEMA is still using the mobile homes, and had provided some to victims of the California wildfires. The FEMA mobile homes are subject to standards set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and a Sierra Club spokesperson told MSNBC that the results of the air quality tests indicate that mobile home manufacturers did not adhere to those standards as they rushed to meet the demand for temporary housing brought on by Hurricane Katrina.
For its part, FEMA has delayed air quality tests on the toxic trailers that were supposed to have begun this month. What’s worse, the agency has told employees to stay out of stored trailers because the air is too dangerous, even as thousands of people on the Gulf Coast remain in the toxic FEMA trailers. Of course, FEMA has never seemed overly concerned about the health of those living in its toxic trailers. E-mails uncovered earlier this year during a congressional investigation into the trailers showed that FEMA lawyers told the agency to drag its feet on air quality testing. One FEMA lawyer advised the agency “do not initiate any testing until we give the OK. . . Once you get the results and should they indicate a problem, the clock is running on our duty to respond to them”. FEMA’s Office of General Council also advised the agency not to test the trailers because doing so “would imply FEMA’s ownership of the issue”.
Hundreds of toxic FEMA trailer residents have already filed lawsuits against trailer manufacturers for the injuries they sustained due to formaldehyde exposure. The revelation that residents of FEMA mobile homes could also be facing the same health risks will do little to restore confidence in an agency that even now, continues to abandon the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
A STEP TOWARDS BETTER QUALITY CONTROL
RV NEWS
Once again Coachmen RV Group has invested in a new top-of–the-line laser system for aligning motorhome chassis (all wheels) after the motorhome is manufactured.
The advanced 811 System from Hunter Engineering Co. ensures that all Class A coaches manufactured by Coachmen®, Georgie Boy™ and Sportscoach® have all wheels laser aligned to the chassis manufacturer's specifications prior to shipment. This investment is part of Coachmen RV Group’s ongoing commitment to provide best-in-class quality and safety for its products to drive increased consumer enjoyment and confidence.
When using the Hunter 811 system, the technician simply selects from the computer program the type of chassis on which the coach is built. The computer then displays step-by-step instructions for sensor placement, measurement and alignment for all wheels.
The computer screen displays color-coded camber, toe and thrust angle measurements after compensation. Green means the adjustment is within OEM specifications; yellow, that it's marginally within; and red, that it is out of alignment. As the technician makes the adjustment, an arrow moves across the bar graph on the display. When the adjustment comes within specification, the bar graph changes from red to green.
Technicians will place a printout of the alignment results in each coach before it is shipped so that both dealer and consumer will know their new motorhome is aligned to the chassis manufacturer specifications.
In addition, Coachmen also weighs every motorhome it manufactures prior to shipping. Each axle and wheel is weighed on computer scales to assure that each and every unit manufactured complies with the chassis manufacturer weight ratings. A detailed weight sheet, specific to that motorhome, is included with each motorhome Coachmen manufactures.
Once again Coachmen RV Group has invested in a new top-of–the-line laser system for aligning motorhome chassis (all wheels) after the motorhome is manufactured.
The advanced 811 System from Hunter Engineering Co. ensures that all Class A coaches manufactured by Coachmen®, Georgie Boy™ and Sportscoach® have all wheels laser aligned to the chassis manufacturer's specifications prior to shipment. This investment is part of Coachmen RV Group’s ongoing commitment to provide best-in-class quality and safety for its products to drive increased consumer enjoyment and confidence.
When using the Hunter 811 system, the technician simply selects from the computer program the type of chassis on which the coach is built. The computer then displays step-by-step instructions for sensor placement, measurement and alignment for all wheels.
The computer screen displays color-coded camber, toe and thrust angle measurements after compensation. Green means the adjustment is within OEM specifications; yellow, that it's marginally within; and red, that it is out of alignment. As the technician makes the adjustment, an arrow moves across the bar graph on the display. When the adjustment comes within specification, the bar graph changes from red to green.
Technicians will place a printout of the alignment results in each coach before it is shipped so that both dealer and consumer will know their new motorhome is aligned to the chassis manufacturer specifications.
In addition, Coachmen also weighs every motorhome it manufactures prior to shipping. Each axle and wheel is weighed on computer scales to assure that each and every unit manufactured complies with the chassis manufacturer weight ratings. A detailed weight sheet, specific to that motorhome, is included with each motorhome Coachmen manufactures.
