RVRESOLVE

Bob Ashley
RV Business
Friday, January 11, 2008

Coachworks Holdings Inc., the new owner of the Blue Bird Wanderlodge nameplate, plans to debut the 45-foot 2009 Wanderlodge Premier XL bus during the Florida RV SuperShow Jan. 16-20 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Industry Day is Tuesday, starting at 11 a.m.

“We hope to have the first deliveries by the first of March,” said Macy Neshati, vice president of sales and marketing for the company that purchased the luxury Wanderlodge motorcoach line last July from school bus manufacturer Blue Bird Corp.

Coachworks' parent company is Complete Coach Works Inc., Riverside, Calif., the nation's largest supplier of remanufactured transportation vehicles, emissions upgrades and wheelchair lift retrofits. Blue Bird Corp. sold its Blue Bird Wanderlodge division to focus on building school buses, its primary product. Also acquired in the sale by Coachworks Holdings was Blue Bird's Express Commuter Coach line of seated buses, which is built on the same chassis.

The all-stainless steel, triple-slide Premier XL, featuring new European-influenced front and rear caps, is built on Coachworks own 53,000-pound GVWR chassis and is equipped with a 600-hp Cummins ISX diesel engine. A 625-hp Caterpillar C15 is available as an option.

Neshati said the Premier XL, with an MSRP of $990,000, can be built with different slideout configurations and that many features that previously had been options are now standard in the new coach, including a washer and dryer, two 40-inch LCD TVs, mosaic tile showers and hand-blown glass bowl bathroom sinks.

“There also is extensive use of marble and granite throughout the coach,” Neshati said. “One of the things that we want to stress is that this is a custom-built coach. Whatever the customer wants us to do, we'll do it.”

Despite conjecture that Coachworks would sell Blue Bird Wanderlodges factory direct, Neshati said that the new coach will be sold though a dealership network that will include Holland Motors outlets in Holland, Mich., and San Diego, Calif., Parliament Coach, Clearwater, Fla., and John Bleakley Motor Homes, Douglasville Ga. “We would love to have more dealers,” Neshati said.

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
TRIPLE E RV / EMPRESS 2004-2008
Manufacturer : TRIPLE E RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V012000 Mfr's Report Date : JAN 04, 2008
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 141
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH ZF MODEL 8018 STEERING GEARS, THESE GEARS MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE INCORRECT RECIRCULATING BALL SPACER. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY ALLOW THE RECIRCULATING BALLS TO ESCAPE FROM THE RECIRCULATING BALL CIRCUIT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING.
Consequence:
THE OPERATOR MAY NOTICE HIGHER REQUIRED STEERING WHEEL INPUTS, OR THE NEED FOR MORE STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE IN COMBINATION WITH METALLIC CRACKING NOISES PRIOR TO A LOSS OF STEERING. LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
TRIPLE E IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND ZF TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07V343 AND 07E049). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR TRIPLE E AT 1-204-325-4361.
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.

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FOUR WINDS / PRESIDIO 360 2008
FOUR WINDS / PRESIDIO 400 2007-2008
Manufacturer : FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V009000 Mfr's Report Date : JAN 04, 2008
Component: STEERING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 35
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH AXLE ALLIANCE COMPANY (AAC) FRONT AXLES, THE FASTENERS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING ARM OR TIE ROD ARMS TO THE SPINDLE MAY BE OVER OR UNDER TIGHTENED.
Consequence:
INCORRECTLY TORQUED STEERING ARM FASTENERS MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy:
FOUR WINDS WILL BE WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR 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.

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
PREVOST / H3-41 2004-2008
PREVOST / H3-45 2004-2008
PREVOST / X3-45 2007-2008
PREVOST / XLII 2004-2006
Manufacturer : PREVOST CARS, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V007000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 21, 2007
Component: EQUIPMENT
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 600
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH ZF/ARENS ASTRONIC SHIFT SELECTORS, A CELL PHONE PLACED IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE SHIFTER TOUCH PAD COULD CAUSE THE DISPLAY TO CHANGE FROM 'R' (REVERSE) TO 'D' (DRIVE) SHOULD THE PHONE RECEIVE A CALL.
Consequence:
THIS INTERFERENCE CAN CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO NOT OPERATE OR CAUSE IMPROPER SHIFTING, AS FORWARD GEAR CAN BE ENGAGED FROM NEUTRAL ONLY, IF THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN STOPPED, AND IF THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN DEPRESSED. IF THE MALFUNCTION OCCURS WHILE 'R' (REVERSE) IS BEING SELECTED, THE SHIFTER MAY POSSIBLY CHANGE TO 'D' (DRIVE), INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
PREVOST WILL MAIL STICKERS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO THEIR OWNERS AND WILL ALSO ARRANGE TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPGRADED. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PREVOST AT 1-418-831-5432.
Notes:
PREVOST RECALL NO. SR07-10. 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.

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
WESTERN / ALPINE 2007
Manufacturer : WESTERN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V005000 Mfr's Report Date : OCT 12, 2008
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 85
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:
WESTERN RV IS WORKING WITH ATWOOD TO HAVE THE TUBES REPLACED ON THESE RANGES (PLEASE SEE 07E030). THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ATWOOD AT 1-800-348-7418 OR WESTERN RV AT 1-509-457-4133.
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.

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
EATON / SYNFLEX ECLIPSE 9999
Manufacturer : EATON CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07E107000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 12, 2007
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 22000
Summary:
CERTAIN EATON SYNFLEX ECLIPSE BRAND EXTRUDED NYLON TUBING OF VARIOUS DIAMETERS DESIGNED FOR USE AS AIR BRAKE HOSES FOR PETERBILT AND KENWORTH VEHICLES. THE TUBING WAS MANUFACTURED WITH ONLY FOUR LAYERS OF EXTRUDED NYLON MATERIAL, INSTEAD OF THE SPECIFIED FIVE LAYERS.
Consequence:
THE DIAMETER OF THE HOSE AFFECTS THE FITTINGS WHICH MAY ALLOW AIR TO LEAK FROM THE BRAKES AND CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY PACCAR AND THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE.
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.

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
HOLIDAY RAMBLER / ARISTA 2007-2008
SAFARI / PASSAGE 2007-2008
Manufacturer : MONACO COACH CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V582000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 06, 2007
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 107
Summary:
ON CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS, THE FRONT RUN PANEL HAS AN EXPOSED TERMINAL POST ON ITS SIDE WHICH ALLOWS THE OIL DIPSTICK TO POTENTIALLY MAKE CONTACT WHEN CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL. THE LOCATION OF THE EXPOSED TERMINAL POST IS UNDER THE FRONT ENGINE ACCESS HOOD.
Consequence:
WHEN THE OIL LEVEL IS CHECKED, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE DIPSTICK TO CONTACT THE EXPOSED WIRE TERMINAL STUD AND IF OTHER END OF THE DIPSTICK IS GROUNDED, THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR A SPARK WHICH COULD CREATE A FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE WIRE FROM THE TERMINAL AND INSTALL BOOT COVERS, THEN REINSTALL THE WIRE AND SLIP COVER OVER THE CONNECTION. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING LATE DECEMBER 2007 OR EARLY JANUARY 2008. 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.

(Jan. 8, 2008) -- The ruling overturns a June decision that said FEMA should continue rental assistance payments to storm victims while they appeal the agency's decisions.
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency can end housing subsidies for many victims of Hurricane Katrina, an appeals court ruled.

Many storm victims now receive help through a different federal agency, and it wasn't clear how many people would be affected by the ruling.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided Friday that storm victims who apply for rental assistance aren't legally entitled to a "continuing stream of payments."

"There is simply no indication that the regulations constrain FEMA's discretion to the point that it is bound to provide assistance to all eligible individuals," Judge Carolyn King wrote on behalf of a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit.

The ruling overturns a June decision that said FEMA should continue rental assistance payments to storm victims while they appeal the agency's decisions. U.S. District Judge Helen Berrigan had issued a preliminary injunction that required FEMA to continue the payments during appeals.

It was unclear whether any storm victims still needed the FEMA aid. About 29,000 residents who had been getting rental assistance from FEMA have been shifted into a program run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said Adam Strochak, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.

"A large portion of our class is getting the assistance they need and deserve," he said. The plaintiffs are weighing their legal options following Friday's ruling, Strochak said.

No Gulf Coast families have been receiving rental assistance from FEMA since the transition to HUD's program took effect Dec. 1, said FEMA spokeswoman Alexandra Kirin, adding that she couldn't comment further on the ruling because it involves pending litigation.

The 5th Circuit blocked the preliminary injunction in July, then vacated the court order Friday. The appeals court also sent the case back to Berrigan last week for further proceedings.

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
SAFARI / SIMBA DIESEL 2007-2008
SAFARI / SIMBA TOYHAULER 2007-2008
Manufacturer : MONACO COACH CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V001000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 17, 2007
Component: TIRES:SIDEWALL
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 113
Summary:
CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES LACK THE REQUIRED JOUNCE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR WHEELS. THE TIRES MAY RUB ON THE FLAT PANELS THAT ENCLOSE THE HOLDING TANKS AREA AND THE SCREWS WHICH SECURE THESE PANELS MAY RUB THE INNER SIDEWALL OF THE REAR DUAL TIRES.
Consequence:
IF THE SCREWS CONTINUE TO RUB THE INNER REAR DUAL TIRE, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THERE COULD EVENTUALLY BE A TIRE FAILURE. A TIRE BLOW OUT COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. IN ADDITION, IF THE VEHICLE IS RUN ON A FLAT TIRE, THIS COULD LEAD TO A POTENTIAL FIRE IN THE WHEEL WELL AREA.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE REAR DUAL TIRES AND CUT OUT AN AREA OF FOAM FROM THE INNER WHEEL WELLS THAT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A PIECE OF ABS PLASTIC FORMED PANEL AND AN ANGLE TO SEAL THE AREA. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MONACO AT 1-800-685-6545.
Notes:
MONACO RECALL NO. R07036. 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.

RV Business
Tuesday, January 8, 2008

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels' appeal for federal storm damage recovery aid to help victims of a tornado that touched down in the Nappanee area on Oct. 18.

The Times-Union, Warsaw, reported that Daniels' appeal came after FEMA denied an initial request to issue a major disaster declaration for Elkhart and Kosciusko counties. The storm leveled operations at RV builder Franklin Coach Co. and damaged numerous facilities at Gulf Stream Coach Inc., one of the small rural city’s largest employers.

A federal disaster declaration for the area would have made it possible for residents and businesses in Elkhart, Kosciusko and Marshall counties to qualify for housing and unemployment assistance and low-interest loans to help them recover from the damage caused by the EF-3 strength storm.

Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson said he was disappointed by FEMA's decision.

"I feel we've been spinning our wheels for about six weeks. We're a little put out with the time it took and how vague the system seems to be," said Thompson.

He said he is unhappy with what he called a vague process through which local communities must work to pursue federal aid. Thompson said there was no indication of what level of damage was needed in order to qualify for aid.

"This was a pretty small storm," Thompson said, "but, on a percentage basis, it was pretty significant to our little area. Apparently, in FEMA's big picture, it just didn't meet their threshold in some areas."

Following FEMA’s decision, state Reps. Jackie Walorski, R-Lakeville, and Bill Friend, R-Macy, announced plans Monday (Jan. 7) to file a bill that would appropriate $660,000 for disaster relief to residents.

The House bill would transfer the money from the state general fund to the state Department of Homeland Security. That money would be deposited in the disaster relief fund for the city of Nappanee.

Local individuals, groups and churches have also donated about $600,000 to a fund to assist victims of the tornado.

Bob Ashley
RV Business
Tuesday, January 8, 2008

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) will hear from representatives of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about formaldehyde testing in trailers used for emergency housing during its annual meeting March 1-3 at the Orchid Hotel, Big Island, Hawaii.

“The results of the testing are due at about that time,” said RVIA President Richard Coon. “We have a commitment from the CDC people to come to the meeting and explain what has been going on.”

Following hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, RV manufacturers and dealers supplied 108,296 travel trailers and emergency living units (ELUs) to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for those families left homeless by the storms. Testing by the CDC, which began last month, was initiated by FEMA under pressure from Congress and after some people living long-term in ELUs – spurred by the Sierra Club – complained of health problems.

The testing was ordered even though there was no federal standard for formaldehyde emissions in RVs, and it's not clear to how the test results would be used. Subsequently, RVIA adopted formaldehyde standards that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development applies to wood products used in manufactured housing, and the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA) later followed suit.

“We are continuing to prepare ourselves for dealing with the formaldehyde issue if it gets out of hand,” Coon said.

With the March gathering, RVIA is returning its annual meeting to a wintertime schedule after holding them in the fall since 2004. The 2007 meeting was an abbreviated transitional session in September in Las Vegas. About 200 people are expected to attend the Hawaii confab.

In a March 1 board meeting in Hawaii, RVIA is expected to decide whether to implement an electronic system patterned after one used by the motorcycle industry that would allow dealers, manufacturers and suppliers to send encrypted information among themselves and streamline handling of warranty claims, among other things.

A task force formed by the Go RVing Coalition's Committee on Excellence is presenting the proposal as the most salient byproduct of its recent push for improved industry quality in both products and service.

“Hopefully, we'll get an idea of what the cost will be and how we will deal with them,” Coon said. “Most people see the value of a system like that. The question is that individually, some will be able to do it and others won't.”

The RVIA board also is expected to receive a staff briefing on the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards recently signed by President Bush requiring auto manufacturers to meet a fleet average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. Pickup and medium-duty trucks used for towing RVs will be the target of a separate set of standards that will be established by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

On March 2, designated “Supplier Appreciation Day,” Lowell Catlett, regent's professor of economics, agriculture and genetic engineering at New Mexico State University, will provide a broad look at the U.S. economy; Jack Uldrich, president of the NanoVeritas Group, will outline RV industry trends; and Morton Kondracke, executive editor of Roll Call newspaper and a Fox News regular, will talk to members about what is going on in the nation's capital.

During the general membership meeting March 3, Coon and RVIA Chairman Carl Pfalzgraf will report on the association's activities for the last year, while Gary LaBella, RVIA's chief marketing officer, and B.J. Thompson, chairman of the RVIA Public Relations Committee, will update members on the RVIA public relations program. LaBella also will join Don Walters, co-chairman of the Go RVing Coalition, to report on the coalition's activities.

While distinguished service and special awards will be presented during the general membership meeting, the three-day session will conclude March 3 with the chairman's receptions and dinner.

(Jan. 7, 2008) -- The Cummins ISX delivers performance through the use of its in-house core technologies, including Cummins advanced electronic controls, patented VG Turbo, high-pressure fuel system, combustion technology and exhaust aftertreatment.
Cummins Engine Co.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - " Cummins Inc. introduced a new, 650-hp diesel engine for luxury motorhomes, the ISX 650, at the RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) show. The ISX 650, with 1950 lb-ft of torque, represents a new level of performance in the premium motorhome market.

The Cummins ISX delivers superior performance through the use of its in-house core technologies, including Cummins advanced electronic controls, patented VG Turbo, high-pressure fuel system, combustion technology and exhaust aftertreatment. The new ISX 650 is fully integrated with the Allison 4000 MH model automatic transmission. The Allison 4000 MH model is rated up to 650 horsepower and 1950 lb-ft of torque. This rating and transmission integration demonstrates the ongoing collaborative efforts between Cummins and Allison Transmission.

According to Mark Conover, Cummins Director, "We've listened to motorhome customers and understand that horsepower and performance are top of mind. The ISX 650 will provide exceptional acceleration, improved ability to climb steep grades, better downhill speed restraint with superior braking horsepower and all-around first-rate performance."