Friday, February 15, 2008
RECALL: COACH HOUSE (ATWOOD RANGE)
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
COACH HOUSE / PLATINUM 2007-2008
Manufacturer : COACH HOUSE, INC. Mfr's Report Date : JAN 28, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V050000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 29
Summary:
COACH HOUSE IS RECALLING 29 MY 2007-2008 PLATINUM 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:
COACH HOUSE 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 COACH HOUSE AT 1-800-235-0984.
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.
COACH HOUSE / PLATINUM 2007-2008
Manufacturer : COACH HOUSE, INC. Mfr's Report Date : JAN 28, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V050000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 29
Summary:
COACH HOUSE IS RECALLING 29 MY 2007-2008 PLATINUM 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:
COACH HOUSE 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 COACH HOUSE AT 1-800-235-0984.
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 14, 2008
CDC AND FEMA DISCUSS THE TRAILERS
Dave Barbulesco
RV Business
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Representatives from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) met with media Thursday (Feb. 14), outlining results and ensuing procedures following random formaldehyde testing on trailers used in emergency relief for hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
One of the more poignant announcements for the recreational vehicle industry is that FEMA would no longer use travel trailers for emergency housing. Earlier, FEMA had tentatively suspended the use of trailers while also ceasing online sales of used units from the 2005 storms.
“We will not use trailers again,” said FEMA Administrator David Paulison, noting that FEMA had a 20-plus year history of employing trailers in relief efforts. “They are too small and do not work well in these situations. They are not good alternative housing.”
He said that they were looking at using manufactured homes that had been tested and “Katrina Cottages,” a relatively new initiative calling for smaller structures able to sustain 150mph winds.
When questioned about the “manufacturing process,” Paulison said that FEMA was working with the CDC to evaluate units, including “taking apart trailers” that were supplied by OEMs.
Although there is no federal regulation on formaldehyde emissions in travel trailers, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA) last fall adopted a .2 ppm limit on plywood used in trailer construction and .3 ppm for particle board, the same standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for manufactured homes.
Both CDC Director Julie Gerberding and Paulison noted that the duration – some residents had occupied trailers for nearly three years – and the amount of trailers required were unprecedented. Paulison estimated that 144,000 trailers had been distributed to areas along the Gulf Coast, primarily in Louisiana and Mississippi.
In her remarks, Gerberding stressed that there was a “great variability” in testing performed on 519 trailers. She said the majority showed relatively low levels of formaldehyde outgassing, one-third had levels that may affect those more susceptible such as infants, the elderly or people with asthma, and around 5% had “higher levels.” She noted that other factors could “confuse the data,” such as cigarette smoke, cleaning products or other household goods that contain formaldehyde.
Topping the list of priorities was to relocate those residents still in trailers before summer as heat can aggravate fume levels. Paulison said that since November 15,000 families had been moved and that around 38,000 trailers remained occupied. He noted that of those, approximately 30,000 were on private property and were being used while residents rebuilt.
“These people are not in the units as much,” he said. “We estimate the number of trailers on group sites at around 5,000 to 6,000.”
Other steps going forward include going door-to-door to residents in trailers that had been tested and laying out results.
“The government is going to reach out to these people,” Gerberding said. “We will have experts delivering this information. We will also form large community groups to address people not involved in the testing.”
Gerberding indicated that further testing and analysis would follow. “There are still a lot of questions about formaldehyde,” she said.
RV Business
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Representatives from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) met with media Thursday (Feb. 14), outlining results and ensuing procedures following random formaldehyde testing on trailers used in emergency relief for hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
One of the more poignant announcements for the recreational vehicle industry is that FEMA would no longer use travel trailers for emergency housing. Earlier, FEMA had tentatively suspended the use of trailers while also ceasing online sales of used units from the 2005 storms.
“We will not use trailers again,” said FEMA Administrator David Paulison, noting that FEMA had a 20-plus year history of employing trailers in relief efforts. “They are too small and do not work well in these situations. They are not good alternative housing.”
He said that they were looking at using manufactured homes that had been tested and “Katrina Cottages,” a relatively new initiative calling for smaller structures able to sustain 150mph winds.
When questioned about the “manufacturing process,” Paulison said that FEMA was working with the CDC to evaluate units, including “taking apart trailers” that were supplied by OEMs.
Although there is no federal regulation on formaldehyde emissions in travel trailers, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA) last fall adopted a .2 ppm limit on plywood used in trailer construction and .3 ppm for particle board, the same standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for manufactured homes.
Both CDC Director Julie Gerberding and Paulison noted that the duration – some residents had occupied trailers for nearly three years – and the amount of trailers required were unprecedented. Paulison estimated that 144,000 trailers had been distributed to areas along the Gulf Coast, primarily in Louisiana and Mississippi.
In her remarks, Gerberding stressed that there was a “great variability” in testing performed on 519 trailers. She said the majority showed relatively low levels of formaldehyde outgassing, one-third had levels that may affect those more susceptible such as infants, the elderly or people with asthma, and around 5% had “higher levels.” She noted that other factors could “confuse the data,” such as cigarette smoke, cleaning products or other household goods that contain formaldehyde.
Topping the list of priorities was to relocate those residents still in trailers before summer as heat can aggravate fume levels. Paulison said that since November 15,000 families had been moved and that around 38,000 trailers remained occupied. He noted that of those, approximately 30,000 were on private property and were being used while residents rebuilt.
“These people are not in the units as much,” he said. “We estimate the number of trailers on group sites at around 5,000 to 6,000.”
Other steps going forward include going door-to-door to residents in trailers that had been tested and laying out results.
“The government is going to reach out to these people,” Gerberding said. “We will have experts delivering this information. We will also form large community groups to address people not involved in the testing.”
Gerberding indicated that further testing and analysis would follow. “There are still a lot of questions about formaldehyde,” she said.
CDC TEST RESULTS ON FEMA TRAILERS
RV Business
Thursday, February 14, 2008
EDITOR’S NOTE: RV Business Senior Editor Bob Ashley contributed to this report based on an article by the Times-Picayune.
A New Orleans, La., newspaper is reporting that the director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is advising hurricane victims living in travel trailers to move into “safer housing as soon a possible,” although CDC tests completed Jan. 23 for formaldehyde emissions appear mixed.
The report in the Times-Picayune said that levels of formaldehyde emissions in the 520 trailers tested by the CDC averaged .077 parts per million, but ranged from .03 ppm to .59 ppm. More than 120,000 trailers were provided to victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA ordered the tests after some long-term residents of the trailers complained of health problems.
A press conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. today (Feb. 14) to announce the results. The newspaper said it had acquired a summary of the study.
CDC Director Julie Gerberding said that trailer residents should move by summer because heat will increase emissions in the trailers, although she added that CDC does not perceive the trailer-formaldehyde issues to be a “public health emergency.”
The summary said that the completed study found that “in many trailers, mobile homes and park models tested, formaldehyde levels were elevated relative to typical levels of U.S. indoor exposure.”
Ventilation, the age of the trailer and temperature affect the levels of formaldehyde, she said. “When the temperature is warmer, the levels are higher,” Gerberding said.
A summary of the study's conclusions acquired by the Times-Picayune does not elaborate on the precise health risks resulting from temporary or prolonged exposure to formaldehyde, but Gerberding noted that the “really old, the really young and those suffering from asthma” are more susceptible to its effects.
Although there is no federal regulation on formaldehyde emissions in travel trailers, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA) last fall adopted a .2 ppm limit on plywood used in trailer construction and .3 ppm for particle board, the same standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for manufactured homes.
The Times-Picayune said the pungent gas is released by building materials and household items – including paint, draperies and pressed wood products – according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Acute exposure” may result in irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and mucous membranes, said Mike McGeehin, a division director for the National Center for Environmental Health. “Nasal cancer in humans also has been linked to long-term exposure to formaldehyde.”
There can be a skin rash, he said, but that occurs less often than the respiratory problems, he said.
In New Orleans today, representatives of the CDC and FEMA plan to discuss the preliminary test results from trailers and mobile homes in Louisiana and Mississippi. FEMA administrator David Paulison will disclose actions FEMA plans to take based on the CDC findings.
At the request of FEMA, the CDC tested 520 occupied FEMA units from Dec. 21 through Jan. 23.
The study found:
• Average levels of formaldehyde in all units was about .077 ppm – a level higher than U.S. background levels. And that exposure "over time at this level" can affect health. Levels measured ranged from .03 ppm to .59 ppm.
• The levels – measured in the winter and long after residents moved in – likely underrepresent long-term exposures since formaldehyde levels tend to be higher in newer travel trailers and during warmer weather.
• Indoor temperature was a significant factor for formaldehyde levels in this study independent of trailer make or model.
• Formaldehyde levels varied by model – "mobile homes, park homes and travel trailers" – but all types of trailers tested had some high levels.
• At the levels seen in many trailers, health could be affected.
The bottom line is that this "is not the ideal housing for people long-term," Gerberding said.
The CDC recommends public health officials "support the need to move quickly to relocate travel trailer residents before the weather in the region warms up, placing highest priority on those who are symptomatic and/or especially vulnerable.
The CDC also recommends an appropriate follow-up that will require multiagency collaboration – including the CDC, FEMA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development – "to achieve safe, healthy housing for people displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita who continue to live in travel trailers and mobile homes."
Thursday, February 14, 2008
EDITOR’S NOTE: RV Business Senior Editor Bob Ashley contributed to this report based on an article by the Times-Picayune.
A New Orleans, La., newspaper is reporting that the director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is advising hurricane victims living in travel trailers to move into “safer housing as soon a possible,” although CDC tests completed Jan. 23 for formaldehyde emissions appear mixed.
The report in the Times-Picayune said that levels of formaldehyde emissions in the 520 trailers tested by the CDC averaged .077 parts per million, but ranged from .03 ppm to .59 ppm. More than 120,000 trailers were provided to victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA ordered the tests after some long-term residents of the trailers complained of health problems.
A press conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. today (Feb. 14) to announce the results. The newspaper said it had acquired a summary of the study.
CDC Director Julie Gerberding said that trailer residents should move by summer because heat will increase emissions in the trailers, although she added that CDC does not perceive the trailer-formaldehyde issues to be a “public health emergency.”
The summary said that the completed study found that “in many trailers, mobile homes and park models tested, formaldehyde levels were elevated relative to typical levels of U.S. indoor exposure.”
Ventilation, the age of the trailer and temperature affect the levels of formaldehyde, she said. “When the temperature is warmer, the levels are higher,” Gerberding said.
A summary of the study's conclusions acquired by the Times-Picayune does not elaborate on the precise health risks resulting from temporary or prolonged exposure to formaldehyde, but Gerberding noted that the “really old, the really young and those suffering from asthma” are more susceptible to its effects.
Although there is no federal regulation on formaldehyde emissions in travel trailers, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA) last fall adopted a .2 ppm limit on plywood used in trailer construction and .3 ppm for particle board, the same standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for manufactured homes.
The Times-Picayune said the pungent gas is released by building materials and household items – including paint, draperies and pressed wood products – according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Acute exposure” may result in irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and mucous membranes, said Mike McGeehin, a division director for the National Center for Environmental Health. “Nasal cancer in humans also has been linked to long-term exposure to formaldehyde.”
There can be a skin rash, he said, but that occurs less often than the respiratory problems, he said.
In New Orleans today, representatives of the CDC and FEMA plan to discuss the preliminary test results from trailers and mobile homes in Louisiana and Mississippi. FEMA administrator David Paulison will disclose actions FEMA plans to take based on the CDC findings.
At the request of FEMA, the CDC tested 520 occupied FEMA units from Dec. 21 through Jan. 23.
The study found:
• Average levels of formaldehyde in all units was about .077 ppm – a level higher than U.S. background levels. And that exposure "over time at this level" can affect health. Levels measured ranged from .03 ppm to .59 ppm.
• The levels – measured in the winter and long after residents moved in – likely underrepresent long-term exposures since formaldehyde levels tend to be higher in newer travel trailers and during warmer weather.
• Indoor temperature was a significant factor for formaldehyde levels in this study independent of trailer make or model.
• Formaldehyde levels varied by model – "mobile homes, park homes and travel trailers" – but all types of trailers tested had some high levels.
• At the levels seen in many trailers, health could be affected.
The bottom line is that this "is not the ideal housing for people long-term," Gerberding said.
The CDC recommends public health officials "support the need to move quickly to relocate travel trailer residents before the weather in the region warms up, placing highest priority on those who are symptomatic and/or especially vulnerable.
The CDC also recommends an appropriate follow-up that will require multiagency collaboration – including the CDC, FEMA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development – "to achieve safe, healthy housing for people displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita who continue to live in travel trailers and mobile homes."
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
WINNEBAGO IS 50 YEARS OLD
OREST CITY, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO - News), a leading United States motor home manufacturer, celebrated its 50th anniversary by ringing the closing bell on the New York Stock Exchange today. Key executives were on hand to commemorate this special occasion. Winnebago Industries was incorporated on February 12, 1958.
Source: Winnebago Industries, Inc.
From small beginnings, Winnebago Industries has grown into an RV giant. With just 15 employees and a dream of bringing recreation vehicles to the American people, the Company’s founder, John K. Hanson, turned Winnebago Industries into an American icon. The Company started making travel trailers in 1958. Eight years later in 1966, the first self-contained motor home rolled off the assembly line. Today, Winnebago Industries builds approximately 10,000 motor homes a year. Recently, the Company celebrated the production of its 400,000th motor home.
“Today is a very special day for our Company,” said Winnebago Industries’ Chairman of the Board and CEO Bruce Hertzke. “Fifty years ago today, the most recognized name in motor homes was born. We are extremely proud of our Company, products, dealers and most importantly the people that have made this Company what it is today. We look forward to the next 50 years with promise and the pledge to continue to bring innovative motor homes to the American people.”
About Winnebago Industries, Inc.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading U.S. manufacturer of motor homes which are self-contained recreation vehicles used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company builds quality motor homes under the Winnebago, Itasca and ERA brand names with state-of-the-art computer-aided design and manufacturing systems on automotive-styled assembly lines. The Company's common stock is listed on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges and traded under the symbol WGO. Options for the Company's common stock are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange.
Source: Winnebago Industries, Inc.
From small beginnings, Winnebago Industries has grown into an RV giant. With just 15 employees and a dream of bringing recreation vehicles to the American people, the Company’s founder, John K. Hanson, turned Winnebago Industries into an American icon. The Company started making travel trailers in 1958. Eight years later in 1966, the first self-contained motor home rolled off the assembly line. Today, Winnebago Industries builds approximately 10,000 motor homes a year. Recently, the Company celebrated the production of its 400,000th motor home.
“Today is a very special day for our Company,” said Winnebago Industries’ Chairman of the Board and CEO Bruce Hertzke. “Fifty years ago today, the most recognized name in motor homes was born. We are extremely proud of our Company, products, dealers and most importantly the people that have made this Company what it is today. We look forward to the next 50 years with promise and the pledge to continue to bring innovative motor homes to the American people.”
About Winnebago Industries, Inc.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading U.S. manufacturer of motor homes which are self-contained recreation vehicles used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company builds quality motor homes under the Winnebago, Itasca and ERA brand names with state-of-the-art computer-aided design and manufacturing systems on automotive-styled assembly lines. The Company's common stock is listed on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges and traded under the symbol WGO. Options for the Company's common stock are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
RECALL: KING OF THE ROAD (FREIGHTLINER STEERING)
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
GENESIS / G40QG 2005-2007
GENESIS / G40QH 2006-2007
GENESIS / G40QI 2007
GENESIS / G40TF 2006-2007
Manufacturer : KING OF THE ROAD Mfr's Report Date : JAN 31, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V060000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 20
Summary:
KING OF THE ROAD IS RECALLING 20 MY 2005-2007 GENESIS G40QG, MY 2006-2007 G40QH, G40TF, AND MY 2007 G40QI MOTOR HOMES 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 RECIRCULATION BALLS TO ESCAPE FROM THE RECIRCULATION 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:
KING OF THE ROAD IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND ZF TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR (PLEASE SEE 07V343 AND 07E049). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR KING OF THE ROAD AT 1-308-389-7200.
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.
GENESIS / G40QG 2005-2007
GENESIS / G40QH 2006-2007
GENESIS / G40QI 2007
GENESIS / G40TF 2006-2007
Manufacturer : KING OF THE ROAD Mfr's Report Date : JAN 31, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V060000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 20
Summary:
KING OF THE ROAD IS RECALLING 20 MY 2005-2007 GENESIS G40QG, MY 2006-2007 G40QH, G40TF, AND MY 2007 G40QI MOTOR HOMES 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 RECIRCULATION BALLS TO ESCAPE FROM THE RECIRCULATION 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:
KING OF THE ROAD IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND ZF TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR (PLEASE SEE 07V343 AND 07E049). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR KING OF THE ROAD AT 1-308-389-7200.
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.
