Thursday, May 08, 2008

 

WHAT ABOUT THE PROPERTY ALFA LEISURE BOUGHT IN OREGON?

RV Business
Thursday, May 8, 2008

Oregon’s Douglas County is trying to figure out what their options are with a chunk of land in in TriCity, after RV manufacturer Alfa Leisure Inc. suddenly closed down its operations in Ontario, Calif.

Alfa Leisure bought the 30-plus acres of land in southern Douglas County with plans to put their entire operation there, according to a report by KPIC. County officials got the word this week that the company had ceased operations.

Helga Conrad, the Umpqua Economic Development director, said they were stunned when they heard the news.

"I was totally surprised and tried calling the owner of the company and he has not returned my calls,” said Conrad. “Unfortunately, the RV industry is really taking a big hit these days so I think this is just a casualty in the RV industry. I don't know what their future plans are. We have not had a discussion so its premature to say anything about the company at this time."

Conrad said the land is a significant parcel that is highly desirable as an industrial site.

"I would imagine that if they don't have any plans, that they will release the land,” she said. “There's only been two payments. If they think the RV industry is coming back in any way shape or form and they want to form a separate company in Oregon I don't know. I need to have those conversations with the company and I have not had that yet."

There were some tax incentives for building on that site, but county officials say it only applies to Alpha Leisure, so any new deals with another company would have to be renegotiated.

 

KINGSLEY COACH MOVING OFFICES?

By Greg Gerber @ 10:29 PM :: :: 0 Comments :: :: Manufacturing News

ZIMMERMAN, Minn. -- In a message e-mailed to RV Industry News, a man identified only as "Allan," but using an official Kingsly Coach e-mail address, stated the company is in the process of relocating its offices. He promised to provide more information on the move at a later time.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

 

RECALL: JAYCO (LPG LINE CLAMP)

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
JAYCO / GREYHAWK 2007-2008
JAYCO / SENECA 2005-2008
Manufacturer : JAYCO, INC. Mfr's Report Date : APR 25, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V207000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG SYSTEMS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1442
Summary:
JAYCO IS RECALLING 1,442 MY 2005-2008 SENECA '35GS'AND MY 2007-2008 GREYHAWK '33DS' AND '30GS' MOTOR HOMES. THE CONDUIT CLAMP ON THE COPPER LIQUID PROPANE (LP) TUBE FEEDING THE SLIDE-0UT IS INCORRECTLY PLACED WHICH MAY ALLOW THE COPPER TUBE TO BEND AND POSSIBLY LEAK WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE SLIDE-OUT.
Consequence:
IF THE COPPER TUBE CRACKED, PRESSURIZED LP GAS MAY ESCAPE INTO THE COMPARTMENT. THIS CONDITION, IF NOT ADDRESSED, MAY RESULT IN A FIRE, INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE CONDUIT CLAMP AND ADD A RUBBER GROMMET TO ALLOW ADHESION. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-574-825-5861.
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: FOREST RIVER (FREIGHTLINER: STEERING)

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FOREST RIVER / BERKSHIRE 2007-2008
FOREST RIVER / CHARLESTON 2007-2008
Manufacturer : FOREST RIVER, INC. Mfr's Report Date : APR 29, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V204000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 93
Summary:
FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING 93 MY 2007-2008 CHARLESTON AND BERKSHIRE MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS. THE FASTENERS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING ARM OR TIE ROD ARMS TO THE SPINDLE MAY BE OVER OR UNDER-TIGHTENED.
Consequence:
INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED STEERING ARM FASTENERS MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy:
FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07V306). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-389-4600.
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: TRIPLE E RV (FREIGHTLINER): STEERING

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
TRIPLE / A391Q 2008
TRIPLE / A393T 2008
Manufacturer : TRIPLE E RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Mfr's Report Date : APR 28, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V201000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 3
Summary:
TRIPLE E RV IS RECALLING 3 MY 2008 A391Q AND A393T MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS. THE FASTENERS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING ARM OR TIE ROD ARMS TO THE SPINDLE MAY BE OVER OR UNDER-TIGHTENED.
Consequence:
INCORRECT TORQUED STEERING ARM FASTENERS MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy:
TRIPLE E RV IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07V306). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR TRIPLE E RV AT 21-04-325-4361.
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.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

 

HAS KINGSLEY COACH SHUT IT'S DOORS?

By Greg Gerber @ 2:54 PM :: :: 0 Comments :: :: Manufacturing News

ZIMMERMAN, Minn. -- Nobody knows for sure what's happening at Kingsley Coach, but the signs point toward another manufacturer shutting its doors.

Reports to RV Industry News today suggested that the company had ceased operations. The telephone system is not working for their toll-free or local lines. E-mail is being accepted through their website.

However, staff at Zimmerman City Hall report they, too, have been unable to reach the company concerning a water bill at the numbers they have on file. City workers believed the company was still operating, but didn't know for sure.

Calls to PTA Holdings, one Kingsley's partners in developing new fuel cell technology, caught one of the principal owners by surprise. He, too, had not heard anything from the company.

Kinglsey Coach is a manufacturer of custom motorhomes, command post vehicles, emergency response vehicles and mobile medical units.

 

RECALL: COACHMAN (FREIGHTLINER STEERING FILTER)

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
COACHMEN / CROSS COUNTRY 2005-2007
COACHMEN / CROSS COUNTRY SE 2005-2006
COACHMEN / SPORTSCOACH ELITE 2005-2007
COACHMEN / SPORTSCOACH ENCORE 2006
Manufacturer : COACHMEN RV COMPANY, LLC Mfr's Report Date : APR 25, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V193000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 961
Summary:
COACHMEN IS RECALLING 961 MY 2005-2007 CROSS COUNTRY, SPORTSCOACH ELITE, MY 2005-2006 CROSS COUNTRY SE, AND MY 2006 SPORTSCOACH ENCORE CLASS A MOTOR HOMES BUILT USING INLINE POWER STEERING FILTERS, PART NO. 14-16829-000. THE FILTER CAN PLUG DUE TO FAILURE OF THE SCREEN ADHESION TO THE FILTER HOUSING CAUSING A RISE IN RETURN LINE PRESSURE. THIS CAN LEAD TO HOSE SEPARATION FROM THE FILTER OR STEERING GEAR FITTING RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING FLUID AND POWER ASSIST.
Consequence:
SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING ASSIST WITHOUT WARNING INVOLVING A MOTOR HOME COULD BE A PROBLEM FOR CERTAIN DRIVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
COACHMEN IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER TO REPLACE THE AFFECTED FILTERS WITH A LARGER FILTER (PLEASE SEE 07V570). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR COACHMEN AT 1-574-825-5821.
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: 2008 JAYCO JAY FEATHER TRAILER (HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSE)

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
JAYCO / JAY FEATHER EX-PORT 2008
Manufacturer : JAYCO, INC. Mfr's Report Date : APR 28, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V199000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 22
Summary:
JAYCO IS RECALLING 22 MY 2008 JAY FEATHER EX-PORT '17C' TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL HYDRAULIC BRAKES. SOME OPTIONAL HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES WERE ROUTED UNDER THE AXLE.
Consequence:
IF THIS CONDITION IS NOT ADDRESSED, THE HYDRAULIC HOSES COULD CHAFE AND CREATE LOSS OF BRAKING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE BRAKE HOSES AND REPLACE ANY BRAKE HOSES SHOWING CHAFING. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-574-825-5861.
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: 2007-08 COACHMAN: (FREIGHTLINER: STEERING)

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
COACHMEN / CROSS COUNTRY 2007
COACHMEN / PATHFINDER 2007-2008
COACHMEN / SPORTSCOACH ENCORE 2007-2008
Manufacturer : COACHMEN RV COMPANY, LLC Mfr's Report Date : APR 25, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V192000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 145
Summary:
COACHMEN IS RECALLING 145 MY 2007 CROSS COUNTRY AND MY 2007-2008 SPORTSCOACH ENCORE AND PATHFINDER CLASS A MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS. THE FASTENERS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING ARM OR TIE ROD ARMS TO THE SPINDLE MAY BE OVER OR UNDER-TIGHTENED.
Consequence:
INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED STEERING ARM FASTENERS MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy:
COACHMEN IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07V306). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR COACHMEN AT 1-574-825-5821.
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, May 05, 2008

 

GE LEAVING THE CONSUMER LENDING BUSINESS

NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of recreational vehicle makers traded mostly lower Monday afternoon as an analyst said GE Money's plan to leave the consumer RV and marine lending business will put further pressure on a sector already dealing with weakening economic conditions.

"The decision is yet another in a string of developments -- diminishing home values, higher gas prices, weaker consumer confidence -- that has 2008 on pace to be the worst year since 1992," Craig Kennison of Robert W. Baird & Co. wrote in a client note.

The analyst said GE Money, a division of General Electric Co., plans to cut ties with Thor Industries Inc.'s finance unit, Thor Credit. The subsidiary added $1.5 million in referral fees to the company's bottom line last year. Kennison said Thor will look to team up with another financial institution, as it has previously partnered with Bank of Boston and E-Trade Financial Corp.

While GE Money may look to create a similar business at another bank, Kennison predicts such a move could take months.

Shares of Thor Industries fell $1.21, or 4.4 percent, to $26.24 in afternoon trading, while Winnebago Industries Inc.'s stock dropped 30 cents, or 2 percent, to $14.96.

Shares of Monaco Coach Corp. slid 25 cents, or 4.2 percent, to $5.65 after hitting a fresh 52-week low of $5.50 earlier. Elsewhere in the sector, Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. was down 5 cents at $3.44.

Sunday, May 04, 2008

 

RECALL: 2006-07 AIRSTREAM MOTOR HOME (FREIGHTLINER): POWER STEERING FILTER

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
AIRSTREAM / 360XL 2006-2007
AIRSTREAM / 390 SKY DECK 2005-2006
AIRSTREAM / 390XL 2006-2007
AIRSTREAM / 396XL 2006-2007
AIRSTREAM / A37 2006-2007
AIRSTREAM / A39 2006-2007
Manufacturer : AIRSTREAM, INC. Mfr's Report Date : APR 30, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V198000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 51
Summary:
AIRSTREAM IS RECALLING 51 MY 2005-2006 390 SKYDECK, MY 2006-2007 360XL, 390XL, 396XL, A37 AND A39 MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS. THE CHASSIS CONTAIN STEERING FILTERS THAT CAN PLUG DUE TO FAILURE OF THE SCREEN ADHESION TO THE FILTER HOUSING CAUSING A RISE IN RETURN LINE PRESSURE POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A HOSE SEPARATION FROM THE FILTER OR STEERING GEAR FITTING RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING FLUID AND POWER ASSIST.
Consequence:
SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING ASSIST WITHOUT WARNING INVOLVING A MOTOR HOME COULD BE A PROBLEM FOR CERTAIN DRIVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
FREIGHTLINER IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FILTERS WITH A LARGER FILTER (PLEASE SEE 07V-570). THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR AIRSTREAM AT 1-937-596-6111.
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: FOURWINDS (2006-07 VALENCIA): POWER STEERING FILTER

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FOUR WINDS / VALENCIA 2006-2007
Manufacturer : FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL Mfr's Report Date : APR 29, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V194000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 120
Summary:
FOUR WINDS IS RECALLING 120 MY 2006-2007 VALENCIA MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS. THE CHASSIS CONTAIN STEERING FILTERS THAT CAN PLUG DUE TO FAILURE OF THE SCREEN ADHESION TO THE FILTER HOUSING CAUSING A RISE IN RETURN LINE PRESSURE POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A HOSE SEPARATION FROM THE FILTER OR STEERING GEAR FITTING RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING FLUID AND POWER ASSIST.
Consequence:
SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING ASSIST WITHOUT WARNING INVOLVING A MOTOR HOME COULD BE A PROBLEM FOR CERTAIN DRIVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
FREIGHTLINER IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FILTERS WITH A LARGER FILTER (PLEASE SEE 07V-570). THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR FOUR WINDS AT 1-937-596-6849.
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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