Thursday, July 17, 2008

 

LA MESA RV CLOSING IT'S DAVIS AND SAN BERNADINO DEALERSHIPS

RV Business
Thursday, July 17, 2008

Retailer La Mesa RV Center Inc. announced today (July 17) an immediate inventory liquidation at its dealerships in Davis and San Bernardino, Calif., that will "result in the closure of the facilities in the fourth quarter of 2008."

The company said in a press release that both locations have experienced a dramatic reduction in customer traffic and sales during the first half of 2008 linked to the downturn in the nation’s economy. La Mesa will continue its operations in San Diego, Sanford, Fla., along with Arizona locations in Mesa, Tucson, Quartzsite and Yuma.

“The recreational vehicle industry will see a strong turnaround when economic stability returns,” said Jim Kimbrell, CEO of La Mesa RV Center. “Americans have a love affair with the RV lifestyle and they will continue to turn to the great outdoors to enjoy this beautiful country.”

La Mesa RV, founded in 1972, said that it “remains committed to the industry and believes that the restructuring plan is a prudent, measured response to current industry sales trends.”

The news comes on the heels of an announcement by Dan Gamel RV that it would be liquidating its six remaining California locations. Earlier this year, Gamel closed three of its under-performing stores in Santa Rosa, Chico, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz.

 

MONACO CUTTING 1400 JOBS IN INDIANA AND SCALING BACK INDIANA OPERATIONS

RV Business
Thursday, July 17, 2008

Monaco Coach Corp. is consolidating its Indiana service and production operations, including the closure of all facilities in Wakarusa, Elkhart and Nappanee.

According to the company, the shutdown is scheduled for around Sept. 17. Production of the majority of motorized units currently manufactured at these locations will be relocated to Monaco's headquarters in Coburg, Ore. Production of two of the models will be relocated to the company's Warsaw, Ind., manufacturing location.

Towable production will also be integrated into Monaco's Warsaw location, formerly the site of R-Vision Inc., which Monaco acquired in November 2005.

"We have implemented several successful initiatives over the past 18 months in an effort to size our business to match declining market demand,” said Kay Toolson, Monaco chairman and CEO. “However, market conditions have continued to deteriorate, and we do not see significant improvements occurring in the near future. Therefore, the company finds it necessary to take further action by implementing a significant capacity reduction.

"We deeply regret the impact that shutting down these operations will have on our employees and their families as well as the communities in which they live and work."

Approximately 1,400 hourly and salaried employees will be impacted by the move, or 33% of the company's total work force. Monaco Coach will still maintain a presence in the Northern Indiana area with approximately 700 employees at its Warsaw, Milford and Goshen operations.

In April the company announced it was cutting 600 jobs, fairly evenly split between its Oregon and Indiana operations.

"We feel this action, while painful, will enable us to continue to provide world-class products and best-in-the-industry customer care," said John Nepute, president. "Both the Coburg and Warsaw manufacturing facilities have experience building these types of models."

"Over the last several quarters, in order to align production with retail demand we have reduced production by taking days and weeks off. The closure of these production facilities in Indiana will decrease our Class A motorized capacity from approximately 180 units per week to 90 and should allow the company to begin working full-time at the remaining plants in the fourth quarter. The new manufacturing footprint should also allow us to reduce the need for discounting at lower sales volumes."

The moves, once completed, are expected to reduce costs by over $12 million per quarter. One-time costs associated with the move will be approximately $7.5 million in the third quarter, including employee compensation expenses. Monaco has created a compensation package for its employees who continue to work through the shutdown and relocation assistance for any employees moving to Oregon.

The company is evaluating the impairment charges that will be taken due to the idling of the Indiana facilities, which have a current book value of $47.9 million.

 

RECALL: 2005 REXHALL MOTOR HOMES: DOMETIC REFRIGERATORS

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
REXHALL / AERBUS 2005
Manufacturer : REXHALL INDUSTRIES INC Mfr's Report Date : JUL 10, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V319000 NHTSA Action Number: EQ08010
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected :
Summary:
REXALL IS RECALLING MOTORHOMES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy:
REXHALL IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR REXHALL AT 208-852-2200.
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: 2005 TRAILS WEST MOTOR HOMES: DOMETIC REFRIGERATORS

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
TRAILS WEST / CLASSIC 2005
TRAILS WEST / SANTA FE 2005
TRAILS WEST / SIERRA 2005
Manufacturer : TRAILS WEST MANUFACTURING OF IDAHO Mfr's Report Date : JUL 01, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V318000 NHTSA Action Number: EQ08010
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 607
Summary:
TRAILS WEST IS RECALLING 607 SIERRA, SANTA FE, AND CLASSIC MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy:
TRAILS WEST IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR TRAILS WEST AT 208-852-2200.
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: FORETRAVEL MOTOR HOMES: DOMETIC REFRIGERATORS

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FORETRAVEL / NIMBUS 2006-2008
FORETRAVEL / U270 2002-2005
FORETRAVEL / U295 2004
FORETRAVEL / U320 2000 2002
Manufacturer : FORETRAVEL, INC. Mfr's Report Date : JUL 14, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V317000 NHTSA Action Number: EQ08010
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 17
Summary:
FORETRAVEL IS RECALLING MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy:
FORETRAVEL IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR 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.

 

RECALL: 2005 REXHALL MOTOR HOMES: NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
REXHALL / AERBUS 2005
Manufacturer : REXHALL INDUSTRIES INC Mfr's Report Date : JUL 11, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V316000 NHTSA Action Number: EQ08009
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 6
Summary:
REXHALL IS RECALLING 6 MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS. A FATIGUE FAILURE IN THE SECTION OF THE COOLING UNIT WHICH CONTAINS THE REFRIGERANT COULD ALLOW THE LIQUID SOLUTION TO SLOWLY LEAK.
Consequence:
EXTENDED OPERATION OF A LEAKING COOLING UNIT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE FROM GAS WHICH MIGHT ESCAPE.
Remedy:
REXHALL IS WORKING WITH NORCOLD TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E-030). NORCOLD WILL PROVIDE THERMAL SWITCH KITS TO OWNERS ALONG WITH THE NECESSARY FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD AT 1-800-767-9101 OR REXHALL AT 661-726-0565.
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 KZRV 5TH WHEEL TRAILER: LIPPERT SUSPENSON

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
KZRV / INFERNO 2008
Manufacturer : KZRV, L.P. Mfr's Report Date : JUL 02, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V307000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SUSPENSION
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 419
Summary:
KZRV IS RECALLING 419 MY 2008 INFERNO FIFTH WHEEL TOY HAULER TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH LIPPERT SUSPENSION HANGERS. THESE SUSPENSION HANGERS MAY BE AT RISK OF PREMATURE WEAR OR FAILURE.
Consequence:
THIS COULD RESULT IN THE UNIT EXHIBITING UNUSUAL BODY LEAN, POOR HANDLING WHILE BEING TOWED, EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR, AND/OR FAILURE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REINFORCE THE SUSPENSION HANGERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2008 OWNERS MAY CONTACT KZRV AT 866-524-7821.
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, July 14, 2008

 

DOUBLETREE RV CHANGES NAME TO DRV

RV Business
Monday, July 14, 2008

Howe, Ind.-based recreational vehicle builder DoubleTree RV LLC has changed its name to DRV LLC due to recent federal legislation governing trademark law, according to the company.

DRV noted that under the new law, if a company is using the same name as another firm, “conflicts can arise,” even if the companies are in unrelated industries.

DRV said that DoubleTree is the name of a hotel chain that was purchased by Hilton Hotels. The hotel chain has no connection to DoubleTree RV or the RV industry in general, but the company decided to make the change “to avoid any possibility of future conflict and to make its brands entirely distinct and easy to recognize.”

DRV, which uses an Edwardian Script font to differentiate the “D” in the new company name, emphasized that it has not undergone any ownership change and its lineup of products remains the same.

“We stand for the highest quality products,” said President David Fought. “The quality of DRV products is better than ever. We are the same great company we’ve always been.”

The northern Indiana manufacturer produces Mobile Suites, Elite Suites and Select Suites fifth-wheels.

 

RECALL: 2003-2006 JENSEN TRAILERS: DOMETIC REFRIGERATORS

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
JENSEN / SPECIALTY 2003-2006
Manufacturer : JENSEN TRAILERS Mfr's Report Date : JUL 08, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V304000 NHTSA Action Number: EQ08010
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 2
Summary:
JENSEN TRAILERS IS RECALLING 2 MY 2003-2006 SPECIALTY TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy:
JENSEN TRAILERS IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR JENSEN TRAILERS AT 515-332-5963.
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: 2003-2007 MARATHON OLYMPIAN TRAILERS: DOMETIC REFRIGERATORS

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
MARATHON / OLYMPIAN 2003-2007
Manufacturer : MARATHON HOMES CORP. Mfr's Report Date : JUN 27, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V302000 NHTSA Action Number: EQ08010
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 312
Summary:
MARATHON IS RECALLING 312 MY 2003-2007 OLYMPIAN FIFTH WHEEL OR TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy:
MARATHON IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR MARATHON AT 574-294-6441.
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 5TH WHEEL TRAILERS: BATTERY CHARGE LINE

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
JAYCO / DESIGNER 2008
Manufacturer : JAYCO, INC. Mfr's Report Date : JUN 28, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V300000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 156
Summary:
JAYCO IS RECALLING 156 MY 2009 RECON, EAGLE, AND DESIGNER FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR IF THE METAL TERMINAL RUBBER CRIMP CAP WAS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY.
Consequence:
IF THE CAP WAS TO FALL OFF THE BATTERY CHARGE LINE, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE, CRASH, INJURY, OR DEATH.
Remedy:
OWNERS WILL BE REQUESTED TO INSPECT THE RUBBER CAPS AND REINSTALL THE CAPS IF INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, A DEALER CAN PERFORM THIS INSPECTION FOR THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.
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: 2006-2008 HOLIDAY RAMBLER & SAFARI MOTOR HOMES: PROPANE LINE

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
HOLIDAY RAMBLER / ARISTA 2006-2008
HOLIDAY RAMBLER / ATLANTIS SE 2006-2008
SAFARI / IVORY SE 2006-2008
SAFARI / PASSAGE 2006-2008
Manufacturer : MONACO COACH CORPORATION Mfr's Report Date : JUN 27, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V298000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG LINES AND FITTINGS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 152
Summary:
MONACO IS RECALLING 152 MY 2006-2008 HOLIDAY RAMBLER ARISTA, ATLANTIS, AND SAFARI PASSAGE AND IVORY MOTOR HOMES. THERE IS AN ERROR IN THE ROUTING OF THE LIQUID PROPANE (LP) LINE FROM BELOW AND THROUGH THE MAIN FLOOR AND THE SLIDE-OUT FLOOR. THE LP LINE CAN BECOME ENTANGLED WITH THE 12 VOLT AND 120 VOLT WIRING WHICH COULD CAUSE THE HOSE TO KINK AND/OR BECOME DAMAGED WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN LP LEAK.
Consequence:
IF THE LP LINE WAS TO LEAK AND A SPARK OCCURS, THIS COULD LEAD A FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A KIT TO REPLACE AND REROUTE THE LP LINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING LATE JULY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MONACO AT 1-800-685-6545.
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.

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