Thursday, January 20, 2011
MAKER OF COLEMAN TRAILERS HAS CLOSED
From Bob Ashley of RVBusiness:
Word spread throughout the industry today (Jan. 20) that the manufacturer of the legendary Coleman folding camping trailer — FTCA Inc. — has shut down its plant in Somerset, Pa.
And while company spokesmen were unavailable for comment, it appears that those rumors are true – based on reports from several reliable sources.
”We got an e-mail from our regional sales manager stating that they (company employees) were told yesterday at 3 o’clock that the company was no longer in business,” confirms Andy Heck, president of Alpin Haus, a Coleman dealer in Amsterdam, N.Y., since the 1970s. “We assumed that an announcement would be made to a dealer body as a whole.”
On the other hand, several other Coleman dealers contacted today said they had not been informed of the company’s closure.
Meanwhile, Heck predicts that the Coleman brand, built for a period of years prior to FTCA by Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., will reappear. FTCA was licensing the Coleman brand name from outdoor outfitter The Coleman Company Inc., Wichita, Kan.
”I think someone will take it over,” Heck said. ”It’s too good a brand for someone not to pick it up.”
FTCA was formed in 2008 by the New York investment firm Blackstreet Capital Management LLC, which bought the Somerset plant from Fleetwood.
Coleman itself built popups in Somerset from 1967 to 1989 when Fleetwood purchased the company.
Fleetwood built Coleman popups until 2003 when Fleetwood and Coleman parted ways.
Word spread throughout the industry today (Jan. 20) that the manufacturer of the legendary Coleman folding camping trailer — FTCA Inc. — has shut down its plant in Somerset, Pa.
And while company spokesmen were unavailable for comment, it appears that those rumors are true – based on reports from several reliable sources.
”We got an e-mail from our regional sales manager stating that they (company employees) were told yesterday at 3 o’clock that the company was no longer in business,” confirms Andy Heck, president of Alpin Haus, a Coleman dealer in Amsterdam, N.Y., since the 1970s. “We assumed that an announcement would be made to a dealer body as a whole.”
On the other hand, several other Coleman dealers contacted today said they had not been informed of the company’s closure.
Meanwhile, Heck predicts that the Coleman brand, built for a period of years prior to FTCA by Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., will reappear. FTCA was licensing the Coleman brand name from outdoor outfitter The Coleman Company Inc., Wichita, Kan.
”I think someone will take it over,” Heck said. ”It’s too good a brand for someone not to pick it up.”
FTCA was formed in 2008 by the New York investment firm Blackstreet Capital Management LLC, which bought the Somerset plant from Fleetwood.
Coleman itself built popups in Somerset from 1967 to 1989 when Fleetwood purchased the company.
Fleetwood built Coleman popups until 2003 when Fleetwood and Coleman parted ways.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
RECALL: 2010-2011 KEYSTONE COUGAR/LAREDO/OUTBACK TRAVEL TRAILERS: HITCH COUPLERS LACK OF INDENTATION ON FORWARD EDGE
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
KEYSTONE / COUGAR 2010-2011
KEYSTONE / LAREDO 2010-2011
KEYSTONE / OUTBACK 2010-2011
Manufacturer: KEYSTONE RV COMPANY Mfr's Report Date: JAN 04, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V002000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,086
Summary:
KEYSTONE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 COUGAR, LAREDO AND OUTBACK TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH LIPPERT COMPONENT HITCH COUPLERS FOR LACK OF INDENTATION ON THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE COUPLER.
Consequence:
IF THE COUPLER IS LACKING THE INDENT IT WILL LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF TRAILER SEPARATION FROM THE HITCH BALL WHILE TOWING RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
OWNERS ARE ASKED TO INSPECT THE HITCH COUPLER FOR THE CORRECT STAMPING. IF THE HITCH COUPLER IS NOT FORMED CORRECTLY ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-425-4369.
Notes:
KEYSTONE SAFETY RECALL NO. 10-156. OWNERS 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 .
KEYSTONE / COUGAR 2010-2011
KEYSTONE / LAREDO 2010-2011
KEYSTONE / OUTBACK 2010-2011
Manufacturer: KEYSTONE RV COMPANY Mfr's Report Date: JAN 04, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V002000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,086
Summary:
KEYSTONE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 COUGAR, LAREDO AND OUTBACK TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH LIPPERT COMPONENT HITCH COUPLERS FOR LACK OF INDENTATION ON THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE COUPLER.
Consequence:
IF THE COUPLER IS LACKING THE INDENT IT WILL LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF TRAILER SEPARATION FROM THE HITCH BALL WHILE TOWING RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
OWNERS ARE ASKED TO INSPECT THE HITCH COUPLER FOR THE CORRECT STAMPING. IF THE HITCH COUPLER IS NOT FORMED CORRECTLY ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-425-4369.
Notes:
KEYSTONE SAFETY RECALL NO. 10-156. OWNERS 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: 2011 DUTCHMAN RUBICON/VOLTAGE: DEFECTIVE FUEL SHUT-OFF TIMER MODULES FOR FUEL PUMP
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
DUTCHMEN / RUBICON 2011
DUTCHMEN / VOLTAGE 2011
Manufacturer: DUTCHMEN MANUFACTURING, INC. Mfr's Report Date: JAN 06, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V005000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Potential Number of Units Affected: 229
Summary:
DUTCHMEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RUBICON AND VOLTAGE RECREATIONAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 16, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 2011. THE FUEL SHUT-OFF TIMER MODULES ARE DEFECTIVE. THE MODULE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PROGRAMMED WITH A 5 MINUTE SHUT-OFF FEATURE, WHICH AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF THE FUEL PUMP AFTER 5 MINUTES OF NO ACTIVITY. THE DEFECTIVE MODULES DO NOT HAVE THIS AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF FEATURE PROGRAMMED INTO THEM. THIS ALLOWS THE FUEL PUMP TO CONTINUOUSLY RUN IF NOT SHUT OFF IN THE INITIAL 5 MINUTE PERIOD, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND FAIL.
Consequence:
OVERHEATING MAY LEAD TO FIRE, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL SHUT-OFF TIMER MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DUTCHMEN AT 574-537-0700.
Notes:
OWNERS 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 .
DUTCHMEN / RUBICON 2011
DUTCHMEN / VOLTAGE 2011
Manufacturer: DUTCHMEN MANUFACTURING, INC. Mfr's Report Date: JAN 06, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V005000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Potential Number of Units Affected: 229
Summary:
DUTCHMEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RUBICON AND VOLTAGE RECREATIONAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 16, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 2011. THE FUEL SHUT-OFF TIMER MODULES ARE DEFECTIVE. THE MODULE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PROGRAMMED WITH A 5 MINUTE SHUT-OFF FEATURE, WHICH AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF THE FUEL PUMP AFTER 5 MINUTES OF NO ACTIVITY. THE DEFECTIVE MODULES DO NOT HAVE THIS AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF FEATURE PROGRAMMED INTO THEM. THIS ALLOWS THE FUEL PUMP TO CONTINUOUSLY RUN IF NOT SHUT OFF IN THE INITIAL 5 MINUTE PERIOD, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND FAIL.
Consequence:
OVERHEATING MAY LEAD TO FIRE, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL SHUT-OFF TIMER MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DUTCHMEN AT 574-537-0700.
Notes:
OWNERS 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: 2006-2010 DOUBLE TREE ELITE/MOBILE SUITE/SELECT SUITE: INCORRECT WEIGHT PRINTED ON FEDERAL ID TAG
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
DOUBLE TREE / ELITE 2006-2010
DOUBLE TREE / MOBILE SUITE 2006-2010
DOUBLE TREE / SELECT SUITE 2006-2010
Manufacturer: DOUBLETREE RV Mfr's Report Date: JAN 11, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V012000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,417
Summary:
DRV IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 ELITE, MOBILE SUITE, AND SELECT SUITE RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE THE INCORRECT FEDERAL ID TAG, GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) INFORMATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION."
Consequence:
FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS BECAUSE OF A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW FEDERAL ID TAG INFORMATION LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DRV AT 1-574-457-6472.
Notes:
OWNERS 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 .
DOUBLE TREE / ELITE 2006-2010
DOUBLE TREE / MOBILE SUITE 2006-2010
DOUBLE TREE / SELECT SUITE 2006-2010
Manufacturer: DOUBLETREE RV Mfr's Report Date: JAN 11, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V012000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,417
Summary:
DRV IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 ELITE, MOBILE SUITE, AND SELECT SUITE RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE THE INCORRECT FEDERAL ID TAG, GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) INFORMATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION."
Consequence:
FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS BECAUSE OF A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW FEDERAL ID TAG INFORMATION LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DRV AT 1-574-457-6472.
Notes:
OWNERS 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: 2010-2011 FLEETWOOD BOUNDER & SOUTHWIND: LPG TANK CAN BE DAMAGED BY SPRING SHACKLE CARRIER BOLT
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
FLEETWOOD / BOUNDER 2010
FLEETWOOD / SOUTHWIND 2010-2011
Manufacturer: FLEETWOOD RV, INC. Mfr's Report Date: JAN 06, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V009000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG TANK ASSEMBLY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 11
Summary:
FLEETWOOD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 SOUTHWIND AND MODEL YEAR 2010 BOUNDER CLASS-A MOTOR HOMES. THE LPG TANK CAN COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE SPRING SHACKLE CARRIER BOLT AND DAMAGE THE LPG TANK.
Consequence:
THE DAMAGE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO LEAD TO AN UNINTENDED RELEASE OF LPG GAS AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHICH MAY LEAD TO DEATH, INJURY OR LOSS OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND INSPECT THE PROPANE TANK AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PROPANE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD RV AT 800-509-3418.
Notes:
FLEETWOOD SAFETY RECALL NO. 110103FRV. OWNERS 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 .
FLEETWOOD / BOUNDER 2010
FLEETWOOD / SOUTHWIND 2010-2011
Manufacturer: FLEETWOOD RV, INC. Mfr's Report Date: JAN 06, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V009000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG TANK ASSEMBLY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 11
Summary:
FLEETWOOD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 SOUTHWIND AND MODEL YEAR 2010 BOUNDER CLASS-A MOTOR HOMES. THE LPG TANK CAN COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE SPRING SHACKLE CARRIER BOLT AND DAMAGE THE LPG TANK.
Consequence:
THE DAMAGE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO LEAD TO AN UNINTENDED RELEASE OF LPG GAS AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHICH MAY LEAD TO DEATH, INJURY OR LOSS OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND INSPECT THE PROPANE TANK AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PROPANE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD RV AT 800-509-3418.
Notes:
FLEETWOOD SAFETY RECALL NO. 110103FRV. OWNERS 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 .
