Wednesday, September 05, 2012

 

NHTSA RECALLS FOR JULY 2012


July 2012 RV recalls affect many

The July list of official government recalls affects trailers, motorhomes, tires, and trucks. 

BF Goodrich Commercial T/A A/S and Uniroyal Laredo HD/H tires, sizes LT235/85R16 120 Q Load Range E and LT245/75R16 120 Q Load Range E, are being recalled. These tires may develop a separation at the tread/belt edge. Tread/belt separation of the tire while the vehicle is in use can result in rapid air loss which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Owners will be notified by BF Goodrich and Uniroyal, and dealers will replace the affected tires free of charge. The safety recall began on August 6, 2012. Owners may contact the Tire Consumer Care line at 1-800-637-5527.

Entegra is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Anthem and Aspire and model year 2012-2013 Cornerstone motor homes manufactured from April 19, 2011, through June 22, 2012. The windshield wiper arm can detach from the vehicle. If this occurs, the driver's visibility can be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash. Entegra will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shaft attaching the arm to the wiper linkage, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 26, 2012. Owners may contact Entegra at 1-800-945-4787.

Navistar is recalling one model year 2008 Safari Simba diesel recreational vehicle manufactured on June 29, 2007, equipped with Bosch hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic brake equipped motorhome chassis exposed to long periods of time of non-driving may experience diametrical brake caliper piston growth and reduced piston to bore clearance potentially leading to brake drag and overheating resulting in reduced brake performance. Reduced brake performance may lead to an increased risk of a crash. Navistar will notify the owner, and an authorized Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) dealer will inspect and, as necessary, replace the brake calipers, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 20, 2012. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712.

Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 F-650 and F-750 vehicles manufactured from February 1, 2012 through March 16, 2012. The clear and black primer may be missing on certain windshields which may result in an insufficient bond between the glass and cab structure. An insufficient bond may result in a separation of the windshield from the cab, increasing the risk of personal injury or death. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and inspect the windshield for urethane adhesion, and replace or reinstall the windshield as required, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 12S33.

Forest River is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Berkshire and Charleston motorhomes, equipped with an IOTA ITS-50R transfer switch. These switches may experience heat related failures when exposed to elevated electrical loads associated with RV use in higher ambient temperatures. The failure may lead to an increased risk of electrical damage to other appliances. Continued use of the vehicle without replacing the transfer switch increases the risk of fire, personal injury, and property damage. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Iota ITS-50R transfer switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2012. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-295-8749.

Jayco is recalling certain model year 2007 Greyhawk Class C motorhomes; model year 2008 and 2010 Seneca Class C motorhomes; model year 2009 and 2011 Eagle Fifth-wheel; 2010 Recon fifth-wheel; and model year 2008-2010 Designer fifth wheel vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2006, through August 13, 2010 for an improper electrical connection at the buss bar on the Iota-brand transfer switches installed in the vehicles. An improper electrical connection at the buss bar could lead to overheating and melting of the transfer switch, increasing the risk of a fire, injury or death. Jayco will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer switch, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during August 2012. Owners may contact Jayco at 1-800-283-8267.

Crossroads is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Hampton travel trailersmanufactured from June 11, 2009, through November 2, 2010, equipped with Atwood Mobile Products (Atwood) furnaces. The furnaces were produced with a defective gas control valve which can stick in the open position. If the gas valve sticks in the open position, gas could leak out and, in the presence of an ignition source, result in a fire. Crossroads will notify owners, and dealers will repair the furnaces, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a notification schedule. Owners may contact Crossroads Warranty Service Department at 1-855-226-7496.

Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012Cougar 26SAB and 29RES recreational vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2009, through October 24, 2011. The rear bumper, which holds the spare tire assembly, may experience metal fatigue causing the spare tire to separate from the vehicle. Over time, the bumper may fail and/or separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of personal injury and property damage. Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement kit free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during August 2012. Owners may contact Keystone at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's recall campaign number is 12-178.

Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Sydney recreational vehicles manufactured from July 10, 2012, through July 17, 2012. These vehicles may have been manufactured with two carbon monoxide detectors and no smoke detector. In the event of a fire, the lack of a fire detector can lead to an increased risk of personal injury and/or property damage. Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install, as necessary, a fire detector, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in August 2012. Owners may contact Keystone at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's recall campaign number is 12-179.

Crossroads is recalling certain model year 2013 Crossroads Cruiser recreational trailers, manufactured from April 19, 2012, through July 17, 2012. These vehicles were manufactured with incorrect information on the Federal Identification Tag, Tire and Loading Information Label and the Recreational Vehicle Cargo Carrying Capacity Label. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars." An inaccurate label could lead to improper vehicle loading specifications which could lead to a tire failure which may result in personal injury or property damage. Crossroads will notify owners and provide corrected labels. Owners may contact Thor industries at 1-937-596-7965 or Crossroads at 1-260-593-2866.

Dutchmen is recalling certain model year 2013 Coleman 192 and Dutchmen 196 recreational vehicles manufactured from April 12, 2012, through July 9, 2012. These vehicles have been manufactured with the propane line in close proximity to the rear axle hanger which could be damaged by the rear axle hanger bolt during travel. If this occurs, a leak could develop, and in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire and/or explosion, increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage. Dutchmen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace and re-route the propane line, free of charge. Dutchmen has notprovided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Dutchmen at 1-574-537-0700.

Gulf Stream Coach, Inc. (GSC) is recall certain model year 2006 through 2008Crescendo, Sun Voyager, Independence, Bounty Hunters, and Yellowstone Class A diesel pusher motor homes built on Freightliner Custom Chassis (FCCC) from March 18, 2005, through December 2009. These motorhomes chassis are equipped with Bosch hydraulic disc brakes which, when exposed to long periods of time of non-driving, may experience diametrical brake caliper piston growth and reduced piston to bore clearance potentially leading to brake drag and overheating resulting in reduced brake performance. Reduced brake performance increases the risk of a crash. FCCC will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. Owners may contact GSC at 1-800-289-8787 or Daimler Trucks/FCCC at 1-800-547-0712. Daimler Trucks recall campaign number is FL-628.

Keystone RV Company (Keystone ) is recalling certain model year 2013 Bullet Premier 31BHPR travel trailers, manufactured from April 2, 2012, through July 24, 2012. These vehicles were manufactured with incorrect information on the Federal Identification Tag, Tire and Loading Information Label and the Recreational Vehicle Cargo Carrying Capacity Label. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars." An inaccurate label could lead to improper vehicle loading specifications which could lead to a tire failure which may result in personal injury or property damage. Keystone's recall number is 12-180. Keystone will notify owners and provide corrected labels. The recall is expected to begin during August 2012. Owners may contact Keystone RV Company at 1-574-535-2100.

Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009Grand Star Class A motorhomes built on Freightliner Custom Chassis (FCCC) from January 25, 2007, through May 22, 2009. These motorhomes chassis are equipped with Bosch hydraulic disc brakes which, when exposed to long periods of time of non-driving, may experience diametrical brake caliper piston growth and reduced piston to bore clearance potentially leading to brake drag and overheating resulting in reduced brake performance. Reduced brake performance may lead to a vehicle crash. Owners will be notified by Daimler Trucks/FCCC, and repairs will be performed by authorized FCCC dealers free of charge. Owners may contact Newmar at 1-574-773-7791 or Daimler Trucks at 1-800-547-0712. Daimler Trucks' recall campaign number is FL-628.

Dutchmen is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2013 Breckenridge brand travel trailers manufactured from May 26, 2009, through May 2, 2012, and equipped with Atwood Mobile Products (Atwood) furnaces. The furnaces were produced with a defective gas control valve which can stick in the open position. If the gas valve sticks in the open position, gas could leak out and, in the presence of an ignition source, result in a fire. Dutchmen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the furnaces, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a notification schedule. Owners may contact Breckenridge Warranty Service Department at 1-800-223-2376.


And the fine print: Please note, this is an extract of the official government recall list including items that we feel are of direct interest to the RVing community. There may be other equipment or vehicles on the list not included here.

 

NEWS ABOUT HITCHHIKER 5TH WHEEL TRAILERS


NuWa Not Taking ‘Build Orders’ After Sept. 15

 
August 16, 2012 by RV Business
Editor’s Note: Venerable fifth-wheel builder NuWa Industries Inc. has posted the following letter on its website from CEO Michael Mitchell stating that the Chanute, Kan., builder will not be accepting “to build” orders for its HitchHiker series after Sept. 15 as sales are not supporting production costs. Mitchell said that NuWa, founded in 1969, would continue to sell new units and is considering using another company for “limited” manufacturing. In the letter, Mitchell indicated he was not sure whether the production shutdown would be permanent or temporary.
The number of “build” orders being taken by NuWa is not supporting efficiency of the production department. Rather than continue to fund and operate the production department at a loss, I have made the decision to “not” accept “to build” orders after Sept. 15. The intent is to complete orders “in house” by Christmas, as the winter months of January, February and March do not provide enough production activity to justify retaining production staff. Whether this termination of production is temporary or permanent, I do not yet know, but our experience so far is that we cannot generate enough new unit sales to support efficient or break-even production. This decision goes against management’s desire to retain jobs for our dedicated employees and our community, but shareholders cannot continue to fund the production inefficiencies.
NuWa is committed to and will continue to provide retail sales of new and used HitchHIkers and other high-end fifth-wheel brands. We continue to explore having limited HitchHiker models produced to our specifications by another high-end manufacturer. An inventory of 40-plus new HitchHikers is “in stock” at NuWa and affiliated dealers, and we feel our staff better meets the needs of full time and serious fifth-wheel RVers than do most dealers. We will continue to provide warranty and parts and hope to expand the service department, which is known for quality and value. Refurbishment of used HitchHikers will continue to provide exceptional used units to the marketplace and more emphasis will be placed on purchase and/or consignment of high-end fifth-wheels from customers, who wish to sell their trailer. But if you want a new HitchHiker built exactly to your specifications, that order needs to be in place quickly or we will respectfully not accept it. We will accept orders only as long as we feel they can be completed by Christmas or before, and our present lead time is running 12 weeks.

 

NHTSA RECALLS FOR JUNE 2012



 
July 20, 2012 by RV Business
The following is a list of RV-related recalls for June compiled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA).
• Forest River Inc. is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Shasta Revere recreational vehicles. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and cargo carrying capacity specification is incorrect on the Federal certification label and the tire information label. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of part 567, “Certification.” Forest River will notify owners, and include the corrected labels in each letter. The safety recall began on June 28, 2012. Owners should contact Forest River at 1-574-825-7178.
• Winnebago Industries Inc. is recalling certain model year 2012 Winnebago commercial vehicle model J38S, 2009 and 2010 Adventurer motorhomes manufactured from Oct. 30, 2008, through Sept. 9, 2011, and one 2009 Itasca Suncruiser motorhome built November 2009. These motorhomes chassis are equipped with Bosch hydraulic disc brakes which when exposed to long periods of time of non-driving may experience diametrical brake caliper piston growth and reduced piston to bore clearance potentially leading to brake drag and overheating resulting in reduced brake performance. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a remedy or owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-3535 or Daimler Trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
• Thor Motor Coach is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Outlaw and model year 2011 Avanti recreational vehicles manufactured from Jan. 24, 2008, through Sept. 28, 2010, equipped with Bosch hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic brake equipped motorhome chassis exposed to long periods of time of nondriving may experience diametrical brake caliper piston growth and reduced piston to bore clearance potentially leading to brake drag and overheating resulting in reduced brake performance. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a remedy or owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Thor Motor Coach at 1-877-500-1020.
• Prevost Car Inc. is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Volvo 9700 motor coaches. Due to a software error, the vehicles may come to a sudden stop by brake application if the sensor reads that the wheelchair lift door is not completely closed. Prevost will notify owners and dealers will update the software, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in early July 2012. Owners may contact Prevost Car Inc., Service Department toll-free at 1-866-870-2046 or 1-418-831-2046. The Prevost recall campaign number is SR12-59.
• Tiffin Motorhomes Inc. is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 Allegro and Allegro Bay recreational vehicles equipped with Bosch hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic brake equipped motorhome chassis exposed to long periods of time of non-driving may experience diametrical brake caliper piston growth and reduced piston to bore clearance potentially leading to brake drag and overheating resulting in reduced brake performance. Tiffin will notify the owners, and authorized Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the brake calipers free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before July 20, 2012. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712.

 

NHTSA RECALLS FOR MAY 2012


June 8, 2012 by RV Business
The following is a list of RV-related recalls for May compiled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA).
• Forest River Inc. is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Georgetown recreational vehicles built on a Ford stripped chassis, manufactured from February 15, 2010, through November 29, 2011. The gear shifter’s cable may break at the attachment to the transmission control selector arm assembly mounted on the steering column. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission selector arm assembly and the cable assembly, free of charge. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-295-8749.
• Featherlite is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 trailers equipped with a Meritor axle. The bearing system has exhibited low durability life in certain vehicle applications. Featherlite is working with the Meritor to identify and repair the vehicles that contain the subject axles free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2012. This recall campaign supersedes previous recall campaign 11V-396. Trailers that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign. Owners may contact Featherlite at 1-563-547-6000.
• Newmar Corp. is recalling one model year 2012 Kountry Aire FW and one model year 2012 Kountry Star FW fifth-wheel trailers equipped with Dexter electric/hydraulic (E/H) brake actuator pumps. Some of these pumps may not have been properly heat-treated. The E/H brake actuator provides braking power to the trailer brakes. Newmar will notify owners, and Dexter will replace the actuators, free of charge. Newmar has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Newmar at 1-574-773-2007.
• Prevost Car Inc. (Prevost) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Volvo 9700 motor coaches. On some vehicles, the quantity of emergency exit windows is insufficient to comply with the requirements of Federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, “Bus emergency exits and window retention and release.” Prevost will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional emergency exit window, free of charge. An interim notification will be completed by mid-July 2012, but parts are not expected to be available until September 2012. Owners may contact Prevost Car Inc. At 1-866-870-2046 or 1-418-883-2888. The Prevost recall campaign number is SR12-57.
• Forest River is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Surveyor travel trailers, manufactured from August 12, 2011, through April 6, 2012. On certain floorplans, the liquid propane (LP) gas line was routed and fastened along the bottom of the frame rail. When the trailer hits a bump, the positioning of the LP gas line may allow the “U” bolt on the axle to pinch the line between the main rail and the “U” bolt. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will re-route the LP line, free of charge. The recall began during May 2012. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600.
• Forest River is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Stealth recreational trailers. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and cargo carrying capacity specification is incorrect on the Federal certification label and the tire information label. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Part 567, “Certification.” Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the labels with corrected labels. The safety recall began during May 2012. Owners should contact Forest River at 1-909-873-3777.
• Tiffin Motorhomes Inc. is recalling two model year 2012 Phaeton recreational vehicles built on a Spartan chassis and equipped with 3030 brake chambers. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, “Air Brake Systems” because they do not meet the park brake and draw bar requirements. The park brake may not be sufficient to hold the vehicle in place. The affected vehicles have not been sold yet and Tiffin has notified the dealers that are in possession of the vehicles. Spartan dealers will install improved brake chambers prior to sale. Owners may contact Tiffin Motorhomes at 1-256-356-8661.
• Crossroads RV is recalling certain model year 2011 Crossroads Cruiser recreational trailers, manufactured from August 5, 2010, through December 15, 2010. These vehicles were manufactured with incorrect information on the federal identification tag, tire and loading information label and the recreational vehicle cargo carrying capacity label. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, “Tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars.” Crossroads will notify owners and provide corrected labels. Owners may contact Thor Industries Inc. at 1-937-596-7965 or Crossroads at 1-260-593-2866.
• Foretravel Motorcoach is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Phenix and 2007-2011 Nimbus recreational vehicles equipped with SE-GI windows. The adhesive bond on some panels between the glass portion and the hinge may de-bond, allowing the panel to detach and fall from the vehicle. Foretravel will notify owners, and is working with SE-GI products to develop remedy instructions and obtain parts. The recall is expected to begin during June 2012. Owners may contact Foretravel Motorcoach, Inc. at 1-800-547-0712.
• Motor Coach Industries, Inc (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 D4000, D4500 and 2010 D4505 motor coaches and equipped with LED interior lights powered by either a Vansco or IO multiplex system. Due to excessive power draw of the LED lights, heat may build up at the fuse block and connector, causing components to melt. MCI will notify owners, and dealers will install re-designed wiring, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during June 2012. Owners may contact MCI at 1-866-624-2622. MCI’s recall campaign number is 388.

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