Recall Corner — May 2004

Monaco Coach Corporation has announced NHTSA recall 04V038000, which affects some of the following motorhomes: 2003 Beaver Baron models; 2002 to 2004 Holiday Rambler Ambassador and Neptune models; 2002 to 2004 Monaco Cayman and Knight, and 2002 Socialite models; and 2003 and 2004 Safari Cheetah, Sahara, and Zanzibar models. The potential number of coaches affected is 2,099.

On certain motorhomes, the I-beam leaf imitator in the front axle suspension and the panard bar bracket on the rear axle could crack and break due to an inadequate welding process. If the I-beams on the front axle or the panard bracket on the rear axle should crack or break, the driver could lose control of the motorhome, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will replace the original I-beam if a prior enhancement of a full-length reinforcement plate has not been done. Also, dealers will weld stiffeners from the panard bar bracket to the center differential of the rear axle housing. The repairs are expected to take approximately three hours. However, because of service scheduling appointments, the repair center may need the vehicle for a longer time period.

Owner notification began in late February 2004. For more information about this recall, contact Monaco at (877) 466-6226.

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Winnebago Industries has announced NHTSA recall 04V114000, which affects some model-year 2000 to 2004 Winnebago Journey and Itasca Horizon and Meridian motorhomes. The potential number of coaches affected is 5,143.

On certain motorhomes, the liquid propane (LP) gas tank has stress on weld joints at the point where the mounting brackets are welded to the tank. This could cause stress cracks at the weld joints and lead to an LP-gas leak, which has the potential to ignite, resulting in bodily injury and/or property damage.

Dealers will install a cradle-style carrier for the LP-gas tank, and, if necessary, replace the tank. Installing the cradle-style carrier should take approximately three hours. Additional time will be necessary if the tank also must be replaced. In addition, because of service scheduling appointments, the repair center may need the vehicle for a longer time period.

Owner notification began in April 2004. For more information about this recall, contact Winnebago Industries at (641) 585-6939.

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Coachmen Recreational Vehicles has announced NHTSA recall 04V119000, which affects some 2004 and 2005 Coachmen Freelander 3100 SO type C motorhomes built between October 6, 2003, and February 12, 2004. The potential number of coaches affected is 122.

On certain motorhomes, the 12-volt-DC wiring harness routed between the back of the refrigerator and the refrigerator cabinet could come in direct contact with the refrigerator burner tube and cooling unit. If contact occurs, the wire insulation material may melt due to the operating temperature of the burner tube and cooling unit, which could result in a fire.

Dealers will relocate the 12-volt wiring harness to eliminate the potential for contact with the refrigerator burner tube and cooling unit. Repair time is expected to take approximately two hours. However, because of service scheduling times, the service center may need the vehicle for a longer time.

Owner notification began in March 2004. For more information about this recall, contact Coachmen RV at (800) 453-6064.

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Four Winds International has announced NHTSA recall 04V139000, which affects some 2003 Hurricane, Infinity, and Windsport motorhomes manufactured between June 2002 and March 2003 and containing the slideout option. The potential number of coaches affected is 408.

On certain motorhomes, a 20/15-amp circuit breaker was installed when a 15/15-amp circuit breaker should have been used. Extended operation with the incorrect circuit breaker could cause the breaker to trip when the circuit is overloaded. This could lead to a fire, which could cause personal injury or death to the occupants and damage to the motorhome.

Dealers will replace the 20/15-amp breaker with the 15/15-amp breaker. The repair is expected to take approximately 30 minutes. However, because of service scheduling times, the service center may need the vehicle for a longer time period.

Owner notification was to begin in April 2004. For more information about this recall, contact Four Winds at (574) 266-1111.

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