Recall Corner — March 2008

Blue Bird Body Company has announced NHTSA recall 07V586000, which affects all 2005 through 2007 Wanderlodge M450 LXi motorhomes built between March 10, 2004, and September 27, 2006. The potential number of coaches involved is 58.

The affected motorhomes, which are equipped with TRW tie rod assemblies, may have a front axle curb weight that exceeds the specified 16,000-pound front axle weight rating. Failure to follow proper vehicle loading specifications could increase the risk of a crash.

Dealers will replace the left- and right-hand front tie rod assemblies with redesigned TRW tie rod assemblies and components, which will provide the proper front axle weight rating, and affix a new certification label that indicates a new front axle weight rating of 17,000 pounds, as well as new labels stating the weight limits for each of the three front storage bays. The time required to perform this modification will vary with each motorhome. Owners should consult with their repair facility for an estimated repair time.

For more information about this recall, contact Blue Bird at (478) 822-2242. An owner notification schedule has not yet been determined.

Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 08V013000, which affects certain 2008 Bounder Diesel, Discovery, Excursion, Expedition, Providence, and Revolution LE motorhomes manufactured between April 18, 2007, and November 8, 2007. The potential number of units involved is 376.

On the affected motorhomes equipped with a field effect transistor (FET) board built by Magnum Energy Inc., circuitry inside certain Magnum inverters can cause an inoperative condition, resulting in the inverter overheating. If the inverter overheats, the potential for a fire may result.

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the inverter. The total length of time a motorhome will be out of service will depend on the dealer’s work schedule.

For more information about this recall, contact Fleetwood at (800) 509-3418. Owner notification was expected to begin in January 2008.

Monaco Coach Corporation has announced two NHTSA recalls.

The first is recall 07V590000, which affects some 2008 Beaver Marquis and Patriot; 2008 Holiday Rambler Imperial and Navigator; and 2008 Monaco Dynasty, Executive, and Signature motorhomes that were manufactured from August 27, 2007, through November 14, 2007. The potential number of coaches involved is 101.

On certain type A motorhomes equipped with TRW steering gears (model TAS85), these steering gears contain potentially defective sector shafts with an incorrect gear tooth involute profile, which may interfere with the rack-piston teeth, resulting in a sticking or binding condition. This condition has the potential to cause the steering gear to stall and restrict the steering turning angle of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.

Dealers will replace the defective steering gear. The repair is expected to take approximately 3.5 hours. However, because of service scheduling times, the service center may need the vehicle for a longer time period.

Owner notification was expected to begin in February 2008.

The second is recall 08V001000, which affects some 2007 and 2008 Safari Simba front-engine diesel toy hauler motorhomes that were manufactured from May 22, 2006, through September 18, 2007. The potential number of coaches involved is 117.

The affected motorhomes lack the required jounce clearance between the rear wheels and the inner rear wheel well panels. The tires may rub on the flat panels that enclose the holding tanks area, and the screws that secure these panels may rub the inner sidewall of the rear dual tires. If the screws continue to rub the inner rear dual tire, a tire failure is possible, which could result in a loss of control of the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. In addition, if the vehicle is operated on a flat tire, this could lead to a potential fire in the wheel well area.

Dealers will remove the rear dual tires and cut out an area of foam from the inner wheel wells that will be replaced with a piece of ABS plastic formed panel and an angle to seal the area. The repair is expected to take approximately 90 minutes. However, because of service scheduling times, the service center may need the vehicle for a longer time period.

Owner notification was expected to begin in January 2008.

For more information about these recalls, contact Monaco Coach Corporation at (800) 685-6545.