Brinkley fifth wheels recalled: Solar wiring linked to fire risks

Newcomer RV manufacturer Brinkley RV warns solar wiring problems could cause a wiring overheat situation—with the potential of a fire. Brinkley RV (Brinkley) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model G fifth wheel trailers. The solar panels may have been incorrectly wired, which can overload the circuits and cause the wiring to overheat. Up to 1,319 RVs could be affected.

Remedy

Dealers will rewire the solar power system, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 29, 2024. Owners may contact Brinkley customer service at 1-574-501-4280. Brinkley’s number for this recall is REC-2404.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Brinkley solar recall: How they found the problem

On 9/9/24, a Model G unit was delivered to Brinkley RV Customer Care with a reported wiring concern. Upon inspection, the Brinkley RV team identified the solar power system as the source of the issue. They immediately launched an investigation. As part of the investigation, a total of 13 potentially affected units were identified.

Brinkley RV conducted on-site inspections of two units (9/25/24-9/26/24, 10/15/24) as well as internal testing. The Brinkley RV Product Safety Committee met on 10/17/24 to review the available data, and determined that a potential safety risk was present. The committee voted to issue a Recall for the affected units, upon issuance of the final testing report (week of 10/21/24), pending alignment of test data and field investigations. The recall was initiated on 10/21/24.

Just what’s the problem?

The solar wiring design for the 4-panel system was inadvertently shown with all panels connected in parallel instead of the optimized scenario of series-parallel (2 sets of 2 panels in series then connected in parallel).

So now what?

In this Brinkley solar recall, detailed work instructions and parts kits will be provided to dealers. In some cases independent service providers will be included. Costs for the remedy applied to all affected units will be covered by Brinkley RV and the solar component supplier, Rich Solar. Owners who have previously paid to have this remedy performed will, upon documentation of the work, be immediately reimbursed by Brinkley RV.

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