WASHINGTON: Here is our monthly summary of RV recalls for October 2016 and related equipment we feel are of interest to our readers. This information has been gleaned from the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. This is NOT a complete list of all vehicles and related equipment recalled.
UNITED STATES RECALLS
RECREATION VEHICLES
Entegra Coach (Entegra) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cornerstone motorhomes manufactured April 13, 2016, to August 25, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power steering pump that may have an occasional loss of output power resulting in reduced or intermittent loss of power steering assist. An intermittent loss of power steering assist could increase the risk of a crash. Entegra will notify owners, and Qualified Spartan Service Centers will replace the power steering pumps, free of charge. The recall was scheduled to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact Entegra customer service at 1-800-945-4787. Entegra’s number for this recall is 9903325.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers manufactured August 9, 2016, to September 6, 2016. The Federal Placard on the affected vehicles incorrectly lists the tire and rim combination. The placard states ST225/75R15 Load Range C tires with an inflation pressure of 50PSI and a rim size of 15X6.0JJ; however, the trailer is equipped with ST225/75R15 Load Range D tires that have an inflation pressure of 65PSI, installed on 15X6.0JJ rims. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.” The incorrect tire information on the Federal Label may result in the operator under-inflating the tires. An underinflated tire may cause sudden tire failure, or poor handling, increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 14, 2016. Salem owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-1251. Wildwood owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-533-2165. Forest River’s number for this recall is 27-09082016-0243.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Flagstaff and Rockwood trailers equipped with two air conditioners. There may be excess slack in the wiring harness used in the air conditioner that contains a heating element. If the wires are not tied back and properly secured away from the heating element, the wires may contact the heating element, melt and short, increasing the risk of a fire. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit to constrain the wires, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on December 5, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-5164. Forest River’s number for this recall is 10-10062016-0254.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Coachmen Galleria recreational vehicles, manufactured October 27, 2015, through August 31, 2016. The affected vehicles have an incorrect Cargo Carrying Capacity Federal Placard indicating two seat-belted locations when the vehicle has up to five additional designated seating areas, causing the cargo capacity listed to be inaccurate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” The incorrect cargo capacity information may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will adhere a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on December 5, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8628. Forest River’s number for this recall is 225-10062016-0253.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Surveyor recreational vehicles, model ORSVT247BHDS, manufactured August 10, 2016, to September 13, 2016. The Federal Placard installed on the vehicles indicates an incorrect tire and rim combination. The Federal Placard states that the trailer is equipped with ST225/75R15D tires with 65 PSI and a rim designation of 15X6.0JJ, when actually they have ST205/75R14C tires with 50 PSI and a rim designation of 14X5.5JJ. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.” The operator may over-inflate the tire based on the information printed on the Federal Placard. Over-inflating a tire may lead to premature tire degradation, a tire blowout, or reduced handling, increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners and dealers and will provide a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 12, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-3119 extension 205. Forest River’s number for this recall is 37-10132016-0256.
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Reflection recreational trailers, model 357BHS and 367BHS, manufactured November 12, 2014, to September 22, 2016. The affected vehicles have an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the Federal Certification Label, stating a GAWR of 7,000 lbs. when the actual GAWR is 6,400 lbs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” If the operator loads the vehicle to the GAWR on the label, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Grand Design will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Certification Label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to replace the Certification Label themselves, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin October 24, 2016. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design’s number for this recall is 910007
Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain 2017 Octane Super Lite travel trailers manufactured June 22, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The labels on the affected vehicles have incorrect tire load range and tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.” Incorrect tire pressure information may result in the tires being over inflated, which can cause their sudden failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Jayco has notified owners and provided them with a new label with the correct tire information, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2016. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901320.
Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain model year 2017 Jay Sport camping trailers manufactured March 31, 2016, to September 30, 2016, and equipped with the Baja Option. The inside walls of the tires on the affected vehicles may rub against the wheel wells, possibly resulting in a tire blowout. A tire blowout may increase the risk of a crash. Jayco will notify owners, and dealers will replace the axle and wheel wells and labels, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901326.
Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain model year 2017 Seismic travel trailers manufactured November 19, 2015, to August 19, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an underrated resettable fuse for the awning with LED lights. The incorrect fuse may not properly protect the circuit, allowing an electrical short to occur and increasing the risk of a fire. Jayco will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse with the correct 1.85 amp hold/3.70 amp trip fuse, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin on November 4, 2016. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901321.
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2017 Dutchmen Coleman recreational trailers, models 1805RB, 3025RE, 2305QB, 3015BH, 262BH and 2605RL, manufactured September 15, 2016, to September 27, 2016. Wiring in the power center may be loose and some wires may be frayed. Loose or frayed wiring may increase the risk of a fire. Keystone has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring in the power center, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-574-535-2100. Keystone’s number for this recall is 16-266.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2012-2017 Canyon Star motor homes manufactured September 7, 2011, to September 6, 2016, and equipped with wheelchair lifts. Incorrect bolts may have been used to install the wheelchair lift base. These bolts may unexpectedly break allowing the lift to move. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 404, “Platform Lift Installations.” Unintentional movement of the wheelchair lift can cause injury to the lift occupant and/or the lift operator. Newmar will notify owners, and Newmar service facilities will replace the wheelchair lift base mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 12, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Canyon Star recreational vehicles manufactured June 5, 2014, to September 6, 2016. These vehicles have a wheelchair access door with a power door lock that may open while the vehicle is in motion if the key fob button is pressed accidentally. If the wheelchair access door opens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will add a relay harness to prevent the key fob button from opening the door while the vehicle is in motion. The recall began on October 18, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2017 Newmar King Aire, Essex, London Aire, and Mountain Aire motorhomes manufactured May 12, 2016, to August 23, 2016, and built on a Spartan Motors chassis. The affected vehicles have a power steering pump that may have an occasional loss of output power resulting in reduced or intermittent loss of power steering assist. An intermittent loss of power steering assist could increase the risk of a crash. Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan Motors dealers will replace the power steering pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 4, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan Motors customer service at 1-800-543-4277 or Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar’s number for this recall is 16V 676.
WAREHOUSE DEALS on RV products at Amazon.com. New and Used. Click.
Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling certain model year 2017 AR-ONE MAXX LE trailers, model 19BHLE, manufactured August 25, 2016, to September 6, 2016. The Federal label on the affected vehicles states that the trailers are built with two axles, each with a 2500 pound capacity; however, the vehicles are only built with one 2500 pound capacity axle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” The trailer would be overloaded if the operator goes by the listed axle capacity, possibly resulting in axle or tire failure, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Starcraft has notified the dealers who have the trailers quarantined and will provide them with a corrected Federal label, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-945-4787. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902319.
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Four Winds and Chateau motorhomes manufactured June 16, 2015, to April 29, 2016. The affected motorhomes are equipped with a spare tire bracket that may loosen and detach during vehicle operation. If the spare tire bracket and spare tire detaches, it could be a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. TMC will notify owners, and dealers will install carriage bolts to properly secure the spare tire bracket, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Thor customer service at 1-877-500-1020. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000122.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2016 Winnebago Journey and Forza, and 2016 Itasca Solei and Meridian motor homes manufactured May 7, 2015, to March 25, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the front sway bar mounting brackets may not fit properly on the axle causing the mounting bolts to bend or loosen. If the sway bar bolts loosen, the sway bar may detach from the axle, affecting the handling and increasing the risk of a crash. Winnebago owners will be notified by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and DTNA will modify the sway bar mounting, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712.
Winnebago Towable (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Winnebago Winnie Drop, Micro Minnie, Minnie, Minnie Plus, Spyder, Scorpion, Destination, Instinct, and Voyage travel trailers manufactured November 9, 2015, to September 6, 2016. The weight label on the affected vehicles incorrectly states the fresh water capacity in gallons when it should be stated in pounds. The incorrect information may cause the trailer to be overloaded, possibly resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash. Winnebago will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect weight labels with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Winnebago owner relations at 1-574-825-5250 extension 5220.
JUST PUBLISHED! Essential for big RVs!
2017 Rand McNally Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas
If you drive a big RV — extra long or extra tall — then this truck driver’s road atlas will be a huge help in knowing where you can drive without encountering a low bridge or getting stuck hanging over a cliff. This is an essential aid even if you have a GPS! Coverage: United States, Canada, and Mexico. Learn more or order.
DO YOU HAVE A NORCOLD REFRIGERATOR?
If so, watch this important video about a critical recall. A class action lawsuit has just been settled. Click on this page for the settlement website and a link to the court ruling.
OTHER VEHICLES
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail. If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. Parts are not currently available, but beginning on November 25, 2016, owners will be notified of the recall and they will be sent a second letter when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S68.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured June 16, 2015, to August 14, 2016. In certain crash conditions, the front impact sensor wiring may be pulled until it detaches before a signal can be received by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If the ORC module does not receive a signal from the front impact sensor, both frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the front impact sensor wiring and relocate the impact sensor branch, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S76.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured August 8, 2016, through August 16, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the rear tow hook bracket or tow eye bracket may be loose. If the tow bracket is loose, the bracket may detach from the vehicle while it is being driven, possibly becoming a road hazard. If the bracket detaches during a vehicle recovery, there may be a loss of control of the towed vehicle. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will confirm both tow hook bracket bolts are properly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on November 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S73.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016, and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, “Door Locks and Door Retention Components.” With only a single press needed, the driver may accidentally unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16C13.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 9, 2015, to August 12, 2016. During dealer servicing, the affected vehicles may be have been updated with incorrect Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software. This software can cause the ESC system to lose engine torque control, and not provide any warning lamps to warn the driver if there was an ABS or ESC system malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, “Electronic Stability Control Systems” and number 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.” If the operator is not warned of an ABS or ESC malfunction and the ESC loses engine torque control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, and update the service software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 28, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16C14.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Express vans manufactured September 25, 2015, to August 22, 2016, and 2016 GMC Savana cargo and cutaway vans manufactured January 28, 2016, to May 18, 2016. The affected vehicles were manufactured without an inside rearview mirror and with a right-hand convex exterior review mirror. These vehicles are required to have either an inside rearview mirror or both left and right-hand flat exterior rearview mirrors. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, “Rearview Mirrors.” If the driver does not have a clear unobstructed view to the back of the vehicle, it can increase the risk of a crash. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a right-hand flat rearview mirror, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 16036.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving. If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 152.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2017 Mirage vehicles manufactured October 28, 2015, to August 4, 2016, and equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. The affected vehicles may have been assembled without the headlight horizontal adjustment lockout clips properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” Without the horizontal adjustment locking clip being secured, the headlight can be adjusted to either reduce the driver’s visibility or blind oncoming vehicles. Both conditions can increase the risk of a crash. MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will secure the horizontal locking clips as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 3, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA’s number for this recall is SR-16-008.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2017 Versa vehicles manufactured August 1, 2016, to August 16, 2016. A seam in the fabric section of the side curtain air bags may tear during side curtain air bag deployment, potentially affecting the performance of the air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, “Ejection Mitigation,” and number 214, “Side Impact Protection.” In the event of a crash necessitating side curtain air bag deployment, if the side curtain air bags do not deploy as intended there would be an increased risk of injury. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right side curtain air bags, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
TODAY’S DEALS ON RV PARTS & ACCESSORIES AT AMAZON.COM. Click.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru’s number for this recall is WTM-73.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009, to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice, prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt. If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru’s number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly. If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seat belt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver’s lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle’s steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru’s number for this recall is WTL-72.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be sent to owners by early November and a second notice will be sent when parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen’s numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5.
OTHER EQUIPMENT AND TIRES
Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (Continental) is recalling certain Crosscontact LX20 tires, size P275/55R20 111S, manufactured May 3, 2015, to May 9, 2015. The tires, sold as replacement tires as well as original equipment on certain General Motors full size trucks and SUVs, may have insufficient adhesion within the belt package, resulting in tread wear, vibration, noise, or bulging areas on the tire. The insufficient adhesion can cause partial or full tread/belt loss, increasing the risk of a crash. Continental will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Continental customer service at 1-888-799-2168.
GITI Tire (USA) Ltd. (GITI) is recalling certain Primewell Valera Touring II tires, sizes 205/50R17 93V XL, 215/50R17 95V XL, 225/50R17 94V and 225/50R18 95T, GT Radial Champiro Touring A/S tires, sizes 205/50R17 93V XL, 215/50R17 95V XL, 225/50R17 94V and 225/50R18 95T, and Dextero Touring DTR1 tires, sizes 205/50R17 93V XL, 215/50R17 95V XL, 225/50R17 94V. The affected replacement passenger car tires may develop cracks in the lower sidewall, potentially resulting in a loss of air. A loss of air pressure may result in sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash. GITI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact GITI customer service at 1-877-342-0882.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Amera-Lite cargo trailers, models ALDD610SA, ALDR610SA, ALDD612SA and ALDR612SA, manufactured February 11, 2016, to May 11, 2016. The thickness of the steel tubes used to manufacture the trailer’s drawbars may be insufficient for the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The drawbars can fracture and fail during operation, potentially resulting in a loss of control or the trailer detaching from the tow vehicle. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drawbars, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 16, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-848-9216. Forest River’s number for this recall is 24-09142016-0244
Please note: This is only a list of recalls we feel may be of interest to the RVing community. There may be other recalls which may affect you — please make it a point to visit appropriate government sources for more information.
What is a recall?
When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a car or item of motor vehicle equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that car or equipment at no cost to the consumer. That can be done by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund (for equipment) or, in rare cases, repurchasing the car.
What should I do if my vehicle is included in this recall?
If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is very important that you get it fixed as soon as possible given the potential danger to you and your passengers if it is not addressed. You should receive a separate letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, notifying you of the recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, whom to contact to repair your vehicle or equipment, and to remind you that the repair will be done at no charge to you. If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, please call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership.
Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter and for your commitment to helping save lives on America’s roadways.
Did you miss last week’s issue of RV Travel? You can read it here.
This newsletter is copyright 2016 by RVtravel.com.
NeXus RV company owners Claude Donati and Dave Middleton demonstrate their 37-foot Class A gas motorhome, built in many ways similar to their higher-end diesel coach, but costing far less. Options and features are shown and demonstrated. 
Attached is a photo of our truck/5th wheel combo. We pull a 2015 Heartland Big Country 3150RL with a 2010 Ford F-250 Diesel Crew Cab that has a modest 43,400 miles on it. Up until last August, when I retired, we used our truck only on our weekend or week-long camping trips with earlier towable rigs we owned. The picture was taken at Seven Feathers RV Resort in southern Oregon, earlier this year (a great RV resort, BTW). 
Hello!! We are a married, full-timing, cat-owning couple who travel North America in our RV, playing music at colleges and music venues year-round.
In August, 2014, we bought our 2015 Tiffin Allegro Open Road. It is powered by Ford’s strong V-10. We love it. It has two slides, three TVs inside, electric fireplace, and queen bed.
Since retiring we have traveled to all 48 continental states and Alaska (2.5 months, 13,000+ miles). Then to celebrate our 50th State, 40th Wedding Anniversary, and 60th Birthdays, we flew most of our family to a wonderful 2-week cruise and stay on the beach of Honolulu.
Why RV, and who is RVing? If statistics are something you look for, here are some that might interest you:
Over four times the size of Rhode Island, the 2.7 million acre Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range (BMGR) in southwest Arizona is one of the largest unbroken land tracts left in the lower 48 states and is open to boondocking! Located near Yuma, you’ll find it a fascinating place to explore. 
Dear RV Shrink:
The Mustard Seed Cafe in Jacksonville, Ore., has about the most unusual floor you will ever see. It’s covered with 120,000 pennies. There are also a few dimes, but it’s 99.9 percent pennies.
he restaurant has been there since 1958. It started out as a lunch counter, but the food was so good the owner expanded. Jeannie Inman bought the cafe six years ago. She loved food all her life and wanted her own restaurant. She’s done everything right because everybody around town loves the place. Jeannie says it was lucky I visited on a weekday because, “on weekends, the line is out the door.”
I smell cows. It’s a gorgeous day in Medford, Oregon. I’m typing at my picnic table. The sun is warming me all over. I am happiest when the sun shines. 
BUT BACK TO THE SUBJECT OF SMELL. When you travel down the great Central Valley of California, you can close your eyes and there is no doubt you are in an agricultural area. You can tell how far you are from the next stockyard or dairy by the smell of the cows. You can be just driving along and then someone in your car or RV says, “Cows ahead!” And then you just wait to spot the stockyard or dairy. On the other hand, when you are driving through the country, where the cows are in pastures, it’s different. You don’t smell the cows. There’s too much space between poop.
