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Free camping — at wildlife refuges

RV Staff
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Free camping — at wildlife refuges

By Bib Difley

Be on the lookout for Fish and Wildlife refuges, both national and state, for good boondocking and cheap camping opportunities. When there is no hunting season active, these refuges can be deserted. Though policies vary with each state, at some of these wildlife resources you can camp either free or very cheap.

Some refuges can be quite scenic, on ponds maintained for ducks for instance. In some states (California is one example) you can camp free if you have a state fishing or hunting license. If not, you can still camp but will have to pay, usually a very reasonable fee.

Check online or at regional Fish & Game offices for policies and locations — but avoid during hunting seasons.

(Photo: Finney-Ramer Unit of California’s Imperial Wildlife Area)

You can find Bob Difley’s RVing e-books on Amazon Kindle.

Putting RV cabinets on lockdown

RV Staff
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By Jim Twamley

A couple of full-time RVers I met on the road proved that solving perennial RV problems doesn’t have to be complicated, norexpensive. They have an easy solution for locking down the RV bathroom medicine cabinet when they travel. They use a dual sided hook and latch strap and screwed one end into the side of the cabinet. When they’re ready to travel they simply loop the strap through the cabinet handle and secure it.

Simple, yet effective in keeping your stuff where it belongs.

Giving a warning — with a dose of humor

RV Staff
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By RVtravel.com staff

I followed this truck for a few miles on I-5 in northern California. I liked the passing instructions printed on the back. Just in case you can’t see the photo clear enough to read those instructions, here is what they say:

The message on the green sign, which directs you to pass on the left, says “Passing Zone.” The other sign, in red, points to the right and says “Suicide Zone.” It’s nice to see a truck with a sense of humor. And it’s with a good purpose — not  only is it illegal in many places to pass on the right, but with big blind spots on the right side that big rig driver probably won’t see you until you’re already compacted.

RV and RV-related recalls for Mar. 2016

RV Staff
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RV and RV-related recalls for Mar. 2016

WASHINGTON: Here is our monthly summary of recalled vehicles 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

DS Corp DBA Crossroads RV (Crossroads) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Z1 Lite travel trailers manufactured January 2, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The affected trailers are equipped with a Suburban furnace, model #NT-20SEQ, that may have an exhaust cover that incorrectly identifies the hot exhaust tube location. If the cover indicates the wrong hot tube location, someone may unexpectedly touch the hot exhaust tube, increasing their risk of injury. Additionally, if a plastic return tube was installed there is an increased risk of fire. Crossroads will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust cover, free of charge. The recall began on February 26, 2016. Owners may contact Crossroads customer service at 1-855-226-7496. Crossroad’s number for this recall is 40-2015.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Dynamax Rev recreational vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2015, through February 15, 2016, and 2016-2017 Coachman Orion recreational vehicles manufactured from May 18, 2015, through December 10, 2015. These vehicles, built on RAM ProMaster chassis, have an ignition switch that may have an intermittent loss of electrical contact. An intermittent loss of contact can result in a vehicle stall and/or a partial or complete loss of air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and/or instrument panel cluster. Loss of functionality with any of these safety systems can increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) dealers will replace the ignition switch contact holder block, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 29, 2016. Owners may call the FCA Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403 or contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-262-3474. Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-022242016-0138.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Coachmen Galleria motorhomes manufactured from October 30, 2015, through February 15, 2016. The Federal Placards on the affected vehicles incorrectly list the number of seatbelts as zero. Additionally, the placards did not factor in the fresh water capacity in the vehicle weight calculation and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is missing from the label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” Without the GVWR listed on the label, the operator may overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on March 3, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service 1-574-825-8628. Forest River’s number for this recall is 225-02102016-0134.
Highland Ridge RV (Highland) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Highland Toy Hauler, Light, Mesa Ridge, and Roamer travel and fifth wheel trailers manufactured May 6, 2014, to August 31, 2015. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating calculation on the label may be incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. If the vehicle is overloaded due to incorrect Weight Rating information on the label, tire failure may result, increasing the risk of a crash. Highland will notify owners and will provide a corrected label, free of charge. One model, the HT31RGR Highland Toy Hauler, will require two heavier axles installed and five larger tires as well. These repairs will be provided free of charge. The recall began on March 22, 2016. Owners may contact Highland customer service at 1-260-768-7771. Highland’s number for this recall is 9904283.
Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain model year 2016 Eagle Half Ton fifth wheels and Eagle travel trailers manufactured April 8, 2015, to February 19, 2016. In the affected trailers, the positive cable (B+) connecting the battery box to the roof-mounted solar panel preparation package may not be protected by a circuit breaker. Without circuit protection, the wire may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Jayco will notify owners, and dealers will tie the unprotected circuit into a 30 amp circuit breaker, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2016. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901286.
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sprinter vehicles manufactured July 28, 2015, to November 19, 2015, and equipped with a Haier television, model 55E2500, mounted to the wall. These televisions may break off of the wall mounting inside the vehicle. If the television falls while people are in the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of injury. Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will replace the television, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2016. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 16-247.
Open Range R.V. Company (Open Range) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Mesa Ridge and Roamer trailers, and 2013-2014 Light trailers manufactured March 23, 2011, to March 20, 2014. In the affected fifth wheel and travel trailers, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) calculation on the label may be incorrect, which may result in the overloading of the vehicles. If the owners load the trailers based on the incorrect labels, the trailers may be overloaded, resulting in tire failure, and increasing the risk of a crash. Open Range will notify owners and will provide a label with the corrected weight information, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during March 2016. Owners may contact Highland customer service at 1-260-768-7771. Open Range’s number for this recall is 9905283.
Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling certain model year 2016 Solstice and Travel Star fifth wheel trailers manufactured July 31, 2015, to September 14, 2015, and equipped with Atwood on demand water heaters. The affected water heaters have a water and gas valve that may cause the water heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap. The overheating of the water may result in the release of steam, possibly causing the operator to scald themselves, increasing the risk of injury. Starcraft will notify owners, and dealers will install a water flow adjustment stop key that prevents the recall condition from occurring, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2016. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-945-4787. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902282.
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Hurricane and Windsport motor homes manufactured January 30, 2013, to March 6, 2015. In the affected motor homes, the vehicle exhaust is located near a storage compartment where heat may build up, causing the compartment to melt. Heat buildup in the vehicle storage compartment increases the risk of fire. TMC will notify owners, and dealers will install a heat shield to prevent heat buildup in the storage compartment. The recall will begin in March 2016. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000112.
Universal Trailer Cargo Group, Inc. (Universal Trailer) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Haulmark Motorcoach vehicles manufactured April 1, 2007, to June 30, 2010. The bolt that attaches the fan gear assembly to the steps may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may become unstable. Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury. Universal Trailer will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer bracket on the double step assemblies and the Coachstep Linkage Assembly will be replaced and a retainer bracket will be installed on the trip step assemblies. The recall is expected to begin May 9, 2016. Owners may contact Universal Trailer customer service at 1-574-264-9661.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2015 Winnebago Adventurer vehicles manufactured January 16, 2016, to March 8, 2016, and 2015-2016 Itasca Suncruiser vehicles manufactured January 6, 2016, to March 8, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that attach the hitch to the frame were not properly torqued. Improper torquing of the hitch bolts could cause the hitch to detach, increasing the risk of a crash. Winnebago will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, where necessary, replace the hitch attachment bolts free of charge. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-3535. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 140.

Winnebago Towable (Winnebago) is recalling certain 2016 Instinct trailers manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 29, 2016. The affected trailers may have an inadvertent “I” stamped as the fifth character in the VIN number. No direct safety risk exists but an accurate VIN is required to verify trailer applicability for any future safety recalls. Winnebago will notify owners, and dealers will install a new VIN plate over the incorrect VIN plate, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-574-825-5250.

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The Moso Bag is the easiest way to maintain a fresh, dry and odor free environment. Made of just one incredibly powerful natural ingredient — moso bamboo charcoal — the Moso Bag is continuously working to remove odors, allergens and harmful pollutants. For damp, musty environments the bag will absorb excess moisture to prevent mold, mildew and bacteria from forming. The bag is chemical free, fragrance free and non-toxic to keep you and your pets safe. Learn more or order.

OTHER VEHICLES

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 F-150 trucks manufactured April 27, 2015, to November 22, 2015, and equipped with Multi-Contour Seats (MCS). The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) that calibrates the air bag deployment level may incorrectly classify an adult as a child when the seat massage feature is activated. If an adult is incorrectly classified as a child, the passenger frontal air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM) with new software, free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S05.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high-speed crash. An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 28030.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat’s height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.” Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 141.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured July 25, 2013, to December 21, 2013, and February 1, 2014, to June 7, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing. If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Lexus SC vehicles manufactured August 3, 2007, to July 30, 2010, 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured May 25, 2007, to December 21, 2007, 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 18, 2007, and 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured May 25, 2007, to December 21, 2007. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners will be notified by Toyota beginning March 15, 2016. A date has not yet been provided for Pontiac Vibe owners to be notified by GM. The respective dealers will either replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire front passenger air bag assembly depending on the model. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. This recall expands recall 15V-285.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Lexus SC vehicles manufactured August 3, 2007, to July 30, 2010, 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 21, 2007, 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 18, 2007, and 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured May 25, 2007, to December 21, 2007, that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners will be notified by Toyota beginning March 15, 2016. A date has not yet been provided for Pontiac Vibe owners to be notified by GM. The respective dealers will either replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire front passenger air bag assembly depending on the model. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. This recall expands recall 15V-286.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a circlip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge. If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the circlip and install any missing circlips, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 46G4.

TIRES AND EQUIPMENT

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. (Cooper) is recalling certain Roadmaster RM234 tires, size 295/75R22.5, manufactured August 6, 2015, to September 5, 2015 (weeks 3115-3515). The affected tires may have a pin-sized hole in the sidewall that can result in a loss of air. A loss of tire air pressure can cause sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Cooper will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires including the mounting and balancing, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Cooper customer service at 1-800-854-6288. Cooper’s number for this recall is 4Y.

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. 

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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.

This newsletter is copyright 2016 by RVtravel.com.

RV and RV-related recalls for Feb. 2016

RV Staff
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0
RV and RV-related recalls for Feb. 2016

WASHINGTON: Here is our monthly summary of recalled vehicles 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

Evergreen Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Evergreen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Amped and Amped Reactor recreational vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to August 31, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the generator and generator pump may shift during transit, and as a result, carbon monoxide from the generator may fill the passenger cabin when the generator is running. If carbon monoxide enters the cabin, occupants are at an increased risk of injury. Evergreen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and correct the generator installation, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Evergreen customer service at 1-574-825-4298.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Wildcat recreational trailers, models WCF28SGX, WCF29RKP, WCF29RLX, and WCF31SAX, manufactured from September 25, 2015, through January 20, 2016. The affected vehicles may have been produced with an incorrect Federal placard that has an improperly reduced Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 3500lbs. The correct GAWR is 5200lbs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” Incorrect Federal Placard information such as the Gross Axle Weight Rating could lead to reduced handling of the vehicle, potentially leading to loss of control or a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will provide a corrected Federal placard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 28, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-862-2071. Forest River’s number for this recall is 23-01262016-0131.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Surveyor recreational vehicles, model SVF275BHSS, manufactured from November 4, 2015, through November 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the general circuit receptacle may be incorrectly wired, and as a result, too much current may travel through the receptacle. Too much electrical current can cause an electrical arc, and potentially electrocute the user. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will repair any wiring, breakers, and other items, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-3119 extension 205. Forest River’s number for this recall is 37-01152016-0131.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Coachmen Cross Country vehicles manufactured May 26, 2015, to December 2, 2015. During suspension travel, the front tires may be damaged from contacting the fuel fill guard. If the tire contacts the fuel fill guard, it may be damaged and deflate, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a revised fuel fill guard that will not contact the tires. Any tire that shows sign of contact with the fuel fill guard will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 10, 2016. Owners east of the Mississippi river may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8317. Owners west of the Mississippi river may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8305. Forest River’s number for this recall is 310-01112016-0126.
Gulf Stream Coach, Inc. (Gulf Stream) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Caribbean, Yellowstone and Independence, 2008-2009 Crescendo, Sun Voyager, and Toy Hauler, 2008 Sun Sport, 2008-2010 Tour Master, 2010 B Touring Cruiser, 2010-2011 Conquest, 2009-2010 Conquest Super C and Super Nova, 2009 Endura and Gladiator motor homes manufactured August 1, 2007 to September 30, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with Lippert-brand Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps. The bolt that attaches the fan gear assembly to the steps may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may be unstable. Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury. Gulf Stream will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Gulf Stream customer service at 1-800-289-8787. Gulf Stream’s number for this recall is CS070116.
Highland Ridge RV (Highland) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Highlander, Mesa Ridge, Roamer, and Journeyer travel trailers manufactured April 7, 2014, to January 11, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with safety chains on the A-frame that are rated for 11,700lb instead of being rated equal to or greater than the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the travel trailer. In the event the main trailer connection fails, the weight of the trailer can break the safety chains if the chains are not strong enough, allowing the trailer to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Highland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing safety chains with chains that have a 16,200lb rating, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Highland customer service at 1-260-768-7771. Highland’s number for this recall is 9904277.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 Bay Star, Dutch Star, and Ventana, 2012-2014 Bay Star Sport and Ventana VL, 2008-2015 Canyon Star, 2009-2010 Dutch Aire and 2008 Kountry Star motorhomes manufactured May 29, 2007, to January 14, 2015, and equipped with certain Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps manufactured by Lippert Components. The bolt that attaches the fan gear assembly to the steps may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may be unstable. Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury. Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 18, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-574-773-7791 or Lippert Customer service at 574-537-8900. Newmar’s number for this recall is 15E 078.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ventana, and 2015-2016 Ventana LE vehicles manufactured January 16, 2015, to January 13, 2016 built on Freightliner Chassis. The affected vehicles may have a front rim maximum pounds per square inch (psi) rating of 120psi which is lower than the Michelin tires maximum inflation rating of 130 psi. If the tires are inflated to their maximum pressure, the rims may suddenly fail due to being over pressurized, increasing the risk of a crash. The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall is expected to begin March 28, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-574-773-7791.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ventana, and Dutch Star vehicles manufactured March 19, 2015, to January 21, 2016 on Freightliner chassis. The affected vehicles have an “Incomplete Vehicle Label” that incorrectly lists the maximum front tire inflation level to be 130 pounds per square inch (psi), when the correct level is 120 psi. If the tire is overinflated due to the incorrect label, the tire may unexpectedly fail, increasing the risk of a crash. Newmar will notify owners, and Freightliner will provide a corrected label, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on March 26, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-574-773-7791.
Open Range R.V. Company (Open Range) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Journeyer trailers, models JT 337 RLS and JT340FLR, manufactured September 6, 2011, to April 30, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped with safety chains on the A-frame that are rated for 11,700lbs instead of being rated equal to, or greater than, the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the travel trailer. In the event the main trailer connection fails, the weight of the trailer can break the safety chains if the chains are not strong enough, allowing the trailer to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Open Range will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing safety chains with chains that have a 16,200lb rating, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Open Range customer service at 1-260-768-7771. Open Range’s number for this recall is 9905277.
ShowHauler Trucks, Inc. (ShowHauler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Motorhomes, Garage units, and Toterhomes manufactured June 1, 2007, to April 13, 2011. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Lippert-brand Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps. These steps use a bolt to attach the fan gear assembly to the steps. This bolt may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may be unstable. Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury. ShowHauler will notify owners and dealers will install a retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on February 23, 2016. Owners may contact ShowHauler customer service at 1-574-825-6764.
Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling certain model year 2016 AR-One toy hauler trailers, model 17XTH, manufactured from October 28, 2015, through January 19, 2016. The affected trailers may be equipped with labels that indicate incorrect tire size and tire inflation information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 119, “New Pneumatic Tires-Other than Passenger Cars.” If the tires are replaced with ones that are of an incorrect size and pressure, the handling of the trailer may be adversely affected or tire failure may occur. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. Starcraft will notify owners and will mail them corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2016. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-945-4787. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902260.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Winnebago Travato, Trend, and Itasca Viva! motor homes manufactured February 27, 2015, to January 6, 2016. The affected vehicles have an ignition switch that may experience an intermittent loss of electrical contact. An intermittent loss of contact can result in a vehicle stall and/or a partial or complete loss of the air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and/or instrument panel cluster. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. FCA US (Chrysler), manufacturer of the motorhome chassis, will notify owners, and Chrysler dealers will replace the ignition switch contact holder block, free of charge. Owners were sent interim notices in January 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-3535.

Enjoy a fresh, dry and odor free RV — naturally
The Moso Bag is the easiest way to maintain a fresh, dry and odor free environment. Made of just one incredibly powerful natural ingredient — moso bamboo charcoal — the Moso Bag is continuously working to remove odors, allergens and harmful pollutants. For damp, musty environments the bag will absorb excess moisture to prevent mold, mildew and bacteria from forming. The bag is chemical free, fragrance free and non-toxic to keep you and your pets safe. Learn more or order.

OTHER VEHICLES

American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Accord vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail. If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control units, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in Fall 2016. Interim notifications will be mailed to owners beginning on March 15, 2016, and a second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is JW9.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram ProMaster vans manufactured October 21, 2015, to December 17, 2015 and equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. If the driver has disabled the electronic stability control (ESC) system, the system is required to be reactivated the next time the vehicle is started. The recalled vehicles have an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) control module that may not reset the ESC to active status when the key is turned off and back on quickly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, “Electronic Stability Control Systems.” Operating the vehicle with the ESC off may increase the risk of a crash.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 Dodge, Freightliner, and Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2006, to July 31, 2014. Upon deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Daimler Vans will notify the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners and Fiat Chrysler will notify the Dodge owners. The respective dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners may contact Daimler Van’s customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Dodge owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail. If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, 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 S07.
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, and 2014-2015 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 16, 2014, to December 5, 2015. The windshield on the affected vehicles may have been installed using expired urethane primer, allowing the windshield to become displaced in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, “Windshield Mounting.” If the windshield dislodges during a crash, there is an increased risk of occupant injury. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on March 4, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S02.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S03. Note: This recall supersedes 14V-343 and only applies to Rangers manufactured in North America.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to December 10, 2015 and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. The trailer braking system may fail, increasing the distance needed to stop the vehicle. If the vehicle unexpectedly needs an extended braking distance, there would be an increased risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 15, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S01. Note: This recall supersedes 15V-710. Any vehicle previously repaired under 15V-710 will need to be repaired again.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, “Theft Protection”, and/or 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.” An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, 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 15808.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2003-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2010-2011 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 23, 2010, to February 21, 2011, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver’s frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver’s frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM’s number for this recall is 28810.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 6, 2015, to March 17, 2015, and 2015 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 6, 2015, to March 19, 2015. A poor electrical connection within the steering gear connector may cause a loss of power steering assist. A loss or reduction in power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear pinion sensor cover assembly, 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 15595.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative. If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal pivot nuts, adding thread adhesive and tightening the nut as necessary, 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 20760.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. Remedy parts are expected to be available in Summer 2016. Interim notices will be mailed to owners beginning on March 14, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic vehicles manufactured September 22, 2015, to February 3, 2016 and equipped with 2.0L engines. The affected vehicles have engines with piston assemblies that may have been manufactured without a piston wrist pin circlip or with an incorrectly installed piston wrist pin circlip. If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the piston assemblies and damaged engine components, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in the Summer of 2016. Owners will be mailed an interim notification beginning March 31, 2016, and will be mailed a second notice when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is JX9.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured July 22, 2010, to October 31, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak. If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission fluid cooler hose, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 139.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 B-Series trucks manufactured April 17, 2003, to May 2, 2006. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda’s number for this recall is 9116A.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles manufactured June 27, 2013, to February 2, 2016. The affected vehicles have a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, “Fuel System Integrity.” A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will alter the attachment between the fuel filler pipe and the left rear side of the bracket of the fuel filler pipe, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 6. Mazda’s number for this recall is 9216B.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2006-2007 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver’s frontal air bag module, free of charge. A notification schedule has not yet been provided. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to December 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. These vehicles were previously included in recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116, however the previous remedy plan may not have been performed consistently to remove the safety risk. To correct this issue, Nissan will re-notify all affected owners and dealers will replace the hood latch with a new one, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-February. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Tribeca vehicles manufactured November 16, 2004, to January 27, 2014. Due to a possible malfunction of the hood safety system and hood lock system, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving. If the hood unexpectedly opens while driving, it may interfere with the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will complete this recall in two phases. Phase one will involve inspection, cleaning, and lubricating the hood safety and hood lock systems. If after this is performed the hood latch does not operate properly, it will be replaced with a new current style part. Phase two will involve installing an improved hood safety system and hood lock system. 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 WQX-59 (phase one) and WQY-60 (phase two).
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently. If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 2, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota’s number for this recall is G0C and GLB.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame. A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. Interim notification letters will be mailed to owners beginning March 31, 2016. A second notice will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is G0F.
Vintage Trailers Ltd. (Vintage) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Intimidator, Aero, Outlaw, Bandit, and Crystal SS triple axles trailers manufactured May 9, 2008, to September 23, 2015. The affected trailers have a Federal Certification Label that incorrectly lists the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of each axle as 5,200 pounds when the correct GAWR is 5,080 pounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 120, “Wheels and Rims- Other than Passenger Cars.” If the operator overloads the trailer past the 15,200 pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) limit, axle failure may occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Vintage will notify owners and will provide a corrected Federal Certification Label, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 2016. Owners may contact Vintage customer service at 1-800-233-5455.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 15, 2015, to January 21, 2015, and 2015 Audi Q5 vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver and front seat passenger seat-mounted air bag inflators that may rupture in the event of a crash. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of a seat-mounted air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 69M1 (for Audi) and 69L9 (for VW).
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver’s frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. 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 Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf and Jetta SportWagen, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2010-2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver’s frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. 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 Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Touareg Hybrid vehicles manufactured March 20, 2010, to April 11, 2015. The hybrid battery tray may not drain water sufficiently. If water collects in the hybrid battery tray, it may cause an electrical short in the high voltage battery. An electrical short in the high voltage battery increases the risk of a fire. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a fitted drain valve to allow water to drain properly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in late February 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this 53B8.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured June 18, 2015, to November 9, 2015 and equipped with 18-inch wheels. The affected vehicles may have incorrect sidewall height ratio information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.” If the tires are replaced using a smaller diameter tire, it can cause incorrect readings of the speedometer. Inaccurate speedometer readings may increase the risk of a crash. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire placard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 01B3.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles manufactured February 7, 2008, to August 28, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail. If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash. VW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

TIRES AND EQUIPMENT

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC (BATO) is recalling certain FS561 replacement tires, size 255/70R22.5, manufactured January 25, 2015, to January 27, 2016 (DOT weeks 0515-0416) for use on trailers. The affected tires may experience possible tread separation or detachment due to scrubbing during use. Tread separation or detachment may result in a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. BATO will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact BATO customer service at 1-800-847-3272.

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. 

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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.

This newsletter is copyright 2016 by RVtravel.com.

RV and RV-related recalls for Jan. 2016

RV Staff
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RV and RV-related recalls for Jan. 2016

WASHINGTON: Here is our monthly summary of recalled vehicles 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

Allied Recreation Group, Inc. (ARG) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Holiday Rambler Admiral, 2009-2014 Holiday Rambler Ambassador, 2010 Holiday Rambler Arista, 2010-2014 Holiday Rambler Endeavor, 2009-2011 Holiday Rambler Neptune, 2011-2014 Holiday Rambler Vacationer, 2009-2011 Monaco Cayman, 2010-2014 Monaco Diplomat, 2014 Monaco Dynasty, 2009-2014 Monaco Knight, 2012-2013 Monaco LaPalma, 2009-2013 Monaco Monarch, 2009-2011 Monaco Riptide, 2008 Safari Passage, and 2008 Safari Simba motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Lippert-brand Coachstep Double Electric Steps. These steps use a bolt to attach the fan gear assembly to the steps. This bolt may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may be unstable. Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury. ARG will notify owners and dealers will install a retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact ARG customer service number at 1-800-509-3417. ARG’s number for this recall is 151216REV.

Entegra Coach (Entegra) is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2011 Aspire and Anthem motorhomes, 2008 and 2010 Cornerstone motorhomes, 2008 Emblem and Alante motorhomes, and 2009-2011 Insignia motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Lippert-brand Coachstep Double aElectric Steps. These steps use a bolt to attach the fan gear assembly to the steps. This bolt may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may become unstable. Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury. Entegra will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer bracket on the double step assemblies. On the trip step assemblies, the Coachstep linkage Assembly will be replaced and a retainer bracket will be installed. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Entegra customer service at 1-800-945-4787, or Lippert customer service at 1-574-537-8900. Entegra’s number for this recall is 9903275.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Cardinal recreational trailers, model CAF3850RL. The affected vehicles have Federal Certification Placards that list an incorrect gross axle weight from what is actually installed on the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” Incorrect placards may result in improper trailer loading. Improper loading may increase the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners and mail them a corrected Federal placard label, free of charge. The recall began on January 13, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600. Forest River’s number for this recall is 15-12112015-0122.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Prime Time recreational trailers, models FHT2614X, FHT2910 and FHT2912X, manufactured September 14, 2015, to December 17, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a Federal Placard that lists an incorrect tire size of ST225/75R15 Load Range E, when the correct tire size is ST225/75R15 Load Range D. The actual tires installed on the trailer have a maximum tire pressure lower than what the placard lists and may be overinflated if filled per the placard specifications. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” Over inflated tires may result in sudden tire failure and increase the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners and will provide a corrected Federal placard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 17, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-862-3001. Forest River’s number for this recall is 49-12182015-0124.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Evo, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, and Wildwood recreational trailers. The affected vehicles were mistakenly not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector to warn occupants of elevated levels of carbon monoxide. If occupants are not warned elevated carbon monoxide levels, they are at an increased risk of injury. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will remove the existing Liquid Propane (L.P.) Detector and install a combination L.P./carbon monoxide detector, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-909-873-3777, extension 53. Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-12072015-0119.
Foretravel, Inc. (Foretravel) is recalling certain model year 2008 Nimbus motorhomes manufactured July 9, 2007, to March 25, 2008. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Lippert-brand Coachstep Double Electric Steps. These steps use a bolt to attach the fan gear assembly to the steps. This bolt may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may be unstable. Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury. Foretravel will notify owners and dealers will install a retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 22, 2016. Owners may contact Foretravel customer service at 1-936-564-8367, or Lippert customer service at 1-574-537-8900.
Highland Ridge RV (Highland) is recalling certain model year 2015 Open Range fifth wheels and 2015-2016 3X fifth wheels and Highlander travel trailers manufactured May 8, 2014, to December 4, 2015 and equipped with a side vented sewer drainage system termination valve. The affected vehicles may be missing a caution label to inform the operator not to leave the drain valve open to prevent an escape of sewer gas. If the drain valve is left open, sewer gas may fill the recreational vehicle, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Highland will notify owners and send them the missing label, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Highland customer service at 1-260-768-7771. Highland’s number for this recall is 9904272.
Jayco Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain model year 2016 Alante motorhomes manufactured November 3, 2015, to November 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have forward and rearward facing dinette seats whose seat belts may not have the proper plate to anchor the seat belt brackets. This can allow the seat belt end to detach from the vehicle in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, “Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.” A seat belt that is not properly anchored to the vehicle may not restrain the occupant in a crash, increasing their risk of injury. Jayco will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct seat belt bracket backer plate, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-517-9137. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9903273.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 1997-2005 Dutch Star and Mountain Aire, 1998-1999 London Aire, 2004 Essex and 1997-1998 Kountry Aire motorhomes. The affected vehicles have a steering gear mounting bracket that may crack, causing a loss of steering ability. A loss of steering increases the risk of a crash. Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan dealers will replace the steering gear mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on January 4, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Newmar’s number for this recall is 15V 633.
Open Range R.V. Company (Open Range) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 3X recreational trailers, model 388RKS, manufactured June 12, 2013, to May 1, 2014, and equipped with a side vented sewer drainage system termination valve. The affected vehicles may be missing a caution label to inform the operator not to leave the drain valve open to prevent an escape of sewer gas. If the drain valve is left open, sewer gas may fill the recreational vehicle, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Open Range will notify owners and send them the missing label, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Open Range customer service at 1-260-768-7771.
Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Autumn Ridge, and Solstice fifth wheel trailers manufactured August 12, 2014, to October 16, 2015, and equipped with a side vented sewer drainage system termination valve. The affected vehicles may be missing a caution label to inform the operator not to leave the drain valve open to prevent an escape of sewer gas. If the drain valve is left open, sewer gas may fill the recreational vehicle, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Starcraft will notify owners, and send them the missing label, free of charge. The recall began on January 13, 2016. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-945-4787. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902274.
Tiffin Motorhomes (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 motorhomes manufactured May 1, 2007, to December 31, 2014, equipped with certain Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps. The bolt that attaches the fan gear assembly to the steps may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may become unstable. Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury. Dealers will install a retainer bracket on the double step assemblies and the Coachstep Linkage Assembly will be replaced and a retainer bracket will be installed on the trip step assemblies. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661, or Lippert customer service at 1-574-537-8900.
Tiny Idahomes LLC (Tiny Idahomes) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Clear Creek and Cascade vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to December 1, 2015, and 2015-2016 Carpathian vehicles manufactured May 1, 2015, to December 1, 2015, and equipped with certain Atwood on demand water heaters. The affected water heaters have a water and gas valve that may cause the water heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap. The overheating of the water may result in the release of steam, possibly causing the operator is to scald themselves and increasing the risk of injury. Tiny Idahomes will notify owners and Atwood dealers will remedy the hot water heater issue, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Tiny Idahomes customer service at 1-208-468-0576, or Atwood customer service at 1-574-264-2131.
Triple E Recreational Vehicles (Triple E) is recalling certain model year 2014 Regency GT 24MB motorhomes manufactured September 1, 2013, to December 1, 2013, equipped with certain Atwood on demand water heaters. The affected water heaters have a water and gas valve that may cause the water heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap. The overheating of the water may result in the release of steam, possibly causing the operator is to scald themselves, increasing the risk of injury. Triple E will notify owners and Atwood dealers will remedy the hot water heater issue, free of charge. The recall began on January 8, 2016. Owners may contact Triple E customer service at 1-204-325-4361, or Atwood customer service at 1-574-264-2131. Triple E’s number for this recall is Atwood Water Heater.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Winnebago Sightseer, Vista, and Adventurer motorhomes manufactured August 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015, and 2015-2016 Itasca Sunova, Sunstar, and Suncruiser motorhomes manufactured August 1, 2014, through August 31, 2015. The affected vehicles have electrically operated entry/exit steps that may extend down and out while the vehicle is moving. If the steps extend while the vehicle is being driven, the steps may strike a person or another vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Winnebago will notify owners, and dealers will replace the step switch connections at no charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-3535.

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OTHER VEHICLES

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured December 3, 2009, to September 1, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring. This recall is also addressing certain vehicles that have not been remedied under that prior recall. The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. Chrysler will notify owners. The remedy plan is still being developed. 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 R71.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured January 1, 2015, to May 11, 2015. During assembly, the power steering hose retention clamp may have been installed at an incorrect location, resulting in the detachment of the low pressure return hose. If the power steering fluid return hose detaches, it would leak fluid and increase the risk of a fire. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the return power steering hose clamp, repositioning the clamp as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is R68.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ram ProMaster vans manufactured October 1, 2014, to June 17, 2015. The affected vehicles have an ignition switch that may experience an intermittent loss of electrical contact. An intermittent loss of contact can result in a vehicle stall and/or a partial or complete loss of the air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and/or instrument panel cluster. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch contact holder block, free of charge. Owners were sent interim notices on January 8, 2015. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is R64.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to March 17, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with driver or front passenger seat belt anchorage assemblies whose pretensioner cable was not properly crimped. As a result, the seat belts may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, “Seat Belt Assemblies” and 210, ” Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.” An occupant that is not be properly restrained is at an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and/or front passenger side seat belt retractor(s) and pretensioner(s), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15C17.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 trucks manufactured April 15, 2015, to December 15, 2015, and equipped with rear air suspension. In the affected vehicles, the rear brake hoses may contact and chafe on the rear axle housing while driving. A chafed rear brake line may result in an air leak, reducing the rear braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install revised rear brake air chambers and replace any damaged rear air brake lines, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15S38.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 29, 2015. In the affected vehicles, one of the driver-side seat belt assembly bolts may not be properly tightened. An insufficiently torqued bolt may prevent the seat belt from holding the required load in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM’s number for this recall is 15777.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick up trucks manufactured October 13, 2015, to October 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the mounting stud used to secure the air bag sensing and diagnostic Module (SDM) may be incorrectly positioned, and as a result, the SDM housing could fracture. If the SDM housing fractures, water may get into SDM causing it to malfunction and hinder the proper deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of occupant injury. GM will notify owners, and dealers will have the mounting stud repositioned and the SDM replaced, free of charge. The recall began in December 2015. 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 15794.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a the third row left lower seat frame that may have welds that are not in the correction location. If the seat frame is not welded in the correct places, the seat may not perform as intended, and in the event of a crash, the seat occupant could be at an increased risk of injury. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row left side lower seat frame, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM’s number for this recall is 21930.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster. If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system’s calibration, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 137.

TIRES AND EQUIPMENT

H&H Trailers, LLC (H&H) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 GCA Golf Car Trailers, AMS Bike Trailers, RSA Rail Side Single Axle Utility Trailers, RSA Rail Side Tandem Axle Utility Trailers, SSA Solid Side Single Axle Utility Trailers, and SSA Solid Side Tandem Axle Utility Trailers manufactured November 1, 2014, to October 16, 2015. The affected trailers may be equipped with aluminum gate hinges that may bend and possibly break. If the hinge breaks, the gate may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. H&H will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hinges, free of charge. The recall began on January 13, 2016. Owners may contact H&H customer service at .

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. (Cooper) is recalling certain Cooper Zeon LTZ tires size 275/55R20 XL Extra Load tubeless tires manufactured September 1, 2015, to September 14, 2015. The affected tires may experience tread cracking or tread lug chunking during use. As such, these tires fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 139, “New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles.” Tread cracking or tread lug chunking may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. Cooper will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2016. Owners may contact Cooper customer service at . Cooper’s number for this recall is 161.

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.

This newsletter is copyright 2016 by RVtravel.com.

RV and RV-related recalls for Dec. 2015

RV Staff
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RV and RV-related recalls for Dec. 2015

WASHINGTON/TORONTO: Here is our monthly summary of recalled vehicles we feel are of interest to our readers. This information has been gleaned from the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and by Transport Canada. This is NOT a complete list of all vehicles recalled by either agency.

UNITED STATES RECALLS

RECREATION VEHICLES

Allied Recreation Group, Inc. (ARG) is recalling certain model year 2016 Fleetwood Southwind 34A, 36L, and 32VS motorhomes equipped with Atwood Model 0D50 on-demand water heaters. In the affected vehicles, the on-demand water heaters have a gas valve that may cause the water heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap. The overheating of the water may result in the release of steam, possibly causing the operator is to scald themselves and increasing the risk of injury. ARG will notify owners and Atwood will provide a remedy for the hot water heater free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact ARG customer service at 1-800-509-3417 or Atwood customer service at 1-574-264-2131.

Columbia Northwest, Inc. (Columbia) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Somerset E1 and Santa Fe recreational trailers manufactured November 1, 2012, to January 31, 2013, and equipped with Atwood on demand water heaters. The water heaters have a water and gas valve that may cause the heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap. The overheating of the water may result in the release of steam, possibly causing the operator is to scald themselves and increasing the risk of injury. The remedy for this recall is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Columbia customer service at 1-724-423-7440, or Atwood customer service at 1-574-264-2131. Columbia’s number for this recall is 15E-087.
DS Corp DBA Crossroads RV (Crossroads RV ) is recalling certain model year 2016 Crossroads ReZerve travel trailers manufactured September 29, 2015, to November 2, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with 4400 pound axles but the Federal Identification Label states that the trailer has a 5200 pound axle. The operator may overload the trailer by following the label information, resulting in a loss of vehicle control, and thereby increasing the risk of a crash. All of the affected travel trailers are quarantined on dealer lots and dealers will replace the 4400 pound axle with the correct 5200 pound axle, prior to the sale of the trailers. Owners may contact Crossroads RV customer service at 1-260-593-3850. Crossroads RV’s number for this recall is 39.
EverGreen Recreational Vehicles, LLC (EverGreen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Bayhill, Lifestyle, Amped, I-Go, Sun Valley, Element, Reactor, and Ever-Lite recreational vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to August 31, 2015, equipped with Atwood on-demand water heaters. The affected water heaters have a water and gas valve that may cause the water heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap. The overheating of the water may result in the release of steam, possibly causing the operator is to scald themselves and increasing the risk of injury. EverGreen will notify owners, and dealers will install a hot water heater rework kit to remedy the safety risk, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2015. Owners may contact EverGreen customer service at 1-574-825-4298.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2014 FR3, 2009 Forest River Encore, Sportscoach Elite, and Aurora, 2008-2009 Cruise Master, 2012-2015 Aviator, 2007-2014 Georgetown, 2007-2009 Legend, 2008-2012 Ridgeview, 2008-2014 Cross Country, 2010-2014 Coachmen Encounter, 2009-2014 Pathfinder, Solera, Mirada, Prism, and Pursuit motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Lippert-brand Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps. These steps use a bolt to attach the fan gear assembly to the steps. This bolt may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may be unstable. Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury. Forest River will notify owners and dealers will install a retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 19, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service number at 1-574-389-4600. Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-11102015-0109. Or owners can contact Lippert Components at 1-574-537-8900.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Legacy motorhomes, models 340BH, 340KP, and 360RB, manufactured September 12, 2013, to September 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a seat belts whose shoulder belt may rest at, or below, the shoulder of the seat occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 209, “Seat Belt Assemblies”, and 210, “Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.” If the shoulder belt rests too low on the torso, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install new seat belt systems, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 19, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440. Forest River’s number for this recall is 40-11192015-0117.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Berkshire, Charleston, Legacy, Dynamax, XLR, Continental Cargo, Work & Play, Shockwave, and Coachmen Brookstone recreational vehicles and toy haulers, equipped with Atwood on demand water heaters, models OD45, OD50, and OD50CW, manufactured January 2, 2012, to August 13, 2015. The affected water heaters have a water and gas valve that may cause the water heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap. The overheating of the water may result in the release of steam, possibly causing the operator is to scald themselves and increasing the risk of injury. Forest River will notify owners. The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440, or Atwood customer service at 1-574-264-2131. Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-11092015-0107.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2010-2016 Surveyor recreational trailers, models SVT243RBS and ORSVT243RBS. The affected vehicles have Federal Certification Placards that list an incorrect tire and rim size from what is actually installed on the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” If the operator installs tires that are the size that is indicated on the placard, it can cause poor vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners and mail them a corrected Federal placard label, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-3119 extension 205. Forest River’s number for this recall is 37-11052015-0106.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Coachmen Mirada motorhomes, model MDA31FWF, manufactured August 21, 2015, to October 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the parking brake actuator may be out of calibration causing the parking brake system to not properly hold the vehicle even with the parking brake pedal fully depressed. Additionally, the parking brake may not disengage completely when the parking brake pedal is released. If the parking brake does not fully engage, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash. A parking brake that drags may result in a wheel end fire. Forest River will notify owners, and Ford dealers will replace the parking brake foot pedal pedal assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 9, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-293-1581. Forest River’s number for this recall is 310-10282015-0103.
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain model year 2016 Momentum trailers, models 397th, 398M, and 388M, manufactured September 2, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected trailers may be equipped with a Federal Certification Label that lists an incorrect unloaded vehicle weight (UVW), causing the cargo carrying capacity (CCC) to be overstated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” If the operator loads vehicle per the information on the label, the vehicle may exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Grand Design will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 11, 2016. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design’s number for this recall is 910005.
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Dutchmen Voltage recreational trailers manufactured August 6, 2014, to October 15, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an exterior folding ladder that is not properly secured to the vehicle wall. If the ladder is not properly attached to the trailer, the ladder may detach while being used, increasing the risk of injury. Keystone has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the trailers and install the appropriate fasteners to properly secure the ladder to vehicle wall, free of charge. The recall began on December 8, 2015. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 15-242.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Essex motorhomes manufactured March 24, 2003, to March 7, 2007, and 2005-2007 London Aire motorhomes manufactured May 30, 2005, to October 23, 2006, and 2007-2008 Mountain Aire motorhomes manufactured January 19, 2006, to February 27, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the engine cooling fan may separate from the fan drive while the fan is spinning. If the engine area is open and the cooling fan and detaches, someone nearby may be injured. Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan dealers will replace the fan and fan drive system, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar service department at 1-800-731-8300 or Spartan Chassis at 1-800-543-4277.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 King Aire, 2009-2014 Essex, 2011-2015 Mountain Aire, Ventana, and Dutch Star, 2012-2014 Ventana LE, 2012-2015 Canyon Star, and 2015 London Aire motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with refrigerator door latches that may inadvertently lock without the operator’s knowledge. If an individual climbed into the refrigerator and the door inadvertently latched, the person would not be able to open the door, increasing their risk of injury. Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will install a new replacement door latch that will not automatically latch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 24, 2016
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ventana and Dutch Star motorhomes and model year 2014 Mountain Aire and Essex motorhomes manufactured May 31, 2015, to January 21, 2015. The affected vehicles have cargo door lock actuators that may overheat and melt the actuator housing. A door lock actuator that overheats may increase the risk of a fire. Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will install a new low voltage disconnect module and wire harness for the door lock actuator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 23, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Canyon Star motorhomes manufactured September 10, 2013, to August 18, 2015 and equipped with Atwood on-demand water heaters. In the affected vehicles, the water heater valve may not be properly set and, as a result, the water and gas valve may cause the water heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap. The overheating of the water may result in the release of steam, possibly causing the operator is to scald themselves and increasing the risk of injury. Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit to eliminate the scald hazard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 8, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2016 King Aire vehicles manufactured March 9, 2015, to September 14, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured without an emergency exit window over the driver’s side dinette table. The absence of an exit window may delay or prevent exit from the vehicle in the event of an emergency, increasing the risk of injury. Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the window, and if necessary install egress window, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2015. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-574-773-7791.
ShowHauler Trucks, Inc. is recalling one 2013 ShowHauler 20’6″ msl recreational vehicle equipped with an Atwood on demand water heater (ODWH) model OD45, OD50, or OD50CW. The affected water heater has a water and gas valve that may cause the water heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap. The overheating of the water may result in the release of steam, possibly causing the operator is to scald themselves and increasing the risk of injury. Showhauler will notify the owner and Atwood will provide a remedy kit, free of charge. Owners may contact Atwood customer service at 1-574-264-2131 and/or ShowHauler customer service 1-574-825-6764.
Thor Motor Coach (Thor) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Thor Challenger, Thor Citation, Thor Hurricane, Thor Tuscany, Thor Windsport, 2011-2012 Thor Astoria, Thor Avanti, Thor Chateau, 2011-2014 Thor Daybreak, 2011-2015 Thor Outlaw, Thor Siesta, 2014-2015 Thor Miramar, 2012 Thor Four Winds, 2008-2011 Damon Astoria, Damon Daybreak, Damon Outlaw, Damon Tuscany, 2008-2012, Damon Challenger, 2008-2010 Damon Essence, 2009-2011 Damon Avanti, Four Winds Chateau, Four Winds Citation, Four Winds Four Winds, Four Winds Hurricane, Four Winds Siesta, Four Winds Windsport, 2009-2010 Four Winds Dorado, Four Winds Dutchmen, Four Winds Magellan, Four Winds Mandalay and 2009 Four Winds Fun Mover, and Four Winds Presidio motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Lippert-brand Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps. These steps use a bolt to attach the fan gear assembly to the steps. This bolt may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may be unstable. Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury. Thor will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism and replace all of the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Thor customer service at 1-877-855-2867. Thor’s number for this recall is RC000111.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Winnebago Journey and Adventurer motorhomes, and 2015 Itasca Meridian and Suncruiser motorhomes manufactured March 20, 2014, through November 6, 2015, and equipped with Atwood on demand water heaters, models OD45, OD50, and OD50CW. The affected water heaters have a water and gas valve that may cause the water heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap. The overheating of the water may result in the release of steam, possibly causing the operator to scald themselves and increasing the risk of injury. Winnebago will notify owners. The remedy for this recall is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-3535, or Atwood customer service at 1-574-264-2131.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling one model year 2008 Aspect, one model year 2010 Vista and one model year 2012 Vista recreational vehicle, each equipped with wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position. If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator. Winnebago will notify owners to contact Ricon and dealers can inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2015. Owners may contact Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884. Note: These vehicles and wheelchair lifts were subject to a similar recall in 2014. All vehicles that received that recall remedy are still affected by this recall as well.

OTHER VEHICLES

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit. A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed 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 R67.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM). The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 4, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 14S17-S1
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 F-650 trucks manufactured July 29, 2015, to September 3, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with an incorrect Park-Reverse-Neutral-Drive-Manual (PRNDM) steering column, instead of Reverse-Neutral-Drive-Manual (RNDM) steering column. If the vehicle has the incorrect steering column, is parked on a hill, and the PRNDM placed in “P”, park pawl may fracture due to being overloaded. If the park pawl fractures, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PRNDM steering column with the correct RNDM steering column, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 11, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15S35.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado trucks manufactured August 25, 2015 to September 24, 2015, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured August 28, 2015 to September 24, 2015. The affected vehicles have a console compartment lid latch assembly that may fail to keep the compartment door closed in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, “Occupant Protection in Interior Impact.” If the console compartment door does not remain closed in a crash, the contents stored in the console may strike the vehicle occupants, increasing their risk of injury. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the console compartment door latch assembly, 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 16370.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s numbers for this recall are JS1 and JS2. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles. 
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Rogue vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to May 13, 2015. In the affected vehicles, due to a problem with the shift selector knob, it may be possible to shift out of the “Park” position without depressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, “Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention.” If the shift selector can be moved out of the “Park” position while the brake pedal is not depressed, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the shift selector knob, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru’s number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru’s number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.

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CANADA RECALLS

Recreation Vehicles Only

FOREST RIVER AURORA 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER CONCORD 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER CROSS COUNTRY 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER CRUISEMASTER 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER ENCORE 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER ENCOUNTER 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER EXPRESS 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER FR3 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER FREELANDER 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER GEORGETOWN 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER LANDAU 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER LEGACY 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER LEGEND 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER LEPRECHAUN 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER LEXINGTON 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER MIRADA 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER PATHFINDER 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER PRISM 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER PURSUIT 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER RIDGEVIEW 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER SHASTA CYNARA 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER SOLERA 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER SPORTSCOACH 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. FOREST RIVER SUNSEEKER 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014. Recall Date 2015/12/07 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Structure Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 763 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain motorhomes equipped with Lippert Components Inc. electric entry steps, an internal bolt on the steps that attaches the fan gear assembly to the steps could fracture. This results in the fan gear disengaging from the steps, which could cause the steps to stop in an unexpected position and appear to be loose or unstable. If the steps become unstable, it could cause a person to fall, resulting in injury. Correction: Dealers will install a step retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism, and all bolts of the mechanism will also be replaced.

FOREST RIVER SHOCKWAVE 2016. FOREST RIVER STEALTH 2016. Recall Date 2015/12/09 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Accessories Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 2 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details Certain travel trailers may have been manufactured with an incorrect liquid propane (L.P.) detector and carbon monoxide detector. The installed component only includes a liquid propane detector, but not a carbon monoxide detector. If an enclosed recreational vehicle is missing a carbon monoxide detector, it would not alert the occupants to a possible elevated level of carbon monoxide, which could result in asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning to the vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the correct combination L.P. detector/carbon monoxide detector.

NEWMAR DUTCH STAR CLASS A MOTORHOME 1998 2005. NEWMAR KOUNTRY AIRE CLASS A MOTORHOME 1998. NEWMAR MOUNTAIN AIRE CLASS A MOTORHOME 1998 2004 2005. Recall Date 2015/12/08 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Steering Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 85 Category Motorhome Recall Details On certain motorhomes, the steering gear mounting bracket could crack and break resulting in a loss of steering control, which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear mounting bracket as necessary.

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. 

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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.

 

This newsletter is copyright 2016 by RVtravel.com.

RV and RV-related recalls for Nov. 2015

RV Staff
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0
RV and RV-related recalls for Nov. 2015

WASHINGTON/TORONTO: Here is our monthly summary of recalled vehicles we feel are of interest to our readers. This information has been gleaned from the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and by Transport Canada. This is NOT a complete list of all vehicles recalled by either agency.

UNITED STATES RECALLS:

Recreational Vehicles:

Airstream, Inc. (Airstream) is recalling certain model year 2016 Classic, Flying Cloud, International, Sport, Eddie Bauer, and Land Yacht recreational trailers manufactured August 3, 2015, to November 13, 2015, and equipped with Auto Changeover Propane Gas Regulators. Propane gas may leak into the plastic gas level indicator window of the regulator causing it to degrade and crack. If the indicator window cracks, propane gas may leak out, increasing the risk of a fire. Airstream will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propane regulator and the required hoses, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Airstream customer service at 1-937-596-6111 extension 7401 or 7411.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Forest River FR3 and Georgetown, and Coachmen Mirada and Pursuit recreational vehicles manufactured August 7, 2015, to October 22, 2015. Due to an incorrect shift cable bracket and an improper shift cable adjustment, the affected vehicles can be shifted out of ‘PARK’ without applying the brakes. If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and Ford dealers will replace the transmission shift control bracket and adjust the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 30, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-800-392-3673. Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-10302015-0105.
Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain model year 2016 Eagle Half Ton (HT) fifth wheel trailers manufactured May 19, 2015, to October 8, 2015. The affected vehicles do not have warning labels on the towing hitch to identify the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for towing, maximum tongue weight and towing vehicle braking information.     A vehicle operator could unknowingly overload the trailer, which may result in tire or axle failure and increase the risk of a crash. Jayco will notify owners, and dealers will apply the proper warning label, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901265.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Essex recreational vehicles manufactured March 22, 2011, to January 8, 2013, and 2012 King Aire recreational vehicles manufactured March 22, 2011, to March 31, 2011, and built on a Spartan Motors chassis. Due to contact with the steering relay rod, the ABS modulator valve may fracture resulting in air not being applied to the affected wheel’s air brakes. This may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle or cause the vehicle to pull to one side when braking. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. Spartan will notify owners on Newmar’s behalf and Spartan dealers will reorient the ABS modulator valve and install spacers for additional clearance, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 30, 2015. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300, or Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Newmar’s number for this recall is 13V 392.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2016 Bay Star Sport, Bay Star, and Canyon Star vehicles manufactured July 8, 2015, to September 23, 2015. Due to an incorrect shift cable bracket and an improper shift cable adjustment, the affected vehicles can be shifted out of ‘PARK’ without applying the brakes. If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash. Newmar will notify owners, and Ford dealers will replace the transmission shift control bracket and adjust the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall began on November 13, 2015. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar’s and Ford’s number for this recall is 15S25.
Outdoors RV Manufacturing (Outdoors) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Glacier Peak and Timber Ridge trailers, 2016 Wind River and Black Stone trailers. The affected vehicles may have inadequately secured liquid propane (LP) hoses and electrical wires allowing them to be pinched or scraped during movement of the kitchen slide-out room. If the wires or lines get pinched or scraped, the wires may short or the LP lines may leak. Either condition increases the risk of a fire. Outdoors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the LP line and electrical wires, securing them as necessary. Any damaged wires or hoses will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact Outdoors customer service at 1-541-624-5500. Outdoors number for this recall is 2015-001.
Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Launch Ultra Lite travel trailers, model 28BHS JU, manufactured from October 31, 2013, through October 1, 2015. The affected trailers are equipped with a Happy Jack bed that will try to lift up too far, damaging the bed’s brackets and motor. Damage to the bed’s brackets and motor may cause the bed to break and possibly fall onto anyone that may be under it, increasing their risk of injury. Starcraft will notify owners, and dealers will reposition the bed’s brackets so that it will not lift up too far, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 4, 2015. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-945-4787. Starcraft’s recall campaign number is 9902267.
Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Launch, Launch Ultra, AR-One, AR-One Maxx, Autumn Ridge, and Travel Star travel trailers manufactured July 9, 2015, to October 2, 2015. The affected trailers have a circuit breaker box with circuit breakers that may be mislabeled. With an incorrectly labeled circuit breaker box, someone may turn off the wrong breaker to work on the electrical system and receive an electrical shock. Starcraft will notify owners, and will send owners a corrected circuit breaker box label, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-945-4787. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902060.
Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling certain model year 2016 Autumn Ridge trailers, model 339BHTS, manufactured March 27, 2015, to September 22, 2015. The affected trailers have liquid propane (LP) lines and wires routed under the travel trailer. These LP lines and wires may be inadequately protected from road debris. Road debris may damage the LP lines and electrical wires, increasing the risk of a propane leak and an electrical short. These conditions may result in a fire. The remedy for this recall is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-945-4787. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902266.
Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling certain model year 2016 Travel Star travel trailers, models G2JB5099-5101, JD5093-5094, JF5079, JG5067, and JN5065-5066; and Launch Ultra Lite travel trailers, models G2JM5112-5113, JR5187-5197, JS5179-5196, JT5533-5639, JU5121-5155, and JZ5128-5160, manufactured from August 7, 2015, through October 6, 2015. In the affected trailers, the water heater may be improperly wired such that the warning light will not illuminate to let the operator know that the gas is on but did not ignite. If the warning light does not illuminate to notify the operator that the gas did not ignite, a buildup of gas may result, increasing the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source. Starcraft will notify owners, and dealers will correct the water heater wiring, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during November 2015. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-945-4787. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902261.

Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ace, Challenger, Hurricane, Miramar, Outlaw, and Windsport vehicles manufactured July 14, 2015, to October 16, 2015. Due to an incorrect shift cable bracket and an improper shift cable adjustment, the affected vehicles can be shifted out of ‘PARK’ without applying the brakes. If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners on TMC’s behalf, and Ford dealers will replace the transmission shift control bracket and adjust the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2015. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000110.

Other Vehicles:

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured September 11, 2008, to July 1, 2010, and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 23, 2008, to July 1, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Due to corrosion from salt water exposure such as from road salt use, the affected vehicles may leak fuel from the fuel tank seam weld under the tank mounting reinforcement brackets. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and either clean and treat the fuel tank with a corrosion preventative or replace the tank, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15S31.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to September 1, 2015, and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. In the affected vehicles, the trailer brake controller may not actuate the trailer brakes. If the trailer brakes are not activated when the towing vehicle is slowing down, the distance needed to stop the vehicle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15S32.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 303 “Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles.” In the affected vehicles, the text of the CNG fuel-only label is smaller than the required size, and as a result, may be less noticeable. Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire. GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, 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 13365.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Fit LX-trim vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014, to July 02, 2015 and not equipped with a sunroof. In the affected vehicles, the rear grab handle brackets were not manufactured properly, and as a result, the brackets may puncture the side curtain air bags upon their deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, “Side Impact Protection” and number 226, “Ejection Mitigation”. If the side curtain air bags are punctured upon deployment, the outboard seat occupants may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear grab handle bracket, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is JV8.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to September 8, 2015 and 2016 Pilot 4WD vehicles manufactured May 7, 2015 to September 4, 2015. In the affected vehicles, when one of the safety systems such as tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking or electronic stability control malfunctions, there is potential that the instrument panel will not illuminate the corresponding warning light, however the warning lamps will illuminate when the ignition is turned off and then turned back on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, “Electronic stability control systems”, number 135, “Light vehicle brake systems” and number 138, “Tire pressure monitoring systems”. If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at increased risk of a crash. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 27, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is JV7.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kia Soul and Soul EV vehicles manufactured January 18, 2014, to September 30, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the adhesive used to secure the steering pinion gear to the steering gear assembly may have insufficient strength, and as a result, the pinion gear may separate from the steering gear assembly. If the pinion gear separates, there would be a loss of steering which could increase the risk of a crash. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the pinion plug that secures the pinion gear. Dealers will also install a set bolt for additional reinforcement. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 22, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC125.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Tribute vehicles manufactured February 9, 2007 to April 22, 2008. The affected vehicles have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning. If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the “PARK” position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the “PARK” gear position. If the vehicle is not in the “PARK” position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission and if necessary tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda’s number for this recall is 8815J.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult. If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist. If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash. The remedy for this recall campaign is still under development. Volkswagen will send owners an interim notification by December 22, 2015 and will send a second notification when a remedy plan has been finalized, currently expected to be in March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 23R1.

CANADA RECALLS:

Recreational Vehicles Only:

Recall Date 2015/11/25 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Accessories Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 93 Category Motorhome Recall Details Certain motorhomes may have been manufactured with a refrigerator equipped with a travel latch that could inadvertently activated without the users knowledge. If the latch accidently locked the door shut, there would be no means to open it from the inside which could potentially cause entrapment and/or injury to an individual. Correction: Dealers will install a new door latch that cannot be inadvertently locked and can only be activated from the exterior of the refrigerator after the door is closed. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected NEWMAR CANYON STAR CLASS A MOTORHOME 2013 NEWMAR DUTCH STAR CLASS A MOTORHOME 2012 2013 2014 NEWMAR ESSEX CLASS A MOTORHOME 2012 2013 2014 NEWMAR KING AIRE CLASS A MOTORHOME 2008 2009 2011 2013 2014 NEWMAR LONDON AIRE CLASS A MOTORHOME 2015 NEWMAR MOUNTAIN AIRE CLASS A MOTORHOME 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 NEWMAR VENTANA CLASS A MOTORHOME 2011 2012 2013

Recall Date 2015/11/25 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Other Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 176 Category Motorhome Recall Details On certain vehicles equipped with an S-Series wheelchair lift, the platform could potentially crack due to bent knuckle link arms and/or defective bearing. Overtime, the platform could separate of the rear portion of the pivot plate making the lift inoperable and putting the lift operator at risk of injury. Correction: Owners will need to make an appointment with the local Ricon Dealer to have the lift inspected and repaired. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected ELKHART COACH ECI 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 ELKHART COACH ECII 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Recall Date 2015/11/24 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Engine Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 10 Category Motorhome Recall Details On certain vehicles built on a Powerglide chassis, insufficient clearance exists between the exhaust pipe and the floor. This could cause the floor insulation to melt and make the floor area above the engine extremely hot, increasing the risk of personal injury or possibly resulting in a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a revised exhaust configuration to increase clearance. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected TIFFIN PHAETON 2010 2011 2012

Recall Date 2015/11/24 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Electrical Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 7 Category Motorhome Recall Details On certain motorhomes, a high-amperage interior wiring harness may have loose electrical connections and/or the ground wire could be located incorrectly. This could result in the wiring overheating if under a high amperage load condition, which could increase the risk of a fire and increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will tighten all connections and relocate the wire harness ground wire to prevent feed of current in the event of the failure of the main ground wire. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected AIRSTREAM GRAND TOUR 2016 AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE EXTENDED 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/23 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Accessories Manufacturer Recall Number 15V771 Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 32 Category Motorhome, Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers and motorhomes, a defect in the on-demand hot water heater, manufactured by Atwood Mobile Products, could result in a risk of scalding injury due to excessive hot water temperature. Correction: Owners will be provided with instructions from Atwood Mobile Products on how and where to have repairs completed. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected FOREST RIVER BERKSHIRE 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER BROOKSTONE 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER CHARLESTON 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER CONTINENTAL CARGO 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER DYNAMAX 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER LEGACY 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER SHOCKWAVE 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER WORK AND PLAY 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER XLR 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/19 Notification Type Compliance Mfr System Label Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 11 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers, the certification, tire and loading information labels do not contain correct tire size information. The labels incorrectly indicate a tire size of ST225/75R15C, while the trailers are fitted with ST205/75R14C. As a result, oversized tires and rims may inadvertently be fitted, which may lead to poor vehicle handling characteristics and potentially result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Labels will be mailed to owners along with instructions for proper installation. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected FOREST RIVER SURVEYOR 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/19 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Electrical Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 4 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers, the power wire of the slide mechanism(s) and slide rooms may have been incorrectly connected during manufacturing. As a result, the wiring and motor do not have over-current protection. This could result in an increase in amperage draw, and could lead to melting of the power wire and increase the risk of a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the wiring of the slide mechanism(s), and re-wire as necessary. Anti-corrosion spray will also be applied to the electrical connections. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected FOREST RIVER SURVEYOR 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/19 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Label Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 103 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers, the certification label on the towing hitch that indicates the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Tongue Weight for the trailer was omitted. This could lead to vehicle overloading, potentially causing damage to trailer and affecting vehicle handling, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Labels will be mailed to owners of affected vehicles, along with instructions for proper installation. Alternatively, owners can visit a Jayco dealer to have the new certification label applied. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected JAYCO EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/19 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Accessories Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 13 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers, the water heater could have been wired incorrectly. While the water heater will still function on propane (LP) gas power, it will not function on electric power, which would cause the “DSI FLT” warning light not to illuminate if the gas is on and did not ignite. If the warning light does not illuminate to notify the operator that the gas did not ignite, a buildup of propane gas may result, which in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire and/or an explosion causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will re-wire the water heater to ensure it will run properly on electric and that the warning light will work properly. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected STARCRAFT LAUNCH ULTRA LITE 2016 STARCRAFT TRAVEL STAR 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/19 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Structure Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 81 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers equipped with a “Happy Jack” bed, the brackets for the bed may have been incorrectly positioned. This could cause the bed to lift up too far, which could damage the bed’s brackets and motor. This could result in the brackets potentially breaking, and allowing the bed to possibly fall onto an occupant that may be under it, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will reposition the bed’s brackets to ensure that it will not lift up too far. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected STARCRAFT LAUNCH ULTRA LITE 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/17 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Electrical Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 104 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers, the labels on the breaker box and 12 volt fuse panel may be incorrect. Incorrect labels may create a possibility of electrical shock hazard when working on the travel trailer, which could result in injury. Correction: Labels will be sent to current owners instructing them to replace the incorrect label on the breaker box and 12 volt fuse panel. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected STARCRAFT AR-ONE 2016 STARCRAFT AR-ONE MAX 2016 STARCRAFT LAUNCH ULTRA LITE 2016 STARCRAFT TRAVEL STAR 2016

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.

RV and RV-related recalls for Oct. 2015

RV Staff
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RV and RV-related recalls for Oct. 2015

WASHINGTON/TORONTO: Here is our monthly summary of recalled vehicles we feel are of interest to our readers. This information has been gleaned from the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and by Transport Canada. This is NOT a complete list of all vehicles recalled by either agency.

UNITED STATES RECALLS:

Recreational Vehicles:
Airstream, Inc. (Airstream) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Interstate Grand Tour Extended vehicles manufactured July 11, 2014, to September 1, 2015, and Interstate Lounge Extended vehicles manufactured November 21, 2014, to September 1, 2015. The affected vehicles may have electrical wiring connections that were not properly tightened and an interior wiring harness grounding wire that was installed incorrectly. If the electrical connections are loose, or the ground wire is located incorrectly, the wiring may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.  Airstream will notify owners, and dealers will tighten all of the wiring connections and relocate the wiring harness ground wire, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 2, 2015. Owners may contact Airstream customer service at 1-937-596-6111 extension 7401 or 7411.
DS Corp DBA Crossroads RV (Crossroads) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sunset Trail trailers manufactured November 14, 2014, to September 1, 2015. The affected trailers are equipped with kitchen ranges that were installed without a panel to isolate the range from air movement. Without the required isolation panel, a back draft may occur from the top burner increasing the risk of a potential explosion, fire or carbon monoxide build up.  Crossroads has notified owners, and dealers will install the panel to prevent air movement affecting the kitchen range, free of charge. The recall began on September 25, 2015. Owners may contact Crossroads at 1-855-226-7496 or by email at service@crossroadsrv.com. Crossroads’ number for this recall is 38.
Entegra Coach (Entegra) is recalling certain model year 2010 Anthem and 2012-2014 Cornerstone motorhomes manufactured October 5, 2009, to June 18, 2013 and built on a Spartan Motors chassis. In the affected vehicles, the flexible exhaust tube may tear allowing hot exhaust to blow against other components or materials. If hot exhaust gas contacts other components or materials, it can increase the risk of a fire.  Entegra will notify owners and Spartan Motors dealers will replace the flexible exhaust tube with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2015. Entegra owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Salem recreational trailers manufactured June 2, 2015, to October 6, 2015 and 2015 Wildwood recreational trailers manufactured June 3, 2015, to October 1, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the tire and wheel placard incorrectly states the wheel rim and tire size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” If the incorrect tire and rim is installed, there may be instability of the vehicle when towing, increasing the risk of a crash.  Forest River will notify owners and will provide a corrected tire placard, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-453-6064. Forest River’s recall number is 19-10082015-0093.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cherokee recreational trailers, model T19V, manufactured February 18, 2013, to August 14, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the Federal placard displays incorrect vehicle information. The original placard indicates that the tires on the vehicle are ST225/75R15D and the axle indicates a 5,200 lbs. capacity. However, the vehicle was built with a 3,500 lbs. axle and ST205/75R15C tires, which results in a decrease in the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” By relying on the incorrect Tire, Rim, GVWR and Cargo Carrying Capacity information indicated on the Federal Placards, an owner may unknowingly overload the vehicle, possibly resulting in tire or axle failure, increasing the risk of a crash.  Forest River will notify owners and provide a corrected, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-453-6064. Forest River’s number for this campaign is 17A-10082015-0094.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Surveyor travel trailers and fifth wheels, models SVT321BHTS, SVT33RETS, SVT32RLTS, SVT33RLTS and SVT32RETS, manufactured April 13, 2015, to October 6, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the power supply wire for the room slide mechanism may have been incorrectly installed such that it doesn’t pass through a circuit breaker. Without the power supply wire being properly connected to a circuit breaker, an excessive power draw or electrical short may result in melted wires and an increased risk of a fire.  Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and correct the power supply wire installation if needed. Damaged power supply wires will be replaced as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-3119 extension 205. Forest River’s number for this recall is 37-10142015-0098.
Forest River, Inc., (Forest River) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Coachmen Pursuit, Mirada, and Encounter motorhomes manufactured from March 1, 2011, through September 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the trailer hitch attaching bolts and nuts may not have been properly tightened, allowing the hitch to detach during use. If the trailer hitch partially or fully detaches from the motorhome while it is towing a vehicle, a loss of vehicle control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.  Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fastener kit, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners West of the Mississippi River may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8317. Owners East of the Mississippi River may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8305. Forest River’s campaign number for this recall is 310-09112015-0086.
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2016 Retreat recreational trailers manufactured July 13, 2015, to September 24, 2015, and model year 2016 Residence recreational trailers manufactured April 2, 2015, to September 2, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with an insufficient weld on the rear mounting plate that the detachable A-frame is bolted to. If the A-Frame plate detaches from the frame while the vehicle is in motion it can reduce vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.  Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds and repair them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 15-238.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Mountain Aire motorhomes manufactured October 16, 2006, to July 24, 2007, 2007-2008 Essex motorhomes manufactured November 1, 2006, to May 24, 2007 and 2007-2008 Dutch Star motorhomes manufactured October 12, 2006, to June 29, 2007. The affected vehicles have tag axles with wheel bearings that may be adjusted too tight, resulting in their overheating during use. If the wheel bearings overheat, there is an increased risk of a wheel end fire.  Newmar will notfy owners, and Spartan dealers will check the wheel end bearings for appropriate end play, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on December 11, 2015. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Newmar’s recall number is 15V-548.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2010 Dutch Star motorhomes manufactured May 13, 2009, to April 14, 2010, 2010 Dutch Aire motorhomes manufactured May 12, 2009, to February 8, 2010, and 2012-2013 King Aire motorhomes manufactured March 22, 2011, to May 17, 2013. The affected vehicles are built on a Spartan Motors chassis and have a flexible exhaust tube that may tear allowing hot exhaust to blow against other components or materials. If hot exhaust gas contacts other components or materials, it can increase the risk of a fire.  Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan dealers will install a new exhaust tube, free of charge. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Newmar’s number for this recall is 15V-554.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2016 Bay Star, Bay Star Sport and Canyon Star motorhomes manufactured July 8, 2015, to September 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the parking brake actuator may be out of calibration causing the parking brake system to not properly hold the vehicle even with the parking brake pedal fully depressed. Additionally, the parking brake may not disengage completely when the parking brake pedal is released. If the parking brake does not fully engage, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash. A parking brake that drags may result in a wheel end fire.  Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake foot pedal assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.
Riverside RV is recalling certain model year 2015 Retro Travel Trailers, models 177SE, 166, 195, and 509, manufactured May 1, 2015, to July 31, 2015 and equipped with Coker whitewall tires. The affected trailers are equipped with Tire and Loading labels that list incorrect tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 574, “Tire Identification & Recordkeeping.” If an owner inflates the tires to the incorrect pressure listed on the label, the tire may be overinflated, and a tire blow out may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.  Riverside has reprinted and sent the corrected labels to owners and dealers, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2015. Owners may contact Riverside customer service at 1-260-499-4578.
Starcraft RV is recalling certain model year 2016 Autumn Ridge travel trailers manufactured March 27, 2015, to September 22, 2015. The affected vehicles have an incorrectly built frame that may result in inadequate clearance between the wheel and the wheel well. Inadequate clearance between the wheel and the wheel well may cause premature tire wear or possible tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.  The remedy for this recall is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-945-4787. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902258.
The RV Factory LLC (RV Factory) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Avion Azure motorhomes manufactured January 1, 2014, to September 24, 2015. The affected vehicles may have an improperly placed weld on the underfloor seat bracket used to mount the second row seats. As a result, the bracket may break in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, “Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.” If the bracket breaks, the seats may move, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.  RV Company will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brackets, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2015. Owners may contact RV Company customer service at 1-844-284-6678 ext 106.
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Four Winds Hurricane and Windsport, 2009-2010 Four Winds Mandalay, 2010 Four Winds Magellan, and 2010-2011 Four Winds Serrano motorhomes manufactured May 2, 2009, to September 1, 2010. The affected vehicles are wired to be powered by a generator and are equipped with an Iota ITS-50R transfer switch that may fail when exposed to elevated electrical loads and used in higher ambient temperatures. As the transfer switch fails, it may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.  TMC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Iota ITS-50R transfer switch with a transfer switch from another manufacturer, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Thor customer service at 1-877-855-2867. Thor’s number for this recall is RC000106.
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Challenger, Hurricane and Windsport motorhomes manufactured July 31, 2015, to September 9, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the parking brake actuator may be out of calibration causing the parking brake system to not properly hold the vehicle even with the parking brake pedal fully depressed. Additionally, the parking brake may not disengage completely when the parking brake pedal is released. If the parking brake does not fully engage, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash. A parking brake that drags may result in a wheel end fire.  TMC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake foot pedal assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 23, 2015. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000107.
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Phaeton motorhomes built on Powerglide chassis with floor plans QBH, QKH, and QTH manufactured July 1, 2010, to August 1, 2011. The affected vehicles have an exhaust pipe that is mounted too close to the underside of the floor. Insufficient spacing between the exhaust pipe and the floor may result in the insulation melting and an increased risk of a fire.  Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will change the configuration of the exhaust to provide extra clearance between it and the floor, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661. Note: Although these vehicles may have been previously repaired for this condition under recall number 11V-416, it is important that the affected vehicles receive the revised remedy of this recall.
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Breeze motorhomes manufactured September 5, 2013, to September 30, 2015. The affected assemblies may have loose ball joints which could separate causing a loss of steering control. A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.  Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will correct the ball joint installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2015. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661.
Triple E Recreational Vehicles (Triple E) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Unity motorhomes, models U24MB, U24CB, U24IB and U24TB, manufactured from September 2, 2014, through September 9, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the battery compartment under the entrance step was not properly sealed to prevent gases from the battery from entering the vehicle. Explosive gases from the battery may enter the motorhome, increasing the risk of a fire.  Triple E will notify owners, and dealers will seal the battery compartment to prevent gases from entering the motorhome, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2015. Owners may contact Triple E customer service at 1-877-992-9906. Triple E’s number for this recall is CA#8132-1.
Triple E Recreational Vehicles (Triple E) is recalling certain model year 2016 Libero L24CB and Serenity S24CB recreational vehicles manufactured July 17, 2015, to September 9, 2015. In the affected vehicles, there is the possibility of an electrical shock when the window valance on the driver side rear of the vehicle is removed; the screw may become electrically charged. The possibility of an electrical shock increases the risk of injury.  Triple E will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the wiring to the overhead cabinet near where the valance is to be installed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2015. Owners may contact Triple E customer service at 1-877-992-9906. Triple E’s number for this recall is CA#8135-1.
Winnebago Industries, Inc (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Winnebago Brave, Sightseer, Vista and Adventurer motorhomes and Itasca Tribute, Sunova, Sunstar, and Suncruiser motorhomes manufactured from July 13, 2015, through October 6, 2015. The affected vehicles, built on Ford chassis, can be shifted out of ‘PARK’ without applying the brakes, due to an incorrect shift cable bracket and an improper shift cable adjustment. If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash.  Ford will notify owners, and Ford dealers will replace the transmission shift control bracket and adjust the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-3535 or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Winnebago Sightseer and Itasca Sunova motorhomes with a D35G floorplan, manufactured March 19, 2015, to July 15, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the wiring harness behind the panel board may be pinched or damaged when the left rear slideout room is retracted due to insufficient clearance. A damaged or pinched wiring harness increases the risk of a fire.  Winnebago will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage, repairing it as necessary. Additionally, the harness attachment point will be relocated to provide the harness extra clearance. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on November 6, 2015. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service number at 1-641-585-3535.

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Winnebago Era, Travato, View, Trend, Via, Journey, and Tour motorhomes and Itasca Navion, Viva, Reyo, Meridian, and Elipse motorhomes manufactured June 26, 2012, to August 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the high pressure liquid propane (LP) hose may harden and result in an LP leak at the crimp fitting. An LP leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.  Winnebago will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LP hose, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-3535.

Other Vehicles:

American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CR-V vehicles manufactured October 12, 2015, to October 19, 2015. The metal housing surrounding the driver’s air bag inflator in these vehicles may have been manufactured incorrectly. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 4, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’a number for this recall is JV9.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured March 29, 2003, to July 3, 2003, and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured May 27, 2003, to May 20, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module and the front and/or side impact sensors, as necessary, free of charge. The replacement parts needed for this remedy are not expected to be available until the later part of 2016. Owners will be mailed an interim notification by the end of December 2015 and will be mailed a follow up notification when new air bag control modules are available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is R60.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed 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 R61.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 1, 2014, to June 18, 2015. The affected vehicles may have a misrouted air conditioning suction/discharge hose. If the line is misrouted, it may contact the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the air conditioning hose. Any hose that is misrouted will be replaced and installed correctly. This work will be performed 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 R57.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated. If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, 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 R59.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 1500 trucks with a 5.7L engine and dual exhaust manufactured August 3, 2015, to August 10, 2015. The affected vehicles may be missing a heat shield for the spare tire. Without a heat shield, heat from the exhaust system may damage the spare tire. When used, the damaged tire may have a tread separation or side wall rupture, resulting in a loss of control and an increased risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a spare tire heat shield if the vehicle is missing one. Vehicles that have already been sold will also have their spare tires replaced. These repairs will be performed 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 R58.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis and 4500/5500 Cab Chassis trucks manufactured July 31, 2015, to August 13, 2015 and equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning. An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 6, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is R52.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 19, 2015 to August 27, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that attach the hood striker may loosen and, as a result, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving. If the hood opens while driving, the driver’s vision may be obstructed, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install new hood striker bolts with the proper torque, free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler’s customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s recall number is R53.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195. If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15S27.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning. If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the “PARK” position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the “PARK” gear position. If the vehicle is not in the “PARK” position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15S28.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured March 18, 2014, to August 6, 2015 and equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). While using the Adaptive Cruise Control, the vehicle may falsely detect an obstacle in its path and may unexpectedly apply the brakes. A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the cruise control module with updated ACC radar software, free of charge. The recall began on October 25, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15S29.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle. If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15S26.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy vehicles, and 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles. Fluid may enter into the driver’s door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board, causing window switches to become inoperative. Previously, the affected vehicles may have had their master power window switch module treated with a protective coating, instead of having it replaced. The protective coating may not eliminate the risk that the circuit board could short and result in a fire, even while the vehicle is unattended. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new driver’s door switch module, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 15700.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks manufactured January 24, 2014, to February 26, 2014, 2015 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles manufactured February 12, 2014 and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured February 6, 2014, to February 13, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the “Start” position. If stuck in the “Start” position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the “Accessory” position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition lock housing, 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 15573.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag’s inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 01320.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used. A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire. GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly, free of charge. Owners are advised not to use their front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced. If weather conditions prevent operation of the vehicle without using the windshield wipers, GM will make arrangements to pick up the vehicle for servicing. The recall began on September 30, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 15780.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing. If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 133. Note: Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of “Park” without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, “Theft Protection.” Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC124.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine that stalls increases the risk of a crash. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle’s fuel shut-off valve. As needed, the fuel shut-off valve and the affected fuel tank emissions system components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2015. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repairs have been completed. Mazda will provide rental cars until that time. Owners may contact the Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800- 222-5500, option #6. Mazda’s number for this recall is 8615J.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles manufactured July 27, 2013, to November 20, 2013, and 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles manufactured October 28, 2011, to September 7, 2012. Due to an increased resistance in the impact sensor for the air bag system, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal, side and/or curtain air bags when the SRS warning is illuminated, the frontal air bag may have a delayed deployment and/or the side and curtian air bag may not deploy at all. In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not deploy or deploys late, increases the risk of occupant injury. Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected impact sensors, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi’s number for this recall is SR-15-011.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured on December 3, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with incorrect certification labels that were installed during manufacturing. The incorrect labels do not have the correct vehicle identification numbers (VIN) printed on the label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” A vehicle must comply with all regulatory requirements to ensure that it is safe. Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will install corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi’s number for this recall is SR-15-010.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2012-2103 Suzuki SX4 vehicles manufactured September 3, 2011, to April 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, insufficient clearance between the power steering pump body and the power steering fluid control valve may cause improper movement of the valve, and as a result, the power steering pump may seize. A seizure of the power steering pump would cause a loss of power steering assist, requiring extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki’s customer service number at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki’s number for this recall is VS.
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts. If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is C0M.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tacoma trucks manufactured August 20, 2015, to September 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, incorrect bolts were used to install the driver’s knee air bag module. The incorrect bolts may loosen over time and affect the performance of the driver’s knee air bag, increasing the risk of driver injury during a crash that necessitates deployment of the air bags. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct driver’s knee air bag module mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by December 12, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is F0T.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to November 28, 2014, Golf vehicles manufactured April 2, 2014, to December 3, 2014, and E-Golf vehicles manufactured July 26, 2014, to October 18, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) that may have been manufactured improperly. As a result, the front passenger seat occupant may be improperly classified or may not be detected. In the event of a crash, if the front passenger seat occupant is incorrectly classified or non-detected, the passenger frontal air bag may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PODS control module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswgen’s number for this recall is 69L6.

CANADA RECALLS:

Recreational Vehicles Only:
FOUR WINDS HURRICANE 2009 2010 2011 FOUR WINDS MAGELLAN 2010 FOUR WINDS MANDALAY 2009 2010 FOUR WINDS SERRANO 2010 2011 FOUR WINDS WINDSPORT 2009 2010 2011 Recall Date 2015/10/21 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Electrical Manufacturer Recall Number RC000106 Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 53 Category Motorhome Recall Details On certain motorhomes, an incorrect electrical connection at the transfer switch buss bar could cause the transfer switch to overheat and melt. This could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the transfer switch. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2012-358. Manufacturer Name, Toll Free Number, and Web Site: THOR MOTOR COACH 1-800-860-5658 WWW.THORMOTORCOACH.COM
ITASCA ELLIPSE 2013 2014 2015 2016 ITASCA MERIDIAN 2013 2014 2015 2016 ITASCA NAVION 2013 2014 2015 2016 ITASCA REYO 2013 2014 2015 2016 ITASCA VIVA! 2013 2014 2015 2016 WINNEBAGO ERA 2013 2014 2015 2016 WINNEBAGO JOURNEY 2013 2014 2015 2016 WINNEBAGO TOUR 2013 2014 2015 2016 WINNEBAGO TRAVATO 2013 2014 2015 2016 WINNEBAGO TREND 2013 2014 2015 2016 WINNEBAGO VIA 2013 2014 2015 2016 WINNEBAGO VIEW 2013 2014 2015 2016   Recall Date 2015/10/22 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Accessories Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 646 Category Motorhome Recall Details On certain motorhomes, the high pressure liquid propane (LP) hose(s) could harden and leak at the crimp fitting. A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the high pressure liquid propane (LP) hose(s).
ITASCA SUNCRUISER 2015 2016 ITASCA SUNOVA 2015 2016 ITASCA SUNSTAR 2015 2016 ITASCA TRIBUTE 2015 2016 WINNEBAGO ADVENTURER 2015 2016 WINNEBAGO BRAVE 2015 2016 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER 2015 2016 WINNEBAGO VISTA 2015 2016   Recall Date 2015/10/23 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Powertrain Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 9 Category RV Chassis Recall Details Certain motorhomes built on Ford F-53 and F-59 chassis may have been built with an incorrect shift cable bracket. This could allow the transmission to be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, which could increase the risk of unintended vehicle movement, potentially resulting in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Ford authorized service centers will replace and adjust the shift cable bracket.
NEWMAR BAY STAR 2016 NEWMAR BAY STAR CLASS A MOTORHOME 2016 NEWMAR BAY STAR SPORT 2016 NEWMAR CANYON STAR CLASS A MOTORHOME 2016   Recall Date 2015/10/28 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Powertrain Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 6 Category Motorhome Recall Details Certain motorhomes built on Ford F-53 and F-59 chassis may have been built with an incorrect shift cable bracket. This could allow the transmission to be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, which could increase the risk of unintended vehicle movement, potentially resulting in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Ford authorized service centers will replace and adjust the shift cable bracket.

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.

RV and RV-related recalls for Sept. 2015

RV Staff
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RV and RV-related recalls for Sept. 2015

WASHINGTON/TORONTO: Here is our monthly summary of recalled vehicles we feel are of interest to our readers. This information has been gleaned from the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and by Transport Canada. This is NOT a complete list of all vehicles recalled by either agency.

UNITED STATES RECALLS:

Recreational Vehicles:

Forest River Inc. (Forest River) is realling certain model year 2016 Shasta Airflyte 16 and Shasta Airflyte 19 trailers manufactured September 26, 2014 to August 17, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the rear exit window glass may come loose and fall out due to poor adhesion.   If the rear window glass detaches, it could fall onto the road and be a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.   Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trailers to verify that the windows are properly secured. Any window that fails the inspection process will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8717. Forest River’s number for this recall is 53-08282015-0081.
Forest River Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Forest River Cherokee and Vengeance recreational trailers manufactured May 16, 2008, to September 14, 2015. The wiring harness for the trailer’s lights, electric brakes, battery charging and many of the interior 12V fixtures may have an insuffient ground wire.   With an insufficient ground wire, the wiring harness may overheat, increasing the risk of fire. Additionally, the ground wire failure would result in the loss of the trailer’s external lights and electric brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.   Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trailer wiring harnesses, and upgrade the ground wires, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 18, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River’s customer service number at 1-260-593-4005. Forest River’s recall number is 17B-0918-2015-0090.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Shasta Airflyte 16 and Shasta Airflyte 19 trailers manufactured September 26, 2014, to August 17, 2015. The affected vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the tire and the wheel well at the top of the tire tread and also at the inner sidewall.   If there is insufficient tire clearance, the tire may rub, resulting in sudden tire failure which could increase the risk of a crash.   Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new axle that provides the proper clearance between the tire and the wheel well, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8717. Forest River’s number for this recall is 53-08282015-0082.
Foretravel, Inc. (Foretravel) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nimbus, Phenix, and IH45 motorhomes manufactured May 16, 2011, to February 24, 2014. The affected vehicles are built with independent front suspensions that may have loose ball joints.   A loose ball joint may separate from the steering linkage resulting in a loss of steering control and an increased risk of a crash.   Foretravel will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorhomes and tighten the ball joints, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2015. Owners may contact Foretravel customer service at 1-800-955-6226, option 3.
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Big Sky, Challenger, Everest, Fuzion, Montana, and Raptor travel trailers and fifth wheels equipped with an IOTA ITS-50R transfer switch. These transfer switches, used in vehicles wired to be powered by a generator, may fail when exposed to elevated electrical loads and used in higher ambient temperatures.   As the transfer switch fails, it may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.   Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IOTA ITS-50R transfer switch with a different brand transfer switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 5, 2015. Owners may contact Keystone customer service by calling 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 15-234.
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Keystone Avalanche recreational vehicles, model 355RK, manufactured from May 6, 2013, through April 24, 2014; model year 2015-2016 Keystone Alpine, models 3100RL, 3101RL, 3555RL, 3556RL, 3590RS, 3591RS, 3600RS, 3601RS, and 3730RS, manufactured from October 8, 2014, through July 28, 2015; and model year 2016 Keystone Laredo, models 325RL, 350FB, and 355RL, manufactured from July 13, 2015, through July 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a rear window that has a sticker labeling it as an emergency exit sticker. However, this window may be partially blocked by the rear ladder and was not intended to be a secondary emergency exit.   In the event of an emergency, occupants could try to escape through the rear window, but would not be able to. This delay in their escape may increase the risk of injury.   Keystone has notified owners, and dealers will remove the emergency exit sticker, free of charge. The recall began on August 17, 2015. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 15-233.
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Tuscany XTE motorhomes manufactured March 28, 2013, to February 27, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the dinette convertible table top insert may slide out of position allowing the insert to flip up if it is sat on.   If the insert flips up when sat on, the occupant may fall, increasing the risk of injury.   TMC has notified owners, and dealers will install an additional support bracket to slide the table insert into, preventing the insert from flipping up, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2015. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000104.
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Axis and Vegas recreational vehicles manufactured March 26, 2015, to July 6, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning control may lock on one setting, preventing the operator from changing the air flow, thereby eliminating the ability to defrost the windshield.   If the windshield cannot be defrosted, the driver’s visibility may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.   TMC has notified owners, and dealers will install a jumper harness to prevent the condition, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2015. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000103.

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Winnebago Vista, Brave, Trend, Minnie Winnie, and Itasca Sunstar, Tribute, Viva!, and Spirit vehicles manufactured March 18, 2013, to November 18, 2014. Due to a manufacturing issue, the deadbolt locks installed on the vehicles may become stuck in a locked position.   A stuck deadbolt could potentially trap occupants inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.   Winnebago will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair deadbolts as needed, free of charge. Winnebago issued an interim notification to owners on August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-3535, or TriMark customer service at 1-641-394-3188.

Other Vehicles:

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 4, 2013, to July 11, 2014. Use of the front windshield wipers on dry glass may cause damage to the body control module (BCM). BCM damage may result in the failure of the windshield wipers, impairing the driver’s vision and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a ground strap to protect the BCM from damage, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 10, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is R39.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured September 18, 2014, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems. Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from https://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on September 30, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is R45.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 2500 trucks and 2013-2014 Ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis manufactured October 9, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, which may result in the bracket components separating from the frame. If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, increasing the risk of a crash. The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall is expected to begin October 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is R46.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ram 1500 Quad Cab trucks manufactured August 26, 2013, to August 8, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) that may not fully overlap the C-pillars in the event of a vehicle crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, “Ejection Mitigation.” In the event of a vehicle crash, if a SABIC does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear seat occupant. Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the right and left side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) for proper orientation and a foil patch will be installed on both sides of the headliner. One or both of the air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) will be replaced if necessary. The recall is expected to begin on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is R47.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ram 1500 diesel 4×2 trucks manufactured August 8, 2013, to July 2, 2015. The affected vehicles have a battery harness that may rub against the frame bracket for the right engine mount resulting in an electrical short. If the harness shorts, the vehicle may stall and there is an increased risk of a fire. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to confirm that the battery harness is correctly routed and secured. Any harness that shows evidence of wear will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 10, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is R43.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 and 2015 Ford F-650, and F-750 trucks manufactured February 14, 2011, to April 28, 2015, and equipped with a 70% fixed bench passenger seat. The affected vehicles have passenger seat belt anchorage floor attachments that are not installed in the correct location. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, “Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.” Seat belt anchors that are installed in an incorrect location may increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will correct the seat belt anchorage locations, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on September 19, 2015. When the remedy plan has been finalized and repair parts are available, owners will be mailed a second notice. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15C09.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Civic vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014, to November 6, 2014 and 2015 Fit vehicles manufactured March 12, 2014, to May 12, 2015. The software settings that control the transmission operation may result in damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft. If the transmission drive pulley shaft is damaged, it may break, and the vehicle may lose acceleration or the front wheels may lock up while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 16, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s numbers for this recall are JU2 (Civic) and JU3(Fit).
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 28, 2002, to August 30, 2002. The affected vehicles were manufactured with air bag modules, preventing them from meeting the advanced air bag safety standards. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.” Air bags that do not meet the safety requirements increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash. Honda will notify owners, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 6, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is JU0.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Fit vehicles manufactured December 6, 2013, to August 28, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience damage to the wires inside the Plug Top Ignition Coils (PTC) due to improper protection against electrical noise. If the wires become damaged, the coil may overheat and cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Plug Top Ignition Coils with new design, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 6, 2015. Owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is JT9.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Hyundai Accent vehicles manufactured March 1, 2009, to February 11, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning brake light switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning brake light switch may also prevent the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position. Failure to illuminate the brake lights during braking or the inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 2, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai’s customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign131. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 131. This recall is an expansion of 13V-113.
Nissan (Nissan North America, Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Nissan Versa vehicles manufactured May 8, 2006, to November 12, 2012, that were sold or ever registered in the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing. If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by mid-November 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Nissan Versa sedan vehicles manufactured June 9, 2011, to March 11, 2015, and 2014-2015 Nissan Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to March 11, 2015. The affected vehicles have a center console trim panel that may catch the driver’s shoe and delay the transition from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal. A delay in the application of the brake pedal would lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the console trim panel, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Nissan Armada vehicles manufactured April 30, 2015, to June 5, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with driver or front passenger seat belt assemblies that may not properly latch or that may not unlatch when the release button is pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, “Occupant Crash Protection” and number 209, ” Seat Belt Assemblies.” A seat belt that does not properly latch would not restrain a user, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash. A seat belt that does not properly unlatch when the release button is pressed may prevent the occupant from quickly exiting the vehicle in a emergency, such as after a crash, increasing their risk of injury. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the both front seat belt buckle assemblies, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by early October 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle. Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury. SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on September 22, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET’s number for the recall is SET15D.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor. Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall is expected to begin by November 16, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service number at 1-800-331-4331.

CANADA RECALLS:

Recreational Vehicles Only:

KEYSTONE: RESIDENCE: 2016 KEYSTONE: RETREAT: 2016 Recall Date: 2015/09/29 Notification Type: Safety Mfr System: Structure Manufacturer Recall Number: 15-238 Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall.: 53 Category: Travel Trailer Recall Details Certain travel trailers may have been manufactured with insufficient welding at the rear mounting plate of the detachable coupler A frame. If the mounting plate were to separate from the trailer frame, vehicles handling could be affected, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction Dealers will inspect welds and repair if necessary.

VENGEANCE: 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER: CHEROKEE: 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER: CHEROKEE TOY HAULER: 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Recall Date: 2015/09/25 Notification Type: Safety Mfr System: Electrical Manufacturer Recall Number:  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall.: 697 Category: Travel Trailer Recall Details Certain travel trailers may have been assembled with an incorrectly sized grounding wire. This could cause the wire to overheat and melt potentially increasing the risk of fire, causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction Dealers will install a bigger grounding wire.

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.

 

Best ways to choose a campground

RV Staff
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Best ways to choose a campground

By Russ and Tiña De Maris

Screen Shot 2016-04-07 at 6.30.34 PMNot all campsites are created equal. Some differences are obvious — the view from the site in one can be much better than the one next door. But picking out a suitable place to set up your RV is more than just the view.

Not all campgrounds allow you to choose your own site; some assign them, seemingly at random, others may allow you to cruise through the campground and make your own selection. What factors should you keep in mind?

First, will your rig actually fit into the site, and leave you enough room to move around? How level is the site? A site that’s a little out of kilter can be handled by the use of leveling boards or with high-tech mechanical levelers, but something that’s way off level will take more time and frustration.

A sloped site may be OK for a motorhomer, but if you’re bringing a fifth wheel trailer, too much fore or aft, can make it difficult, if not impossible to unhitch and then later rehitch your rig. Even for a motorhome, a site pitched to high in the rear can make it difficult to get the front end of the motorhome up high enough to compensate.

Make sure there’s enough room for your rig.
Keep your eye open for trees. Low hanging branches can easily damage your RV roof, particularly if your rig is equipped with a rubber roof. A torn roof membrane is a sure fire way to wipe off your smile. In summer, parking in the shade of trees can help keep the heat down, but in cooler weather, you may want more sun, both to brighten up your interior, but also to help keep you warm. If winds are expected, tree branches (even whole trees) have been known to come down in campgrounds. Look closely for dead limbs, they spell danger hanging over your head.

Other “low hangers” can cause unexpected problems. Power lines are by code to be kept at a safe height above roadways. For some reason, with time they may want to sag and hang up on taller RVs. If you’re a television or radio user, close powerlines may cause interference. And on the line of utilities, if your sleep is easily troubled by light, keep an eye peeled when parking for nearby street lights that could turn your darkness into unwelcome day.

Be cautious about parking on grass. Dry grass is fairly easy to maneuver on, but add a bit of rain the grass will slick up. Add more rain and the underlying earth can turn to mud. Friends of ours recall the “joy” of having to have their rig extricated from a wonderful grassy campsite at the base of a slight downhill slope. One night of rain was all it took to become firmly stuck in place.

For many, a waterfront view is highly desirable. But with waterfront property can come added hazards. A sudden rainstorm can cause rivers and creeks to rise. Some years back we watched as a score of RVers tried to pull their rigs out of a commercial RV park after Washington’s swollen Nisqually River cut loose from its banks and flooded out the park in the middle of the night. Many rigs were totally lost when water flooded far above their axles and came on inside. Check with campground hosts or locals if there’s a hint of rain in the forecast.

We’ve found that some parks are best scouted out in advance on foot or with the toad car. This is particularly true in boondocking locations or Forest Service or older National Park campgrounds. Older campground roads were often built without the foreknowledge of how BIG today’s RVs can be; tight curves, “close to the road” trees, and low hanging foliage is best seen in advance, rather than after entrapment.

R&T DeMaris photo

#nrv

Grow some sprouts for fun and nutrition

RV Staff
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By Greg Illes

For some time now, we have become increasingly health conscious, especially with respect to our foods. Gluten-free, grass-fed, no-preservatives and so forth have all become part of our daily lexicon as we deal with trying to eat what’s best for us.

On the road, things get especially challenging. In the out-of-the-way places we travel to, even fresh produce tends to be a bit wilted. It’s not uncommon to find boxes of greens on the shelves past their “consume by” dates.

We understand that shipping times and local turnover rates are at fault — but it doesn’t make us feel any better about those slimy green leaves on the bottom of the container.

Fortunately, we’ve discovered one way to have really fresh produce (at least one kind, anyway) anywhere we travel. We grow sprouts. We actually grow lots of sprouts. Both of us like the flavor, and they go well with salads, solo with some dressing, or even in soups. And they’re amazing nutritionally — packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

We bought a couple of containers made especially for the purpose by Sproutamo (at Amazon). There are many choices (Amazon). The special containers keep the seeds properly damp and illuminated, and all we have to do is rinse them periodically (only small amounts of water needed) and put them in some daylight. In our class A, that turns out to be on the dinette or on the dash.

We have two containers, which allows us to rotate the crops. Each container produces enough sprouts for a couple of days, and it takes about four days to raise one crop. By staggering the start times, we never run out of sprouts.

These days, when we find a campsite, one of the first things we do along with leveling, slider out, etc., is set the sprout jars out in the sun. We’re rewarded with fresh, tasty, vegetable nutrition whenever we want it.

photo: Greg Illes

Greg Illes is a retired systems engineer who loves thinking up RV upgrades and modifications. When he’s not working on his motorhome, he’s traveling in it. You can follow his blog at www.divver-city.com/blog.

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