FOMO stands for Fear of Missing Out. The world of recalls is one place where missing out is a real risk.
Recalls of any product can be a pain in the neck as well as a pain in the pocketbook. Yet, to RV travelers, these notifications are also an important warning that your travels, and even your life, might be in danger.
It’s always good to know that the product is defective before you find out the hard way. It’s also a nuisance that takes a bite out of your RV timetable. If you’re lucky, you get an email or letter telling you that something you own has been recalled. If you’re diligent, you check for recall information on a regular basis of your choice and learn of recalls that might apply to you.
What comes next can be a real headache. When Kidde fire extinguishers were recalled a few years back, I spent an hour rounding up all my fire extinguishers from the house, car, RV, garage, and boat. It took hours to find and copy off the model and serial numbers, and then fill out forms online.
With foods, you have to go to the pantry and freezer to check dates, UPCs and other codes. It’s better-safe-than-sorry time. It may also be an opportunity to get a full refund, a replacement, a coupon for a discount on your next purchase, or even a settlement in dollars.
Vehicle recalls can mean hours in a dealership’s waiting room while repairs are being made. Recalls of smaller items might require shipping the product to a special address. Even if shipping is at the manufacturer’s expense, you have to go online to print out paperwork and a shipping label, then box up the product and return it.
In the case of some foods and other small items, it’s easier just to throw it away, chalk it up to experience, and be satisfied that you were prevented from using a defective food or product.
Tips on recalls
• To stay current on recalls for an RV or related highway product, check regularly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Here you’ll find information on vehicles that are affected by recalls.
• Sometimes a recall results in a class action lawsuit. At any time, such suits may be underway for any product in your RV, from toys to televisions, shampoo to shirts, the refrigerator to the rooftop A/C. If you think you are a party to such a claim or are just surfing for a chance to get a rebate, check TopClassActions.com.
How to prepare for a recall
• Save time and anguish by knowing the VIN numbers of your RV and other vehicles. Note the VIN number as well as the brand, model number and year. Ditto the tow car, trailer or other vehicles. Keep the VIN(s) handy because they are the key to knowing if you’re affected by a recall.
• Manufacturers can’t notify you of recalls if they can’t find you. Fill out all the pesky little cards that come with everything one buys these days. Keep a copy because it contains the model and serial numbers as well as manufacturer contact information.
• Network with the RV community through this website as well as forums, clubs, magazines and dealers. Stay in touch with your dealer, the manufacturer and the brand’s website or club.
• Some retailers, such as Walmart and auto parts stores, often post notices of product recalls in their Customer Service departments. Take a quick look there from time to time.
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a goldmine of recall information for products of all kinds. The site’s search window lets you check out products by category such as toaster ovens or bicycles.
To report an unsafe product call 800-638-2772 or go to SaferProducts.gov.
Did you know RVtravel.com publishes RV-related recalls? Find a list of recent recalls here.
RECENT RV RECALLS:
- Winnebago recalls trailers: Cooktop flame may invert
- Keystone trailers recalled: Generator fuel lines may be installed wrong
- Forest River recalls some toy haulers, water tank may fall off
- Thor recalls travel trailers for risk of fire
- Some Forest River trailers recalled for wiring fire risk
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