Winnebago says RV vibrations can cause screws to loosen. In this case, the screws that hold solar panels in place on the roofs of some 1,200 travel trailers could vibrate loose, and the company is recalling the suspect trailers for potential flyaway solar panels.
Winnebago Towable is recalling certain 2022 Micro Minnie FLX and Hike travel trailers. The mounting hardware may come loose, allowing the solar panel to detach. A detached solar panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Potentially 1,211 RVs are affected by this recall.
Solar panel flyaway remedy
Dealers will install butyl adhesive tape between the solar panel and mounting bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 15, 2024. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-574-825-5280 Ext. 5220. Winnebago’s number for this recall is CAM0000040.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
Did a solar panel really fly away?
In October, Winnebago’s Customer Service division alerted Product Safety of a potential safety concern involving a solar panel detachment while the customer was in transit with a Micro Minnie FLX. A safety investigation was subsequently opened.
Once the investigation was completed, it was reviewed by the product safety committee on November 1, 2024. The product safety committee decided that the issue presented an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.
Winnebago is aware of a total of 18 claims related to loose solar panel mounting hardware issues, with one of those issues resulting in total detachment. There are no known accidents or injuries related to this recall.
For more Winnebago recalls, click here.
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Thank you, Russ and Tina! Yikes, I guess RV manufacturers — Forest River and Winnebago at least — are having a little trouble getting the hang of installing this new and solar technology. Maybe they can get it going in a year or two (more?). I guess we’ll see. Meanwhile, have a great weekend and safe travels!