NHTSA Recall 99V228000
Filed by COACHMEN INDUSTRIES, INC.. Component: Structure. Reported 1999-09-15. An estimated 468 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
THE 5TH WHEEL TRAILER FRAME RAILS ARE FABRICATED FROM I BEAMS. THE WEB OF THESE BEAMS CAN CRACK ABOVE THE AXLE ATTACHMENTS.
Risk
CRACKING OF THE FRAME RAILS ABOVE THE AXLE ATTACHMENT CAN CAUSE CONTROL PROBLEMS FOR THE TOW VEHICLE OPERATOR.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRAMES OF THESE TRAILERS. IF CRACKS ARE DETECTED, THE AREA WILL BE WELDED AND A PLATE WILL BE PLACED OVER THE AREA USING 1/4" FLAT STEEL. REROUTING OF THE HOLDING TANK DRAIN PIPES MAY BE NECESSARY ON SOME MODELS.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 8, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT COACHMEN AT 1-800-453-6064. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).