NHTSA Recall 04V158000
Filed by Winnebago of Indiana, LLC. Component: Trailer Hitches. Reported 2004-04-01. An estimated 168 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH BEDROOM SLIDE OUT ROOMS, THE FRONT CROSS-MEMBER CONNECTED TO THE HITCH PIN BOX MAY NOT BE OF ADEQUATE STRENGTH.
Risk
IF OVERLOADED, EXTENSIVE USE, ADDED HITCH WEIGHT, AND/OR ROAD UNEVENNESS, STRESS ON THE C-CHANNEL COULD CAUSE THE HITCH PIN BOX TO HAVE CROWNING OR STRESS FRACTURES CAUSING THE UPPER FRAME TO DROP DOWN MORE THAN ONE INCH WHEN CONNECTED TO THE TOW VEHICLE. THIS COULD AFFECT THE STEERING CAPABILITY OF THE TOWING VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL ADD A 2" X 3" X 86" 11 GAUGE STEEL TUBE TO THE EXISTING FRONT CROSS-MEMBER AND INSPECT/REPAIR ALL WELDS, JOINTS AND STRUCTURE OF THE UPPER FRAME DECKING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 15, 2004. 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 SUNNYBROOK AT 574-825-5250.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).