Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
- Component
- Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
- Manufacturer
- COACHMEN RV COMPANY
- Vehicles affected
- 79
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2003-04-09
- Owners notified
- 2003-04-28
Defect description
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES. THE FRAME EXTRUSION AT THE BASE OF THE KITCHEN SLIDE ROOM, THAT SERVES TO MAINTAIN THE LOCKING MECHANISM FOR THE SLIDE ROOM, MAY BECOME LOOSE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE LOCKING MECHANISM IS RENDERED INEFFECTIVE AND THE SLIDE ROOM CAN OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.
Safety risk
SHOULD THIS OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL LONGER SELF-TAPPING SCREWS TO ENSURE THE EXTRUSION IS SECURED TO THE STEEL FRAMING. IN ADDITION, "TRAVEL LOCKS" THAT, WHILE IN PLACE, PREVENT THE SLIDE ROOM FROM MOVING OUT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BE SUPPLIED WITH ALL UNITS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2003. 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 1-219-825-5821.