RV manufacturing economic impact

October 2021 RV Manufacturer Recalls: 27 Recalls Involving 15 RV Manufactures

A manufacturer recall can create a safety risk if not repaired

Your recreational vehicle may be involved in a safety recall and may create a safety risk for you or your passengers. Safety defects must be repaired by a certified dealer at no cost to you. However, if left unrepaired, a potential safety defect in your vehicle could lead to injury or even death.

What is a recall?

When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a recreational vehicle or item of RV equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that vehicle or equipment at no cost to the consumer.

NHTSA releases its most recent list of recalls each Monday.

It should be noted that RV recalls are related to vehicle safety and not product quality. NHTSA has no interest in an air conditioner failing to cool or slide out failing to extend or retract—unless they can be directly attributed to product safety.

NHTSA announced 27 recall notices during October 2021. These recalls involved 15 recreational vehicle manufacturers—Forest River (7 recalls), Thor Motor Coach (3 recalls), DRV (2 recalls), Jayco (2 recalls), Tiffin (2 recalls), MCI (2 recalls), Keystone (1 recall), StarCraft (1 recall), Highland Ridge (1 recall), Entegra (1 recall), Nexus (1 recall), Winnebago (1 recall), Heartland (1 recall), Cruiser (1 recall), and KZRV (1 recall).

Cajun Palms RV Park, Henderson, Louisiana © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022 East to West Alta Travel Trailers. The LP gas quick disconnect fitting may not have been properly tightened, which could allow gas to leak.

Dealers will inspect and tighten the fitting as necessary, and run a propane system check, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 27, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-264-6664. Forest River’s number for this recall is 501-1419.

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022 Forest River Aurora travel trailers. These trailers were manufactured with the incorrect tires, size ST225/75R15 LRD, instead of tire size ST225/75R15 LRE, as identified on the Federal Placard.

Dealers will replace the tire and wheel assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-6327. Forest River’s number for this recall is 205-1420.

Hollywood Casino RV Park, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Salem and Wildwood fifth-wheel trailers. The Federal Placard lists a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that exceeds the load-carrying capacity of the pin box, which could result in an overloaded pin box.

Forest River will mail owners a new Federal Placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-534-3167. Forest River’s number for this recall is 69-1423.

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Puma travel trailers. The black wastewater-holding tank may be missing the ventilation pipe, allowing methane gas to build up.

Dealers will properly vent the black wastewater-holding tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-642-0606. Forest River’s number for this recall is 420-1425.

Sea Breeze RV Park, Portland, Texas © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Entrada motorhomes. The brake lines may wear against the front leveling jack brackets, possibly resulting in brake line failure.

Dealers will relocate the front leveling jack brackets, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-264-6664. Forest River’s number for this recall is 504-1426.

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Star Trans school buses. The rear emergency exit window labels are not in the correct location and only provide instructions for one release mechanism, instead of two release mechanisms. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 217, “Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release.”

Dealers will install new labels on the rear emergency exit windows, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-800-348-7440. Forest River’s number for this recall is 05-0171.

Leif Verde RV Park, Buckeye, Arizona © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Starcraft transit buses. The rear emergency exit window labels are not in the correct location and only provide instructions for one release mechanism, instead of two release mechanisms. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 217, “Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release.”

Thor Motor Coach

Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2022 Scope and Rize motorhomes. The LP gas line may be too short and improperly installed, creating an excessive bend in the line which could rupture and leak.

Dealers will replace the LP gas line and reroute it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 28, 2021. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000243.

Capital City RV Park, Montgomery, Alabama © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Thor Motor Coach

Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Venetian motorhomes. The patio awning may have been improperly installed, allowing it to separate.

Dealers will secure the awning, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 28, 2021. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000244.

Thor Motor Coach

Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling 2021-2022 Magnitude and Omni motorhomes. The LP gas line may have been incorrectly routed through the rear suspension leaf springs, which could damage the line and cause a gas leak.

Dealers will re-route the LP line as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 28, 2021. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000242.

Alamo Lake State Park, Arizona © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

DRV

DRV Suites (DRV) is recalling certain 2021 Mobile Suites fifth-wheel trailers. The brake rotor bolts were improperly tightened, which can cause the bolts to become loose or fall off.

Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 14, 2021. Owners may contact DRV customer service at 1-260-562-3500.

DRV

DRV Suites (DRV) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Elite Suites and Mobile Suites fifth-wheel trailers. The brake caliper retaining clips may bend or warp while braking, causing the caliper to become unseated.

Dealers will replace the caliper retaining clips, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 14, 2021. Owners may contact DRV customer service at 1-260-562-3500.

Tom Sawyer RV Park, West Memphis, Arkansas © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Jayco

Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Entegra Anthem, Aspire, Cornerstone, Reatta, Reatta XL, and Jayco Embark Class A motorhomes. The instrument cluster may intermittently go blank while the vehicle is in motion.

Dealers will update the control module software, and reroute and secure the ductwork, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 30, 2021. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267.

Jayco

Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Feather and Flight SLX recreational trailers. The cooktop is installed in a cabinet that may not be entirely sealed from the furnace. As a result, during furnace operation, the interior range cooktop burner flame may invert.

Dealers will install sealant and plywood panels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901571.

Pala Casino RV Park, Pala, California © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Tiffin

Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Wayfarer vehicles. The rear-center holding tank water pan bolts may pull through the lip of the pan, allowing the tank to drop down onto the exhaust pipe.

Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace any damaged holding pans. In addition, metal straps and a washer plate will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 22, 2021. Owners may contact Tiffin customer services at 1-256-356-8661. Tiffin’s number for this recall is WAY-102.

Tiffin

Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Phaeton recreational vehicles. During manufacturing, an electrical outlet was not installed as intended, resulting in an open electrical wire inside the wall.

Dealers will inspect the vehicle and install an outlet on the wire, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 7, 2021. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661. Tiffin’s number for this recall is TIF-119.

Golden Village Palms RV Resort, Hemet, California © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

MCI

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2005-2009 E4500 and 2005-2012 J4500 motorcoaches equipped with Ricon Baylift Wheelchair Lifts. When the lift’s outer barrier is fully deployed, it may not withstand a sufficient amount of force, which could cause it to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, “Platform Lift Systems,” and number 404, “Platform lift installations.”

Ricon will reinforce the outer barrier with additional supports, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ricon’s Customer Service at (800) 322-2884, or email Ricon’s Recall Coordinator, at admin21e068@Wabtec.com or by locating the nearest Ricon servicing dealer using the locator on the Ricon website? www.riconcorp.com. Owners may also contact MCI’s customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI’s number for this recall is R21-024.

The Motorcoach Resort, Chandler, Arizona

MCI

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2018 D4000, 2018-2020 D4005, D4000ISTV, 2017-2020 D4500, D4505, 2018-2021 J3500, 2017-2021 J4500, 2020 D4520, and 2018-2021 D45CRTLE motorcoaches. The Main Distribution Panel (MDP) located within the battery compartment contains a circuit board that may fail.

MCI Service Centers will remove the MDP and install a new main disconnect and circuit breaker panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact MCI’s customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI’s number for this recall is R21-010.

Okeefenokee RV Park, Folkston, Georgia © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Keystone

Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Dutchmen Aspen Trail, Coleman, Keystone Cougar, Bullet, Passport, Hideout, Springdale, Sprinter, 2019 Keystone Impact, Fuzion, Residence, Retreat, Summerland, and Dutchmen Kodiak recreational vehicles, equipped with Winntec model 6020 two-stage propane regulators. The regulator may fail, causing an increase in propane pressure.

Dealers will replace the regulator and test the propane system for leaks, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 8, 2021. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 21-414.

StarCraft

StarCraft RV (StarCraft) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Autumn Ridge Outfitter recreational trailers. The cooktop is installed in a cabinet that may not be entirely sealed from the furnace. As a result, during furnace operation, the interior range cooktop burner flame may invert.

Dealers will install sealant and plywood panels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-283-8267. StarCraft’s number for this recall is 9902571.

Rain Spirit RV Resort, Cottonwood, Arizona © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Highland Ridge

Highland Ridge RV (Highland Ridge) is recalling certain 2021 Highland Ridge Open Range recreational trailers. The cooktop is installed in a cabinet that may not be entirely sealed from the furnace. As a result, during furnace operation, the interior range cooktop burner flame may invert.

Dealers will install sealant and plywood panels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Highland Ridge customer service at 1-260-768-7771.

Entegra

Entegra Coach (Entegra) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Anthem, Aspire, and Reatta XL Class A vehicles equipped with Cummins L9 diesel engines that have remote Stage 2 fuel filters and pressurized hoses. A fuel leak may occur in the fuel hoses between the fuel pump and the remote fuel filter head.

Entegra will work with Cummins to replace the fuel hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 30, 2021. Owners may contact Entegra customer service at 1-800-283-8267.

Cave Creek Regional Park, Arizona © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Nexus

Nexus RV’s, LLC (Nexus) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Nexus Bentley, Bentley Diamond, Evoque, Ghost, Maybach, Wraith, Phantom, Triumph, and Viper recreational vehicles, built on International or Ford chassis. These vehicles are equipped with certain Dometic 3-burner cooking stoves. The saddle valve securing bolt may be overtightened, possibly damaging the o-ring seal and causing a continuous gas leak.

Nexus will work with Dometic, who will install a remedy kit of gaskets, washers, thread locker bolts, and two round orange labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 29, 2021. Owners may contact Nexus customer service at 1-574-970-0848.

Foretravel

Foretravel, Inc. (Foretravel) is recalling certain 2020-2022 iH-45, Realm FS605, Realm FS450, and iC-37 recreational vehicles equipped with Hehr 6400 Series windows. The adhesive that bonds the vented portion of the window may fail.

Dealers will inspect the windows, and replace the vent if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in October 2021. Owners may contact Foretravel customer service at 1-800-9556226.

Flag City RV Park, Lodi, California © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Winnebago

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Travato and 2021-2022 Boldt vehicles. The wire harness may have been built incorrectly, resulting in the loss of over-current protection.

Owners are instructed to not drive their vehicle until the Volta Power System is disabled. Dealers will replace the harness and inspect the electrical connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 29, 2021. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-6939 or 1-800-537-1885. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 164.

Heartland

Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mallard Pathfinder trailers. The vehicle certification label does not have the correct Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, “Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars.”

Heartland will mail new labels to owners, and dealers will replace them, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 13, 2021. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.

Sonoran Desert RV Resort, Gila Bend, Arizona © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Cruiser

Cruiser RV (Cruiser) is recalling 2021-2022 Hitch trailers. The vehicle certification label does not have the correct Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, “Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars.”

Cruiser will mail new labels to owners, and dealers will replace them, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 13, 2021. Owners may contact Cruiser customer service at 1-574-206-7920.

KZRV

KZRV, L.P. (KZRV) is recalling certain 2022 Stratus and SportTrek trailers. The water heater and fireplace circuits were improperly connected to a 20amp circuit breaker instead of a 15amp circuit breaker.

Dealers will replace circuit breakers, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 10, 2021. Owners may contact KZRV customer service at 1-800-768-4016 ext. 154 or 153. KZRV’s number for this recall is KZ-2021-06.

Please Note: This is the 33^rd in a series of posts relating to RV Manufacturers Recalls

Worth Pondering…

It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.

—Martin Van Buren

How Will People Travel After the Coronavirus?

With people still concerned about COVID-19, social distancing away from home can be easier in an RV

With travel restrictions loosening all around the country, where and how will vacationers get out and go? Many will get behind the wheel.

COVID-19 has left most travel industries like airlines, hotels, resorts, and cruise lines struggling for business. International travel is essentially dead on arrival now with numerous countries in Europe alone requiring or planning to require travelers to quarantine for 14 days after they arrive. Setting your sights on a tropical isle isn’t a good idea either.

Camping at Goose Island State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

But one is doing surprisingly well, the RV industry. We’re going to take a lot of road trips. Some one-tank trips where we can go just for the day and come back, not even do an overnight. Cooped-up Americans and Canadians desperate to get out after months of lockdowns are dreaming of doing something—anything—that resembles a vacation.

Camping at Edisto Island State Park, South Carolina *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Many are ready to get back to normal and travel. AAA predicts more Americans will hit the highway instead of the skies this year. A recent study by the U.S. Travel Association found 68 percent of people feel safe traveling in their own car but only 18 percent feel safe taking a flight to somewhere in the U.S. It’s good news for the RV industry.

Freightliner Custom Chassis Service Center, Gaffney, South Carolina *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

According to recent Ipsos research examining consumer interest and planned actions on travel choices in light of the COVID-19 crisis, 46 million Americans plan to take an RV trip in the next 12 months. This positive news for RV manufacturers, dealers, and campgrounds reinforces what dealers are already seeing at the retail level.

Two Rivers Landing RV Resort, Sevierville, Tennessee *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

RV dealerships are seeing a surge in sales and campgrounds are seeing an increased number of reservations as people plan for summer vacation during the pandemic. The attraction to recreational vehicles is that no one’s slept in that bed except you, you’re using your own private bathroom, and you can still be outdoors. It’s hard for a virus to jump across a campfire.

The Old Bag Factory, Goshen, Indiana *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

With an RV you really know what you have. You can clean it to your personal standard and let the people of your choosing share the space with you. You have a lot more control and yet you still can be outside enjoying nature.

For decades, sales of motorhomes and travel trailers were a reliable indicator of the beginning—and end—of a recession. Sales would dip as a downturn approached and rise ahead of a recovery. But this time, it’s different: sales are rising as America enters its worst contraction since the Great Depression.

Historic Adairsville, Georgia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Most sales have been reflective of the desire to wring as much recreation out of a socially distanced summer as possible. While more than one in five workers has filed for unemployment, some people are shelling out upward of $100,000 so they can hit the road while staying away from everyone else. Social distancing is a lot easier when you can bring along your own kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.

Along Bush Highway, Arizona *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

In addition to providing a personal space that allows people to maintain social distance in a safe manner, the RV life also allows people to connect with loved-ones, provides the ability to get away for short, frequent breaks or longer adventures, and helps people reconnect to nature or explore some of the many attractions that are often just a drive away. That’s what RVing is all about. It’s a lifestyle that you never can get going to a hotel or resort as far as camaraderie with other people and that sort of thing.

Arizona Oases RV Park, Ehrenberg, Arizona *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

And social distancing away from home for families can be easier in an RV.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The U.S. has about 13,000 private RV parks and an estimated 1.23 million individual campsites according to estimates from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (and that doesn’t include campsites in state and national parks). Prior to the pandemic, it was estimated that 60,000 new camping spots would become available.

Canyon Vista RV Resort, Gold Canyon, Arizona *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

It’s not just purchases that are climbing according to Jen Young, co-founder of Outdoorsy which matches 40,000 RV owners with people who want to rent. Though bookings fell during the early stages of the pandemic, they have since skyrocketed. Outdoorsy rival RVshare also reported a surge in reservations.

The Lakes Golf and RV Resort, Chowchilla, California *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

People say “‘I won’t visit any place where a lot of people will go,’ so that pretty much (cancels) out all the big city centers and air travel,” she said. “There’s just so much more flexibility in recreation vehicle travel.”

Worth Pondering…

Our nature lies in movement; complete calm is death.

—Blaise Pascal

RVs Move America

Americans bought nearly half a million recreational vehicles in 2018 with the industry bringing in more than $20 billion in revenue

A little less than half of the national economic impact of recreational vehicle manufacturers and suppliers occurred in Indiana last year and much of the activity producing it took place in the northeast and north-central parts of the state.

Newmar Factory in Nappanee, Indiana © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

That was according to a new RVs Move America Economic Impact Study released June 3 at the RV Industry Association’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., where industry colleagues gathered to showcase its strength and meet with federal policymakers.

The report showed the industry had a $114 billion impact on the U.S. economy, supporting close to 600,000 jobs which contributed more than $32 billion in wages.

“What the study reveals is that RVs are not just the familiar highway scene of an American summer,” Gary Enyart, the association’s chairman, said in a statement.

“Indeed, RVs are the heart of an industry that has become an American juggernaut, a business that has tripled in size since the Great Recession (that ended in) 2009,” said Enyart who also is mobile generator sales and coach care director for Onan/Cummins.

The industry’s nationwide economic impact includes:

$68 billion generated by RV manufacturers and suppliers
$25.6 billion by RV campgrounds and related travel
$20.1 billion by RV sales and service activities

A comparable breakdown of the industry’s economic impact in Indiana includes:

$31.4 billion generated by RV manufacturers and suppliers
$575.7 million by RV campgrounds and related travel
$481.4 million by RV sales and service activities

Taking delivery of a new 2019 Dutch Star motorhome © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The report showed 482,389 RVs were made in the United States last year with motorized vehicles accounting for 12 percent of that and towable vehicles for 88 percent.

About 25 million Americans RV each year leading to activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, and camping which the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis considers part of a larger outdoor recreation economy that represents 2.2 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

The industry’s most recent monthly RV shipment data showed April’s 40,243 figure was down 15.2 percent from the same month the previous year and July 2018 was the last time within 12 months that shipments had risen from a year earlier.

“The industry is still on track for this to be the third best year in its history. The best year was 2017 and the second was 2018,” Broom said.

RV manufacturers added production capacity to meet rising demand for their products which reduced backlogs in their orders and dealers who saw they didn’t have to order as many RVs as far in advance to avoid missing a sale to a customer adjusted their inventories, he said.

But, for now 2019 shipments are expected to provide the RV industry with the third best year in its history and then increase in 2020.

A healthy industry going forward is a key in advancing the RV lifestyle both present and future. Recreational vehicles are a great way to see the country and allow owners the freedom to travel. They are great for weekends and extended vacations, but they are a major investment. And purchasing an RV is considerably more complicated than buying a car.

When purchasing a new or pre-owned RV it’s important to do your home. Be aware that RV manufacturers and dealers are NOT created equal. After all, your RV is an enormous investment. Don’t trust it to just anyone.

Worth Pondering…

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.

—John Ruskin