Safety Alerts
Airstream Trailers Recall for Rear Reflectors: Airstream is apparently sending out notifications and reflex reflectors to all registered owners of 2002-2009 16′, 19′, and 22′ travel trailers. Airstream states the specified trailer models potentially lack required rear safety reflectors. Since the factory-installed tail lights on these models (Bambi, International, Safari, 75th Anniversary, DWR, and Ocean Breeze) lack the legally required reflective qualities, new reflectors need to be added to these vehicles.
Summary of rear reflector requirements from Tables in 571.108:
Reflex reflectors shall be located at the rear on each side of the vertical centerline as far apart as practicable, at the same height not less than 15 inches, nor more than 60 inches height above road [at curb weight].
Links for more information:
Below are three links, these are correspondence between Thor/Airstream and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Airstream’s proposed owner notification letter.
For more information, see Alerts article on Carolinas Unit of NC website
This Safety Alert posted 7/21/2009
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Dometic Refrigerator Recall
2008 ushered in additional recalls on Dometic refrigerators for refrigerators manufactured between June 2003 and December 2006. The needed correction seems to be a fire control measure for the refrigerator exterior compartment. An authorized Dometic service center should be able to install the required components (sheet metal shroud and heat sensor/power disconnect) within less than an hour. You can contact Dometic at Phone 574.294.2511 or visit their website or see this Airstream Forums article about the recall.
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Electric Brake Wiring
When is the last time you inspected, or had someone inspect, your trailer’s brakes? Ours were thirteen months from the last inspection. We had, September a year ago, removed all four drums, replaced the seals, and repacked the bearings. Everything has seemed just fine since.
Last week I pulled the drums and found two problems. One wheel’s magnet was no longer electrically connected — the wire was severed where it passes into the back plate. Another wheel’s wire insulation was damaged. This could have been very bad for us if we had an emergency stop and needed all eight wheels to contribute their part in stopping. We were lucky.
I reconnected the broken wire on one wheel and carefully re-insulated the damaged wire insulation on the other. We’re good for now. But for how long? Generally, the recommendation is to pull the drums at least annually to inspect brakes, wiring, and bearings. The bearings might last much longer if you don’t pull the drum and open them to contamination. More importantly, your brakes and wiring could be damaged at any time and you wouldn’t know it unless your brakes are inspected. Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it?
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Under-inflated Tires
Driving on tires with too little air pressure is dangerous. Your tires will get overheated from driving while under-pressure. This can cause a sudden tire failure that could lead to serious personal injury or death.
For example, a set of four P235/75R15 tires are rated for a load of 6,840 pounds at 30 psi. Did you know, at 20 psi, the load rating for the same tires is only 5,610 pounds? That is a 1,230 pound drop in load rating. Said another way, if your tires were adequately rated for the load at 30 psi, your vehicle is now overweight by 1,230 pounds. This under-pressure condition is almost certain to cause the following problems:
1. damage to the tire leading to tire failure.
2. adverse effects to vehicle handling.
3. reduction of tire life.
4. increase in fuel consumption.
Check your tire inflation before every trip. Tires can lose 1 psi (pound per square inch) per month under normal conditions. Additionally, tires can lose 1 psi for every 10° F temperature drop. Your investment in the finest recreational vehicles made is riding on the tires you maintain. Your life and the life of others may also depend upon your attention to this important detail.
Topic suggested by John Plaxco, Past President, Carolinas Unit of NC
Information from Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Company, January 2006, http://www.aboutwsca.org/contracts/files/BSFS_06Warranty_pt2.pdf