2006 Fleetwood Bounder Diesel problems & recalls

Problem: Certain diesel class a motor homes fail to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." the manufacturers' tow hitch receiver information label was printed with the incorrect weight carrying capacity value and the incorrect tongue weight value.

Risk: The weight label on the hitch receiver provides the maximum trailer weight rating and the maximum tongue weight rating. it is important that these ratings not be exceeded. failure to comply could result in damage to the motor home frame, body, or hitch receiver and could cause unstable driving and handling characteristrics which may result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Fleetwood will mail owners the correct tow hitch receiver weight information label. if owners do not feel comfortable installing the label, dealers will install the label for them. the recall began august 4, 2005. owners may contact fleetwood at 800-509-3418.

Problem: Certain motor homes fail to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." the federal certification tag may be printed with the incorrect gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) weight value of 31,000 pounds. the correct gvwr weight value is 28,000 pounds. the same weight error may occur on the cargo carrying capacity tag.

Risk: Overloading could damage the vehicle, adversely affecting vehicle performance including handling and braking, cause tire failure, and result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will send replacement labels along with instructions. if necessary, dealers will change certain front suspension components and certify the chassis for the 31,000 pounds gvwr weight value. the recall began on february 27, 2006. owners may contact fleetwood at 800-509-3418.

Problem: On certain motor homes equipped with kwikee brand electric entry step built with a control unit manufactured by american technologies, may develop an electrical short during cold weather, allowing for the potential of the plastic case to ignite.

Risk: This will make the step inoperable and possibly result in a risk of personal injury, vehicle or other property damage.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace all american technologies controls associated with the kwikee brand electric entry step free of charge. the recall began on march 17, 2006. owners may contact fleetwood at 800-509-3418.

Problem: Fleetwood is recalling certain class a gas and diesel motor homes, class c motor homes, conventional and fifth wheel travel trailers equipped with norcold refrigerators. a low cycle fatigue failure in the section of the cooling unit which generates the refrigerant could allow the liquid solution to slowly leak.

Risk: Extended operation of a leaking cooling unit could lead to a fire from gas which might escape.

Fix: Fleetwood is working with norcold to repair these refrigerators. norcold will provide thermal switch kits to owners along with the necessary forms and instructions. the recall is expected to begin during june 2008. owners may contact norcold at 1-800-767-9101 or fleetwood at 1-800-509-3418.