2006 Four Winds Mandalay problems & recalls

Problem: On certain motor homes built on freightliner chassis and equipped with zf model 8018 steering gears, these gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. this could potentially allow the recirculating balls to escape from the recirculating ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering.

Risk: The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Four winds is working with freightliner and zf to replace the steering gear free of charge (please see 07v343 and 07e049). owners may contact four winds at 1-574-266-1111 or freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.

Problem: Four winds is recalling 1,633 my 2004-2007 mandalay, my 2005-2007 presidio, and my 2006-2007 valencia motor homes equipped with a two-door refrigerator manufactured by the dometic corporation. the refrigerator may have a defect in the boiler tube. pressurized coolant solution could be released into an area where an ignition source (gas flame) is present.

Risk: If this solution is exposed to an ignition source under certain specific circumstances, it can result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Four winds is working with dometic to repair these refrigerators (please see 08e032). dometic will repair these refrigerators by installing a secondary burn housing, a thermal fuse, and a melt fuse free of charge. dometic has retained stericycle inc. to manage this campaign. stericycle will assist the owner in locating dealerships or service centers and will provide assistance with scheduling

Problem: Tmc is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 damon and four winds recreational vehicles equipped with 1200-series norcold refrigerators. the population of refrigerators being addressed contains either a sensing algorithm or thermal switch to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected in order to prevent a potential fire. the response times of the sensor algorithm and thermal switch devices to stop power are not sufficient.

Risk: The sensing algorithm or thermal switch installed to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected due to a possible hydrogen gas leak, may not shut-off in sufficient time to prevent a fire.

Fix: Tmc is working with norcold to identify and notify any affected owners. owners will be instructed to contact norcold dealers to receive the remedy free of charge. please see norcold's defect report 10e-049 for additional nformation. the recall began on january 12, 2011. owners may contact norcold at 1-800-767-9101 or thor motor coach at 1-877-855-2867.