2004 Gulf Stream Atrium problems & recalls

Problem: Certain motor home chassis equipped with zf model 8018 steering 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: Dealers will replace the steering gear free of charge. phase one of the recall began on january 30, 2008 for 1,392 vehicles. expanded mailings are expected to begin on may 16, 2008. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.

Problem: Gulf stream is recalling 26,847 my 2003-2006 recreational vehicles 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: Gulf stream 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: Gulf stream is recalling certain motorhomes equipped with norcold model 1200lr, 1200lrim, and 1201lrim refrigerators with serial numbers between 1273701 and 1536607, non-consecutively. a fatigue failure in the section of the cooling unit which contains the refrigerant could allow the liquid solution to slowly leak. if a leak occurs and the refrigerator continues to be operated after solution circulation has ceased the heat source could generate very high temperatures. at such high temperatures, the cooling unit could rupture.

Risk: If a leak occurs and the unit continues to operate, hydrogen gas may be expelled and can be ignited, resulting in a fire, possibly causing serious injury or death.

Fix: Gulf stream is working with norcold and the vehicle's refrigerator will be repaired free of charge. please also see norcold's defect notice 09e-027. the safety recall began on october 20, 2009. owners may contact gulf stream at 1-800-289-8787 or norcold's recall center at 1-800-767-9101.

Problem: Gulf stream is recalling certain recreational vehicles and fifth wheel trailers 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: Gulf stream 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 information. the recall began on march 23, 2011. owners may contact norcold at 1-800-767-9101 or gulf stream at 1-574-773-7761.