Thor California Wanderer problems & recalls

Problem: On certain cargo/travel trailers, overloading and incorrectly positioning cargo in the rear cargo area can result in alight hitch weight and affect stability.

Risk: Depending on the specific tow vehicle and its hitch equipment, a sufficiently light hitch weight can result in sway at highway speeds. Too much weight incorrectly positioned can also result in severe bending of the a-frame assembly, failure of the coupler assembly, and/or failure of the safety chains. This can cause a crash involving the trailer and tow vehicle.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the trailer, tow vehicle and hitch equipment; install new cargo load limit labels and placards in the cargo area; furnish loading limit information; replace the coupler and safety chains; and reinforce the a-frame. The recall began on November 15, 2006. Owners should contact Thor at 1-888-697-8467. Note: this campaign supersedes a previous recall (please see 04V243).

Problem: On certain travel and fifth wheel trailers equipped with suburban and atwood furnaces, the furnace exhaust vent was improperly installed. The furnace exhaust vent will allow leakage of fumes which contain combustion products, including a high concentration of potentially lethal carbon monoxide gas.

Risk: Fumes could enter into the trailer and could result in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners will receive instructions on inspecting the furnace vent. If an owner believes the vent is installed incorrectly, is not sure how to inspect the furnace exhaust vent, or needs assistance in getting the furnace exhaust vent installation inspected and corrected, owners should contact Thor immediately at 1-877-870-2638 or via the internet at http://www.thorca.com. The recall began on June 15,…

Problem: On certain travel trailers equipped with samsung microwave ovens, these ovens were produced with a defective panel. An electrical short can occur between circuit patterns on the membrane panel, especially overlapped by a "jumper" or jump wire. This may cause the oven to activate without pressing any key pads.

Risk: An electrical short can occur causing the oven to activate without pressing any key pads. This could result in excessive heat, smoke, or possibly a fire.

Fix: Samsung will notify customers and repair the panel free of charge. In the meantime, consumers should unplug their microwave, if possible. If the consumer is unable to unplug the microwave, they should leave the door ajar until the panel is replaced. Consumers should never use the microwave oven for storage or leave any towels, paper, cloth or other products in the microwave after use. Owners who…

Problem: On certain fifth wheel and travel trailers, the tailpipe used to release the exhaust from the generator was not long enough to reach the side of the trailer. Thor modified the tailpipe by placing an extension on the tailpipe. As a result, the generator's exhaust may be released under the trailer at the point of the modification.

Risk: The tailpipe exhaust needs to be released away from the underside of the trailer.

Fix: Dealers will replace the existing tailpipe. Owner notification began May 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Thor California at 1-888-697-8467, extension 215.