The problem
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Charleston Class A motorhomes manufactured from September 16, 2013, through September 25, 2016, and built on certain Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) chassis. On certain motorhome chassis built with a heavier, adjustable foot pedal, the brake activation signal to certain towed devices may not deactivate when the motorhome service brakes are released.
The risk
If the brake activation signal to a towed device remains active when the motorhome chassis service brakes are released, the brakes on a towed device may remain engaged. As a result, the brakes could drag and overheat potentially resulting in a fire. Additionally, following drivers may be confused by the motorhome's actions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Forest River will notify owners, and DTNA dealers will modify the affected brake assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. Forest River's number for this recall is 40-05132016-0196.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Forest River dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V330000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.