The problem
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Tuscany motor homes manufactured February 28, 2013, to August 31, 2015 and built on chassis supplied by Daimler Trucks North America. 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 depending on brake configuration of the trailer. As a result, the brakes would drag and possibly 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
TMC will notify owners, and Daimler Trucks dealers will modify the affected brake assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2016. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867 or Daimler Trucks at 1-800-547-0712. TMC's number for this recall is RC000116.
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 Thor Motor Coach dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V437000.
- 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.