The problem
Thor Motor Coach (Thor) is recalling certain 2015 Tuscany motorhomes built on a Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) XCM, XCR, or XCL motorhome chassis manufactured by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). In these vehicles with a heavier, adjustable, straight 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
DTNA has notified owners, and Freightliner dealers will modify the affected pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or Thor customer service at 1-877-500-1020. Thor's number for this recall is FL723AB.
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 17V284000.
- 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.