Safety Recalls and your RV: What you Need to Know
06-22-2016
Author: in RV Tips & Education
When a vehicle is the subject of a recall, typically the dealer or manufacturer will contact the owner to notify them. However, it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes you don’t learn that your RV is part of a recall until there is an accident or someone is injured. Knowing what to do if your RV is recalled will make the process much easier.
I recently read about a couple who was pulling their travel trailer on the interstate when their awning detached. There was a woman driving behind them and the awning rod hit her car, going through the windshield. It hit her in the face causing massive injuries.
Another RV owner was traveling down the road when his awning unfurled. No one was hit so there were no injuries, but it could have been bad. When the man began investigating the issue, he was directed to a recall that the manufacturer of his RV had issued for a part on the awning. He had not been contacted or informed of this recall.
My point is, you could have a recall on your RV and not even know it.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for reducing injuries, deaths, and economic losses that occur due to motor vehicle crashes. One of the services they offer to aid in this effort is a public database of safety recalls and complaints for vehicles, including travel trailers and RVs. There are several sections you can look under. The search allows you to select a type which includes vehicles, car seats, tires, and equipment. Once you have decided on a type you just complete the information in the search box.
You can also check with RV dealers, clubs that are geared toward RV owners, other RV owners, RV forums, and your RV’s manufacturer website.
Filing a Safety Complaint
If your rig is not the subject of a safety recall, but you have encountered a problem that you think the manufacturer is responsible for, you need to report it. Often, recalls occur because owners file complaints. You can file a complaint at the NHTSA website or you can go to safercar.gov and file one. You can do this by filing the report online or by calling 1-888-327-4236. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has an online form for reporting unsafe products. You can also search the site for products that may be on your RV or travel trailer that are under recall.
Sometimes the recalls are for things that you might consider to be obscure. For instance, I recently learned that some of the Vantage travel trailers were recalled because a section underneath the rig was sharp and posed a hazard when anyone tried to empty the tanks. We don’t have that problem with ours, but my point here is that it is not something that is readily apparent.
It doesn’t hurt to check the sites to see if your RV or anything in your RV is under a recall. You may have to check individual appliances because they may not show up under the RV itself, but it is worth it, especially if the product is a safety risk.
I recently read about a couple who was pulling their travel trailer on the interstate when their awning detached. There was a woman driving behind them and the awning rod hit her car, going through the windshield. It hit her in the face causing massive injuries.
Another RV owner was traveling down the road when his awning unfurled. No one was hit so there were no injuries, but it could have been bad. When the man began investigating the issue, he was directed to a recall that the manufacturer of his RV had issued for a part on the awning. He had not been contacted or informed of this recall.
My point is, you could have a recall on your RV and not even know it.
Read: Staying Safe while RVing
Is your RV the Subject of a Recall?The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for reducing injuries, deaths, and economic losses that occur due to motor vehicle crashes. One of the services they offer to aid in this effort is a public database of safety recalls and complaints for vehicles, including travel trailers and RVs. There are several sections you can look under. The search allows you to select a type which includes vehicles, car seats, tires, and equipment. Once you have decided on a type you just complete the information in the search box.
You can also check with RV dealers, clubs that are geared toward RV owners, other RV owners, RV forums, and your RV’s manufacturer website.
Filing a Safety Complaint
If your rig is not the subject of a safety recall, but you have encountered a problem that you think the manufacturer is responsible for, you need to report it. Often, recalls occur because owners file complaints. You can file a complaint at the NHTSA website or you can go to safercar.gov and file one. You can do this by filing the report online or by calling 1-888-327-4236. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has an online form for reporting unsafe products. You can also search the site for products that may be on your RV or travel trailer that are under recall.
Sometimes the recalls are for things that you might consider to be obscure. For instance, I recently learned that some of the Vantage travel trailers were recalled because a section underneath the rig was sharp and posed a hazard when anyone tried to empty the tanks. We don’t have that problem with ours, but my point here is that it is not something that is readily apparent.
It doesn’t hurt to check the sites to see if your RV or anything in your RV is under a recall. You may have to check individual appliances because they may not show up under the RV itself, but it is worth it, especially if the product is a safety risk.
For More Reading about Recalls Check out: Recalls-Do I Have One & What’s Next
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Author: Stephanie A. Mayberry
