2023 RV Recalls: What Models Are Affected?
A new year is upon us, and unfortunately, that means that new problems are being revealed in the RV world. Although a lot of the offerings are high-quality and safe, there are always a few issues that slip through the cracks. Once these problems come to light, RV recalls are sent out.
RV recalls can be a hassle to deal with, especially if you feel like your particular model is performing just fine. But in order for everyone to be safe, it’s important to be aware of the latest updates from the safety regulators. There are already several recalls for the 2023 year, and more are sure to come out in the upcoming months.
Read below to learn about the latest pressing issues in the industry. You might qualify for a free repair or replacement if you’re affected by these updates. Either way, you don’t want to drive an RV that’s potentially dangerous. Make sure you check the news for information about your RV’s make and model because you never know when something new might be revealed.
Not every recall is made equal. Some are made for aesthetic issues, while others are potentially life-threatening. Companies don’t issue RV recalls unless they believe there is a legitimate cause for concern though, so please carefully consult the list below to see if one of your vehicles falls into the danger zone.
Forest River Bus, LLC: Awnings on certain models may extend during transit
First up, there are 17 Berkshire Coach models that are being recalled for faulty awnings. Most RVs nowadays are equipped with extendable awnings, but these always need to be retracted while you’re driving.
The problem with these RVs is that the awning sometimes extends unexpectedly during transit. This could damage vehicles around you and cause your own vehicle to snag on obstacles you pass by. Overall, it has the potential to be quite dangerous.
The specific models that are being recalled are the Berkshire Coach Ultra UL1952 coaches. These were released in 2021, but the problems have recently surfaced. Official notifications will be sent out to owners on March 1, 2023.
Forest River, Inc: Some welded trailer drawbars cannot sustain the recommended GVWR
Next up, we have a recall from Forest River, Inc. This is one of the largest RV brands, and they have several different vehicles for sale. Problems have been identified with the 2016-2017 AmeraLite Cargo trailers; 296 models were recalled because of issues with the welded trailer drawbars.
In some models, it was discovered that these bars couldn’t sustain the recommended GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). So even if customers were loading their RVs with the proper weight, there was still a risk of these bars breaking under the strain. Obviously, this is a huge problem, and it endangers RV owners and other drivers on the roads. Owner notifications will be sent out on March 1, 2023.
REV Recreation Group: Improper thread depth on service valves
REV Recreation Group (REV) has sent out recalls for certain 2021-2023 RV models (source). The main issue here is the service valves for the LPG tanks. It’s been discovered that some of these valves have an improper thread depth, which could cause propane leaks. These are quite dangerous because it’s not safe to inhale propane fumes. In addition, it could cause fires or even explosions with RVs.
This recall is quite serious, and several different models are affected by it. Not every vehicle is at risk, but it’s good to check, just in case. The recalled RVs include certain models from:
- 2021-2023 Holiday Rambler Vacationer, Invicta, Navigator, Admiral, Fleetwood Southwind, Bounder, Pace Arrow
- 2021-2022 Fleetwood Fortis, Flair
- 2023 Fleetwood Flex and Holiday Rambler Eclipse motorhomes
Essentially, if you bought an RV from Holiday Rambler or Fleetwood between the years of 2021 and 2023, you should call the company and see if your model is included in this recall. You don’t want to mess around with a potential propane leak!
All RV models that include Flex-Tech: Contaminated brass is weak and can cause gas leaks
Several different RV brands were affected by this next recall. Many manufacturers use similar materials and resources to make their vehicles. So, when the source of the problem is identified, there’s a ripple effect that affects many different brands.
In this case, Flex-Tech brass is the problem. Many manufacturers use this material in their RVs, but it was recently discovered that some of the brass was contaminated. This weaker product is more likely to crack during day-to-day use (source).
Flex-Tech brass is often used for gas lines, so if it cracks, it can cause a gas leak in the RV. This is potentially deadly and is a huge cause for concern. RV recalls were necessary to alert customers and fix this problem.
Several RV brands and models from 2021-2023 are affected by this issue including:
- 2021-2022 Coachmen Adrenaline, Apex, Catalina, Freedom Express, Spirit, East To West Alta, Della Terra, and Silver Lake models
- 2021-2022 Forest River Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Columbus, Flagstaff, Impression, Ozark, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Stealth Evo Vengeance, Vibe, Wildwood, XLR Toy Hauler, Palomino Puma, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Shasta Oasis
- 2022 Coachmen Cross Trail, Prism, Forest Fiver Aurora, Rainer Wildcat, Work and Play, Prime Time Tracer
- 2021-2023 Coachmen Leprechaun
As you can see, several different makes and models are affected by this issue. If you’re concerned about your RV, please consult the list above and see if your model is included in the recall. You can also contact the company if you have further questions about your own vehicle’s safety.
Various models: Faulty awnings may unexpectedly detach and drop
This next set of RV recalls isn’t quite as serious as the others listed above, but it still has the potential to cause injuries and damage. The main issue here is that awnings that are fully extended can detach and drop without warning. In some cases, this is because there is a welded seam on the fabric that can eventually break. Even if you use these awnings normally, they can still fail because of this design flaw (source).
If you happen to be standing underneath the awning when it falls, you may become injured. Head wounds are a very real possibility, so this qualifies as a recall-worthy issue. Because all of these awning recalls are fairly similar, we’ve combined them into a single list.
The 2023 RV models that may have faulty awnings include:
- 2023 Alliance RV Paradigm and Valor travel trailers
- 2022-2023 Forest River Coachmen Catalina, Cross Trail, Pursuit, Sportscoach, East to West Della Terra, Silver Lake, Forest River Forester, FR3, Sunseeker, Wildwood, 2022 Coachmen Adrenaline, Apex, Brookstone, Chaparral, Chaparral Lite, Clipper, Freedom Express, Independence Trail, Mirada, Spirit, Viking, Work and Play, East to West Ahara, Tandara, Forest River Aurora, Cardinal, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Flagstaff, Georgetown, Ibex, Impression, Ozark, Puma, R-Pod, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Sierra, Solera, Stealth, Stealth Evo, Surveyor, Vengeance, Vibe, Wildcat, XLR Toy Hauler, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Tracer, Shasta Oasis, and Phoenix fifth wheel and travel trailers.
- 2022-2023 KZ RV Connect, Confluence, Durango, Durango Gold, Sonic, Sportsmen, Sportsmen Classic, Sportsmen Sportster, SportTrek, Spree Escape, and Venom travel trailers
If your RV model appears on this list, you should contact the company and inform them. In most cases, they will send you a replacement awning and/or pay for the necessary repairs. It’s a fairly simple fix, but it’s still worth doing.
Learn more
We’re only a couple of months into 2023, but there are already several RV recalls you should be on the lookout for. Make sure you check your mailbox and email regularly, so you’ll know if your RV is included in any of these issues.
Even if you don’t receive an alert, you can always check with the manufacturer if you have any questions or concerns. Stay tuned and listen to the RV news so you’ll be in the loop whenever new issues are discovered.
Forums such as iRV2.com and blog sites like RV LIFE, Do It Yourself RV, and Camper Report provide all the information you need to enjoy your RV. You’ll also find brand-specific information on additional forums like Air Forums, Forest River Forums, and Jayco Owners Forum.
Related articles:
- RV Recall Alert: Is Your RV Affected By Recent Recalls?
- Goodyear Recalls RV Tires From 1996-2003
- Recall Affecting Certain Heartland Units Issued By NHTSA
The post The Latest RV Recalls For 2023 appeared first on Camper Report.
