2008 Four Winds Mandalay Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: Thor Motorcoach is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 motorhomes, manufactured June 1, 2007, through May 1, 2009 and equipped with an Iota ITS-50R Transfer Switch. The models affected are Four Winds brand models: Chateau, Dutchmen, Hurricane, Windsport, Magellan, Fun Mover, Presidio, and Mandalay. Wiring connections inside the transfer switch are not adequate and, as a result, the switch may overheat.

Risk: An overheated switch could cause it to fail and lead to a fire.

Fix: Thor Motorcoach will notify owners and replace the Iota Transfer Switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 16, 2012. Owners may contact Thor at 1-877-500-1020.

Problem: Tmc is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 damon and four winds recreational vehicles equipped with 1200-series norcold refrigerators. The population of refrigerators being addressed contains either a sensing algorithm or thermal switch to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected in order to prevent a potential fire. The response times of the sensor algorithm and thermal switch devices to stop power are not sufficient.

Risk: The sensing algorithm or thermal switch installed to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected due to a possible hydrogen gas leak, may not shut-off in sufficient time to prevent a fire.

Fix: Tmc is working with norcold to identify and notify any affected owners. Owners will be instructed to contact norcold dealers to receive the remedy free of charge. Please see norcold's defect report 10e-049 for additional nformation. The recall began on january 12, 2011. Owners may contact norcold at 1-800-767-9101 or thor motor coach at 1-877-855-2867.

Problem: Four winds is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 presidio, model year 2007-2010 mandalay, and model year 2010 montecito motorhomes built between october 5, 2004 and november 25, 2009 on freightliner chassis manufactured between may 2007 and november 2009 with kongsberg power products systems adjustable brake pedals. The drive pin which secures the brake pedal arm to the balance of the assembly may become disengaged, this may cause a reduction in vehicle braking and/or cause the brake pedal to move out of position and interfere with throttle pedal function.

Risk: A reduction in braking or interference with the throttle pedal could result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Daimler trucks, the parent company of freightliner, has indicated that they are conducting the owners' notification and will be administering this recall campaign please see daimler's defect report 09v-461. Dealers will receive kits and will inspect and install a c-clamp on the adjustable brake pedal. This service will be performed free of charge. Owners may contact daimler trucks warranty claims department at 1-800-547-0712.

Problem: Four winds is recalling certain my 2008-2009 motor home chassis equipped with saf-holland adl series rear suspensions. In some instances the transverse beam was not properly welded which could result in a failure of the weld.

Risk: If the weld fails, vehicle stability while cornering could be affected resulting in loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in a crash. In addition, the transverse beam could drop to the ground causing sparks that could cause a fire hazard.

Fix: Four winds is working with daimler trucks and saf-holland to have a visual inspection of the adl transverse beam performed. If a weld defect is identified, saf-holland will provide a service replacement kit that contains a new transverse beam, all necessary installation hardware, beam replacement, and instructions free of charge (please see 08e031 and 08v269). Owners may contact saf-holland at 1-231-773-3271, daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712, or four winds at 1-800-860-5658.

Problem: On certain motor homes built on freightliner chassis and equipped with bendix sr-7 spring brake modulating valves, the internal rubber check valve may leak causing a delay in the application of the spring brakes to park the vehicle after the operator pulls the dash valve button.

Risk: This could cause a delay or failure in applying the parking brakes which could result in a vehicle roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Four winds is working with freightliner and bendix to repair these vehicles (please see 07v302 and 07e037). Bendix will install a check valve repair kit for the affected sr-7 spring brake modulating valve free of charge. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712, bendix at 1-440-329-9000 or four winds at 1-574-266-1111.

Problem: On certain motor homes built on freightliner chassis and equipped with zf model 8018 steering gears, these gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. This could potentially allow the recirculating balls to escape from the recirculating ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering.

Risk: The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. Loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Four winds is working with freightliner and zf to replace the steering gear free of charge (please see 07v343 and 07e049). Owners may contact four winds at 1-574-266-1111 or freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.