Digital Edition

Join Now

Search by Date

Older editions can be found by
selecting the date of issue
 

Action Line

Good Sam Club Highways
March 2009
Help for a Cracked Motorhome Hitch
I purchased a new Monaco LaPalma motorhome in 2003 that came with a factory-installed Blue Ox tow hitch. We bought a new 2003 Hyundai Accent as our dinghy and we’ve been towing it for the past three years with no problems. In 2007, we took an extensive two-and-a-half-month trip around the United States, and during that time I never removed the tow bar from our motorhome’s rear towing hitch.

When we returned home, we removed the tow bar and found several cracks in the hitch. The hitch also seemed to be hanging down. One of the cracks was more than 3 inches long and 1/4 inch wide.

I went to a local company that represents Blue Ox hitches. A technician removed the broken hitch and welded a new one to our rig for $766.91.

I’ve been dealing with Monaco Coach for more than five months now with no progress toward a reimbursement. I’ve provided pictures of the failed hitch along with copies of a safety-recall notice pertaining to the hitch. I’m asking Monaco to acknowledge that the hitch failed because it was bent upward.
Mike Marshall, Gardena, California

ACTION LINE: After sending a petition to Monaco Coach, Action Line received the following response from Dave Ehli, lead technical adviser for Monaco:

Because customer satisfaction is very important to Monaco, we’ve reviewed Mr. Marshall’s request. Mr. Marshall had a trailer hitch installed on his coach after the original hitch broke. He made the repair prior to his knowledge of a recall on the original hitch. He submitted a request for reimbursement for his replacement hitch and was denied.

After careful review of the situation, I’ve authorized reimbursement of $766.91 to Mr. Marshall for the hitch replacement. I’ve informed him of my decision and apologized for the trouble he has experienced.

Watered-Down Warranty
During a recent RV trip, the engine in my Newmar Kountry Star motorhome started to misfire. I took the rig to an authorized Workhorse dealer in Jacksonville, Florida, and the diagnostic test revealed that four spark-plug wires had melted from excessive heat. Water coming in from the grille had soaked the air filter, ruining the mass airflow system.

The technicians installed a new mass-airflow sensor, a new air filter and a kit to the exhaust manifold to provide cooling and prevent spark-plug-wire damage. The shop advised me to contact Newmar to install a water deflector to prevent future damage.

I wrote to Newmar requesting compensation. Newmar denied my request and recommended that I contact chassis-manufacturer Workhorse. The dealership likewise directed me to Workhorse. I contacted a Workhorse representative and haven’t heard anything from them in the months since our original contact.
Rollin Pels, Spencerport, New York

ACTION LINE: A petition to Workhorse Custom Chassis prompted the following response from Debra Anderson, reimbursement coordinator:

I’ve reviewed Rollin Pels’ file in its entirety. The Workhorse Custom Chassis heavy-duty emission warranty covers repairs to correct any defects related to the materials or workmanship of the motorhome during the warranty period or up to 50,000 miles. It appears that Mr. Pels’ motorhome falls within the guidelines of the warranty period on the date the defect was discovered and repaired at our Workhorse facility. Workhorse has therefore reimbursed Mr. Pels $1,335.36 toward any defects related to Workhorse repairs.

Worried about Moldy Windows
In June 2007, we began noticing problems with the Se-Gi windows in our 2004 Fleetwood Revolution motorhome. We thought it was just moisture or dew that would clear up on its own. But, in January of 2008, a salesman at Camping World made us aware that this was a big problem in many other coaches.

If this is such a big issue, why haven’t all owners of this coach been made aware of the defect? With the amount of money invested in a coach, quality is expected. As the windows on the driver’s side and the entry door are now showing signs of what appears to be mold, a true safety concern is apparent.

It’s difficult to see out of these windows because of blur and fogging. Backing up and changing lanes is a real hazard as well.
Jim and Lynn Pasko, Lexington, South Carolina

ACTION LINE: A petition to Fleetwood RV yielded the following response from senior customer representative Neil Buschur:

We apologize for any inconvenience Mr. and Mrs. Pasko have experienced with their motorhome. Fleetwood contacted Mrs. Pasko and discussed her window concerns and offered to assist her with having the issue addressed at an authorized Fleetwood dealer. Mrs. Pasko agreed to let us help her set up an appointment at the dealership to have the windows replaced. We’ve done this and intend to follow up with Mrs. Pasko once the work has been completed.

Belated Thank You
We’ve been customers of Boat-N-RV Megastore in Ridgeland, South Carolina, for some time. We bought two fifth wheels from them and have been very happy with our purchases. We’ve recommended several customers to them, and Boat-N-RV has sold two units to the people we’ve referred.

In late June, we recommended Boat-N-RV to a friend who later purchased a unit from them. At the time of the purchase, Boat-N-RV informed our friend that they planned to send us a $250 certificate to use in their store in recognition of our referral.

Since I wasn’t there during this verbal agreement, I don’t have any proof other than my good friend’s word. We’ve never received the certificate and have lost confidence in this company. We’re hesitant to recommend anyone else to Boat-N-RV.
Douglas Cone, Rincon, Georgia

ACTION LINE: A petition was sent on behalf of Good Sam member Douglas Cone. Dawn Merchant, service administrator for Boat-N-RV, responded to Action Line with the following:

We received a letter from you regarding Mr. Cone, one of our valued customers. We thank you for following up with this issue. A Boat-N-RV gift certificate in the amount of $250 for parts and accessories was sent to Mr. Cone.

CONTACT ACTION LINE
Got an RV-related dispute? You can contact Action Line by e-mailing actionline@goodsamclub.com, writing to Action Line, Box 8545, Ventura, CA 93002, or using the online form on our website. Be sure to include:
• a brief letter of explanation
• a short summary detailing your expected resolution
• your return mailing address
• if applicable, copies of receipts or other pertinent records