Investigation PE04013: 1998–1999 Forest River Fifth Wheel

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Feb 2, 2004

Closed

Jun 18, 2004

Model years

1998–1999

Subject

Frame cracking

Component: Structure › Frame and members

Summary

Odi has not found any additional complaints beyond the original voqs that formed the basis for the initiation of this investigation.the three voq-complaint vehicles did not indicate a trend orpattern in that they differed from each other in model year (1998, 1999, and 2002), vehicle configuration, and frame supplier.the 2002 vehicle was a prototype in which the frame-related defect was detected and corrected after the sole affected vehicle was put in service.the frame supplier inspected another of the vehicles and stated that that vehicle exhibited damage to the underbody indicative of having been exposed to one or more high lateral forces consistent with extracting a wedged vehicle. See the attached technical report for full details.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.