Grand Design RV, LLC is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Reflection 303RLS

Apr 10, 2015 — Recall Campaign #15V212000

Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Reflection 303RLS, 308BHTS and 313RLTS, model 2016 Solitude 375RE trailers manufactured March 12, 2015, to April 6, 2015. In the affected trailers, the studs that are used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs may break.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 148 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

15V212000

Manufacturer:	Grand Design RV, LLC
Recall date:	April 10, 2015
NHTSA Campaign #:	15V212000
Units affected:	148

Description:: Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Reflection 303RLS, 308BHTS and 313RLTS, model 2016 Solitude 375RE trailers manufactured March 12, 2015, to April 6, 2015. In the affected trailers, the studs that are used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs may break.
Consequeces:: If the wheel studs break, the wheel could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective action:: Grand Design has notified owners, and dealers will replace any affected wheel hub, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2015. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910003.
Notes:: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affects the following:

2016 GRAND DESIGN REFLECTION Complaints
I'VE HAD 2 WHEEL BEARING FAILURES ON THE SAME WHEEL. I'M WONDERING IF THE UNIT IS OVER WEIGHT FOR THESE BEARINGS. GVWR 9995 LB, 2 AXLES RATED 4400 LB EACH, 1536 LB HITCH WEIGHT. UNIT GVWR OF 9995 LB MINUS HITCH WEIGHT OF 1536 LB PUTS 8459 LB ON THE AXLES. TWO 4400 LB AXLES MEANS 8800 LB TOTAL AXLE STRENGTH MINUS 8459 LB TRAILER WEIGHT MEANS AXLES SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT. EXCEPT THAT IT RUNS ON RVD-H 65535 HUBS. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT "65535" TRANSLATES TO: 6 BOLT, 5.5 INCHES BETWEEN BOLTS AND THE 35 MEANS 3500 LB BEARINGS. IF THE STRENGTH OF AN AXLE IS LIMITED BY ITS WEAKEST COMPONENT THEN IT SEEMS THAT THE WEIGHT LIMIT OF THE AXLE SHOULD BE 3500 LB INSTEAD OF 4400 LB, AND IF THE WEIGHT LIMIT OF THE AXLES IS ACTUALLY 3500 LB INSTEAD OF 4400 LB THEN THE AXLES WOULD BE OVERLOADED BY 1459 LB, I.E. 8459 LB MINUS 7000 LB = 1459 LB WHEN THE WHEEL BEARING FAILED THE FIRST TIME IT WAS REPLACED WITH A 3500 LB. BEARING. AT THAT TIME I DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM. I AM NOT AN ENGINEER. MAYBE THE COMPONENTS ARE ADEQUATE FOR THE JOB. I KNOW THAT COMPONENTS ARE USUALLY RATED WELL BELOW WHAT THEY CAN TOLERATE BUT, ON THE OTHER HAND, IF THE MANUFACTURER IS USING SUB PAR COMPONENTS TO SAVE A LITTLE MONEY THEN MAYBE THEY SHOULD BE "ENCOURAGED" TO SAVE THE MONEY ON LESS STRATEGIC COMPONENTS. THESE BREAKDOWNS HAVE ALREADY COST ME OVER $1500. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT MILE MARKER 400 ON I-25 IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO. TRAVELING STRAIGHT, WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON DASH STATING THAT THE TRAILER BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. *DT CONSUMER STATED HE IS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER.*JB;
2016 GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE Complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Grand Design Recreational Solitude RV. The contact stated that while the RV was parked, the side skirts separated from the wall. The contact also stated that the wall separated from the camper and that the rear of the RV moved from side to side independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The RV was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with excessive frame flex, with the body moving approximately 3/8 inch from side to side. The contact was also informed that the RV frame was severely cracked and that the weld points were damaged. The contact was informed that the RV frame needed to be replaced and that reinforced welding was needed. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via email and telephone.;