Thor Motor Coach is recalling certain 2017 Chateau, Freedom Elite

Mar 13, 2017 — Recall Campaign #17V166000

Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2017 Chateau, Freedom Elite, and Four Winds Motorhomes. The sofa may not have a seat belt for the middle seating position.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 171 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

17V166000

Manufacturer:	Thor Motor Coach
Recall date:	March 13, 2017
NHTSA Campaign #:	17V166000
Units affected:	171

Description:: Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2017 Chateau, Freedom Elite, and Four Winds Motorhomes. The sofa may not have a seat belt for the middle seating position.
Consequeces:: Without a seat belt, the occupant sitting in the middle position of the sofa will not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
Corrective action:: Thor Motor Coach will notify owners, and dealers will install a middle seat belt, free of charge. The recall began on May 8, 2017. Owners may contact TMC customer service 1-877-855-2867. TMC's number for the recall is RC000130.
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:

2017 THOR MOTOR COACH CHATEAU Complaints
FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS, THE VEHICLE HAD AN ON-THE-HIGHWAY DOUBLE LEFT (DRIVER'S) SIDE REAR-TIRE BLOWOUT. THE MUDFLAP LOCATED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE TIRES (OSTENSIBLY TO PROTECT THE PROPANE TANK) WAS WORN FROM FRICTION -- CAUSED FROM BEING PRESSED AGAINST THE ROTATING TIRES. THE OME TIRES IN THE FIRST INCIDENT WERE MANUFACTURED BY MICHELIN. THE REPLACEMENT TIRES IN THE SECOND INCIDENT WERE FROM GOODYEAR.;
2017 THOR MOTOR COACH FOUR WINDS Complaints
THIS MOTORHOME HAS LIPPERT HYDRAULIC LEVELERS. THE FRONT LEVELING JACKS HAVE ONLY 4 11/16 INCHES OF CLEARANCE WHEN PARKED ON FLAT LEVEL GROUND. THESE JACKS CONTACT THE ROADWAY AND SIDEWALKS THAT HAVE AN ELEVATION DEVIATION, SUCH AS DRIVING INTO GAS STATIONS OR SPEED BUMPS IN THE ROADWAY TRAVELING AT MINIMAL SPEED. EVEN SLIGHT ELEVATIONS IN THE ROAD CAN CAUSE THE FRONT JACKS TO MAKE CONTACT DUE TO THE LENGTHY WHEELBASE (248 IN). THESE CONTACTS HAVE CAUSED DAMAGE TO SIDEWALKS WHILE ENTERING GAS STATIONS AND CAUSED UNDUE ALARM FOR THE DRIVER. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IS THE WAY THEY ARE MADE, NO ALTERNATIVES HAVE BEEN OFFERED. THEY TOLD ME THAT 4 1/2 INCHES CLEARANCE IS THE ACCEPTABLE TOLERANCE. THAT MAY BE ACCEPTABLE FOR A STANDARD PASSENGER CAR, BUT NOR FOR A VEHICLE WITH 248 IN WHEELBASE.;
2017 THOR MOTOR COACH FREEDOM ELITE Complaints
The vehicle is a 2018 Thor Freedom Elite 28LE. The incident occurred when the exterior LP gas connection ( for gas grill connection) dislodged and the gas line drug on the pavement. I don't know exactly how long it was loose before I discovered it - could have been four hours. The hose fitting ground almost completely off and was leaking propane when I found it. Approximately two gallons of propane had leaked out (full tank is nine). My issue of the manufacture is that the hose had no additional security other than the connection at the door assembly and when it failed the hose made contact with the ground. Fortunately for me the fittings were brass and did not cause a fire or explosion. I have a couple pictures of what was left after the incident.;