2008 Dutchmen Denali

Defect. Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling various 2003-2018 Crossroads, Dutchmen, and Keystone recreational trailers equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V755-5127.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. Keystone will notify owners and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2018. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-574-535-2100, or Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Keystone's number for this recall is 17-307.

AFTER PARKING THE TRAILER, I OBSERVED THE REAR AXLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE U BOLTS SECURING THE AXLES TO THE LEAF SPRINGS WERE LOOSE. ONE NUT WAS COMPLETELY MISSING. WE HAD JUST TRAVELED 400+ MILES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT WAS MERE LUCK THAT THE AXLES DID NOT FAIL ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING INJURY AND DEATH. I SAW NO SIGN OF THREAD LOCKING COMPOUND ON ANY OF THE COMPONENTS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DUTCHMEN DENALI TRAILER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE U BOLTS ON THE REAR AXLE, LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE CAMPER, BECAME LOOSE. THE AXLE TWISTED SIDEWAYS, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT GOT UNDERNEATH THE CAMPER AND NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE U BOLTS WERE LOOSE. IF THE BOLTS HAD BROKEN OFF, A LOT MORE DAMAGE COULD HAVE OCCURRED. HE MANAGED TO TIGHTEN ALL OF THE U BOLTS AND DID NOT NEED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT PLACING THE BOLTS ON CORRECTLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 400. UPDATED 5/26/09 *CN THE U-BOLTS ON BOTH AXLES WERE N EVER TIGHTENED TO FACTORY SPECS. THE CONSUMER HAD THE REAR AXLE AND LEAF SPRINGS REPLACED AS WELL AS THE TIGHTENING OF THE U-BOLTS ON THE FRONT AXLE. UPDATED 05/28/09.*JB