2018 Keystone Alpine

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.

RV shows early sign of possible frame flex by developing a bulge on the front drivers side slideout area. Keystone was notified and denied warranty participation because unit was outside of the warranty period. Frame flex is a known safety issue on multiple RVs and keystone is aware of this. Keystone has repaired other units due to the safety concern of a crack in the frame jeopardizing the integrity of the RV while being towed. The RV was seen at the dealer who took measurements that are consistent with frame flex.

SHAKLE BOLTS HOLDING THE SPRINGS AND AXELS TO THE FRAME ARE LOOSE AND OR STRIPPED CAUSING THE NUT TO FALL OFF THE SHAKLE BOLT AND THE BOLT EVENTUALLY WORKING ITS WAY OUT OF THE MOUNTING ALLOWING THE AXEL TO SHIFT UNDER THE TRAILER POSSIBLY CAUSING AN CATASTOPHIC ACCIDENT. I WAS INFORMED TO CHECK THE BOLTS FROM AN OWNER OF THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE CAMPER. FORTUNATELY, I FOUND ONE STRIPPED READY TO FALL OFF, AND 4 LOOSE BEFORE MY NEXT TRIP. UNFORTUNATELY HE LOST ONE OF THE BOLTS AND HIS AXEL COCKED SIDEWAYS AND WORE OUT HIS REAR SET OF TIRES. I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION THE NUT THAT WAS STRIPPED. THESE NUTS AND BOLTS ARE A CRITICAL PART OF THE SAFETY AND SUSPENTION OF THE TRAILER AND NEED TO BE PROPERLY TORQUED AND CHECKED BEFORE THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED ON THE ROAD.

THE POWER WIRE TO THE EMERGENCY BREAKAWAY SWITCH OF A 2018 KEYSTONE ALPINE 3400RS 5TH WHEEL TRAILER WAS WIRED DIRECTLY TO BATTERY POWER WITHOUT A FUSE OR CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT IT. DUE TO ANOTHER MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THAT POWER WIRE WAS PINCHED BETWEEN THE PIN BOX (5TH WHEEL HITCH) AND THE FIBERGLASS FRONT CAP OF THE TRAILER. THE INSULATION ON THE WIRE CHAFED DURING TRAVEL DUE TO FLEXING AND EVENTUALLY SHORTED TO THE PIN BOX WHICH IS CHASSIS GROUND. AS THE WIRE WAS NOT FUSED, IT GOT VERY HOT, MELTED THE INSULATION ON THE WIRE, AND MELTED TO OTHER WIRES IN THE LOOM. THERE WAS A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE. *TT *TR *TR