1999 Spartan Chassis

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CHASSIS BUILT WITH TUTHILL/GRANNING AIR SUSPENSION, PART NOS. IFS1320-HP OR IFS1320-SP. A FRACTURE CAN DEVELOP AT THE ATTACHMENT POINT OF THE CROSS MEMBER AND THE BELL CRANK AND IDLER ARM HOUSINGS.

Risk. THIS DEFECT MAY CAUSE ERRATIC OR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL IF THE CROSS MEMBER SEPARATES FROM THE ASSEMBLY.

Remedy. TUTHILL IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CONTACT TUTHILL TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES AT 1-800-255-7824. REPAIR FACILITY WILL INSPECT AND ADD GUSSETS TO REINFORCE THE CROSSMEMBER CONNECTION FOR THE BELL CRANK AND IDLER ARM.

The contact owns a 1999 Spartan Chassis Mountain Master. The contact stated that while reversing to a parallel park next to a curb, he heard an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the driver’s side seat. The contact stated that while driving the next day and attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel was steered all the way to the right however, the vehicle failed to respond. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driver's side front wheel remained straight forward while the passenger's side front wheel turned. The contact attempted to tow the vehicle for a repair; however, the towing technician informed him that the first lateral support beam had detached from the front driver's side frame, and towing the RV would further damage the front suspension. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V174000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Spartan and Fleetwood manufacturers were notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.