RV action line

Time Matter

Circumstances surrounding warranties can sometimes be mystifying. Believing he should have been covered for recent automotive repairs, a reader wrote:

I purchased a new motorhome in May 1995, which was built on a 1994 Ford chassis. On a recent trip to New Mexico, the ABS light on the dash came on and wouldn't go out. The brakes seemed to work OK, so we finished our trip.

Back home, we took the unit to Cypress Ford in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, in December 1997. The ABS system was repaired, but I was asked to pay 20 percent ($48.83) of the repair bill. Since the rig was purchased in May 1995 and only had 11,000 miles on the odometer, If elt Ford should have covered full repairs under the existing warranty, which was supposed to be still in effect.

EARL JOHNSON

NAPLES, TEXAS

Johnson seemed to have time and mileage on his side in this mattel After we passed his complaint on to Ford's Owner Relations Operations, they came to the same conclusion. They replied:

You asked that we investigate a complaint filed in this office by Mr. Earl Johnson. Our Special Liaison Section has undertaken this matter and concur that Mr. Johnson is due $48.43 for deductible previously paid on repairs to his 1994 E-Series. We have contacted Cypress Ford and have made arrangements for a check to be issued to the customer through the dealer.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this matter

KRIS KELLER

EXECUTIVE OFFICES

FORD OWNER RELATIONS OPERATIONS

DETROIT MICHIGAN

USE IT OR LOSE IT?

Dissatisfaction with performance of an aftermarket product prompted a reader to write the following:

In June 1995, I purchased a De-Celerator Exhaust Brake from Camping World in Valencia, California. I had it installed on my 1993 Dodge diesel pickup truck, and was instructed on its use by the company's installing technician.

One thing I was cautioned about at that time was not to play with or demonstrate how the unit worked. Rather I was instructed only to use it when it was needed and otherwise leave it off We were initially pleased with our exhaust brake as we traveled the high mountains towing our fifthwheel. The De-Celerator provided extra safety in slowing us on steep descents. However, after using the system only once in 1996, it failed to function anymore.

Anticipating a trip to Alaska in 1997, we stopped by Camping World to have the DeCelerator checked out. The technician told me that it was frozen up and needed a new bearing. He also advised that I should have been activating the unit every day to keep it from freezing up. If I would have known prior to purchasing this product that it was necessary to activate it daily to keep it functional, I would never have purchased it. Additionally, there is nothing in the operating instructions from U.S. Gear which suggests daily activation.

I believe Camping World is at fault for my problem because their original installer provided incorrect information, which subsequently contributed to the failure of my exhaust brake. I also believe U.S. Gear is wrong for not stating in their instructions that daily operation of the brake is necessary. I have communicated with both companies in trying to resolve this issue; however, my warranty is up and I cannot receive any satisfaction.

EARL WHITNEY

VIDA, OREGON

We contacted Camping World and requested that they reconsider Whitney's circumstances. We also spoke with a customer service representative at U.S. Gear. Within three weeks, Camping World responded with the following offer to Whitney:

This letter will confirm our previous telephone conversation regarding your U.S. Gear De-Celerator. After reviewing the options we offered to you as a resolution of this matter, it is my understanding you have elected to have the product removed and obtain a refund of 50 percent of the purchase price.

You may take your vehicle to a muffler shop of your choice for removal of the brake and have a replacement section of exhaust pipe installed. This expense is your responsibility. Upon completion, please contact us to schedule an appointment for removal of the remaining wiring and switches. A refund will then be issued for $492. 75.

If you will obtain receipts for your fuel when making the trip to our store and mail them to us, we will be happy to issue a merchandise certificate to assist in offsetting these expenses as well. Should you have any further questions, we will do our best to assist you in any way we can.

JEAN E. SEWELL

MANAGER, RETAIL CUSTOMER SERVICES

CAMPING WORLD

BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY

Discussing operational necessities for the De-Celerator with U.S. Gear, we were advised that it is a common occurrence for exhaust soot to collect around the pivot-pin of exhaust brakes. If not used regularly, these valves are subject to what is called butterfly binding or valve stick in the open position. Daily activation is not necessary, but regular use helps keep things loosened up.

In April 1997, U.S. Gear changed the program chip in all De-Celerator electronic control modules (ECMs) to eliminate having to regularly activate the DeCelerator. New instructions built into this cycle chip cause it to automatically activate the butterfly valve twice in an open-close, open-close action each time a truck's ignition is turned on. This, combined with the company's use of stainless steel butterfly pins and bushings in valve assemblies, should eliminate any future sticking problems.

For those with units manufactured prior to April 1997, who wish to upgrade their ECMs with a chip that will automatically cycle their butterflyvalves, U.S. Gear offers the product for $ 19.95. For further information, contact the company's customer service line at (800) 874-3271.

BATTERY BROUHAHA

Finding himself with one too many batteries after necessary repairs on his trailer, a reader wrote:

We had a problem with a slideout that would not operate correctly on our new Skyline Nomad fifth-wheel trailer. We took it to Rocky Mountain RV & Marine, which was a manufacturer-recommended facility.

Rocky Mountain indicated our problem was with the battery, which was purchased in December 1996. They would not exchange it, nor submit the problem to Skyline, who has since reimbursed us for all work done (minus the battery and its installation costs).

Johnson Controls, the manufacturer of the original battery, says nothing is wrongwith it and we can have it back. I believe Rocky Mountain has taken advantage of an out-ofstate visitor by selling us an extra battery for $69.95 plus tax and labor that we don't need. We have written to Rocky Mountain, but as of this date have received no reply.

ROYCE E. DAviS

STITES, IDAHO

Rocky Mountain RV & Marine responded to our inquiry on Davis' behalf with the following letter.

Mr. Davis is correct in that he contacted us in November. Unfortunately, it fell through the cracks during routing to which I apologize.

Mr. Davis could not wait for us to put his battery on a slow, 48-hour charge to verify whether or not it was still good. As a result, we had no choice but to install a new fuse and battery before retesting the slideout. Once the new battery was in, the slide worked fine and the electrical system did not experience any further problems. From this we concluded that a drained battery was the source of Mr. Davis' problem.

If we would have been allowed the time to charge the original battery, we may not have had to install a new one. We were doing our best to accommodate Davis ' request and get him back on the road as quickly as possible. It is not, nor will it ever be, our practice to sell unnecessary parts or service to anyone; in-transit or not. We are here to provide our customers with assistance that will allow them the peace of mind to enjoy their RV lifestyles.

JUDY E. ROBERTS, PRESIDENT

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RV & MARINE

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MExico

TOO MANY TIRES?

Experiencing an unexpected failure from a tire, a reader wrote the following letter to "RV Action Line."

During a trip with myfifth-wheel trailer I had a blow-out, which completely shredded one of its tires. When the tire self-destructed, it also damaged a wheel rim and the rear of the coach.

After I got home, I took the shredded carcass to Dunlop Tire in Kansas City for inspection. Their representative offered his opinion that the tire was defective and that it looked favorable that I would receive reimbursement. After many more calls to another company representative, Dunlop also agreed to pay for a piece of coach trim along with credit for a new tire.

At this time, I do not need a new tire. I already had to buy another one after the first was destroyed. Furthermore, If eel that after all the hassle I went through to find out the make of the defective tire, and who was responsible, I should be reimbursed for the cost of the replacement tire to say nothing of the damage to the rear of my trailer for which I asked nothing.

JOHN P KING

KANSAS CITY MISSOURI

Dunlop's response:

As I've previously advised, full credit against a replacement tire of your choice from any Dunlop dealer has been issued. Our warranty system is based strictly on credit toward replacement tires following inspection. As a courtesy to you, Dunlop's offer will remain open in the future, should you ever require a spare or wear out any other such trailer tire.

Regarding our previous inspection of your tire, it bears evidence of under-inflation and overloading, which I also communicated to you. In closing, I apologize for any inconvenience you have experienced. Please don't hesitate to call me if you wish to receive another tire.

THOMAS M. JOHNSON JR.

TIRE PERFORMANCE MANAGER

DUNLOP TIRE CORPoRATION

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

Copyright T L Enterprises, Inc. Jul 1998
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