VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 5TH WHEEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH KITCHEN SLIDE-OUTS. THE PLUMBING THAT SUPPLIES LIQUID PROPANE (LP) GAS TO THE REFRIGERATOR CONSISTS OF A FLEXIBLE LP HOSE CONNECTED TO A COPPER FITTING THAT CONNECTS TO A COPPER TUBE THAT THEN RUNS TO THE REFRIGERATOR. THE COPPER FITTING IS FASTENED TO THE SLIDE-OUT ROOM WALL WITH CLAMPS TO PROHIBIT MOVEMENT OF THE COPPER LINE AND INSURE THAT AS THE SLIDE-OUT ROOM IS EXTENDED AND RETRACTED, THE FLEXIBLE GAS LINE MOVES AND NOT THE COPPER LINE. THE CLAMPS INTENDED TO HOLE THE COPPER LINE IN PLACE HAVE NOT BEEN INSTALLED CAUSING THE COPPER GAS LINE TO FLEX WITH SLIDE-OUT ROOM MOVEMENT.
THE COPPER LINE COULD CRACK ALLOWING LP GAS TO LEAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CURRENT FITTING WITH A "DROP EAR" FITTING FOR DIRECT ATTACHMENT TO THE SLIDE-OUT SIDEWALL, ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR THE CLAMPS.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 17, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT COACHMEN AT1-800-453-6064. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).