Community Forums

101stveteran · 09-15-2017, 06:59 AM

As described in the IRV2 Newmar page there have been some fires on 2016 dutchstars. It is said there that the cause appears to be misrouted power steering lines. In a letter to the owner that had a fire Newmar pretty much says, not their problem, deal with your insurance and Freightliner.

Are there any other coaches that are similar cost and quality of the dutchstar that are experiencing fires on a Freightliner chassis?

z3406 · 09-15-2017, 11:24 AM

I know there is a recall on Thor Venetians to check and correct if necessary the power steering house routing. The dealer just had it complied with on the coach I am in the process of buying.
The Coach is a T42 tag axle.

Winepress · 09-16-2017, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 101stveteran

As described in the IRV2 Newmar page there have been some fires on 2016 dutchstars. It is said there that the cause appears to be misrouted power steering lines. In a letter to the owner that had a fire Newmar pretty much says, not their problem, deal with your insurance and Freightliner.

Are there any other coaches that are similar cost and quality of the dutchstar that are experiencing fires on a Freightliner chassis?

I've only read about one 2016 DS that has had a fire. Is this a single incident, or are there other fires that I have missed?

101stveteran · 09-16-2017, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winepress

I've only read about one 2016 DS that has had a fire. Is this a single incident, or are there other fires that I have missed?

Both incidents are in this thread. One was at start up and the other was when the MH was underway.

But since no notifications from Newmar I have to wonder if there are others.

2016 Newmar Dutchstar Model 4369 Fire

http://www.irv2.com/forums/showthread.php?t=356128

Winepress · 09-16-2017, 11:37 AM

Hope that between Newmar and FL, they have corrected the issue and will do a recall. That's just awful to think it's being ignored.

Chazmo1 · 09-20-2017, 08:15 PM

I have a 2017 Dutch Star and I received a recall about 6 months ago regarding the same problem. I would check with Freightliner.

Puffdaddy51 · 09-20-2017, 11:38 PM

I'm the owner of the Newmar that recently had the engine fire. At the fire investigation one of the investigators said that this issue was not confined to Newmar products. He personally knew of others, and mentioned Fleetwood specifically. The others, he said, were using the same Freightliner chassis.

Winemaker2 · 09-21-2017, 05:33 AM

I get it that Newmar doesn't want to assume any resposibility...financial or otherwise but it seems like they have a lot more leverage w FL to get the issue resolved for their (Newmars) customers...after all Newmar purchased the FL chassis and they buy many.

z3406 · 09-21-2017, 07:29 AM

I see everyone pointing their finger at Newmar and Freightliner. Yes there is a defect in a Freightliner chassis and the coach has the Newmar name on it. There is a recall program in place that will hopefully protect other coach buyers from the same tragedy.
I would like to know the name of the insurance company that is dealing with this issue for the effected owners. If my coach was the victim of the fire I'ld be all over my insurance adjuster. The post fire correction of the coach is an insurance issue not a manufacturer issue. I'm certain behind the scenes the lawyers from the insurance companies are just waiting for someone to admit fault and then hit them with both barrels. I'm far more curious to see how the insurance industry handles this situation than the RV industry.
It's the insurance companies job to repair or replace the coach in as timely a fashion as possible. It's the insurance compant lawyers that will be going after a negligent party to recover their losses.
FWIW here is a copy of the Daimler Trucks North America Recall. I understand there is also a recall out there for battery cable too close to the starter motor stud.