Newmar will recall 2016-2018 coaches for Automatic Xfer Switch wiring issue

[Algoma]

Originally Posted by rgmiller32

Just had our E10 replaced under the recall.

I guess I will file a claim then. Maybe the E10 is sold OEM to RV manufacturers so isn't technically a retail product and doesn't appear on some lists.

[rgmiller32]

I believe I found it under the Canadian recall. Seems like the RV manufacturers all purchased a bulk batch of them.

[tnedator]

Originally Posted by Algoma

I guess I will file a claim then. Maybe the E10 is sold OEM to RV manufacturers so isn't technically a retail product and doesn't appear on some lists.

Not only that, but it's less about the model number and more about the design, which is why I posted that picture for you. If it has the vertically orientated pull tab, or it's a push button model, it's recalled.

["007"]

Originally Posted by blackhawkscp

For those of us who are not best in understanding the electrical side of things, can someone explain what exactly to look for and does all power need to be off to check? Pictures would be great but not expected. Thanks for your help.
Chuck

You need to read all posts and links within them this post will explain what to look for with the transfer switch and with the power disconnected.

["007"]

The OP started with a transfer switch recall and now we have other recalls involved that should have been a thread of its own for discussion, if you want to discuss fire extinguishers try starting a new thread, will be less confusing for new members.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by We_B_Tripn

Shouldn’t this be annual maintenance anyway since connections can loose with all the vibrations while in motion?

Yes. Loose connections are the #1 cause of transfer switch failures.

[flyboy013]

Originally Posted by Algoma

My fire extinguisher is model E10, which is not on the recall list, so I guess not every Newmar model is affected.

The fire extinguisher recall list was expanded. E10 is on the recall list.

http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall...65014r-eng.php

[nothermark]

Originally Posted by blackhawkscp

For those of us who are not best in understanding the electrical side of things, can someone explain what exactly to look for and does all power need to be off to check? Pictures would be great but not expected. Thanks for your help.
Chuck

It's not a picture thing. The issue is that when working with stranded wire and a screwed down clamp the bundle cold flows to conform to the pressure applied. In essence the installer puts the wire in the clamp terminal and tightens it to specification. Several days later the same terminal is loose and needs to be tightened again. Maintenance is to check tightness with the appropriate tool. The power needs to be off unless one uses insulated tools. The idea is as tight as is reasonable without breaking things.

Failure occurs with the high current and low resistance causing some heat buildup in the connection. That allows the wire strand bundle to deform and loosen a bit more causing slightly higher resistance thus more heat. We are talking fractions of an ohm and high currents typical of service entrances, transfer switches, inverter connections, battery cables, etc. Power generated is the current squared times the resistance. Power companies look for this kind of problem with IR cameras.

[VP Chianese]

Not to bemoan the carping about recalls but this was just posted on the "Electric Wall Slide Outs" Forum. I found it interesting and it should remind us that no matter who builds it and humans are involved there is the chance for something to go way wrong and it will.

"My cynicism comes from a background in Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Safety and Accident Investigation, as well as flying helicopters for 20+ years. Especially the helicopters, which were constantly trying to kill me. The last major incident consisted of two bolts stripping out and departing the aircraft during start up prior to a 2 hour flight. We didn't realize it until we shut down, and the rotor blades hit the fuselage, meshed with each other, almost killed the Flight Engineer, and caused a little over 14 mil in damages. . . The two bolts in question had been installed by Boeing years prior, but unfortunately were the incorrect length, being about 1/4" too short . . . pulled the threads right out of the aluminum block they were fastened to. I figured I got my monies worth out of the Army on that one!"

[Mr JP]

This is what a bad transfer switch will do to the wires. The wires were all tight. After inspecting the transfer switch the contacts inside were determined to be the fault. So insure that the wires are tight and also monitor your voltage and amp draw.


Stay Safe
JP

[NealC]

Originally Posted by Mr JP

This is what a bad transfer switch will do to the wires. The wires were all tight. After inspecting the transfer switch the contacts inside were determined to be the fault. So insure that the wires are tight and also monitor your voltage and amp draw.
Attachment 188964

Stay Safe
JP

Frickin scary! Hope it's not hard to crack that box open to inspect. Tight space in the VTDP. I just installed my Hughes Autoformer in there so pulling that out and getting to this box ASAP.

[turbopilot]

I just completed my inspection on a 2018 New Aire. Only takes less than an hour. Out of the 22 screw terminals in the box I found 4 screws under torqued and one screw on L2 of the house supply cable loose. It appeared only gravity was holding the lead into the screw terminal as the lead was inserted from above into the terminal.

Not good! Folks take this recall seriously.

[Canuck53]

What did you torque the screws to and how did you know? I’m only familiar with torque wrench’s not screw drivers.

[turbopilot]

Originally Posted by Canuck53

What did you torque the screws to and how did you know? I’m only familiar with torque wrench’s not screw drivers.

Documentation says 40-45 in lbs. No way to get a torque wrench into that area in an NA. Cable reel in the way. But I know what 40-45 in lbs feels like. Bottom line I tightened everything up. Some screws were tight could not be moved further. The L2 lead was the surprise. That one was trouble just waiting to happen. No sign of any heating but this is a new coach with little use of L2 so far.