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Check with Winnebago - I believe there was a recent Aspect/Cambria recall on loose connections in the transfer switch. If yours is on the list, should be replaced by Winn. After you get it rectified, be sure to tighten the connections annually to insure they are tight. Loose transfer switch connections are a problem on many coaches. Good luck
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Bob
09 Journey 39Z
Southern Ontario
I did check with WGO. They said that there was no recall on the 2018s as of May '18. They did say that there was a recall for an earlier model because of the poor connections; i.e., not torqued to specs. In response to this problem WGO changed ATS manufacturers for their new models. They were disturbed about our fire. The fried ATS was sent to W's engineers for analysis.
After the new ATS was installed I talked with the installation technician. He said that the former problem was that the connections were not to spec, just like W said. He torqued the new connections to 25 in/lbs as per WGO's recommendation.
I looked up the problem and recommendations for RV ATS connections. A 'white paper' stated, because of the heat exposure, that the connections should be checked annually; just like you said. I am still going to worry.
I did check with WGO. They said that there was no recall on the 2018s as of May '18. They did say that there was a recall for an earlier model because of the poor connections; i.e., not torqued to specs. In response to this problem WGO changed ATS manufacturers for their new models. They were disturbed about our fire. The fried ATS was sent to W's engineers for analysis.
After the new ATS was installed I talked with the installation technician. He said that the former problem was that the connections were not to spec, just like W said. He torqued the new connections to 25 in/lbs as per WGO's recommendation.
I looked up the problem and recommendations for RV ATS connections. A 'white paper' stated, because of the heat exposure, that the connections should be checked annually; just like you said. I am still going to worry.
Thanks again,
machlin
Torque to 25 inch punds?? Really? That sounds like the problem right there.
I don't care who put that out, for me, 25inch pounds is not enough, and will surely vibrate loose
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2005 Tiffin Allegro Bay 37DB
W22 Workhorse Chassis 8.1 Flat Towing a 82 Jeep CJ7
We have a 2016 Winnebago Aspect 30 J. Received a recall for the ATS right after we bought it. Wasn't torqued correctly and could cause a fire. Ours was replaced at no charge.
25 in/pounds is what the dealership was stating. And, that is what the installation tech was saying independently. They said that they called the manufacturer and were given that torque setting.
I have asked WGO directly for their response. I'm going to find out. I have issued three email to WGO describing and documenting my concerns since this started this past Tuesday, May 22, 2018. In these email I documented 25 in/pounds and they have not disputed it yet; but there's still time!
There was a recall for the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Aspects (and others) for this very problem. It does not state the torque setting. You would think that by 2018 this issue would go away. You would also think that the dealerships would check this in advance of a sale since this item has been around for 4+ years. WINNEBAGO ASPECT RECALLS - Auto Recalls for Consumers
Does anyone know the specific setting recommended in these recalls?
We walked in Forest City today at 12:30 without an appointment. By 2:30 they had replaced our ATS (Surgeguard 41300) with an identical unit at no charge.
We were amazed at the fast courteous service. As soon as I identified our problem, things quickly fell into place for a quick resolution. We appreciate everyone's input here. We may have WB or the dealer check the unit periodically, but we don't feel qualified to open the unit and do any tightening etc. But we have an awareness now of the issue and need to have the ATS periodically checked by someone who knows what they are doing.
Machlin
Forget to mention that you should also check the connections in the AC panel(s) and tighten annually if necessary. It is a great way to minimize and hopefully eliminate an electrical fire or other issues. You can now enjoy the coach without worrying about ATS issues. Safe travels,
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Bob
09 Journey 39Z
Southern Ontario
TRC sent me a diagram of the installation with the recommended torque maximums. I've attached the manufacturer's layout. Note the 6 connections with 25 in/lbs and the 1 connection which requires 35 in/lbs.
I don't plan to install this device. I asked the manufacturer what the torque settings needed to be when I checked the connections in the next 6 to 12 months.
Machlin
With something that bold sent with the ATS, makes it look like previous fire issues may have been caused by over torquing the screws during installation resulting in stripped threads and the loss of a secure connection ultimately leading to overheating and a fire. You would wonder why the electrical inspection approval process - such as UL for that product - didn't pick up on that possibility or recall all units in service after the fires. In an RV, any sloppily built electrical component has the potential to kill if it fails.
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Bob
09 Journey 39Z
Southern Ontario
You're probably right, do not over tighten. Extra does the customer no good. I did hear from Winnebago today. Their engineers said tighten to 30 in/lbs. They also sent an image targeting which connections to check at least once per year.
The response from WGO also referenced the previous recall recommendations, "I forwarded the information about the Automatic Transfer Switch over to our Quality Department for review. The ATS torque is 30 in/pounds per the info below from our recall instructions".
Had the same 41300 on our 2011 KZ 5er. Went up in smoke after about 3 months and was replaced at the factory as warranty. About 6 months later, same thing. At that point the factory paid to have the ats removed and bypassed ( my suggestion as we did not have a genny) instead of replacing it again. I was tired of being left stranded without power in rv parks.
Linear Mode
