Recall 16V238000: 2014 Itasca Ellipse, 2014 Winnebago Tour

The problem

Winnebago Industries, Inc (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2014 Winnebago Tour, and Itasca Ellipse vehicles manufactured May 23, 2013, to August 9, 2013 and built on a Freightliner chassis. On certain recreational vehicles built with a heavier, adjustable foot pedal, the brake activation signal to certain towed devices may not deactivate when the service brakes are released.

The risk

If the brake activation signal to a towed device remains active when the motorhome chassis service brakes are released, the brakes on a towed device may remain engaged depending on brake configuration of the trailer. As a result, the brakes would drag and possibly overheat potentially resulting in a fire. Additionally, following drivers may be confused by the motorhome's actions, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC., (DTNA) will notify owners, and dealers will modify the affected brake assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on June 6, 2016. Owners may contact Daimler Truck North America, LLC., customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's Recall number for this recall campaign is FL-704. Owners may also contact Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-3535.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.