DETROIT -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday it has determined that about 25,000 micro-mini motorhomes built between 1977 and 1986 by 30 manufacturers may be unsafe.
The government agency, which began its probe three years ago, said almost all the small motorhomes were built on a chassis by Toyota Motor Co., and may be prone to overloaded rear axles that can cause failure of the wheel bearings or axle shaft, and separation of the wheels from the vehicle.
NHTSA is aware of 440 reports of problems with these vehicles, including 16 reports of injury crashes and 63 instances of wheels falling off.
NHTSA is examining whether Toyota may have encouraged motorhome manufacturers to add too much weight to the chassis. The vehicles were built with rear axles that had a single wheel on each side, to which manufacturers added dual rear wheels in almost all cases.
Mindy Geller, a spokewoman for Toyota's U.S. headquarters in Torrance, Calif., said aftermarket manufacturers may be to blame.
'We provided single rear wheels up until 1985, and the aftermarket was putting on dual wheels without our approval,' Geller said, adding that this creates problems with weight, braking and performance.
'In 1985 we came in with a dual rear wheel for the recreational vehicle manufacturers,' she said.
NHTSA stressed this is not a recall, but said it will decide later whether to order manufacturers to make repairs after a public hearing is held May 23 in Washington D.C.
George Reagle, NHTSA's Associate Administrator for Enforcement, issued the following warning for vehicle owners:
'Owners of these micro-mini motorhomes should avoid unbalanced loads and minimize weight on the rear axle. Roof racks should not be used, water tanks should be nearly empty while traveling, and nothing should be towed.'
Reagle also cautioned owners to check tire preessure frequently and inspect the rear wheel bearings and suspension immediately and every 10,000 miles thereafter.
Manufacturers involved are Blue Marlin, Coachman, Damon, Esquire, EZ Rider, Four Seasons, Gardner-Pacific, Granville, Huntsman, Keystone, Leisure Odyssey, Odyssey, Mirage of Elkhart, Monterey Leisure, National RV (Dolphin and Seabreeze), New Horizon, New World, Perris Vally Campers, Ranger, RBR, Rockwood, Saddleback, Sandtana, Shasta, Sun-Land Express, Sunline, Sunrader, Travette, Voyager and Western RV.
Consumers experiencing saftey problems should call NHTSA at 1-800 424-9393.
