NHTSA safety investigation
NHTSA Investigation PE99041
Preliminary Evaluation · FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC. · STRUCTURE
An investigation is not a finding that a defect exists.
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
What NHTSA is examining
The agency's own description of the inquiry, quoted as published
DRAW PIN BOX
The pin box/king pin assembly is the attachment point between the fifth wheel trailer and the towing vehicle.Should a complete fracturer occur in service, the trailer could become detached from the towing vehicle.In 1997, Fleetwood replaced the 7 gage steel used to construct the pin box with 11 gage steel, which is about 30 percent thinner.In mid 1998, Fleetwood went back to the thicker steel and has provided dealers with drawings and specifications to repair vehicles in the field with the thicker steel pin box.
An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.
Investigation details
Identifiers, dates and outcome as recorded by NHTSA
- Action number
- PE99041
- Investigation type
- Preliminary Evaluation (PE)
- Status
- Closed
- Manufacturer
- FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.
- Component
- STRUCTURE
- Opened
- Jun 16, 1999
- Closed
- Nov 16, 1999
- Associated recall campaign
- 99V294000
Vehicles named in this investigation
4 model years across 2 models
Being named here means NHTSA included the vehicle in the scope of its inquiry. It is not a statement that these vehicles have a defect.