2018 Winnebago Minnie Winnie

On November 23, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE20021 to investigate allegations of inoperative Trimark THP 060-1650 door lock/latches originally equipped on model years (MY) 2015-2017 Class A and Class C motorhomes.ODI received forty-six Vehicle Owner’s Questionnaires (VOQs) describing consumers being locked in or out of their vehicles.The door latch, containing a die-cast zinc plunger, was produced by Equality during calendar years 2014-2016. The die-cast may become porous and brittle over time and can break without warning, causing the vehicle owner to be unable to open the recreational vehicle door equipped with the latch.If the motorhome does not have any other doors such as some Class A models, occupants could be trapped inside, needing to climb out using the emergency exits. If locked out, owners would be unable to easily get in and retrieve children and pets. ODI analyzed the data provided by Trimark in response to its January 27, 2021 information request letter.Although an elevated failure rate was evident on a specific combination of plunger bolt, door lock/latch assembly and door, the data showed that most failures occurred within the first two years of service on the affected 2015-2017 vehicles.This data suggests that component failures generally would have already occurred.Further, ODI data reflects a downward trend in complaints after calendar year 2018 and for post- MY 2016 vehicles.This downward trend may be attributed Trimark's actions in 2016 such as changes in the manufacturing process of its zinc plunger component for the relevant population and its 2016 decision to switch to a steel plunger. In view of the nature of early-life failure, and failure rate trending downward for model years 2017 and newer, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed.  The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Component is the RV door latch manufactured by TriMark model no. t507. The failure of this lock was that when inside the vehicle the plunger does not fully retract allowing the door to open. If you go on YouTube and search TriMark RV lock repair you will see the multiple failures of not being able to enter/exit the vehicle. In case of a vehicle fire I would not have the physical ability to find a exit. When I removed the interior of the lock there was a small broken piece of plastic. I assume this piece aided in retracting the plunger allowing the door to be open. I am greatly concerned (scared) at what harm this door latch failure could cause. I believe these latches are installed on the majority of RV’s. Please do something to get these from being installed. Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11483828

Incident

Sep 8, 2022

BOTH SIDES OF MY TRAVEL TRAILER FRAME HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS WHERE A BOLT GOES THROUGH TO CONNECT A FRAME CROSS MEMBER FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRAME TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRAME NEAR THE AXLES. THE FRAME IS AN NXG MADE BY BAL/NORCO INDUSTRIES. THE CRACKS DEVELOPED OVER THE LAST 2.5 YEARS. THE TRAILER HAS LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ID

11399759

Incident

Mar 8, 2021

Mileage

15,000 mi

THE FRAME ON BOTH SIDES OF MY TRAVEL TRAILER HAS CRACKS WHERE A BOLT GOES THROUGH TO CONNECT A FRAME CROSS MEMBER FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRAME TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRAME NEAR THE AXLES. THE FRAME IS AN NXG MADE BY BAL/NORCO INDUSTRIES. THE CRACKS DEVELOPED SOMETIME OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS. THE TRAILER HAS LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON IT.*DT*JB*DT*JB

NHTSA ID

11322710

Incident

Apr 24, 2020

Mileage

20,000 mi

****NOTE - NEED MORE INFORMATION, REQUESTED THE VIN ON 4/24/2018**** BED FRAME SUPPORT FAILURE. FLIMSY CONSTRUCTION ALLOWED BED FRAME WOODEN MEMBERS TO CRACK AND CAUSE SUPPORT FAILURE. BED MATTRESS WAS BEGINNING TO CAVE THRU INTO LOWER CARGO BAY. I HAD TO REBUILD AND STRENGTHEN THE ENTIRE DESIGN FOR IT TO BE SAFE. OTHER OWNERS ARE REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS TRAILER WAS NEVER USED, AND THUS HAPPENED WHILE MAKING UP THE BED WITH SHEETS AND BLANKETS WHILE ON TOP OF THE MATTRESS. *TT *TR

NHTSA ID

11089548

Incident

Apr 21, 2018

Mileage

70 mi

Service Bulletin sent to dealers advising of the required legal verbiage each RO should document.

Service Bulletin sent to all Winnebago dealers. Bulletin outlines the characteristics of new roof sealant being used.

Winnebago has come to the realization that some Micro Minnie models may experience a flex on the outside edge of the floor and off door sidewall. As a result, the single outrigger support behind the wheel well may become deformed and/or the exterior structure will become compressed at this point. The repair procedure will include additional outriggers and a steel shim.

Service Bulletin sent to all Winnebago dealers. Bulletin advises of a manufacturing change to the shower surround sealant process for all units.

Service Bulletin sent to all dealers. This bulletin advises dealers they no longer need to email Winnebago the signed Vehicle Registration Form, but they should retain a copy for their records.

Service Bulletin to dealers reminding them to understand their state's Lemon Law and to comply with Winnebago Motorhome mandates outlined in the Policy & Procedure Manual.