1/13/14

NHTSA Recall Notice 1.13.14

Please click on the following NHTSA Campaign ID links to view the recall information.
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V595
Manufacturer : Spartan Motors, Inc.
Make / Model Years : UTILIMASTER / 2006
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V612
Manufacturer : PACCAR Incorporated
Make / Model Years : KENWORTH / 2014
Subject : Stop/Tail/Turn Lamp Housing/FMVSS 108
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V616
Manufacturer : Double R Trailer Mfg., Inc.
Make / Model Years : DOUBLE R TRAILERS / 2010-2014
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V622
Manufacturer : Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Make / Model Years : ACURA / 2014
Subject : Loosening Of Lower Control Arm Bolts
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V624
Manufacturer : Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc
Make / Model Years : HYUNDAI / 2014
Subject : Damaged Tire Sidewall may cause Rapid Air Loss
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V627
Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North America
Make / Model Years : FREIGHTLINER / 2013-2014
Subject : ECAS Wiring may be Reversed
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V632
Manufacturer : Airstream, Inc.
Make / Model Years : AIRSTREAM / 2013-2014
Subject : Propane System may Vent
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V633
Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North America
Make / Model Years : THOMAS BUILT / 2011-2013
Subject : Hybrid Transmission Software
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V634
Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North America
Make / Model Years : FREIGHTLINER / 2009-2014
Subject : Hybrid Transmission Software
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V635
Manufacturer : Zero Motorcycles Inc.
Make / Model Years : ZERO / 2012-2013
Subject : Motorcycle may Quit while Running
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V637
Manufacturer : Marathon Homes Corp
Make / Model Years : MARATHON / 2006-2013
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V638
Manufacturer : Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc.
Make / Model Years : TIFFIN / 2013-2014
Subject : Fireplace may Ignite Exposed Wood
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V639
Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North America
Make / Model Years : THOMAS BUILT / 2014-2015
Subject : Speedometer may Read Lower than Actual Speed
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V640
Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North America
Make / Model Years : FREIGHTLINER / 2014
Subject : Speedometer may Read Lower than Actual Speed
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V643
Manufacturer : Blue Bird Body Company
Make / Model Years : BLUE BIRD / 2014-2015
Subject : Parking Brake may Unexpectedly Release
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V644
Manufacturer : Cargo South, Inc.
Make / Model Years : CARGO SOUTH / 2006-2013
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V645
Manufacturer : Nissan North America, Inc.
Make / Model Years : NISSAN / 2014
Subject : Wrong Tire And Loading Information Label/FMVSS 110
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V646
Manufacturer : Riverside Travel Trailer, Inc.
Make / Model Years : RIVERSIDE / 2006-2014
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V648
Manufacturer : Sharp Manufacturing, LLC
Make / Model Years : SHARP / 2006-2013
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V652
Manufacturer : Skyline Corporation
Make / Model Years : SKYLINE / 2006-2013
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable

1/11/14

How the Work Truck Works! – Snowplow Series – Personal Use


The Twelve Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Plow for Personal Use

The clearing of driveways and small parking lots may be accomplished with light duty and medium duty trucks with plows attached. The decision to buy snow removal equipment is more complex than it may appear at first; influenced by your geographical location, intended use, design and reliability of product and service, cost of purchase of truck and snow removal equipment, opportunity costs, operating costs, time and scheduling and many other factors!

For those trying to decide whether they should purchase a snowplow, I break them into 4 categories:  
·   Personal Use only – Non-revenue generating
·   Personal Use and some other – Some revenue generating
·   Light Commercial use- Revenue generating
·   Heavy commercial use- Revenue generating

If you are a residence owner and live in the snow-belt, you are faced with several choices for snow removal. Depending on your geographic location and for areas that generally receive light snow, the simple method is shovel or scoop your own driveway and walks! For those with heavier snowfall, shoveling may be too grueling; you may want to consider a snow blower!

But for those who normally get heavy snows on a regular basis, you may want to consider a truck mounted snowplow. The following considerations may help you in this decision. 

1)      Have you considered contracting with a snow removal company?
·         If you have an unacceptable experience with a present contractor. Consider contacting another; ask neighbors and co-workers for other referrals.
2)      What motivates your decision to handle your own snow removal?
·         Do you think that you will save money or be able to accomplish a better job of removal if you handle it yourself?
3)      Do you own a 4x4 truck?
·         If not, a new 4x4 truck may cost you around $40,000 to $50,000 or more for a full size model. Also, are you prepared to invest $4000-$6000 in equipment plus around $1000 in necessary tools, etc.?
4)      Do you have knowledge of plowing techniques, have you plowed before?
·         It would be worthwhile to spend time riding with a plow operator during a storm. You will learn a lot about plowing techniques/
5)      Have you spoken with other owners of snowplows to get a better understanding of what is involved?
·         Even if you just speak with other operators and contractors, you will learn a lot.
6)      Do you have another need for a truck or 4x4 SUV?
·         When I say “another” need, unless you have a lifetime burning desire or a need to own a 4x4, consider the total investment you will need to make for the truck and plow and other gear.
7)      Do you work for yourself or are you employed full time?
·         If you work for yourself, you have customers that need your services. If you work for someone else, you still have customers that need your services at work. In either event, consider that snow doesn’t always come while you are at home and prepared, it may come in heavy accumulations in the middle of your work day. Are you prepared to delegate your work responsibilities to leave and plow your own driveway?
8)      Are you considering buying a used truck and/or used a snowplow?
·         Consider that a used truck may have hidden issues; it’s possible if it has previously been used for snow plowing, it may have some frame or drive train problems. Previous drivers may have been careless while plowing or had possibly not unseen objects under the snow. In either case, the impact and wear may cause you a breakdown and a high truck or plow repair bill.  
9)      Are you comfortable working on trucks and / or equipment, are you mechanically inclined?
·         Even if you buy a new truck and plow, and unless you live next door to a 24 hour repair shop, you can expect to work on it in some manner!  Keep in mind that hooking it to the truck is not always easy, even with the newer, much improved designs. If you intend to remove it after each storm, you are expending extra time and maybe frustration each time you hook it up to the truck!
10)   All things considered, evaluate whether you will likely save money by buying and operating your own plow truck?
·         Keep in mind that not only the initial investment is substantial, but operating and maintenance costs can be high. If you decide on plowing your own driveway, its doubtful that you will save any money.
11)   Do you want more control of the snow removal, timing, quality of work, etc.?
·         This may be a better reason for buying your own equipment.
12)   If you choose to purchase you own truck and plow, choose a truck dealership with several years of truck/snowplow sales and service. Make sure you understand what’s covered under warranty and who the contact for service on your unit is. If its installed by a third party, the warranty and maintenance may have to be performed at a location other than the dealership.


by Steve Taylor. Steve is a consultant in the Truck Equipment business with over 30 years in the snowplow and truck body manufacturing business. He writes and blogs about the truck equipment industry, and he is a specialist in the design and quality/reliability field. He may be reached by email at steve@truckarchitect.com. You may visit his website at http://www.truckarchitect.com/ and http://.www.upstreamsource.com.









1/06/14

NHTSA Recall Notice 1.6.14

Please click on the following NHTSA Campaign ID links to view the recall information.
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V598
Manufacturer : Wells Cargo, Inc
Make / Model Years : WELLS CARGO / 2006-2013
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V607
Manufacturer : Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
Make / Model Years : LAND ROVER / 2013-2014
Subject : Side Air Bag Connectors may Disconnect
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V608
Manufacturer : Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD
Make / Model Years : TRIUMPH / 2013
Subject : Center Stand Mount may Fracture causing Tip Over
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V609
Manufacturer : Starcraft RV, Inc.
Make / Model Years : STARCRAFT / 2014
Subject : Tires may be Overloaded
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V611
Manufacturer : Covered Wagon Trailers, LLC
Make / Model Years : COVERED WAGON TRAILERS / 2006-2013
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V613
Manufacturer : Spartan Motors, Inc.
Make / Model Years : SPARTAN / 2002,2009,2013
Subject : Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V614
Manufacturer : Hino Motors Sales U.S.A., Inc.
Make / Model Years : HINO / 2011-2014
Subject : Parking Brake may Release or not fully Engage
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V615
Manufacturer : General Motors LLC
Make / Model Years : CHEVROLET / 2012-2013
GMC / 2012-2013
Subject : Transfer Pump Failure may result in Engine Stall
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V617
Manufacturer : BMW of North America, LLC
Make / Model Years : BMW / 2005-2012
Subject : Fuel Pump Flange may Leak
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V623
Manufacturer : Hino Motors Sales U.S.A., Inc.
Make / Model Years : HINO / 2013
Subject : Incorrect GVWR Label/FMVSS 567
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V625
Manufacturer : Monaco RV, LLC
Make / Model Years : DISCOVER CANADA / 2012
HOLIDAY RAMBLER / 2008-2013
MCKENZIE / 2010-2011
R-VISION / 2009-2013
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V626
Manufacturer : CJay Trailers Inc.
Make / Model Years : CJAY / 2006-2013
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V628
Manufacturer : Spartan Motors, Inc.
Make / Model Years : SPARTAN / 2006-2010
Subject : IFS Cradle Welds May Crack
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V629
Manufacturer : Contract Manufacturer, LLC
Make / Model Years : CM TRAILERS / 2006-2012
S&H / 2009-2012
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V636
Manufacturer : Altec Industries Inc.
Make / Model Years : ALTEC / 2009-2013
Subject : Feeder Tube Bracket Failure
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V647
Manufacturer : Bay Bridge Manufacturing LLC
Make / Model Years : BAY BRIDGE MFG / 2006-2013
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V649
Manufacturer : Cruiser RV
Make / Model Years : CRUISER RV / 2006-2013
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable

12/30/13

NHTSA Recall Notice 12.30.13

Please click on the following NHTSA Campaign ID links to view the recall information.
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V590
Manufacturer : Collins Bus Corporation
Make / Model Years : COLLINS / 2013
COLLINS CORBEIL / 2013
COLLINS MID BUS / 2013
Subject : Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V592
Manufacturer : Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC
Make / Model Years : VOLVO / 2011-2012
Subject : Driver not Warned of Low Oil Pressure
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V593
Manufacturer : PACCAR Incorporated
Make / Model Years : PETERBILT / 2004-2013
Subject : Certification Label Missing Information
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V594
Manufacturer : Ford Motor Company
Make / Model Years : LINCOLN / 2013-2014
Subject : Transmission can be Shifted out of Park/FMVSS 114
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V597
Manufacturer : North American Bus Industries, Inc.
Make / Model Years : NABI / 2013
Subject : Wheel Lug Nuts May Loosen causing Wheel Separation
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V601
Manufacturer : E-One Incorporated
Make / Model Years : E-ONE / 2013
Subject : Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V603
Manufacturer : Nissan North America, Inc.
Make / Model Years : NISSAN / 2013
Subject : Steering Column Assembly may Separate
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V604
Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North America
Make / Model Years : FREIGHTLINER / 2014
WESTERN STAR / 2014
Subject : Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V605
Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North America
Make / Model Years : STERLING / 2008-2009
Subject : Left Outer Tie Rod may Fracture
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V606
Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North America
Make / Model Years : THOMAS BUILT / 2013-2015
Subject : Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V612
Manufacturer : PACCAR Incorporated
Make / Model Years : KENWORTH / 2014
Subject : STT Lamp Housing/FMVSS 108
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V618
Manufacturer : Volvo Trucks North America
Make / Model Years : VOLVO / 2014
Subject : Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V619
Manufacturer : Mack Trucks, Inc.
Make / Model Years : MACK / 2014
Subject : Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V620
Manufacturer : Prevost Cars, Inc.
Make / Model Years : PREVOST / 2014
Subject : Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V630
Manufacturer : Navistar, Inc.
Make / Model Years : IC BUS / 2014-2015
Subject : Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V631
Manufacturer : Navistar, Inc.
Make / Model Years : IC BUS / 2014-2015
Subject : Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V642
Manufacturer : Nova Bus
Make / Model Years : NOVA BUS / 2009-2012
Subject : Sure Power DC-DC Converter-Possible Fire

12/26/13

NHTSA Recall Notice 12.23.13

Please click on the following NHTSA Campaign ID links to view the recall information.
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V570
Manufacturer : BMW of North America, LLC
Make / Model Years : BMW / 2013
Subject : Inst. Panel may Interfere with Air Bag Deployment
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V574
Manufacturer : Spartan Motors, Inc.
Make / Model Years : UTILIMASTER / 2013-2014
Subject : The Return Coolant Hose May Kink
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V576
Manufacturer : Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Make / Model Years : MERCEDES BENZ / 2014
Subject : Seat Belt Anchor Fittings
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V577
Manufacturer : Blue Bird Body Company
Make / Model Years : BLUE BIRD / 2014
Subject : Driver's Seat Belt Buckles may not Unlatch
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V579
Manufacturer : Blue Bird Body Company
Make / Model Years : BLUE BIRD / 2014-2015
Subject : Driver's Seat Belt Buckle may not Unlatch
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V580
Manufacturer : Fleetwood RV, Inc.
Make / Model Years : FLEETWOOD / 2014
Subject : Seat Belt Assemblies may not Release
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V581
Manufacturer : Navistar, Inc.
Make / Model Years : INTERNATIONAL / 2013-2014
Subject : Chassis Skirt may Rub Tank (Possible Fuel Leak)
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V582
Manufacturer : Jet Company, Inc.
Make / Model Years : JET CO / 2011-2012
Subject : Weak Top Rail may Allow Trailer to Buckle
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V585
Manufacturer : Jayco, Inc.
Make / Model Years : ENTEGRA / 2006-2014
JAYCO / 2006-2014
STARCRAFT / 2006-2014
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V587
Manufacturer : HL Enterprise Inc.
Make / Model Years : BRIDGEVIEW / 2011-2013
GEORGIAN BAY / 2011-2013
HARBORVIEW / 2011-2013
HY-LINE / 2011-2013
Subject : Interior Side Door Lock May Become Inoperable
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V589
Manufacturer : Maserati North America, Inc.
Make / Model Years : MASERATI / 2014
Subject : Alternator Harness may Short resulting in Fire
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V591
Manufacturer : Volvo Bus Corporation
Make / Model Years : VOLVO BUS / 2009-2010
Subject : Wheel Chair Access/FMVSS 217
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 13V610
Manufacturer : Chrysler Group LLC
Make / Model Years : CHRYSLER / 2013
DODGE / 2013
Subject : Transmission Output Shaft may Fracture