Thor, Winnebago Debut EV RVs
Two major RV manufacturers introduced concept electric vehicles during the Florida RV SuperShow in January.
Thor Industries unveiled both a motorized and a towable RV equipped with the latest electric-vehicle technology. The Thor Vision Vehicle, a Type B motorhome, is powered by a high-capacity battery pack and an integrated fuel cell and offers a targeted driving range of 300 miles. Digital tools keep RVers informed regarding how many miles remain before the next charge and allow them to find charging stations from their phone.
The eStream, Thor’s towable EV concept, is built on a smart all-electric chassis, with independent motors and high-capacity batteries. When connected to a standard or electric vehicle for towing, the RV is said to improve fuel economy and range. This is because the towable platform assists the towing vehicle by pushing itself forward, thereby reducing drag. Advanced sensors improve stability and eliminate the need for a weight distribution hitch. The eStream also drastically changes the process of hitching and backing up. It can be removed from the towing vehicle and operated via remote control, adding flexibility to positioning it on a campsite.
For more information, visit www.thorindustries.com/innovation.
During the show, Winnebago Industries displayed its e-RV, a fully electric Type B motorhome. The RV’s advanced drivetrain and battery package also powers all the living area systems of the motorhome. Key features include a 350-volt DC power system to operate the water heater and the roof-mounted air conditioner with heat pump, plus 110-volt AC for the induction cooktop and the refrigerator. The fridge also can run on 12-volt DC power. Flexible battery charging capabilities allow for charging at home, at campgrounds, and at dedicated charging stations. Charging time is said to be around 45 minutes at high-current charging stations.
An industry-standard 86-kilowatt-hour battery configuration provides a range of 125 miles while also powering on-board systems. This range is expected to increase as technology advances. Control systems can be monitored through a tablet or smartphone app.
For more information, visit www.winnebagoind.com/electric.
Have A Library Card? Visit A California State Park
RVers who have a California public library card can use it to check out a new resource now in circulation: a California State Library Parks Pass. Each pass grants free entry to one passenger vehicle with up to nine people and is accepted at more
than 200 participating state park units. According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, each library — including mobile libraries — was to receive several passes for checkout by library patrons. RVers without a California public library card can visit their local library to get one; like the parks pass, it is free.
Learn more about the California State Library Parks Pass at https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30806.
Humphreys Boosted, Unified The RV Industry
As RVIA president for 27 years, Dave Humphreys guided the growth of the RV industry.
David J. Humphreys, who played a key role in establishing the RV Industry Association and served as its president from 1979 to 2006, passed away on May 12, 2022. He was 86.
Under Humphreys’ leadership, the once-fledgling group grew into a highly respected professional trade association that elevated awareness of RV travel and camping among consumers, media, and government, an RVIA release stated.
“Dave’s impact on the industry is immeasurable,” said Craig Kirby, current RVIA president and CEO. “His passion for the RV industry was always evident.”
In 1969 Humphreys joined the Recreation Vehicle Institute (RVI) as Washington counsel. In 1974 he helped arrange the merger of RVI and the Trailer Coach Association, which created RVIA. He served several stints as interim RVIA president before officially being named president in 1979. During his tenure, the association weathered energy crises, economic downturns, and global conflicts while promoting RV ownership to a growing audience, Kirby noted.
Under Humphreys’ direction, RVIA spearheaded creation of the Go RVing Coalition in conjunction with the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) in 1997, and the launch of a national advertising campaign spotlighting RV travel and camping.
Humphreys also was instrumental in creating the American Recreation Coalition (ARC), a federation of 100 recreation-related companies active in governmental policymaking. Through ARC, he facilitated development of the National Scenic Byways and Take Pride in America programs, and the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors.
Consumer Alert: Goodyear Issues Recall For Select Tires Used On RVs
Goodyear is conducting a recall that involves approximately 173,000 tires that were produced between 1996 and 2003 and sold for use on trucks and recreational vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that these tires experienced a high rate of failure on RVs when compared to similar tires. Tire failure at highway speeds can lead to serious injury or death.
The recall — NHTSA 22T-009; June 7, 2022 — specifically applies to G159 tires size 275/70R22.5, commonly found on RVs. While these tires have not been produced since 2003, some RV owners may have the tires on their vehicle, or set aside as a spare, and do not know. NHTSA urges anyone who owns, rents, or uses an RV or truck with 22.5-inch rims to ensure these tires are not in use on their vehicle.
Despite being discontinued, it is possible that these tires can be found for purchase on online marketplaces. It is illegal under federal law to sell recalled tires or other motor vehicle equipment.
NHTSA opened a defect investigation into G159 tires based on claim and complaint data obtained from private litigation alleging that Goodyear G159 tires installed on Class A motorhomes failed in service, causing deaths or personal injuries.
Drivers with impacted tires are encouraged to obtain a free replacement from a Goodyear Commercial Tire and Service Network location or authorized Goodyear commercial truck tire dealer immediately. Visit goodyearrvtires.com or goodyeartrucktires.com to locate the nearest retailer or call (866) 353-3847.
Goodyear is offering $500 in exchange for impacted tires that have not been fitted on an RV. Please contact Goodyear Consumer Relations at (800) 592-3267 for information on the exchange process.
G159 Owner’s Recall Notification Bulletin
Following is the owner letter provided by Goodyear. With the age of the tires, and the fact that manufacturers that had been using this tire are no longer in business, the company is communicating through RV groups. It should be noted that tire manufacturers recommend regular inspections of tires, and some also note that tires should be replaced after 10 years from the date of manufacture indicated on the tire sidewall if not before.
Important Safety Recall
Goodyear Recall Campaign
275/70R22.5 G159
NHTSA Recall No. 22T009
Dear Class A Motorhome Owner and/or G159 Customer:
This notice is provided to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (“Goodyear”) has determined that 275/70R22.5 G159 tires manufactured between 1996 and 2003 (“Subject Tires”) installed on recreational vehicles may present an unreasonable safety risk due to tread separations and similar catastrophic failures resulting from conditions present in RV use, which may include overloading and/or insufficient tire inflation pressure that could affect vehicle control. A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash. As a result, Goodyear has decided to conduct a recall campaign to replace free of charge the Subject Tires and to proactively promote participation in this campaign among owners of recreational vehicles.
How To Obtain A Replacement Tire For Your Recreational Vehicle
If you have one of the Subject Tires on a recreational vehicle, you should contact the nearest authorized Goodyear Commercial Tire and Service Network location or authorized Goodyear commercial truck tire dealer and arrange for a free replacement with a Goodyear 275/70R22.5 G670 tire.
Goodyear also will cover the cost of dismounting and disposing of the Subject Tire and mounting and balancing the new G670 tire. Tire replacement will take approximately one hour.
To underscore the importance of maintaining proper load and inflation pressure, Goodyear will provide you with a $60 voucher that can be used to cover the cost of having your recreational vehicle professionally weighed.
To be eligible for this replacement, you must return your Subject Tires to an authorized dealer.
To find the nearest retailer, go to goodyearrvtires.com or goodyeartrucktires.com and enter your location information in the Find A Dealer area or call (866) 353-3847.