23E050 – Improperly Tightened U-Bolt – Curt 7000 & 8000 lb Axles

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Rev: 07.11.2023 Page 1 CCD-0007996 SPRING SLIPS/ U-BOLT TORQUE Recall Number: 23E-050 Product: Spring Axles Date: July 11, 2023 Labor Rate: 0.2 Hours Purpose This document will provide instruction to address specific 7000-lb and 8000-lb CURT axles installed on Grand Design Recreational Vehicles with under-torqued U-Bolts. These instructions show the location of the U-Bolts and how to increase the torque value of the nuts. The Lippert production dates are from September 15, 2021 to May 19, 2023. Component Name: 7000 and 8000 pound CURT axle • 2021127067 • 2022109939 • 2022451318 • V000656544 • V000674040 • V000678286 Affected CURT Axle Part Numbers Due to the specific configuration of some RVs, it was determined the U-Bolt torque should be increased to 90 ft-lbs. OEM Instructions The involved products must be verified before applying torque instructions. A clear photo of the axle tag, including the axle serial number, must be submitted once inspection or repair is completed. Lippert does not require advance contact or that preauthorization is obtained. Labor allowance for this inspection is 0.2 hours per axle. Axle Tag Sample (Not an exact replica) Rev: 07.11.2023 Page 2 CCD-0007996 SPRING SLIPS/ U-BOLT TORQUE Recall Number: 23E-050 Product: Spring Axles Date: July 11, 2023 Labor Rate: 0.2 Hours Moving parts can pinch, crush or cut. Keep clear and use caution. • Torque wrench (adjustable to 150 ft-lbs) • 7/8″ socket Safety This document provides general instructions. Many variables can change the circumstances of any procedure, i.e. the degree of difficulty involved in the service operation and the ability level of the individual performing the operation. This document cannot begin to plot out procedures for every possibility, but will provide the general instructions for effectively installing, removing or servicing the system. In the event the skill level required is too advanced or the procedure too difficult, a certified technician should be consulted before performing the necessary operation. Failure to correctly install, remove or service the system may result in voiding the warranty, inflicting injury or even death. Resources Required Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing service or maintenance operations. Always wear eye protection when servicing trailer axles, brakes, hubs, springs and wheels. Not using PPE may result in personal injury. Rev: 07.11.2023 Page 3 CCD-0007996 SPRING SLIPS/ U-BOLT TORQUE Recall Number: 23E-050 Product: Spring Axles Date: July 11, 2023 Labor Rate: 0.2 Hours As a supplier of a broad array of highly-engineered components in the recreation and transportation product markets, safety, education and customer satisfaction are our primary concerns. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 432-LIPPERT (432-547-7378) or by email at [email protected]. Self-help tips, technical documents, product videos and a training class schedule are available at lippert.com or by downloading the LippertNOW app. Fig. 1 Instructions 1. Use a torque wrench adjustable up to 150 ft-lbs. Set torque wrench to a 90 ft-lbs setting and use a 7/8” socket to progressively tighten tie (spring) plate nuts (Fig. 1A) in a criss-cross pattern in the order given in figure 1 until the final torque of 90 ft-lbs is obtained. 2. Verify all nuts are torqued. A U-Bolt Tie plate 1 2 3 4

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23E-050 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Lippert Submission Date : JUL 05, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23E-050 Manufacturer Recall No. : NR Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Lippert Address : Attn: Pamela VanderMel PO Box 2888 Elkhart IN 46515 Company phone : 5743126040 Population : Number of potentially involved : 13,997 Estimated percentage with defect : 5 % Equipment Information : Brand / Trade 1 : Lippert / RV Model : N/A Part No. : 2021127067 + 5 more Size : 7000 and 8000 lb axles. Function : Axles on RV’s Descriptive Information : The recall population was determined by reviewing incidents of springs slipping out of alignment. The products not included in the recall have had zero incidents and are not used in the same specific applications. As an equipment supplier we do not track by make/model/model year and can only supply quantity by celendar young. 2021: 002 2022: 9480 2023: 4511 Production Dates : SEP 15, 2021 – MAY 19, 2023 Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : No parts were found to be defective with respect to design specification. The non compliance results from the dynamic loading the axle sees on this application which exceeds its design expectation. FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : An insufficiently tightened u-bolt could allow the axle to slip out of position. An axle that moves out of position can increase the chance of a crash or injury. Description of the Cause : The prior axle u-bolt torque did not provide enough clamp load to withstand the dynamic forces seen in this specific application. Identification of Any Warning Visual inspection of spring would show shifting of leaves within the stack. Axle Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23E-050 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 that can Occur : spacing differs from roadside to curbside (tire centers), and/or tire interference with body features may be noticed. Involved Components : Component Name : Curt 7000 pound Axle Component Description : CURT70-SBSA-90.5-74.5-NOSP-OS-L-C86537-ABS-7279-BRONZE-30PT-132068- CAP 7000# Component Part Number : 2021127067 Component Name : Curt 7000 pound axle Component Description : CURT70-SBSA-90.5-74.5-NOSP-OS-L-C86537-ABS-7279- BRONZE-30SPT-132068-CAP 7000# Component Part Number : 2022109939 Component Name : curt 8000 pound axle Component Description : CURT80-SBSA-90.5-74.5-NOSP-OS-L-C86580/36-ABS-7279-BRONZE-30SPT Component Part Number : 2022451318 Component Name : Lippert 7000 axle Component Description : LCI70-SBSA-90.5-74.5-NOSP-OS-L-86537-7279-BRONZE-30PT-132068-CAP 7000# V000650796 Component Part Number : v000656544 Component Name : Curt 8000 pound axle Component Description : CURT80-SD-90.5-74.5-NOSP-OS-L-C86580-9/16-7279-BRONZE Component Part Number : v000674040 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23E-050 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Component Name : curt 7000 pound axle Component Description : CURT70-SD-90.5-74.5-NOSP-OS-L-C865H-9/16-7279-BRONZE-132068-CAP 7000# V000650796 Component Part Number : v000678286 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Lippert Address : NR NR Country : NR Chronology : 3/13/23: Lippert began investigating incidents reported by Grand Design of potential slipped springs. 03/20/23: Performed internal and 3rd party testing which confirmed all components conform to Lippert design specifications. 03/27/23: Third party testing results contracted by Lippert reviewed with Grand Design. Grand Design performs an end of line torque check to 65 ft-lbs. Discussion opened of increasing Grand Design end of line loaded axle torque check to 80 ft-lbs. 05/11-05/15/23: Grand Design reported 2 occurrences of spring slips on units in transit. 05/16/23: Implemented short term action at axle production increasing u-bolt install torque from 90 ft-lbs to 110 ft-lbs to help withstand dynamic loading issues being seen. 05/25/23: Meeting with Grand Design. Lippert recommended increasing Grand Design end of line loaded axle torque check to 90 ft-lbs 06/15/23: Mtg w/Grand Design to review all prior data, occurrences and findings. Grand Design shared results of their contracted independent third party testing and found no components supplied by Lippert to be non-conforming. Discussion regarding field action and Grand Design’s formal request for Lippert to continue investigation and consider filing a recall directing u-bolt torque to be adjusted on units built with specific axles. 06/19/23: Grand Design shared records of all similar incidents. 06/21-6/23/23: Lippert review of YTD claim data confirming other RV Mfr’s utilizing same axles have had no reported issues. 06/27/23: Internal safety committee meeting and agreement to continue to investigate but file a 573 at GDRV’s request. 7/5/23: Lippert files 573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23E-050 Page 4 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : The remedy consists of tightening the u-bolts to 90 ft-lbs on installed axles. Repairs made prior to the recall will be reimbursed in accordance with our recall reimbursement plan. Lippert will reimburse dealers and OEM’s for labor to perform the required adjustment. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : Remedied components will be torqued to the stated torque specification. Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : The recall condition was corrected in production at Lippert on 05/16/2023 by implementing the revised torque specification of 110 ft-lbs at u-bolt install. Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : Lippert will notify our customers, which are RV Manufacturers, and they will notify their dealers and their retail owners. Planned Dealer Notification Date : JUL 06, 2023 – JUL 07, 2023 Planned Owner Notification Date : NR – NR Purchaser Information : The following manufacturers purchased this defective/noncompliant equipment for possible use or installation in new motor vehicles or new items of motor vehicle equipment: Name : NR Address : NR NR Country : NR Company Phone : NR * NR – Not Reported

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Corporate Headquarters I 4100 Edison Lakes Parkway, Mishawaka, IN 46545 I Phone 574.535.1125 IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NHTSA Safety Recall: 23E-050 Date: 7/6/2023; Revised 7/19/2023 VIA EMAIL & UPS DELIVERY OEM CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION This Customer Notification is sent to you, the RV Manufacturer, in accordance with the requirements of the United States National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. REASON FOR THIS RECALL Lippert has conducted a thorough investigation and determined an issue which relates to motor vehicle safety may exist in certain vehicles equipped with specific 7,000-pound and 8,000-pound Curt axles. Due to the specific configuration of some RV’s, it was determined the U-bolt torque should be increased to 110 ft-lbs at the time of axle assembly and be at 90 ft-lbs when installed on a manufactured RV. There is the possibility an improperly torqued u-bolt in specific applications could allow the axle to slip out of position increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Our records indicate your company purchased one or more of the involved products built between 09/15/2021 and 05/19/2023 which are the subject of this recall. The involved products sold to you which are subject to the recall are listed in detail in a spreadsheet included with this notice. If these products are still in your inventory, you must not sell or install these into units. It is a violation of federal law to sell any of the listed products covered by this recall until the defect is remedied. The inspection and/or remedy instructions will be sent to you as soon as they are completed. WHAT WE WILL DO Lippert will reimburse dealers or mobile repair facilities to increase the torque of the U-bolts on the involved axles. As stated above, we will forward the written instructions once completed. Any parts which may be determined to be needed for the remedy are currently available. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO The involved products must be inspected per the instruction document we will be forwarding to you once completed. Once your company is notified the inspection and/or corrective action has been completed please submit a claim documenting the details to [email protected] for payment of any parts and labor charges. Lippert’s Customer Care Team may be reached via email at [email protected] or via phone at 574-538-4514 if there are any questions. Lippert does not require advance contact or a pre-auth be obtained; labor allowance for this recall resolution is 0.3 hours per axle. A clear photo of the axle tag including the axle serial number must be submitted once inspection or repair is completed. If you are not satisfied, we have done our best to remedy this situation, you may submit a written complaint to: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. You may call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://safercar.gov. Federal regulations require that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days. We regret any inconvenience this concern may cause you. As we are sure you will appreciate, the safety and quality of our products are of the utmost importance to us. Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this matter. Lippert Components

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