Here is some information that I have pieced together after combing multiple sources. I will update this post as additional information becomes available and post updated date at the bottom.
DISCLAIMER: Though I have spent a couple of hours researching this, I by no means hold myself out to be an expert on this. If you have one of the following chassis, it behooves you to follow up! Look forward to more information being posted on this subject!
According to my information, there are THREE different suspensions under the R4R and RR4R chassis over the years. ONLY ONE IS AFFECTED.
The recall affects Rear Suspension Trailing Arms ONLY ON THE R4R and RR4R CHASSIS with the "Monaco Gold" or sometimes referred to as "R-Way" suspension. It is an in-house copy of the Neway suspension. It does NOT include any suspension systems made by Neway or Reyco.
The recalled R-Way arm goes UNDER the rear axle and is made of 3" square tubing. They are on either side in the rear. The rear air bag is bolted to the rear/back end of the trailing arm. The center of the trailing arm is bolted to the rear axle with a large u-bolt and plates and the front is bolted to the frame. The cracks happen on the upper or lower portion of the center of the trailing arm where the u-bolt holds it to the axle.
You can identify the Reyco rear suspension (NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL) by the trailing arms that go over the axle rather than under.
If you have the FOUR air bag suspension and your trailing arm goes OVER the AXLE= Reyco= no problem.
If you have the FOUR air bag suspension and your trailing arm goes UNDER the AXLE= Neway OR R-Way= MAY, repeat MAY. BE SUBJECT TO THE RECALL/problem.
If the trailing arm is 3" square tubing, it is R-Way and is part of the recall. The Neway was used basically from 2000 thru 2002 and those arms are identified by the fabricated weldments using multiple pieces of plate welded into a box assembly (Not tube) and is NOT part of the recall-- there are no problems with this design
Monaco had a previous recall on the trailing arms because of bad welds. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE ARMS REPLACED UNDER THIS EARLIER CAMPAIGN ARE STILL THE OLD DESIGN THAT ARE SUBJECT TO BREAKING-- I.E. THEY ARE THE 3" SQUARE TUBE DESIGN. They need to be upgraded just like the original trailing arms.
The trailing arm allows the rear axle to move up and down using the air bag to cushion and limit the movement. A lot of stress is placed on the pivot point at the arm on the axle.
The recall essentially includes any R4R or RR4R Monaco Roadmaster chassis produced after the 2002 model year. This change was made as a running change and it is possible that some very late 2002 models could be effected.
Monaco Knight 2002 - 2004
Monaco Cayman 2002 - 2009
Holiday Rambler Ambassador 2002 - 2004
Holiday Rambler Neptune 2002 - 2009
Safari Cheetah 2002 - 2007
Safari Simba RD All Years
Safari Zanzibar/Sahara 2002 -2005
Beaver Baron All Years
NHSTA didn't think they could do anything because Monaco is out of business and the "new" Monaco appears to be under no legal obligation to accept responsibility.
The arm's crack, allowing excessive rear suspension movement AND CAN BE DANGEROUS, as the arm holds the axle in place front to rear.
Monaco doesn't supply the parts any more. The new supplier is: Source Manufacturing in Portland: 541-935-0308 . They say their arms are 3 to 4 times stronger than the original.
(Click on photo to view full size) This photo shows the replacement arm from Source Manufacturing and the recalled R-Way arm that is the subject of the recall.
(Click on photo to view full size) This photo shows a broken R-Way arm. You do NOT want that piece holding your rear axle in place!
Brett Wolfe
Updated 10/14/09
I know this has been around quite some time but I hope somebody is interested. I'm considering purchasing a 2007 Safari Simba whose brochure advertises an RR4R chassis. I looked at this post and read that the Safari Simba RD (Rear Diesel, I assume, as opposed to their gas model) says: "Safari Simba RD All Years" I've been searching for a recall on a 2007 Safari Simba on the NHTSA web site by Vin No. and only fournd 3 recalls and 2 service bulletins applicable to this 2007 VIN. None of them relate to the trailing arms of that year and model.
My question is, did I misunderstand, other than having the trailing arms inspected am I safe in assuming that NHTSA's site is correct as it applies to my specific coach?
I hope the opinion is positive as without it I have no MH to take to Florida this winter brrrr
Important Safety Issue: Monaco, HR & Safari Chassis
in Type A motorhomes
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I know this has been around quite some time but I hope somebody is interested. I'm considering purchasing a 2007 Safari Simba whose brochure advertises an RR4R chassis. I looked at this post and read that the Safari Simba RD (Rear Diesel, I assume, as opposed to their gas model) says: "Safari Simba RD All Years" I've been searching for a recall on a 2007 Safari Simba on the NHTSA web site by Vin No. and only fournd 3 recalls and 2 service bulletins applicable to this 2007 VIN. None of them relate to the trailing arms of that year and model.
My question is, did I misunderstand, other than having the trailing arms inspected am I safe in assuming that NHTSA's site is correct as it applies to my specific coach?
I hope the opinion is positive as without it I have no MH to take to Florida this winter brrrr
Thanks
Cesar