In a news release Tuesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that Dutchmen Manufacturing, Inc. is recalling certain 2011 and 2012 Rubicon travel trailers due to an issue with the furnace that allows carbon monoxide to be released inside the trailer.
Subject to recall are 171 Rubicon travel trailers from model years 2011 and 2012 manufactured from December 8, 2010, through July 15, 2011. The exterior furnace vent may not have been installed on trailers affected by the recall. The absence of the vent results in insufficient ventilation, causing carbon monoxide to be released inside the trailer, which in turn could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation. Additionally, heat buildup from the exhaust poses a fire hazard.
Owners of affected trailers are expected to be notified this month. Owners will be able to take their trailer to a dealer where it will be inspected to verify the presence or absence of the furnace exhaust vent and, if necessary, install the vent at no cost to the owner.
I hope that no one has been harmed as a result of the exhaust vent issue. As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, I encourage owners of the trailers affected by this recall to stay safe and healthy by having their trailer inspected and, if needed, repaired as soon as possible.