2018 Coachmen Apex

A small angle iron beam supports the bottom of the fresh water tank on this RV. The angle iron is connected to the vehicle frame on each end, but was mechanically connected to the frame with sheet metal screws rather than bolts, rivets or welds. As a result, the screw threads stripped and allowed the angle iron beam to fall. Fortunately, it broke while filling the fresh water tank and the RV was stationary. Had it fallen off while driving, the angle iron might have been thrown into a vehicle following me. This is either negligent design or manufacturing by Coachmen.

The fresh water tank supports broke loose from the trailer frame and the tank fell on the roadway. It was supported only by wiring and hoses. No one was injured, but the tank is very heavy when filled. The trailer was blocking traffic at the fill station and the tank had to be removed to move the trailer. If this happened on a highway, the consequences could have been much worse. The supports are held in place by small (#10) Tek-screws and the heads sheared off from vibration and stress during regular highway driving. They are inadequate for holding the supports in place- the supports should be welded or bolted in place. The dealer (All Star, Sherwood Park Alberta) confirmed that they have seen the same issue and it is a common problem with these trailers. The trailer has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. Only the dealer has inspected it before repairs. There were no warning signs or prior indication that the tank supports were going to fail. Note: I am in Canada, but want NHTSA to be aware of this incident. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).