Caravanning News

FCA Australia Pty Ltd has issued a recall on vehicle recovery straps supplied with 2014 – 2018 (KL) Jeep Cherokee Trailhawks due to failure to meet legislative labelling requirements. 

The Recall Notice on the ACCC Product Safety Australia website states that ‘The vehicle recovery strap does not comply with the labelling requirements of the Consumer Goods (Motor Vehicle Recovery Straps) Safety Standard 2017 or the Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard) (Motor Vehicle Recovery Straps) Regulations 2010 (Cth)’.

The notice states that this is a hazard as ‘The absence of suitable warnings or information on the strap's labelling could result in consumers using the strap in an unsafe manner.’

Consumers are warned to stop using the product immediately.

Further information can be found on the ACCC Product Safety Australia website at  - https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/fca-australia-pty-ltd-vehicle-recovery-strap-supplied-with-2014-2018-kl-jeep-cherokee-trailhawk

Caravan Parks Association of Queensland Limited (CPAQL) is seeking to close the popular freedom camp ‘Kershaw Gardens’ at Rockhampton in Queensland.

CPAQL has filed an Application in the Planning and Environment Court at Brisbane naming Rockhampton Regional Council and The State of Queensland as Respondents with respect to ‘Kershaw Gardens’.  

The application seeks declarations that use of the premises for overnight camping of occupants and visitors in recreational vehicles, campervans, caravans and tents is a material change of use, is defined as a ‘Tourist Park’, and amongst other things, is an ‘unlawful use’ of the premises. 

CPAQL also seeks orders including that the Rockhampton Regional Council cease what CPAQL describes as the ‘unlawful use’ unless authorised by an effective development permit, restore the premises to the state they were in prior to such ‘unlawful use’, erect signage at the premises stating that such ‘unlawful use’ is not permitted, and publish notices advising that such ‘unlawful use’ is not permitted.

The application is listed for directions on 1 February 2018.

There is a recall notice issued for camper trailers supplied by Patriot Campers Pty Ltd and sold nationally from 1 January 2013 to 10 October 2017.

The notice on the ACCC Product Safety Australia website states that ‘The Bromic stove found in the camper trailers was fitted in breach of AS/NZS 5601.2:2013 Gas installations - LP Gas installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes. The stove was not installed by an authorised gas fitter.’

This could create a hazard as ‘Gas may leak from the stove, which could ignite and potentially cause injury or property damage.’

To check if your camper trailer is affected and for further information, go to https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/patriot-campers-pty-ltd-camper-trailers

There has been a recall on Mercedes-Benz V Class / Vito Vans sold nationally by authorised Mercedes-Benz Van Retailers between 1 June 2017 - 8 December 2017.

The recall notice on the ACCC Product Safety Australia website states that the ‘retaining rings of the wheel bearings on the front axle may not be correctly engaged and if so, these may drift.’

The notice states that ‘In the case of a fault the ABS sensoring fault will trigger a warning display in the cockpit and the driver may also be warned by noises from the service brake. If the indicated early warning signs are disregarded, wheel loss could be experienced therefore increasing the risk of an accident for the occupants and other road users.’

Consumers are asked to contact their nearest authorised Mercedes-Benz Van Retailer to arrange an inspection and rectification (if required).

To see if your vehicle is affected or for further information, go to https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/mercedes-benz-australia-pacific-v-class-vito

Mazda Australia Pty Ltd has issued a recall on Mazda BT-50s available for sale from 26 July 2017 to 31 January 2018.

The recall notice on the ACCC Product Safety Australia website states that ‘if the vehicle is driven across areas covered by high grass, there is a possibility that grass or vegetation could become trapped and accumulate in the vehicle underbody area.’

The notice states that this may create a hazard in that ‘if the grass or vegetation comes into contact with the exhaust system components that operate at a high temperature, there is a risk that such debris may be ignited by the exhaust system. In the worst case scenario a fire may originate in the vehicle underbody area.’

Mazda will be contacting affected owners by direct mail.  Until a permanent solution to prevent the accumulation of debris is available, Mazda is recommending the following temporary actions:

• Avoid driving your BT-50 across areas that are covered by high grass/vegetation.
• If you have driven your BT-50 across areas that are covered by high grass/vegetation, visually check the underbody area to see if there has been a build-up of debris. If there is a build-up of debris, the debris will need to be removed as soon as safely possible.

You can contact your local Mazda dealer or the Mazda Customer Support team on 1800 931 024 to assist in removal of debris or otherwise follow the instructions provided to remove the debris.

To see if your vehicle is affected or for further information, go to https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/mazda-australia-pty-ltd-mazda-bt-50-3

Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited has issued a recall on 59,254 Ford Rangers available for sale from 12 July 2016 to 7 December 2017.

The recall states that ‘When driven over long grass affected vehicles may accumulate vegetation under the vehicle near the exhaust system’.  The hazard is stated as ‘The exhaust system in that area may reach a high temperature.  If sufficient grass or other combustible material has accumulated, they may be ignited by the exhaust system, causing smoke or flames to appear from under the vehicle.’

According to the ACCC Product Safety Australia notice, Ford will write to owners of all affected vehicles.

Until parts are available, owners should refer to the warnings in the Owner Manual, paying special attention to the sections:

- Starting and Stopping the Engine - General Information
- Starting and Stopping the Engine - Diesel particulate Filter
- Fuel and Refuelling - Catalytic Converter

To see if your vehicle is affected or for further information, go to:  https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/ford-motor-company-of-australia-limited-ford-ranger-0