Isata 3 Recall

[Izzy3]

On Monday, we received a notice that our brand new 2017 Isata 3 was being recalled due to possible brake light controller failure. We have owned this for 3 months, and have taken 1 trip.

In a nutshell, it is believed that if the controller gets wet, the brake lights will fail to function.
I located the controller hanging behind the drivers side rear wheels.

Upon further inspection, I noticed the wires leading into and out of the controller had been completely hacked up by the installer...

Stripped insulation, left open, and wires that had not been spliced with connectors and weather-proofed with shrink wrap, but just twisted together and left open to the elements. They already show signs of corrosion. I am amazed at what passes for 'quality'.

Please take a look for yourself at the images I have attached.
And then please go take a good look at your coach. Your life could depend on it.

My brand new coach will now sit until Forest River comes up with a solution. They currently have none. We had two scheduled trips that will now have to be cancelled.
It has been reported to both customer service and my dealer. I will keep you posted on the results.

[AquaMan]

I think the simple solution would be to put weather proof connectors on and shrink wrap them like you already suggested. Why wait for a solution and miss trips, when it sounds fairly simple?


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[Izzy3]

Aqua,
Thanks for your reply, appreciate your input.
Actual recall has to do with the controller itself. It still needs a solution, and currently there is none.

I also want the people that created this problem, to fix this problem.
If we continue to settle for this workmanship, then that is what we will get.

I have seen better wiring on some Rat Rods.

[AquaMan]

That's a curt controller and is most likely potted and or sealed. My guess is that it's simply the bad wiring. I would still redo the wiring and go about my trips and monitor the lights to make sure they work.


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[RedLdr1]

The recall is to replace the Curt controller with a new unit due to water intrusion issues. I just took my recall notice in to the dealer today to pass along to the new owner of our old "W" MBS. You can read all about the Curt issues in the MBS forum. While the wiring is truly a disgrace the controller needs to be replaced as well.

[bclemens]

I believe the fix is in place. Our system should be plug and play. We are wiring up the new controller with the same water proof connections as the old controller.

Your wire issues seem to be a whole other issue??? Bad connections I can see...but those wires look damaged. In your first picture, you can see heat shrink covered connections that pigtail onto the controller.

Can you get a wider shot of where those bad wires are? Up close, I can obviously see the damage. Wider would tell me where they are and if it could be road debris that hit the wires or they got cut on something that we did.

[Izzy3]

BClemens...Thanks for the reply. Much respect to you for monitoring these boards.

Here is the 'wider view'..no road debris would cause what I see. These cuts were done with tools.

Please also take note in my original post, the second picture gives you a clear view of the white wire. Note the two pieces of white wire are just twisted together (badly) with no solder, or no crimp connector.

Also the brown wire in that picture has the insulation stripped in a complete circle around the wire.

(The wires displayed in the third picture of my original post can be found to the right in this picture.)

Thanks again for your interest. I look forward to getting this resolved quickly.

[bclemens]

I'd like to see it resolved quickly as well. And I appreciate you using your index finger to point out the wires....with five fingers there are lots of choices in situations like this

I'm walking this into the electrical engineer. Will have you some news shortly.

[bclemens]

Did you have a taillight issue already..tow vehicle/brake controller set up? Or were you just bringing this in for the recall?

Right off the bat, he said that looks like there may have been a marker light or wiring issue and someone stripped those to test them. He says our guys are really good about sealing those back up if it would have happened here...but I've been doing this long enough to know, never assume anything.

In any event...let's get it fixed up. PM me your contact info and dealer and I'll see if they have already ordered parts for the Curt replacement.

[Izzy3]

Bclemons,

No, no issue yet with the taillights. Only got under there to check because of the recall. I feel fortunate that I did find out this way, and not due to a brake light failure on a rainy highway.

I would happy to discuss the quality of the workmanship found on my coach (wiring included) at any time. I am sure I could add some value to your process. And I am sure at times we would disagree.

I PM'd you my contact info. Thanks again for your involvement. I look forward to a resolution, and further discussions.

[bclemens]

I just gave your info to parts and service. I think the recall fix is out, or it is just under final review. One thing we noted is that while we (and Sunseeker) use the same Hopkins module...we are using a module with our connectors on it along with an in-line fuse so that it is plug and play. That may end up showing as a different part number than what Sunseeker uses on their stuff as a result.

I don't have that info, but I have passed your data onto parts and service. The picture below is the proper set up. Connectors already on, fuse in place.

[Izzy3]

As of this writing, still no contact from Parts and Service.
My guess is this fix is not "out",but still in "final review"?

[bclemens]

I think there is another fuse under debate. I saw an exchange today, but I imagine a formal fix is imminent.

[Izzy3]

Thanks for the update.
At this stage, I am still using my index finger to point with in pictures.
Hoping we can remain at that level.

Coach remains parked.

Beautiful weather here. Going to go forget about if for a while.
Check with you early next week.

[bclemens]

There is a meeting Tuesday at 9am to discuss the final details. I think its just a matter of the instructions. We know what we need to do, but just making sure we have it laid out properly to the dealers.

[Izzy3]

Brian,
Thanks again for the reply.

Hoping the meeting tomorrow is productive. Feel free to tap me in if I can assist you from customer perspective.

My expectations are also that when this replacement part is installed on my MH, that the bad wiring surrounding the controller will be repaired.

Thanks again for your involvement here.
Much respect.

[bclemens]

Correct. We already have the parts for the controller and wiring repair awaiting final instructions. That meeting is now Wednesday morning.

[Izzy3]

Thanks again.
My offer is good for Wed. morning as well.

All the best.

[Izzy3]

Brian,

Contacted dealer this morning, they were unable to provide any information regarding the status of this recall.

Looking to you for definitive solution and resolution.

We are now growing frustrated with our inability to even plan to use our brand new motorhome.

[bclemens]

They met yesterday to clarify some details and are putting together written instructions for the dealer. Parts are here and ready to go as soon as that is complete.