Roadtrek Second Row Seating Fail

[bvanman]

I was reading the second report of the receiver in the Hymer NA bankruptcy and they state that a former employee came forward with information that the second row seating used on various floorplans built on the sprinter chassis between 2012 -2018 were not the same as the ones they had tested for FMVSS. The receiver had the actual ones used tested and they failed. 1900 vehicles have second row seating that failed the safety requirements. Normally there would be a recall if the company was still in business. The receiver will contact NHTSA and inform them of the issue.


Here is the link to the second report.


https://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/content/erwin-hymer-group-north-america-inc-receiver-reports

[Roadtrek Adventuous RS1]

Originally Posted by bvanman

I was reading the second report of the receiver in the Hymer NA bankruptcy and they state that a former employee came forward with information that the second row seating used on various floorplans built on the sprinter chassis between 2012 -2018 were not the same as the ones they had tested for FMVSS. The receiver had the actual ones used tested and they failed. 1900 vehicles have second row seating that failed the safety requirements. Normally there would be a recall if the company was still in business. The receiver will contact NHTSA and inform them of the issue.


Here is the link to the second report.


https://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/content/erwin-hymer-group-north-america-inc-receiver-reports

OK, I didn't read through the entire report, you apparently did?

Which models or are you talking about all of them?

Just give us the Cliff Notes version... please.

[bvanman]

The report just said any models built on the sprinter chassis between 2012 and 2018 that had second row seats (seats behind the front driver and passenger seats) did not pass the safety testing required by NHTSA. Im not an expert, but I interpret that as the second row seats failed in the seat belt, seat base and chair pulls.

[Roadtrek Adventuous RS1]

Originally Posted by bvanman

The report just said any models built on the sprinter chassis between 2012 and 2018 that had second row seats (seats behind the front driver and passenger seats) did not pass the safety testing required by NHTSA. Im not an expert, but I interpret that as the second row seats failed in the seat belt, seat base and chair pulls.

We have a 2012 RS.... but, actually, it's built on a 2011 Sprinter 3500; built date July 2011......

I wonder if it really affects me...we removed the seats and have the optional armoire storage cabinets up front for organization.....works.....

[rowiebowie]

It will probably take an investigation by NHTSA and their Canadian equivalent to publish identifying part numbers before owners will know if their Roadtrek seat models are the ones that failed testing. Probably several months or more.

It seems Roadtrek is just the gift that keeps on giving (and not it a good way).

[mikes47]

Originally Posted by Roadtrek Adventuous RS1

We have a 2012 RS.... but, actually, it's built on a 2011 Sprinter 3500; built date July 2011......

I wonder if it really affects me...we removed the seats and have the optional armoire storage cabinets up front for organization.....works.....

I would think that if you have removed the seats, you are in the clear even if your particular van is included in the group. No one can sit in your seats - they aren't there. No safety issue.

[booster]

Originally Posted by mikes47

I would think that if you have removed the seats, you are in the clear even if your particular van is included in the group. No one can sit in your seats - they aren't there. No safety issue.

Maybe true, but there may be an issue if the mountings for armoire are the same as the seat. If the seat could be put back in, they may say it is still a violation.

[Luv2Go]

Originally Posted by Roadtrek Adventuous RS1

We have a 2012 RS.... but, actually, it's built on a 2011 Sprinter 3500; built date July 2011......

I wonder if it really affects me...we removed the seats and have the optional armoire storage cabinets up front for organization.....works.....

Starting on page 163 of this appendix are the VIN numbers of what the receiver thinks the affected vehicles are. Assuming HWS is build date, a quick search reveals no build dates in 2011 so you should be OK.

[Roadtrek Adventuous RS1]

Originally Posted by Luv2Go

Starting on page 163 of this appendix are the VIN numbers of what the receiver thinks the affected vehicles are. Assuming HWS is build date, a quick search reveals no build dates in 2011 so you should be OK.

Thanks, welcome news indeed.... my conversion was done in July 2011..... Interesting that they sold them as a 2012 model, my particular coach was sold to the original owners in August 2011. And my Sprinter is recognized by Mercedes Benz as a 2011 model.

I guess that is just the industry standard.....

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Luv2Go

Starting on page 163 of this appendix are the VIN numbers of what the receiver thinks the affected vehicles are. Assuming HWS is build date, a quick search reveals no build dates in 2011 so you should be OK.

Great post. Nice of you to wade through the many pages to get to the useful info. Hope that includes your 210 model.

Originally Posted by Roadtrek Adventuous RS1

Thanks, welcome news indeed.... my conversion was done in July 2011..... Interesting that they sold them as a 2012 model, my particular coach was sold to the original owners in August 2011. And my Sprinter is recognized by Mercedes Benz as a 2011 model.

I guess that is just the industry standard.....

Glad you got good news.

[Knit]

My 2013 RS is on the list. The HWS date listed for mine anyway is the purchase date.

[MiClassB17]

My vehicle is on the list too. I would be interested in communicating directly with any other owners who's vehicle is on the list.

rw_gould@hotmail.com
subject line: Roadtrek 2nd row seat issue

Thanks
Bob

[Roadtrek Adventuous RS1]

The Receiver understands that this configuration of second row seating could have been installed in over 1900 RV Inventory units sold by EHGNA between 2013 and 2019. The
Receiver is not aware of any historical claims being made against EHGNA related to the
second row seating

[fjc]

Does this apply to CS? I have a regular 2018 CS and my vin is not on the list.

[Thevon]

Seems like if you have an impact hard enough to break seat bases off the floor and break seat belts, there is a serious problem happening anyways. My RT doesn’t fall into this class, but if it did, I’d just enjoy the fact that I was fortunate enough to be able to afford such a nice vehicle.

[Kleschka]

Hi, does anyone know what action has been taking regarding this issue?

[mloganusda]

See this video of European camper crash testing.
https://youtu.be/JuNOarORALM

MLogan
2017 Trend
Smyrna, TN

[rowiebowie]

Our class b's should do better. But I never want to put it to the test. My Chevy Express has a 5-star front crash rating from NHTSA, but that is factory stock. Not with 3000+ lbs of additional outfitted weight pushing you into whatever you hit.

[themexicandoctor]

I wholeheartedly agree.

With all the buildout I have done over the years, using a high end Marine Carpenter, bolted, glued, double tapped - my biggest concern is the that of a roll over & becoming trapped & the rescuers find me lifeless & blue in the face, pinned up against the inside of my windscreen with all the stellar artifacts of my Roadtrek Modifications, the source of my demise.

[Luv2Go]

Originally Posted by Kleschka

Hi, does anyone know what action has been taking regarding this issue?

Per receiver's third report on page 32 that they have sent a new letter to all affected owners Jan 9, 2020 that essentially says they will remove the seatbelt(s) and add a label that says "second row seat is not to be occupied while the vehicle is in motion".