Keystone KSB -210218 Inspection Process for Sidewall Cracks and Separation

[ChuckS]

This may be useful to some folks...

February 24, 2021 MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: KSB-210218
Components: STRUCTURE
NHTSA ID Number: 10187442

Manufacturer Communication Number: KSB-210218

Summary

This is the inspection instructions for KSB-210218, Inspection Process Sidewall Cracks. The information and instructions in a Keystone Service Bulletin (KSB) are intended to inform RV dealership Service Managers/Technicians of situations that may occur with some Recreational vehicles so dealership personnel can perform proper and efficient service.
Not every unit requires a repair. This process describes the inspection of sidewall cracks and separation forward of the front slideouts to determine if there is a defect and what repair may need to be performed.

20 Affected Products
Vehicles
MAKE MODEL YEAR

DUTCHMEN VOLTAGE 2018-2021
KEYSTONE ALPINE 2018-2021
KEYSTONE FUZION 2018-2021
KEYSTONE MONTANA 2018-2021
KEYSTONE RAPTOR 2018-2021

[sourdough]

Thanks Chuck.

[wiredgeorge]

When I dream and look at campers on FB or CL, I always shy away from the ones with a bedroom slideout for this reason. Too many reports of the frame cracking. Thanks for the heads up. Do you think Keystone will nag Lippert to beef up those frames?

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

When I dream and look at campers on FB or CL, I always shy away from the ones with a bedroom slideout for this reason. Too many reports of the frame cracking. Thanks for the heads up. Do you think Keystone will nag Lippert to beef up those frames?

You'd think beefing up that part of the chassis would be a priority for both Lippert's frame and Keystone's aluminum sidewall structure.... But, this crack potential has been a problem for at least the last 10 years and it's still happening, so either it's "impossible to fix" (doubtful) or "ignored by both KS and Lippert".... (my guess on why it's now a 10 year issue)...

It's not "just a Keystone problem"... I've seen similar cracks on many other brands as well... So, it's not just "Keystone ignoring the problem".... Seems everyone in the RV business is an "Ostrich" on this issue.....

[chuckster57]

I have lost count of how m any fifth wheel trailers I have seen that come from the factory with the Filon cut and a plastic strip in the sidewall to allow for flex. My '97 Jayco had a bedroom slide and after 13 1/2 yrs of ownership I didnt have that issue. Current fiver has opposing slides at the rear so no worries.

[flybouy]

Unless/until it adversely effects sales I doubt anything will be done, why would they? How many years did cars rust out horribly before the auto manufacturers addressed it?