Dunlop tire discount

RV action line

Gauge Glare

Unhappy with an unwelcome side effect resulting from a new gauge system, a reader asked RV Action Line to get involved. He wrote:

I am having some difficulty with glare coming from a pillar-mounted exhaust temperature gauge that I purchased from Gale Banks Engineering. The trouble is that the dial has a big ring of white light around it that is hard on my 74-- year-old eyes.

I went to Camping World, where I bought the product, and the store arranged for a replacement. However, when the new part arrived, it was exactly the same design. Upon further conversation with Camping World's management, I was told that this was how the gauge was designed and there was nothing more they could do.

For now, I have black tape where the white light spills out. However, I don't think this should be the case for something for which I paid a considerable amount of money. I hope you can help.

FRANK DE ANGELIS

GALT, CALIFORNIA

We had no indication from De Angelis that he had ever approached Gale Banks Engineering and given the company an opportunity to help him out. However, we did pass his letter along to the company for possible assistance. The company responded quickly to RV Action Line with a copy to De Angelis:

Apparently, the glare of Mr. De Angelis' pyrometer gauge during nighttime driving conditions was causing him discomfort. Our senior technical advisor has since been in contact with him to resolve his situation.

Initially, we sent Mr. DeAngelis some amber-colored bulbs, at no charge, to reduce glare. We also were able to locate an earlier-style pyrometer gauge that is different from our current production version and produces less glare in some applications. This gauge was also sent at no charge.

Mr. DeAngelis has been given our technical advisor's direct number in the event that he has any other issues. As always, our goal is to satisfy our customers, and we appreciate your role in helping us resolve this matter.

GEORGE HYNES

BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

GALE BANKS ENGINEERING

AZUSA, CALIFORNIA

FURTHER ACCOMMODATION

After a lengthy negotiation to recover costs of defective fires, a reader asked RV Action Line to help sort out the red tape. He wrote:

While touring with my fifth-wheel trailer, I discovered a large knot on the outer wall of the coach's right-rear tire. I had the spare mounted at the next fuel stop, and three hours later I had a complete blowout ofa left-rear tire.

I limped into the nearest Discount Wheel and Tire store and had two new tires mounted. I found out that the bad tires were manufactured by Carlisle, which is now a part of Goodyear Dunlop Tires North America Ltd. Later, I filed an insurance claim for $1,078 for damage caused by the exploding tire to the underbelly of my trailer I have since been compensated by Goodyear for the $100 deductible on this claim; however, I believe they still owe me $281.88 for replacement of the defective tires.

I have not heard anything more from this company. Can you help bring this entire situation to a satisfactory resolution?

BILL GREEN

GRANBURY, TEXAS

We provided Goodyear Dunlop Tires a copy of Green's complaint. The company responded to Green, with a copy to RV Action Line, as follows:

Regarding your letter to RV Action Line detailing your unfortunate experiences, I must again advise you that we cannot consider a claim for damages without inspection of the involved tires. We did reimburse your $100 deductible for structural damage to your trailer as a special courtesy.

Although Carlisle tires are normally replaced or adjusted through their own outlets, Goodyear Dunlop becomes involved when a claim for damages is made. In this instance,you may have received confusing information on the day of your tire failures.

Since you purchased your new replacement tires at a store that apparently did not sell or adjust Carlisle-brand ST's, I will authorize a further accommodation in the amount of $192.24. You may expect a supplementary check within the month.

Payment is being extended solely as a special accommodation and courtesy to both RV Action Line and yourself.

THOMAS M. JOHNSON JR.

TIRE PERFORMANCE MANAGER

GOODYEAR DUNLOP TIRES

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

FREE GAS

We recently attended a program at Colorado River Adventures in Parker, Arizona, where we toured their park and facilities. We declined their offer to buy a membership due to the lack of time allowed to make our decision.

However, we were given gifts for attending their presentation: a television set and a redeemable certificate for $40 worth of free gas.

I sent the certificate, according to instructions, to Free Gas America in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to redeem it for my gas coupons. It has been more than three months now without hearing anything from this company.

I even wrote them two additional letters asking about the coupons, but got no answer I was also unsuccessful in reaching them by telephone.

Can you help with this matter? The way my situation is looking, the lack of response from Free Gas is an affront to me as well as Colorado River Adventures.

LESTER KATSIS

CORONA, CALIFORNIA

We advised Free Gas America of Katsis' concerns. The company responded to RV Action Line:

Upon receipt of your correspondence, I followed up on the status of the gas offer for Mr. Katsis. His file indicated that we had received an earlier letter from him about his coupon booklet.

At the time, a replacement booklet was immediately sent out to Mr. Katsis. He has since redeemed two of his four coupons for a total refund of $20. He has six months left to submit the remaining two coupons for an additional $10 per coupon.

JANA WILSON

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

FREE GAS AMERICA

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Dissatisfied with how repair issues on his trailer were being addressed by the coach's manufacturer, a reader asked that RV Action Line step in. He wrote:

After seeing an ad for a compact Almer travel trailer in your magazine, I contacted the company for its nearest dealer and subsequently purchased a unit.

Since then, I have requested that Aliner fix some of the problems I have been experiencing with my unit. These include several minor structural issues as well as the successive failure of both tires while on a trip to Canada.

ERNEST B. NUTE

LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA

Nute's missive was passed on to Aliner for its consideration. The company responded:

Thank you for providing this opportunity to resolve a conflict with one of our customers. We consider the satisfaction of these individuals to be paramount because their testimonials and distribution of our brochures have been more effective in promoting sales of our products than any slick ad campaign.

I have spoken with Mr. Nute, and we are working with him to resolve all of his problems. His greatest concern was a space above the entry-door area when the camper is being set up and taken down. The answer to this is that the gap normalizes itself when the unit is completely set up for use.

To allay Mr. Nute's concerns that the top edge of the unit's entry door might deface his camper while traveling, we have devised an inconspicuous solution that is extremely functional. Furthermore, it will prevent any possible future damage.

Regarding Mr Nute's concern about his tires that blew within three days of one another, I can only speculate as to the causes of these failures. He stated that he had 7,000 miles on them, and they were both wearing evenly; therefore, his circumstances do not sound like they were related to an axle-alignment problem.

Since he did not save the damaged tires for evaluation, we could not submit them to Carlisle Tire Company for examination and possible warranty replacement. His difficulties could have been caused by road conditions or exposure to some kind of chemical, but we will never know.

We should have all of Mr Nute's work completed within the next few weeks. SCOTT MARINCHAK

QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER

COLUMBIA NORTHWEST INC.

ALINER CAMPERS

MAMMOTH, PENNSYLVANIA

CONSUMER ACTION

"RV Action Line" is a forum for resolution of conflicts between consumers and RV dealers or manufacturers. After exhausting all other resources without success, please type or print all pertinent information and mail to Trailer Life "RV Action Line" (no phone calls, please) and enclose copies of appropriate bills and correspondence, as well as a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Trailer Life does not knowingly accept deceptive or misleading advertising. If you have a contrary experience with respect to any merchandise or service advertised herein, please notify "RV Action Line" by mail only.