Improper mounting of the Dometic Water Heater by Jayco caused compartment failure. Jayco did not install supports under the 10-gallon water heater tank as required by Dometic (see installation instructions attached). Road bumps and vibrations caused the moment arm of the unsupported tank to tear the sheet metal water heater mounting frame fastened to the RV outer wall thereby causing a safety issue. The water heater compartment failed thereby tilting back behind the wall of the RV. When tilted back, the unit exhaust can enter the living quarters. When tilted back, the LP gas line is exposed to failure; the water line can break and there could be electrical implications. Other RV owners have described the same issue (see Inf from Amazon Review attached). Jayco customer service states they will do nothing unless directed by the NHTSA via a recall. They will not allow me to escalate the issue to Jayco management. I have an extended warranty and comprehensive insurance. Claims were discussed with both companies including photos but they reject this as a claim stating that a compartment failure is not covered even with safety concerns.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11671896 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

It appears that the propane furnace broke loose from the vehicle frame and fell into the frame area of the RV. This was used for less than an hour where the vented heat started to burn the RV. I noticed afterwards when I went to check on something else the damage. I feel pretty confident that had I not turned it off, it would have resulted in possible fatalities, since the furnace was just underneath the bed slide. As you can see from the pictures the furnace broke loose from the frame and was no longer attached directly on either the sides or top. Additionally, there is a crack in the hard plastic case that contains the furnace, possibly where it is attached to frame as well. I have included pictures and have an appointment with a Jayco repair facility. I did speak with the Jayco manufacturing representative in Middlebury, IN. After reviewing my pictures and consultation with his bosses the gentlemen I spoke with told me not to bring it to them, that a Jayco repair facility near me will fix it, it is a warranty item. They also assigned me a case number: [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11685046 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov