Transfer Switch Burned Up

[dreamers2010]

Just thought I would let everyone know how dangerous these Iota Transfer Switches are. Our 2009 3605RL Montana was not "recalled". However, last Friday (April 13th) we heard a loud grinding noise and suddenly we saw flames thru the slats under our steps to the bedroom (side aisle). Luckily the fire put itself out and caught nothing else on fire. Upon investigation, my DH discovered that our transfer switch had burnt up.

I immediately called Keystone and was told that our unit was not in the recall and more or less "too bad". I was given the names of the nearest 3 Keystone dealers. We called the closest dealer who asked me what brand of switch we had and when I told him, he said they were recalling those. I returned to the thread on transfer switches and discovered that it was the Iota transfer switch that had been discussed as being recalled due to faulty wiring or something.

I imnmediately called Keystone a second time and told them that our unit did indeed have the Iota Traansfer Switch and it was my understanding that those switches had been recalled. I stressed to them again how lucky we were that our entire rig did not burn up. This time I was told to take it in to the dealer, have them take pictures of the switch and send them in to them.

The nice dealer, Country Roads RV in Cottondale, AL, agreed to come out that afternoon and look at our situation as we had no electrity since we had unplugged the power after the fire. He took pictures and said to us that it was the one being recalled and that Keystone should cover but he could not guarantee what they would do. He took out the old switch and wired us directly to shore power so we could again have electricity since we were staying in the RV.

These pictures, etc., were sent to Keystone by the dealer the following Monday and as of yesterday afternoon, no one had heard back from them. The dealer asked us if we would call this morning as some times the customer has more luck than the dealer. Upon my first call, I got nothing but an assurance that the information had been sent to "Recall" and that the CS person would e-mail that person and try to get an update for us and call us back. In about 2 hours we got a phone call from CS stating that recall said that Keystone would take care of this issue for us but needed to speak with our dealer first. I recalled our dealer who at that point had not heard anything. So, we still wait. We need this fixed within the next two weeks (its already been 1 week) as we will be leaving to go to our summer job on May 4th. Hopefully this will happen. I may have to call Keystone everyday.

The message here is check the brand of your transfer switch. It may be Iota even tho they tell you that your rig was not in the recall for these switches.

Judy

PS Also, ours was either wired incorrectly or the cover box was labeled incorrectly.

Posting moved to a more appropriate category = CRAFT-Guy

[NCFischers]

Are you referring to a transfer switch or the converter? I ask because you said that it was located under your stairs.

[HOOK]

Thankful that you are safe. Thankful they replaced ours. Jim , in basement on doorside, remove panel behind stairs, you should see it.

[dreamers2010]

Yes, ours is in the basement on doorside behind the panel between basement and stairs. It was not the converter which is under the second step. we've already replaced that. However, the flames were shooting thru the vent slats under the second step. We are definitely slowly learning where everything is located.

[1retired06]

What is the transfer switch cited? Not familiar.

[DQDick]

Glad you are ok, could have been bad in the middle of the night.

[dreamers2010]

A transfer switch is how your power switches from shore power to generator power and reverse.

[1retired06]

Thanks Judy (and Bob too). Obviously I have never had a generator in a unit.

[Rubber Tramps]

So if we don't have a generator, we don't need to be concerned?

[1retired06]

Thats the way I read it.

[racerjoe]

One word comes to mind after what you had been put through and the response.(attorney)

[dreamers2010]

You do not have to have a generator to have a transfer switch if your unit was generator prepped at the factory. However, we do have the factory installed generator. Keystone has agreed to supply us with a new swith and pay the dealer 1 hour of labor to put it in. They will NOT pay for the service call and the temporary repair to give us some electricity. We live in ours so needed that electricty. Personally, I think that is a bomber.

Judy (& Bob)