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NATIONAL ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY
11906 Westline Industrial Drive P.O. Box 46951 St. Louis, MO 63146-6950
(800) 444-8994 Fax (800) 552-4061
08 March, 1999
Dear Sir:
National Alliance Insurance Company is the underwriter for MVP Camping World
Insurance. We primarily insure all types of Recreational Vehicles up to 25
years of age, and currently insure over 40,000 Recreational Vehicles.
Until recently, most 5th Wheel and travel trailer tow vehicles consisted of
pickups produced by either Ford, General Motors, or Chrysler, however we
are now experiencing the new breed of tow vehicles manufactured by
Freightliner, International and others.
Currently we insure over 150 of these tow vehicles, which are hitched to a
variety of 5th wheel trailers from 30 to 40 ft in length and up to 15 years
old.
Recently we experienced a loss involving a 5th wheel frame collapse that
was being towed by this new breed of vehicles. Upon professional
inspection, it was determined that the frame was subjected to an abnormal
stress or pounding by the tow vehicle suspension, and eventually, in this
case over a 5 month period, it collapsed to the point that the sidewalls
were pushed out over 5 inches.
Since these vehicles are becoming very popular, as tow vehicles for 5th
wheel trailers over 14,000lbs, we are extremely concerned that the above
incident does not repeat itself to the extent of causing injury, or death.
This now brings us to you. We are asking the major RV manufacturers of 5th
wheel trailers to which these vehicles are directed to advise us, in any
way, if they feel that these vehicles can safely tow their trailers, taking
into consideration the structure and stress that will be put on the 5th
wheels from the suspension of the tow vehicle. Also advise us if even the
older 5th wheel trailers will be affected more than the newer ones.
If you feel that options, such as air ride, must be on the tow vehicle or
that air brakes are advised or not advised please let us know, along with
any other recommendations that your company advises, that will allow these
tow vehicles to be used safely.
We appreciate any input you may have that will assist, both our insured as
well as your customer, enjoy their RV Lifestyle in a SAFE environment.
Thanking you, in advance for your much needed input,
Sincerely,
Arthur Kentgen
Arthur Kentgen
RV Specialist
Underwriting Department
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