NOVEMBER 2021

Over 8300 consumers at risk

Concern over RVs with deadly heaters

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AUSTRALIA'S consumer watchdog has again issued an appeal to caravanners who could have a potentially lethal water heater in their recreational vehicle.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) urges them to check for dangerous Suburban-branded dual fuel gas/electric heaters before setting off on post COVID-lockdown holidays.

It is concerned that more than 50 percent of the units could emit deadly odourless carbon monoxide if used in gas mode.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death, and short-term exposure can cause serious long-term injuries.

There are still over 8300 consumers who have not registered their water heaters for a free inspection.

As the risk of failure is so high, the ACCC is concerned the owners might not be aware of the recall and may use their caravan or motorhome without checking if they are safe.

"Consumers should not use the affected water heaters in gas mode under any circumstances, even if they have a carbon monoxide detector," ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said.

"It's very important to check your recreational vehicle or caravan's water heater as soon as possible as there is a significant risk of injury or death from this product."

Carbon monoxide is invisible, has no smell and can be highly flammable and explode on contact with a spark or flame.

The water heaters were supplied either new with vehicles between May 1, 2018, and September 25, 2019, or bought separately online and installed later.

Consumers can check if their heater is affected by opening the exterior access door to the hot water service and checking the model and serial number located on the right-hand side.

Owners with an affected heater should urgently contact Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure on 02 9645 7685 or email recalls@coastrv.com.au who will arrange for a licensed gas fitter to inspect it free of charge.

Every unit must be inspected.

Consumers will not have to cover any costs related to the supply and installation of the new water heater.

Owners who have difficulties obtaining a timely remedy should contact Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure, their state or territory gas regulator or complete an ACCC online report.

Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure notified a recall for Suburban dual fuelled water heaters in November, 2019, due to this deadly hazard.

A total of 18,139 heaters were sold by these retailers nationally, with most being installed in caravans and motorhomes, and some in horse float campers.

There are 9600 recalled units still to be inspected and of these, 1241 are registered to be inspected and 8359 are not registered for inspection.

The affected products are the Suburban Recreational Vehicle Water Heaters with model numbers SW6DEA, SW6DA, SW4DEA, SW4DA, SW4DECA, SW6DECA and SW6PA that have serial numbers between 181315552 and 193002648 (some serial numbers may end with a 'D') and between 8183311827 and 8190201139.

They were manufactured between April 4, 2018, and August 1, 2019.

The Office of the Technical Regulator (SA) is the responsible regulator for this product.

It is a member of the Gas Technical Regulators Committee, which icomprises gas technical and safety regulators across Australia and aims to apply a consistent regulatory approach to improve gas safety, measurement and quality.

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