NHTSA Complaint #11477784 — 2020 NEWMAR KOUNTRY STAR

The cable supplying 12V power to the RV generator (the house generator in the front of the coach) shorted out while driving causing failure of 12V chassis control systems and accessories including: Transmission control (i.e. could not shift gears) Instrument panel Turn signals Horn Rear view camera Engine brake control. The vehicle air brakes were operating and I was able to pull over to a safe location. While the vehicle engine could be restarted, none of the 12V accessories at the drivers station were functional particularly the gear shift control, rendering the vehicle inoperable. The Freightliner repair facility found the shorted cable inside the generator enclosure. Their opinion was that the cable was too long, so that when it moved due to vehicle motion (potholes) it rubbed against a stud used to hold insulation in place. The shorted cable in turn caused the failure of the Freightliner "PDMs" creating the numerous failed systems.