NHTSA Complaint #11543688 — 2018 COACHMEN GALLERIA

I, the complainant, own a 2018 Coachmen Galleria, a recreational vehicle (RV) outfitted on a 2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 van. Coachmen Galleria outfitted the van with a water tank, attached to the underside. On 7/28/2023, while driving approx. 25 mph, I had to brake abruptly, due to an animal crossing the road. I then heard a sound coming from underneath the RV and a scraping noise when I took my foot off the brake. I discovered that the water tank had fallen to the ground. I took the RV to an independent mechanic, and the water tank was firmly re-attached. Below, I will cover very briefly the form questions: * The water tank collapsed to the ground due to inadequate support. Coachmen Galleria apparently MODIFIED its post-2018 vehicles outfitted with the same water tanks-- but with NO NOTICE to 2018 owners. * Safety is indisputably at stake when a water tank collapses to the ground while driving. That collapse OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES, involving 2018 owners if not other model years. See two other complaints: NHTSA ID # 11491660 (10/23/2022) and ID # 11542381 (9/3/2023). In addition, several Galleria owners have posted to a Facebook group about the recurring problem, with a STRONG CONSENSUS: Coachmen Galleria did not adequately support its water tank. At least 2-3 other 2018 owners have had collapses. INJURIES OR WORSE may occur, unless NHTSA compels remediation. * The problem has been clearly confirmed by Facebook group posts and obviously by the incidents themselves. * My vehicle was inspected by a mechanic who re-attached the water tank with strong supports. * No prior warnings or symptoms. Coachmen Galleria's customer service reps tried disingenuously to conflate general advice about water contributing to vehicle weight with the ABSENCE of any advice or warning about water tanks on 2018s. They refuse to acknowledge the defect and blame the owners. I plan to send additional information ( Facebook posts + emails). Thanks for attention. The contact wants to disregard their earlier compla