Grey nomads are being urged to check their caravans and recreational vehicles (RVs) for faulty water heaters before taking off on the road these holidays. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued the warning on Friday, stating the water heaters in question are Suburban branded.
It comes after retail supplier Coast to Coast Caravan & Leisure notified a recall for Suburban Recreational Vehicle water heaters on November 15, 2019, due to serious safety hazards. According to the ACCC, the Suburban Recreational Vehicle water heater can operate using electricity or gas, and may produce unsafe levels of carbon monoxide when gas is used to generate the heat.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death, and exposure for a short amount of time can lead to serious injuries, the ACCC says. It’s also important to note that carbon monoxide has no smell and is unlikely to be detected. Not to mention, it’s also highly flammable and can explode on contact with a spark or flame.
The Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC), with the ACCC’s assistance, is now raising awareness of the need to repair thousands of water heaters.
“Do not use the affected water heaters in gas mode under any circumstances,” Delia Rickard, the ACCC deputy chair, warns, adding it’s especially important to check your caravan’s water heater if you’re planning on going away over the Christmas break.
“It only takes a minute and it could save the lives of your loved ones. We are concerned that a large number of deadly heaters remain in caravans and RVs because owners have not yet contacted Coast to Coast for an inspection. Coast to Coast Caravan & Leisure has recalled these heaters due to the serious hazards they present. Owners should not take this issue lightly and act quickly.”
She says 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. Rickard says they should then enter the serial number at the Coast to Coast website.
“Anyone with an affected water heater should urgently contact Coast to Coast Caravan & Leisure on (02) 9645 7685. [They] will arrange for a licensed gasfitter to inspect their water heater free of charge.”