Free RV manual

Keystone Challenger Manual

The Keystone Challenger is a fifth wheel built by Keystone. Federal safety records on it cover model years 2001 to 2010. This page shows how its systems work, every recall on file for it, and where to find the official owner's manual.

Built by	Keystone
Kind	Fifth wheel
Model years on record	2001 to 2010
Recalls on file	9

The official owner's manual

Keystone keeps owner's manuals online, free to read. Pick the model year of your rig. It is on the sticker by the entry door.

Keystone owner's manuals

Component manuals

Dometic · Fridges, air conditioners and awnings
Suburban · Furnaces and water heaters
Lippert · Slides, awnings, jacks and leveling
Thetford and Norcold · Norcold fridges and Thetford toilets
Dexter · Trailer axles, brakes and bearings

How its systems work

Our free manuals for every system on a fifth wheel. The ones its recalls touched come first.

3 recalls touch thisShore power and batteries30 amp and 50 amp shore power, the 12 volt battery side and the inverter. What runs on what, and how not to trip a breaker.1 recall touches thisPropane, furnace and fridgeOpening the tanks, lighting the stove, running the furnace and fridge, and what to do if you smell gas.1 recall touches thisTires, wheels and bearingsTire age, pressure and load, lug nut torque and when to service trailer wheel bearings. The parts that cause the most trouble on the road.Free manualFresh water and the water heaterCity water, the fresh tank, the pump and the water heater. How to fill it, turn it on and keep it clean.Free manualThe water heaterGas, electric or both. How to fill it, light it, drain it and care for the anode rod, plus what to do when there is no hot water.Free manualBlack and gray tanksThe order, the hose, the valves and what to put down the toilet. Dumping your tanks the right way, step by step.Free manualThe toiletHow to flush, what paper to use and how to keep the black tank from clogging or smelling.Free manualSolar and lithium batteriesHow solar charges your batteries, what lithium changes, and how to tell how much power you really have left.Free manualPropane, smoke and CO alarmsWhere each alarm is, what each one means, how to test them and why the propane alarm sometimes beeps on a low battery.Free manualThe refrigeratorGas and electric absorption fridges, 12 volt compressor fridges, how long they take to cool and how to keep food cold on the road.Free manualThe furnaceA propane furnace with a 12 volt fan. How it starts, why it drains the battery and what to check when it blows cold air.Free manualThe roof air conditionerHow much power it needs, why it freezes up, how to clean the filters and what to try before you call for help.Free manualRoof and sealsWater is the biggest enemy of an RV. How to check the roof and seams, which sealant to use and the signs of a leak.Free manualSlide outsWhen to open them, when not to, and what to check first. Slide outs are the most common repair on a rental, and most of it is avoidable.Free manualAwningsPower and manual awnings, how to set them, and why wind is the thing that breaks them.Free manualLeveling and jacksBlocks, tongue jacks, stabilizers and auto leveling. How to get level, why it matters and why stabilizers are not for lifting.Free manualWinterizing and spring start upDrain it, bypass the water heater and fill the lines with RV antifreeze. Then how to undo it all in spring.Free manualHitching a trailerCoupler, safety chains, breakaway cable and lights. A simple routine to hitch up the same way every time.Free manualTrailer brakes and breakawayElectric brakes, the brake controller in your truck, how to set the gain and how to test the breakaway switch.Free manualWeight and payloadWhat GVWR, cargo capacity and tongue weight mean, how to weigh your rig, and why sway almost always starts with weight.

Recalls on file

NHTSA has 9 recalls on file for the Keystone Challenger. The most common areas are electrical system (3), lines and fittings (1) and wheels (1). Each one is listed below as filed. A recall is fixed free at a dealer, even on a used rig, and even years later.

General RV equipment · model years 2003 to 2010 · 17V755000, filed November 22, 2017

What is wrong. Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling various 2003-2018 Crossroads, Dutchmen, and Keystone recreational trailers equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V755-5127.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

What can happen. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

The fix. Keystone will notify owners and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2018. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-574-535-2100, or Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Keystone's number for this recall is 17-307.

Campaign 17V755000. See it on NHTSA

Electrical system · model years 2008 to 2009 · 15V561000, filed September 4, 2015

What is wrong. Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Big Sky, Challenger, Everest, Fuzion, Montana, and Raptor travel trailers and fifth wheels equipped with an IOTA ITS-50R transfer switch. These transfer switches, used in vehicles wired to be powered by a generator, may fail when exposed to elevated electrical loads and used in higher ambient temperatures.

What can happen. As the transfer switch fails, it may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix. Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IOTA ITS-50R transfer switch with a different brand transfer switch, free of charge. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact Keystone customer service by calling 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 15-234.

Campaign 15V561000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our shore power and batteries manual.

Electrical system · model years 2009 to 2010 · 11V577000, filed December 8, 2011

What is wrong. KEYSTONE HAS REVISED THEIR REMEDY PROCESS AND IS AGAIN RECALLING CERTAIN 2009-2011 VEHICLES WITH THE GENERATOR READY OPTION, OR WITH STANDARD GENERATOR. SEE THE LIST ABOVE FOR THE AFFECTED MODELS. SOME IOTA ITS-50R TRANSFER SWITCHES ARE EXPERIENCING FAILURES WHEN EXPOSED TO HIGH ELECTRICAL LOADS. THE FAILURE IS CAUSING CONNECTIONS AND WIRING IN THE TRANSFER SWITCH TO DEGRADE AND OVER HEAT.

What can happen. CONTINUED USE OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT REPLACING THE TRANSFER SWITCH MAY DAMAGE OTHER APPLIANCES, INCREASE THE RISK OF A FIRE, PERSONAL INJURY, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

The fix. KEYSTONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSFER SWITCH, FREE OF CHARGE. THE REMEDY FOR THE PREVIOUS RECALL (10V-594) WAS TO INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE SWITCH CONNECTIONS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-425-4369.

Campaign 11V577000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our shore power and batteries manual.

Electrical system · model years 2009 to 2010 · 10V594000, filed November 23, 2010

What is wrong. KEYSTONE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS WITH A GENERATOR READY OPTION. IF THE TRANSFER SWITCH IS NOT INSTALLED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS, THE ELEVATED ELECTRICAL LOADS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE USE IN HIGHER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE OVERHEATING OF THE LUGS AND DEGRADING OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS.

What can happen. OVERHEATING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

The fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRANSFER SWITCH IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY WAS SUPERCEDED BY CAMPAIGN 11V-577. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-425-4369.

Campaign 10V594000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our shore power and batteries manual.

General RV equipment · model years 2006 to 2007 · 08V325000, filed July 17, 2008

What is wrong. KEYSTONE IS RECALLING 161,250 MY 2004-2007 FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.

What can happen. IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

The fix. KEYSTONE IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR KEYSTONE AT 1-866-425-4369.

Campaign 08V325000. See it on NHTSA

Lines and fittings · model years 2007 to 2008 · 07V585000, filed December 17, 2007

What is wrong. ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS, A LIQUID PROPANE (LP) LINE FOR THE SLIDE ROOM MAY BE TOO CLOSE TO THE TIRE.

What can happen. THIS COULD CAUSE AN INCREASED RISK OF PROPERTY DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE FIRE.

The fix. DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE LP LINE AWAY FROM THE TIRE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 27, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE RV AT 1-866-425-4369.

Campaign 07V585000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our propane, furnace and fridge manual.

Wheels · model year 2007 · 07V286000, filed June 25, 2007

What is wrong. CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS BUILT WITH 16" STEEL WHEELS MAY LEAK AT THE VALVE STEM DURING INFLATION OR WHEN CHECKING THE AIR PRESSURE DUE TO IMPROPER SEATING OF THE VALVE STEM. SOME MODELS HAVE ALUMINUM WHEELS WITH A STEEL SPARE AND ONLY THE SPARE IS AFFECTED. INDICATION OF THE DEFECT OCCURS WHEN APPLYING SIDEWAYS PRESSURE TO THE VALVE STEM (SUCH AS CHECKING THE TIRE PRESSURE). AIR WILL LEAK THROUGH THE VALVE HOLE IN THE RIM.

What can happen. CONTINUING TO PULL A VEHICLE WITH IMPROPERLY INFLATED TIRES WILL RESULT IN POOR VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASED RISK OF PROPERTY DAMAGE AND A A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR IF THE TIRE FAILS AS A RESULT OF UNDER-INFLATION.

The fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SNAP-IN VALVE STEM WITH A BOLT-IN VALVE STEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE RV AT 1-866-425-4369.

Campaign 07V286000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our tires, wheels and bearings manual.

General RV equipment · model years 2001 to 2003 · 07V134000, filed March 22, 2007

What is wrong. CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN CERTAIN TUBING IN THE REFRIGERATOR WHICH COULD ALLOW PRESSURIZED FLAMMABLE COOLANT SOLUTION TO BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.

What can happen. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

The fix. KEYSTONE RV WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURNER HOUSING AND THERMAL FUSES FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR KEYSTONE RV AT 574-535-2100.

Campaign 07V134000. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model year 2003 · 03V463000, filed November 12, 2003

What is wrong. ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH SAMSUNG MICROWAVE OVENS, THESE OVENS WERE PRODUCED WITH A DEFECTIVE PANEL. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN CIRCUIT PATTERNS ON THE MEMBRANE PANEL, ESPECIALLY OVERLAPPED BY A "JUMPER" OR JUMP WIRE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS.

What can happen. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR CAUSING THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, OR POSSIBLY A FIRE.

The fix. SAMSUNG WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. IN THE MEANTIME, CONSUMERS SHOULD UNPLUG THEIR MICROWAVE, IF POSSIBLE. IF THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO UNPLUG THE MICROWAVE, THEY SHOULD LEAVE THE DOOR AJAR UNTIL THE PANEL IS REPLACED. CONSUMERS SHOULD NEVER USE THE MICROWAVE OVEN FOR STORAGE OR LEAVE ANY TOWELS, PAPER, CLOTH OR OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE MICROWAVE AFTER USE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAMSUNG AT 800-932-3837 OR KEYSTONE AT 574-535-2100.

Campaign 03V463000. See it on NHTSA

Check your own rig. Put your VIN into the NHTSA recall lookup. It shows any open recall on that exact rig, including the chassis.

Questions owners ask

Where can I find the Keystone Challenger owner's manual?

Keystone keeps its owner's manuals online. Look up your model year there. Our free manuals on this page explain how each system works.

Does the Keystone Challenger have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for it. The most common area is electrical system. Check your own VIN on the NHTSA site to see if yours was fixed.

Is a recall repair free on a used RV?

Yes. A safety recall is fixed free by the maker's dealers no matter who owns the rig now or how old it is. Call the maker or any dealer for that brand with your VIN.

Where is the VIN on an RV?

Look for a sticker by the entry door, inside a cabinet near the door, or on the tongue or front frame of a trailer. The title and registration show it too.

Renting one from us? Call or text 909-259-RVDR before you try a fix. We would rather talk you through it than have you guess, and it is free.

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Every Keystone line we cover