Passenger Seat Belt won't retract

Bondad · 10-24-2011, 12:12 PM

I let my 17 yo drive the Winnebago this weekend so I rode shotgun. I immediately noticed the passenger seatbelt is fully extended and will not retract. Well, it actually will retract about 4 inches but then it just stops. I must have pulled it up 100 times trying to get it to retract but it simply will not. This has not been noticed before because everyone likes to ride in coach on the couch or at the table. No one has riden shotgun before.

So I removed the cover thinking maybe I could fugure out the problem but the seatbelt contraption inside the cover is completely encased and rivrted together. And there is a HUGE Hex nut holding it in place that I cannot possibly remove.

I'm wondering if, by some miracle, the seatbelts are covered under warranty by Ford or Winnebago. Otherwise, any idea where I can get a replacement? I'm sure my mechanic can get that bolt off and put in a replacement unit.

Bondad

jettyjock · 10-24-2011, 12:15 PM

If the seat belt has been jerked real hard, it is no good and must be replaced. It's a safety feature.

Bondad · 10-24-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jettyjock

If the seat belt has been jerked real hard, it is no good and must be replaced. It's a safety feature.

Thanks for that but it doesn't answer my question. I know it needs to be replaced. I need to find out who has a replacement and if it's covered under any type of warranty.

HeapBigEngin · 10-25-2011, 12:03 AM

Under Federal law, most new vehicle safety devices, including seat belts, are covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles (whicheve occurs first) for defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty starts when the vehicle is first sold to a retail customer or when the vehicle is placed into eligible service as recognized by the original vehicle manufacturer. It applies to the original and all subsequent owners. It would appear that your seat belt is about 15 years old or more and would not be covered by the original OEM warranty.

These seat belt devices (retractors) are constructed by OEM manufacturers to be non-serviceable by mere mortals, for what should be obvious reasons. Removing the device from the vehicle, however, is not difficult. I would suggest you contact Winnebago for part # info. You might also do a forum search here for RV resale parts and accesories businesses....I have seen frequent mention of them on this forum. That should not be a terribly difficult part to find. Assuming a replacement device works OK and the latching ends match, belt length is the critical consideration. You may be able to find one of the correct length and color at your local salvage yard....these things are very common, and finding a serviceable used unit should not be too tough. Ebay is also a good source for these type of items.

Please let us know the results....Thanks!!

DAN L · 10-25-2011, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bondad

I let my 17 yo drive the Winnebago this weekend so I rode shotgun. I immediately noticed the passenger seatbelt is fully extended and will not retract. Well, it actually will retract about 4 inches but then it just stops. I must have pulled it up 100 times trying to get it to retract but it simply will not. This has not been noticed before because everyone likes to ride in coach on the couch or at the table. No one has riden shotgun before.

So I removed the cover thinking maybe I could fugure out the problem but the seatbelt contraption inside the cover is completely encased and rivrted together. And there is a HUGE Hex nut holding it in place that I cannot possibly remove.

I'm wondering if, by some miracle, the seatbelts are covered under warranty by Ford or Winnebago. Otherwise, any idea where I can get a replacement? I'm sure my mechanic can get that bolt off and put in a replacement unit.

Bondad

check page 177 of this winnebago parts catalog.

Winnebago Parts - Official Winnebago Parts and Accessories Catalog

hamguy · 10-25-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bondad

Thanks for that but it doesn't answer my question. I know it needs to be replaced. I need to find out who has a replacement and if it's covered under any type of warranty.

Do you honestly believe a 5 YO RV still has warranty? Contact a dealer and find a replacement.

Bondad · 10-25-2011, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamguy

Do you honestly believe a 5 YO RV still has warranty? Contact a dealer and find a replacement.

No I don't believe a 16 YO RV still has a warranty. I was not sure if seatbelts, being a federal requirement, had a different warranty. I'm not against paying for a replacement and if you read my OP you will see I didn't think it was under warranty.

Quote:

I'm wondering if, by some miracle, the seatbelts are covered under warranty by Ford or Winnebago. Otherwise, any idea where I can get a replacement? I'm sure my mechanic can get that bolt off and put in a replacement unit.