2011 Keystone Alpine problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 4 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Keystone Alpine. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 2 recalls
Recall 11V577000 (08/12/2011): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
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.
Recall 10V594000 (23/11/2010): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
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 THE SAFETY WAS SUPERCEDED BY CAMPAIGN 11V-577.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.
What a tech checks: Voltage drop, grounds, the converter and the transfer switch. Melted shore-cord plugs and bad grounds cause most of the electrical complaints techs actually see. Before you buy: Battery at rest, converter output on shore power, GFCI test, every outlet.
12 V electrical lessons · 120 V and generator lessons · Wiring diagrams
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 1 recall, 1 complaint
Recall 10V413000 (16/09/2010): POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
KEYSTONE IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2011 ALPINE, AVALANCHE, FUZION, LAREDO, MONTANA, AND MOUNTAINEER FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 19, 2010 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH DEXTER AXLES. ON SOME AXLES, CRACKS COULD APPEAR IN THE SPINDLE WELD.
Fix: KEYSTONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AXLE SERIAL NUMBER AND REPLACE IT IF IT FALLS WITHIN THE SERIAL NUMBER RANGE. REPLACEMENT OF THE AXLE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-425-4369.
What a tech checks: Bearings, brake magnets, worn shackle bolts and bent axles. A trailer that wears tires on the inside edge or pulls to one side usually has an axle or suspension problem. Before you buy: Bolts tight, springs not flat, brakes apply with the breakaway pin pulled.
Chassis and towing lessons · Trailer guide
Other: 1 recall
Recall 17V755000 (22/11/2017): EQUIPMENT
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
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.
Tires: 2 complaints
What a tech checks: Age, load range and pressure. RV tires age out before they wear out, and an underrated tire on a heavy trailer is a blowout waiting to happen. Before you buy: Read the DOT date and the load range on the sidewall.
Chassis, towing and tires lessons · Trailer guide
What owners reported to NHTSA
07/29/2013, TIRES: THE FIRST TIRE FAILED ON 9/10/10 ON A NEW ALPINE 5TH WHEEL RV EQUIPPED WITH POWERKING TOWMAX ST235/80/R16. THE SECOND TIRE FAILED ON 5/27/13. THE THIRD TIRE FAILED ON 6/2/13. THE RV WAS NOT OVERLOADED. THESE WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES, INFLATED TO MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATION OF 80 PSI. THERE WAS NO ROAD HAZARD DAMAGE TO THE TIRES. THE RV WAS NOT OVERLOADED AND HAD BEEN STORED INSIDE WHEN NOT IN USE. SPEED W
04/06/2015, TIRES,WHEELS: THE TIRES THAT THE KEYSTONE RV COMPANY PUTS ON THEIR FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS ARE UNSAFE, AT APPROX. 2500 MILES AND 4 YEARS OLD I HAD A BLOW OUT ON I-35 . IT TORE UP MY TRAILER AND I FEEL THEY THEY ARE UNSAFE AND VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Looking at a 2011 Keystone Alpine?
The Buyer's Check walks you through it on your phone: what to ask, the outside walk-around, water damage, every system on every power source, with the recalls above built in. You get a report that says what's a walk-away and what to negotiate on.
Checked against NHTSA 2026-10-23. Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer. Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA and are not verified.