Class Counsel Announce That Federal Court Has Granted Final Approval To A Nationwide Class Action Settlement Providing Compensation For Purchase Of Supplemental Braking Systems By Fleetwood RV Owners

SAN ANTONIO--Oct. 1, 2003--

Period To Submit Claims For $250 Payment Runs Until April 18, 2004

Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, and plaintiffs' co-counsel announced that yesterday United States District Court Judge Fred Biery for the Western District of Texas granted final approval to a class action settlement between Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., and original owners of 1994-2000 Fleetwood Class A or Class C motor homes who still own their RV. Under the settlement, class members who have purchased a supplemental braking system for their RV, or who do so by April 18, 2004, and submit a timely, properly-documented claim form will receive a $250 cash payment. An estimated 33,000 Fleetwood RV owners nationwide fall within the settlement class. In addition, pursuant to the settlement, Fleetwood has already mailed safety notices to the settlement class and all registered owners of 1994-2000 model year Fleetwood Class A and Class C motor homes who are not settlement class members (such as those who purchased used vehicles) informing them that their chassis manufacturer may recommend use of a supplemental braking system when towing certain loads, and providing them with safety stickers to affix to their vehicles to notify any future owners as well.

"The settlement is a significant victory for Fleetwood RV owners and illustrates the vital importance of class actions in ensuring that the rights of consumers are protected and in promoting consumer safety," commented Lieff Cabraser partner Jonathan D. Selbin. "Thousands of Fleetwood RV owners across America will receive immediate and valuable compensation."

Summary of the Case

Plaintiffs alleged that Fleetwood represented from 1994 until 2000 that their Class A and Class C motor homes could tow up to 3,500 pounds, yet failed to adequately inform consumers that some chassis manufacturers recommend the use an auxiliary braking system for safe stopping of a 3,500 pound towed load. Fleetwood denied the allegations and, under the settlement, made no admission of liability.

Summary of the Settlement

Under the settlement, class members who have purchased, or purchase by April 18, 2004, a supplemental braking system for their Fleetwood motor home shall receive $250 cash upon timely submission of a completed and properly-documented claim form.

Notice of the settlement by direct mail to Fleetwood RV owners has already occurred, and was undertaken at Fleetwood's expense. Each notice packet included a claim form, safety warnings and safety stickers. Under the settlement, there is no deduction from the $250 payment to RV owners by Fleetwood to account for the attorneys' fees and costs of class counsel.

The Court-approved notice and a copy of the claim form are also available via the Internet at http://www.brakingclaims.com

The action is entitled McManus, et al. v. Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., Civil Action No. SA-99-CA-464-FB (U.S.D.C. W.D. Texas).