Trailer hitches
- Component
- Trailer hitches
- Manufacturer
- WESTERN RV, INC.
- Vehicles affected
- 226
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2000-10-02
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH TEKONSHA OR BARGMAN BREAKAWAY SWITCH ASSEMBLIES. THE SUBJECT SWITCHES ARE BASE PARTS 2011 AND 2011P, AND ARE BRANDED TEKONSHA (2011) AND BARGMAN (50-85-009). THESE MAY BE PACKAGED IN KIT NUMBERS 1026, 1028, 2011-23, 2028-23, 2011P, 2011AP, 20005, 20010, 20015, 20020, 2026, 2026-LB, 2028, 1026-LB, 50-85-200, 50-85-201, 50-85-250, 5061404, 5061406, 5061407, 5061408, 5061410, 5061506, 5061507, 5061508, 5067406, 5067407, 5067408, 5067409, AND 5067410. THE INTERNAL SWITCHING MECHANISM MAY FAIL TO MAKE PROPER CONTACT AND PROVIDE ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY WHEN THE BREAKAWAY PIN IS PULLED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN NO ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE TRAILER BRAKES IN THE EVENT OF A TRAILER BREAKAWAY SITUITION AND COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Safety risk
IN THE EVENT OF A TRAILER BREAKING LOOSE FROM A TOW VEHICLE, THE MALFUNCTION OF A BREAKAWAY SWITCH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR BOTH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BREAKAWAY DEVICE WITH NEW BREAKAWAY KITS FREE OF CHARGE. TEKONSHA IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. 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 WESTERN RV AT 1-517-767-4142 OR TEKONSHA TOWING SYSTEMS AT 1-800-325-5860.