Trailer hitches
- Component
- Trailer hitches
- Manufacturer
- FEATHERLITE, INC.
- Vehicles affected
- 1,341
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2002-06-17
- Owners notified
- 2002-06-28
Defect description
ON CERTAIN LIVESTOCK AND HORSE STEEL GOOSENECK TRAILERS, INADEQUATE REINFORCEMENT AND MATERIAL ON CERTAIN COMPONENTS OF THE TRAILER'S GOOSENECK ASSEMBLY CAN, OVER TIME, LEAD TO A FAILURE OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Safety risk
FAILURE OF THE ASSEMBLY COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE INCLUDING PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR BOTH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILER FOR ANY INDICATIONS OF CRACKED WELDS ANYWHERE IN THE GOOSENECK AREA, LOOSE SIDE SHEET SKIN ANYWHERE ON THE GOOSENECK, OR ANY INDICATIONS THAT THE FLOOR ABOVE THE COUPLER STEM IS RAISED OR ELEVATED. A REINFORCEMENT PLATE WILL BE WELDED TO THE SIDE OF THE FRAME TUBE AND CORNER BRACE PLATES. ALSO, IF NEEDED, AN ADDITIONAL CROSS TUBE WILL BE ADDED ABOVE THE COUPLER ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 28, 2002. 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 FEATHERLITE AT 1-877-903-1444.