Trailer hitches
- Component
- Trailer hitches
- Manufacturer
- Airstream, Inc.
- Vehicles affected
- 1,888
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2019-10-21
- Owners notified
- 2019-11-13
Defect description
Airstream, Inc. (Airstream) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Sport, Nest, Flying Cloud, International Serenity, International Signature, Classic, Globetrotter and Tommy Bahama trailers and 2020 Basecamp, Bambi and Caravel trailers. Due to improper welding, the Demco ball coupler installed on the travel trailers may not provide enough clamping force on the tow ball, potentially causing the coupler to separate from the tow ball.
Safety risk
If the coupler separates from the tow ball, the trailer can detach from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Airstream will notify owners, and will send a temporary use adaptor that can be slipped over the ball portion of the coupler to allow owners to tow their trailers. For the final remedy, dealers will add a shim plate to the backside of the ball coupler clamp to put it in position to apply the required clamping force on the tow ball, free of charge. The recall began November 13, 2019. Owners may contact Airstream customer service at 1-877-596-6505 or 1-937-596-6111 extension 7401 or 7411.