Silver Eagle Manufacturing Company (Silver Eagle) is recalling certain model year 1999-2001 VAST20W and 2001 CSL20W trailer converter dollies. The affected dollies were incorrectly built to have a hole in the center of the axle beam pointing downward. The hole at the bottom causes a stress crack in the tension side of the beam resulting in axle failure.
Safety risk
If the axle fails, the dolly could steer erratically, causing swerving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Silver Eagle will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their dollies for the position of the axle beam center hole. Anyone that has an affected dolly can get get a free replacement axle beam (installation is the owners responsibility) or $500 towards a replacement dolly for scrapping their old dolly. The recall began on September 20, 2013. Owners may contact Silver Eagle at 1-800-547-6792.
ON CERTAIN CONVERTER DOLLIES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX EC-30T ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS (ECU). IF THE TRAILER-MOUNTED ABS WARNING LAMP CIRCUIT EXPERIENCES AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND THE SHORT IS NOT REPAIRED, THE HIGH SIDE POWER SWITCH INSIDE THE ECU THAT CONTROLS THE ILLUMINATION OF THE TRAILER-MOUNTED ABS WARNING LAMP MAY EVENTUALLY BECOME THERMALLY STRESSED AND EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
Safety risk
IF THE POWER SWITCH SHORTS, IT CAN RESULT IN AN OVER-CURRENT CONDITION IN THE ECU AND LEAD TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLE FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
BENDIX WILL PROVIDE A REMEDY KIT AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AND ALSO PROVIDE A LABOR ALLOWANCE FOR THE REPAIR. 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 BENDIX AT 1-800-478-1793 OR SILVER EAGLE AT 1-800-547-6792.
Owner complaints
A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.
No complaints recorded for this model year.
Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.