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Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assemblyRecall 02V-312 · Carriage vehicles

CARRIAGE, INC. recall 02V-312 covers 1,450 Carriage vehicles for a trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly problem, reported to NHTSA on November 19, 2002.

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Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet
Vehicles affected1,4502 models
ReportedNov 19, 2002Owners notified Apr 30, 2003
Complaints since2Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 02V312000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.

What's wrong

The problem

CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS MAY HAVE AN INSUFFICIENT FRAME STRUCTURE TO SUPPORT THE PIN BOX.

The risk

OVER TIME STRESS CRACKS COULD BEGIN TO OCCUR AT THE FRAME INSERTION POINTS AND FRONT CROSS STRUCTURE SURROUNDING THE PIN BOX (HITCH). THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRAILER BECOMING PARTIALLY OR FULLY DETACHED FROM THE TOW VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

What to do

The fix

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT KIT TO THE FRAME STRUCTURE SURROUNDING THE PIN BOX. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 30, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CARRIAGE AT 1-800-895-0108.

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

2 models

Vehicles in this recall

Carriage Carri Lite1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Carriage Lite Series1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Background

The investigation behind this recall

  1. FIFTH WHEEL KINGPIN BOX BROKEN WELDSPE02059 · closed Nov 22, 2002
    NHTSA