Trailer hitchesRecall 07V-187 · Ez Loader vehicles

The problem

CERTAIN BOAT TRAILERS UTILIZE A "SWING-TONGUE" ASSEMBLY, IN WHICH THE TONGUE OF THE TRAILER SWINGS ON A PIVOT TO ALLOW THE TRAILER TO BE STORED IN A SMALLER AREA. A FLAT WASHER WAS OMITTIED OR THE FLAT WASHER CAN FAIL, CAUSING THE PIVOT BOLT ASSEMBLY TO FALL THROUGH THE SWING TONGUE ASSEMBLY.

The risk

IF THE PIVOT BOLT ASSEMBLY FAILS, THE TONGUE IS LIKELY TO SWING OPEN AND COLLAPSE. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE TRAILER IS UNDERWAY, THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

The fix

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A HARDWARE KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION FOR THEM. THE REPAIR INVOLVES REPLACING THE FRONT HINGE PIN WITH A REPLACEMENT HINGE PIN HARDWARE KIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 15, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EZ LOADER AT 800-553-7855.

CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

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