Latches/locks/linkagesRecall 13V-508 · Big Tex vehicles
Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. recall 13V-508 covers 7,600 Big Tex vehicles for a latches/locks/linkages problem, reported to NHTSA on October 17, 2013. The manufacturer's latest report (2015 Q1) shows 26% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 13V508000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing (Big Tex) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 10PI, 12PI, 14PI, 29SA, 30AA, 30LS, 30SA, 30SV, 35AA, 35LS, 35SA, 35SV, 45LA, 45SS, 50LA, 50SA, 60SP, 70LR, 70PI, 70SP, and 70TV utility trailers manufactured March 2013, through September 30, 2013. The affected trailers are equipped with a fold flat ramp gate system. Vibrations from towing the trailer may cause the ramp gate latches to fail.
The risk
Should both ramp gate latches fail while the trailer is in tow, the ramp gate will fall from the upright, stowed position into the down position, and be dragged behind the trailer. This could result in an increased risk of a crash.
The fix
Big Tex will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental gate latch, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2013. Owners may contact Big Tex at 1-800-594-5637.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from March 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.