Recall 85E014000: Trailer Hitches

NHTSA recall 85E014000 · announced April 1, 1985 · Atwood · 31,600 units affected

The problem

THE WELDED WEDGE INSIDE THE COUPLER HOLDS THE BALL CLAMP WHICH ASSURES THAT THE BALL CLAMP HAS A FULL GRIP ON THE TOWING BALL WHICH MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY WELED OR THE WEDGE MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED IN PRODUCTION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, IT MAY RESULT IN THE COUPLER COMING OFF THE BALL AND ALLOW THE TRAILER TO BREAK LOOSE FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

What to do

REPLACE INVENTORY AT CUSTOMER LOCATIONS AND REPAIR OR PAY FOR REPAIRS FOR COUPLER ALREADY INSTALLED.

Official NHTSA recall notice →

Notes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED TO USE A FRAME OR STRAIGHT TONGUE TRAILER COUPLERS.SYSTEM: TRAILER HITCH COUPLER.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.