18-326 - Underrated Safety Chains Installed - 2018-2019 Dutchmen Aerolite Trailers

NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V469
Manufacturer Keystone RV Company
Components EQUIPMENT
Potential Number of Units Affected 126

Underrated Safety Chains Installed

The lower rated safety chains may fail if the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Summary

Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dutchmen Aerolite trailers. The trailer has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 9,680lbs, however, the safety chains are rated at 7,600lbs.

Remedy

Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 7,600lb rated chains with 11,700lb rated chains, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2, 2018. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 18-326.

Notes

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 Acknowledgement

August 8, 2018

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCAK-18V469-9138.pdf

⬇ Download PDF (239.96 KB)

SaleBestseller No. 1

YATOINTO 2-Pack Grade 80 Trailer Safety Chain 35 Inch with 5/16'' Clevis Snap Hook and Chain Retainer | 21,000 lbs Break Strength | Transport Chain for Towing

[ UPGRADE EQUIPMENT G80 ] -- Heavy duty grade 80 transport chain is made using high-strength, heat-treated alloy.G80 chains provide a higher safe working load than lower grade chains, but weigh the same.
[ PROFESSIONAL DESIGN ] -- Designed for connecting from your trailer to your vehicle to help resist complete vehicle-trailer separation during a disconnect. When connecting safety chains for towing, two chains should be used.
[ HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION ] -- The high quality, standard link 5/16" size chain is heat-treated, and strength tested for superior quality. The chain retainer has a removable zinc-plated pin and cotter for easy chain installation and replacement.
[ RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION ] -- This trailer safety chain has a grade-80 rating, providing exceptional tensile strength and resisting abrasions and wear from heavy cargo. Yellow zinc chromate finishes for corrosion protection and makes it easy for DOT officials to recognize.
[ SAFE & COMPLIANT ] -- All our grade 80 chains and clevis snap hook is embossed with the proper markings to meet NACM standards. You will be compliant with any roadside inspection. Please feel free to us if you have any problems. (Each safety chain must meet or exceed the gross trailer weight!!!)

Bestseller No. 2

Tnyeobae Heavy Duty 3/16" x 48" Black Trailer Safety Chain with 3/8" S-Hooks, Grade 30 Steel, 3,200 lbs Load, Rust Resistant Tow Chain for RV, Boat, Trailer, with Chain Hanger Bracket

Heavy Duty Towing Safety：3/16" x 48" trailer safety chain with 3/8" S-hooks provides secure backup connection for RV, boat, utility trailer, camper, or hitch towing, preventing vehicle-trailer separation
High Strength Performance：Grade 30 steel chain rated 3,200 lbs break strength, ideal for heavy duty trailer towing, RV safety chain, boat trailer chain, and utility hauling
Quick Secure Coupling：Pre-attached 3/8" S-hooks allow fast, reliable attachment to trailer tongue, hitch loops, or tow vehicle frame; recommended to cross chains under coupler for safe towing
Rust & Weather Resistant：Black electrophoretic finish offers excellent corrosion protection, keeping safety chains durable for outdoor towing, boat trailer chain, camper chain, and utility trailer use
Bonus Chain Hanger Bracket：Includes safety chain hanger bracket for 2" shank, keeping chains off ground, preventing dragging, improving towing safety for RV, boat, and trailer applications

Bestseller No. 3

CURT 80010 48-Inch Trailer Safety Chain with 3/8-In S-Hooks, 2,000 lbs Break Strength

DEPENDABLE SAFETY. This trailer safety chain is designed to connect from your trailer to your vehicle to help resist complete vehicle-trailer separation in the event of a disconnection while towing
HIGH-STRENGTH. This trailer chain has a grade-30 rating and a minimum break force of 2,000 lbs. (two trailer safety chains advised; each safety chain must meet or exceed the gross trailer weight)
READY TO COUPLE. For safe, secure coupling to the vehicle, this 48-inch long trailer chain comes with two pre-attached safety chain hooks. The 3/8-inch S-hooks are fast and easy to install
EASY TO USE. When connecting safety chains for towing, two chains should be used. The safety chains should be crossed once underneath the coupler and hooked onto the trailer hitch receiver safety chain loops
CORROSION-RESISTANT. This trailer safety chain is constructed from 3/16-inch diameter, high-strength steel links and is protected with a durable zinc plating to resist rust and corrosion in spite of the outdoor elements

Bestseller No. 4

Tnyeobae 27" Trailer Safety Chain Kit with 5/16" Spring Hooks, Grade 30 Heavy Duty Steel Towing Chains 7000 lbs Capacity for RV, Boat & Utility Trailer, Zinc-Plated Rust Resistant, 2 Pack

7,000 LBS TOWING SECURITY. Engineered with high-strength Grade-30 steel, this safety chain kit provides a reliable Class II 7,000 lbs break strength. It acts as a vital fail-safe connection between your vehicle and trailer, ensuring peace of mind even if your primary hitch disconnects on bumpy roads.
SECURE SPRING LATCH HOOKS. Unlike basic S-hooks that can bounce out, our 5/16" hooks feature a heavy-duty spring-loaded safety latch. This design prevents accidental unhooking during tight turns or sudden stops, making your towing setup significantly more secure and compliant with safety standards.
WEATHER-READY ZINC FINISH. Stop worrying about orange rust ruining your gear. Each chain link and hook is treated with a premium silver zinc plating, providing exceptional corrosion resistance. Whether you are launching a boat in saltwater or towing an RV through snow, these chains stay clean and strong.
READY-TO-USE VERSATILITY. The 27-inch total length (including hooks) is optimized for most standard towing setups. It's the ideal replacement for worn-out chains on utility trailers, campers, or boat trailers. The flexible links allow you to easily cross the chains under the trailer tongue to create a safety cradle.
EFFORTLESS INSTALLATION. No tools required! The quick-link design makes hooking and unhooking a breeze, saving you time at the boat ramp or campsite. This 2-pack kit provides a complete safety solution, ensuring you meet legal towing requirements with professional-grade equipment that lasts..

SaleBestseller No. 5

YATOINTO 2-Pack Grade 80 Trailer Safety Chain 36 Inch, Black Electrophoresis Finish with 5/16'' Red Clevis Snap Hook and Chain Retainer | Heavy Duty Transport Chain WLL 25,000 lbs for Towing

[EP FINISH & UPGRADED G80] Constructed from high-strength alloy steel and treated with an advanced electrophoresis (EP) finish, these Grade 80 trailer safety chains deliver outstanding durability with a sleek, rust-resistant exterior. The EP coating prevents chipping and peeling, unlike traditional blackened methods, keeping your chains clean and professional.
[PROFESSIONAL SAFETY DESIGN] Engineered for reliable vehicle-to-trailer connections, the bright red clevis snap hooks are not only highly visible but also provide a secure and easy-to-use connection point. Remember to use two safety chains to ensure maximum safety during towing.
[HEAVY-DUTY BUILD] Built with a 5/16" standard link design and a durable EP finish, these chains undergo rigorous heat treatment and strength testing. The finish keeps them looking clean and professional without leaving residue on your hands or equipment, unlike traditional blackened chains.
[RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION] These 36-inch safety chains are rated as Grade 80, offering superior tensile strength for heavy-duty towing. The black and red color combination enhances visibility, and the EP coating resists wear and corrosion for longer-lasting performance.
[SAFETY & COMPLIANCE] Each chain and clevis snap hook is embossed with proper markings to meet NACM standards, ensuring compliance during DOT inspections. Always ensure the safety chains exceed the gross trailer weight for a secure towing experience.