Spare Tire Mount Failure – 2003-2022 Big Tex Trailer 16GN Trailers

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Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, LLC CA‐001 Issued 7/2022 CUSTOMER ADVISORY PURPOSE TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE TO ANYONE OPERATING A BIG TEX 16GN GOOSENECK TRAILER TO REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE FROM ITS MOUNT BEFORE USING THE TRAILER. IN SOME CASES, THE SPARE TIRE MOUNT CAN FATIGUE AND CAUSE THE SPARE TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE TRAILER Safety Precautions Use caution when working above the ground to remove the spare tire from the mount Models Affected All 16GN model trailers produced before July 11, 2022 Parts Needed None Recommended Action Do not use an affected trailer with a spare tire installed on the spare tire mount. Remove spare tires from any 16GN trailer before use. Expect future communication on actions to remedy this issue. If you have any questions, please contact Big Tex Warranty at (903) 575‐0300 or [email protected]

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BigTex TRAILERS” 950 Interstate Hwy 30 E Ml. Pleasant, Texas 75455-7711 Phone (903) 575-0300 IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL This notice applies to your motor vehicle equipment, VIN Date: Safety Recall Number: 22V-498 Subject: Recall for Inspection of Spare Tire Mount on Big Tex 16GN Gooseneck Trailers Dear Big Tex 16GN Gooseneck Trailer Owner: This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, LLC (Big Tex), has concluded that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003 – 2023 Big Tex 16GN Gooseneck trailers. It has been determined that during normal use the spare tire mount can fatigue and cause the spare tire to separate from the trailer. In the event of a separation, there is an increased risk of property damage, personal injury or death. Your trailer has been identified as one that is included in this recall. You are advised not to use the trailer for any purpose and to immediately contact Big Tex to schedule the required inspection and potential spare tire mount replacement or repair. Please contact Big Tex Warranty Team by phone at (844) 293-9202 ext. 2335 (West Coast) or at (844) 233-1728 ext. 2131 (East Coast) or by email [email protected] immediately to schedule the inspection/repair. The defect will be remedied by your authorized Big Tex dealer or representativ~ by inspecting the spare tire mount. If the inspection warrants, the dealer will repair/replace the mount accordingly. The inspection will take approximately 15 minutes to perform and if, necessary, the mount will be repaired/replaced. Repair times are estimated at 2 hours or less. However, additional time may be required depending on how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed. To make the appointment to schedule the necessary inspection and potential repair, which will be performed at no charge to you, please do the following: Call Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, LLC toll free at (844) 293-9202 ext. 2335 (West Coast) or at (844) 233-1728 ext. 2131 (East Coast) or by email [email protected] for the location of your closest Big Tex dealer, or authorized representative, who will perfo1m the inspection and potential spare tire mount repair/replacement. You should call the same number BigTex TRAILERS” 950 Interstate Hwy 30 E Mt. Pleasant, Texas 75455-7711 Phone (903) 575-0300 if you have any problem obtaining the needed repair. DO NOT USE THE TRAILER FOR ANY PURPOSE. If you had the spare tire mount replaced before you received this letter, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of obtaining a pre-notification remedy of the problem associated with this recall. For more information contact Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, LLC toll free at (844) 293-9202 ext. 2335 (West Coast) or at (844) 233-1728 ext. 2131 (East Coast) or by email [email protected]. Upon completion of the necessary inspection and potential mount repair/replacement, the dealer or Big Tex authorized representative will notify Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, LLC that your trailer has been inspected and if it required the spare tire mount to be repaired/replaced or not. If you no longer own the subject trailer, please provide Big Tex with the new owner’s information (if known), either by mail to the address listed above, via email [email protected] or by fax to (903) 575-1902. If the new owner information is unlmown, simply notify Big Tex that you no longer own the subject trailer. If you believe that Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, LLC has failed or is unable to remedy the potential defect without charge within a reasonable time, you may submit a complaint to: Administrator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http:/ www.safercar.gov Federal regulations require that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days. We regret any inconvenience, which this action may cause you. This program is being carried out to ensure your_safety. Your prompt attention to this important matter is appreciated. Sincerely, Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, LLC

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-498 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. Submission Date : AUG 12, 2022 NHTSA Recall No. : 22V-498 Manufacturer Recall No. : NR Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. Address : 950 I-30 East Mt. Pleasant TX 75455 Company phone : 903-575-0300 Population : Number of potentially involved : 1,724 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2003-2023 Big Tex 16GN Vehicle Type : TRAILERS Body Style : Power Train : NR Descriptive Information : On all 16GN models manufactured between 10/13/2003 and 7/1/2022, the design of the spare tire mount allows an installed spare tire to vibrate, which can cause the tire mount to fatigue and fail, potentially causing the mount and wheel to separate from the trailer. Production Dates : OCT 13, 2003 – JUL 11, 2022 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : The spare tire mount allows the spare tire to vibrate which can cause the joint between the spare tire mount and the trailer to fatigue and eventually fail. FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : If the spare tire mount joint fails, the spare tire could detach from the trailer. Separation of the spare tire and mount can create an increased risk of crash, injury or fire. Description of the Cause : The design of the placement and attachment of the spare tire mount does not firmly hold the tire against the trailer frame, resulting in vibration and joint fatigue. The spare tire mount bracket itself is not the failure point, rather the manner in which it is attached to the trailer, is. Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : No known warning will precede the failure. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-498 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Involved Components : Component Name 1 : Spare Tire Mount Component Description : metal bracket which allows a spare tire to be carried on the gooseneck Component Part Number : Part #5430094; Part #5433542; Part #5433542 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Best Fender Products, inc. Address : 6364 Highway 49 East Mount Pleasant Texas 75455 Country : United States Chronology : Since the beginning of production of this particular model in 2003, there have been a total of 76 warranty claims related to the separation of the spare tire from the trailer. 1 in 2003, 1 in 2013, 1 in 2016, 1 in 2019, 6 in 2020, 30 in 2021 and 36 in the first 6 months of 2022. Investigations began to determine if the failure mode of each claim was similar or different, since the number of failures was increasing. In June 2022 Big Tex Trailers identified a potential situation where the spare tire secured to the spare tire mount on 16GN trailers can vibrate, and over time, fatigue the welded joint between the tire mount and the trailer. This condition could result in the spare tire becoming detached from the trailer. On 1 July, 2022, after completing an investigation into the issue, Big Tex Trailers contained all 16GNs under our control and determined a recall of all 16GNs produced with this condition was prudent. Big Tex Trailers sold 1,724 16GN trailers between 2003 and 2023 with this spare tire mount design. An updated design is available and will be included on future production units. A field fix is in the process of being validated now and will be provided to dealers and customers soon. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-498 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : Big Tex will notify all dealers of the recall and request that any trailers currently in their inventory not be sold until a field fix is installed. We will also notify dealers and customers through a customer advisory to remove all spare tires from the mount until the trailer has been inspected and the field fix installed. Big Tex will provide the components and instructions for the field fix to dealers and customers and reimburse them for labor to inspect and perform the necessary repairs. Customers will be notified that they will be reimbursed for reasonable repair costs incurred to repair their trailer, if they were required to repair it prior to the recall being issued. Customers will be asked to submit paid invoices and proof of repair prior to reimbursement. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : The field fix will consist of additional components bolted to the trailer frame to eliminate spare tire vibration. The permanent design change will place the spare tire mount is a different location and include additional weld on components to reduce vibration. Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : A design change has been released to the manufacturing plant and is currently being implemented. Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : A customer advisory is being prepared to notify dealers and customers to cease using the tire mount to carry spare tires. A notification of dealers will begin as soon as practicable after issuance of the recall number by NHTSA. Notification of retail purchasers and registered owners will begin as soon as they are identified and will have notices mailed to them on or before September 9, 2022. Planned Dealer Notification Date : JUL 27, 2022 – AUG 10, 2022 Planned Owner Notification Date : AUG 26, 2022 – SEP 09, 2022 * NR – Not Reported

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-498 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. Submission Date : JUL 11, 2022 NHTSA Recall No. : 22V-498 Manufacturer Recall No. : NR Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. Address : 950 I-30 East Mt. Pleasant TX 75455 Company phone : 903-575-0300 Population : Number of potentially involved : 1,686 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2003-2022 Big Tex 16GN Vehicle Type : TRAILERS Body Style : Power Train : NR Descriptive Information : On all 16GN models manufactured between 10/13/2003 and 7/1/2022, the design of the spare tire mount allows an installed spare tire to vibrate, which can cause the tire mount to fatigue and fail, potentially causing the mount and wheel to separate from the trailer. Production Dates : OCT 13, 2003 – JUL 01, 2022 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : The spare tire mount allows the spare tire to vibrate which can cause the joint between the spare tire mount and the trailer to fatigue and eventually fail. FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : If the spare tire mount joint fails, the spare tire could detach from the trailer. Description of the Cause : The design of the spare tire mount does not firmly hold the tire against the trailer frame, resulting in vibration and joint fatigue. Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : No known warning will precede the failure. Involved Components : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-498 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Component Name 1 : NR Component Description : NR Component Part Number : NR Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, LLC Address : NR NR Country : NR Chronology : In June 2022 Big Tex Trailers identified a potential situation where the spare tire mount on 16GN trailers can vibrate, and over time, fatigue the welded joint between the tire mount and the trailer. This condition could result in the spare tire becoming detached from the trailer. On 1 July, 2022, after completing an investigation into the issue, Big Tex Trailers contained all 16GNs under our control and determined a recall of all 16GNs produced with this condition was prudent. Big Tex Trailers sold 1,686 16GN trailers between 2003 and 2022 with this spare tire mount design. An updated design is available and will be included on future production units. A field fix is in the process of being validated now and will be provided to dealers and customers soon. Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : Big Tex will notify all dealers of the recall and request that any trailers currently in their inventory not be sold until a field fix is installed. We will also notify dealers and customers through a customer advisory to remove all spare tires from the mount until the trailer has been inspected and the field fix installed. Big Tex will provide the components and instructions for the field fix to dealers and customers and reimburse them for labor to inspect and perform the necessary repairs. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : The field fix will consist of additional components bolted to the trailer frame to eliminate spare tire vibration. The permanent design change will place the spare tire mount is a different location and include additional weld on components to reduce vibration. Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : A design change has been released to the manufacturing plant and is currently being implemented. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-498 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : A customer advisory is being prepared to notify dealers and customers to cease using the tire mount to carry spare tires. A notification of dealers will begin as soon as practicable after issuance of the recall number by NHTSA. Notification of retail purchasers and registered owners will begin as soon as they are identified and will have notices mailed to them on or before September 9, 2022. Planned Dealer Notification Date : JUL 27, 2022 – AUG 10, 2022 Planned Owner Notification Date : AUG 26, 2022 – SEP 09, 2022 * NR – Not Reported

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-498 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. Submission Date : JUL 20, 2022 NHTSA Recall No. : 22V-498 Manufacturer Recall No. : NR Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. Address : 950 I-30 East Mt. Pleasant TX 75455 Company phone : 903-575-0300 Population : Number of potentially involved : 1,724 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2003-2023 Big Tex 16GN Vehicle Type : TRAILERS Body Style : Power Train : NR Descriptive Information : On all 16GN models manufactured between 10/13/2003 and 7/1/2022, the design of the spare tire mount allows an installed spare tire to vibrate, which can cause the tire mount to fatigue and fail, potentially causing the mount and wheel to separate from the trailer. Production Dates : OCT 13, 2003 – JUL 11, 2022 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : The spare tire mount allows the spare tire to vibrate which can cause the joint between the spare tire mount and the trailer to fatigue and eventually fail. FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : If the spare tire mount joint fails, the spare tire could detach from the trailer. Description of the Cause : The design of the spare tire mount does not firmly hold the tire against the trailer frame, resulting in vibration and joint fatigue. Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : No known warning will precede the failure. Involved Components : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-498 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Component Name 1 : NR Component Description : NR Component Part Number : NR Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, LLC Address : NR NR Country : NR Chronology : In June 2022 Big Tex Trailers identified a potential situation where the spare tire mount on 16GN trailers can vibrate, and over time, fatigue the welded joint between the tire mount and the trailer. This condition could result in the spare tire becoming detached from the trailer. On 1 July, 2022, after completing an investigation into the issue, Big Tex Trailers contained all 16GNs under our control and determined a recall of all 16GNs produced with this condition was prudent. Big Tex Trailers sold 1,724 16GN trailers between 2003 and 2023 with this spare tire mount design. An updated design is available and will be included on future production units. A field fix is in the process of being validated now and will be provided to dealers and customers soon. Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : Big Tex will notify all dealers of the recall and request that any trailers currently in their inventory not be sold until a field fix is installed. We will also notify dealers and customers through a customer advisory to remove all spare tires from the mount until the trailer has been inspected and the field fix installed. Big Tex will provide the components and instructions for the field fix to dealers and customers and reimburse them for labor to inspect and perform the necessary repairs. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : The field fix will consist of additional components bolted to the trailer frame to eliminate spare tire vibration. The permanent design change will place the spare tire mount is a different location and include additional weld on components to reduce vibration. Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : A design change has been released to the manufacturing plant and is currently being implemented. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-498 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : A customer advisory is being prepared to notify dealers and customers to cease using the tire mount to carry spare tires. A notification of dealers will begin as soon as practicable after issuance of the recall number by NHTSA. Notification of retail purchasers and registered owners will begin as soon as they are identified and will have notices mailed to them on or before September 9, 2022. Planned Dealer Notification Date : JUL 27, 2022 – AUG 10, 2022 Planned Owner Notification Date : AUG 26, 2022 – SEP 09, 2022 * NR – Not Reported

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