February 9, 2024 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 24V098000
Trailer Tongue May Separate from Hitch
A hitch separation can cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V098
Manufacturer Vermeer
Manufacturing Company
Components TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number of Units Affected 28
Summary
Vermeer Manufacturing Company (Vermeer) is recalling certain 2016-2021 BC1800XL brush chipper trailers. The tongue weldment may crack and separate from the tow hitch.
Remedy
Vermeer will provide a remedy kit, integrating a new surge brake tongue into the tongue weldment, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 04, 2024. Owners may contact Vermeer customer service at 1-800-829-0051, ext. 7060. Vermeer’s number for this recall is IK4524.
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.nhtsa.gov.
Chronology :
May-2023: Service department received report from dealer regarding failure of tongue weldment and requested parts from dealer for analysis.
December-2023: Service department received parts from dealer for analysis.
January-2024: Service department informed product safety department about failure and initiated evaluation. Service department confirmed no previous reports on issue have been received.
24-January-2024: Product safety department held discussion with service department regarding corrective action after failure report.
2-February-2024: Product safety department met with engineering to discuss evaluation.
5-February-2024: Recall determination was made.
6 Affected Products
Vehicle
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| VERMEER | BC1800XL | 2016-2021 |
5 Associated Documents
Recall 573 Report – 02/15/2024
RCLRPT-24V098-1938.PDF 215.814KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-24V098-8207.pdf 645.688KB
Recall 573 Report – 02/09/2024
RCLRPT-24V098-3711.PDF 215.772KB
Recall 573 Report – 02/23/2024
RCLRPT-24V098-1088.PDF 215.813KB
Recall 573 Report – 02/26/2024
RCLRPT-24V098-7758.PDF 215.816KB
Latest Recalls Documents
For the Latest and Most recent Recall Information Visit the link below…
- Effortless Towing Connection: EZ Latch mechanism enables quick and secure coupling in seconds. Just lower the trailer onto the ball, and the coupler automatically locks into place. No need for pins, levers, or extra tools.
- Durable Materials, Built to Last: The coupler is constructed from high-strength steel with a corrosion-resistant zinc coating for longevity. The composite latch handle is tough, weatherproof, and designed to operate smoothly in harsh conditions.
- Fits a Range of Trailers: It is engineered to work with standard 2-5/16" hitch balls and adjustable channel mounts. Supports trailers up to 21,000 lbs GVWR, ideal for utility, livestock, cargo, and heavy-duty equipment hauls.
- Stress-Free Towing Experience: Say goodbye to difficult hook-ups. The EZ Latch clicks firmly into place for a solid connection, so you can hit the road confidently without second-guessing your setup or dealing with alignment issues.
- Tested and Certified Safe: The trailer coupler complies with SAE J684 industry standards to ensure dependable performance and safe towing. Includes a limited lifetime warranty on the latch handle for added durability and user confidence.
- 3,500 LBS HEAVY-DUTY RATING Rated for a gross trailer weight (GTW) of 3,500 lbs, this 2" coupler is engineered for heavier loads. It provides robust support for 19 ft bow riders, sailboat trailers, and mid-sized equipment haulers, offering a significant capacity upgrade over smaller models.
- 2" BALL & CHANNEL COMPATIBILITY Designed for a standard 2" diameter hitch ball and a 2" wide straight trailer tongue. This specification allows users to standardize multiple trailers to a single ball size, simplifying the connection process for utility and cargo trailers.
- QUICK-RELEASE LATCHING SYSTEM The integrated easy-lock latching mechanism ensures efficient attachment and detachment. The spring-loaded lever provides a firm grip on the hitch ball, maintaining a secure connection through marinas, farm fields, or job sites.
- SAFETY LOCK PRE-DRILLED HOLES Features integrated holes specifically sized to accept a safety pin or coupler lock (sold separately). This design provides a dedicated spot for secondary security to help prevent accidental uncoupling during high-speed travel or while parked.
- ZINC-PLATED SURFACE FINISH Constructed from durable die-cut steel with a zinc-plated metallic finish. This surface treatment is designed for outdoor durability and maintains its functional integrity even with exposure to water and salt during seasonal boating or winter storage.
- EASY ADJUSTABLE:This trailer coupler can be mounted on a vertical channel and it can be easily adjusted up and down to ensure horizontal traction of the vehicle and trailer.
- PRECISE FIT:This trailer hitch coupler can be coupled to any standard trailer ball with a diameter of 2-5/16 inches, capable of withstanding 15,000 pounds of load force.
- EASY TO USE:This trailer coupler is equipped with an easy-lock latch mechanism, the coupler is quick and easy to operate and fits snugly to the trailer ball.
- CORROSION RESISTANT:This adjustable trailer coupler features a durable black powder coat that is easier to drive on rain, snow, and dirt roads for greater corrosion resistance.
- WIDLY USE:This trailer hitch offers excellent towing capability and is compatible with various heavy-duty trailers, making it a versatile choice for multiple vehicle models.
- PRECISE FIT. This trailer coupler is designed to mount onto a 3-inch wide trailer tongue beam and couple to any standard 2-inch diameter trailer ball
- EASILY ADJUSTABLE. Equipped with a posi-lock spring and adjustable nut on the inside, this trailer hitch coupler can easily be adjusted to ensure a snug fit on the trailer ball
- SECURE COUPLING. The posi-lock latch mechanism of this trailer tongue coupler accepts a safety pin or coupler lock for enhanced security
- HIGH-STRENGTH. Constructed from punched, die-cut steel, this trailer ball coupler is rated as a class 3 trailer coupler and has a capacity of 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 700 lbs. tongue weight
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. To easily outlast the elements, including rain, snow, dirt, road grime and more, this straight tongue trailer coupler is finished in a durable zinc plating and makes a great boat trailer coupler
- Use with 2" ball
- Fits 3" wide trailer tongue
- Capacity: 7,000 pounds
- EZ-latch for quick and easy hook and unhook
- Zinc-plated for durability
SEOCONTENT-START
OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Vermeer Manufacturing Company FEB 09, 2024 NHTSA Recall No. : 24V-098 Manufacturer Recall No. : IK4524 Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Vermeer Manufacturing Company Address : 1210 VERMEER ROAD EAST
PO BOX 200 PELLA IA 50219-0200
Company phone : 641-628-3141 Population :
Number of potentially involved : 28 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2016-2021 Vermeer BC1800XL Vehicle Type : TRAILERS Body Style : OTHER Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : Using various manufacturing documents and drawings, as well as personnel records, research was conducted to determine the population of brush chippers equipped with surge brakes that may be affected by premature failure of the tongue weldment. This premature failure of the tongue weldment is unique to the BC1800XL machines equipped with certain surge brake assemblies. 28 units are involved in this campaign.
Production Dates : OCT 12, 2015 – FEB 16, 2021 VIN Range 1 : Begin : 1VRY151Z5G1006018 End : 1VRY151Z1M1010143 ✔ Not sequential Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : Under certain conditions the tongue weldment may develop cracking during transport on a public roadway.
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : If cracking develops and continues to propagate, hitch could separate from
the tongue/towbar possibly resulting in loss of control of the brush chipper and towing vehicle.
Description of the Cause : When the surge brake assembly is equipped, an unfavorable load pattern results in areas of high stress. Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : Inspection for cracks is part of routine machine maintenance and driver inspection. If cracking is found, machine manuals direct repair or replacement.
Involved Components : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098 Page 2 Component Name 1 : NR Component Description : NR Component Part Number : NR Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : NR Address : NR
NR
Country : NR Chronology :
May-2023: Service department received report from dealer regarding failure of tongue weldment and requested parts from dealer for analysis.
December-2023: Service department received parts from dealer for analysis.
January-2024: Service department informed product safety department about failure and initiated evaluation. Service department confirmed no previous reports on issue have been received.
24-January-2024: Product safety department held discussion with service department regarding corrective action after failure report.
2-February-2024: Product safety department met with engineering to discuss evaluation. 5-February-2024: Recall determination was made. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098
Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : Vermeer will prepare field remedy kits which will include the necessary
parts and instructions to resolve safety issues. These field remedy kits will be provided to authorized Vermeer dealers to install. Upon installation and receipt of field remedy kit warranty claim, dealers will be reimbursed for the parts and labor. Owners will be notified of the potential safety risk and available field remedy kit by letter according to the product database records maintained by Vermeer Corporation. Vermeer Corporation pays for all parts and labor for product safety recalls regardless of whether the machine is still covered by its one-year standard limited warranty or whether the warranty has expired. Vermeer Corporation will reimburse a retail customer/machine owner when the owner has paid for a repair prior to the product safety alert field campaign. Owner must provide proof of repair. For an owner to obtain reimbursement, owner must inquire with an authorized, independent Vermeer dealer. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : The remedy will mitigate high stress concentrations on tongue weldment. Recall condition was corrected in production after the last build of the affected tongue weldment on 2/16/2021. Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Dealer notification will begin 21-March-2024 by email with list of
affected machines in their area of responsibility. Owner notification letters will be sent 04-April-2024 with translated letters where necessary for their affected units.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : MAR 21, 2024 – MAR 21, 2024
Planned Owner Notification Date : APR 04, 2024 – APR 04, 2024
* NR – Not Reported
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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Vermeer Manufacturing Company FEB 15, 2024 NHTSA Recall No. : 24V-098 Manufacturer Recall No. : IK4524 Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Vermeer Manufacturing Company Address : 1210 VERMEER ROAD EAST
PO BOX 200 PELLA IA 50219-0200
Company phone : 641-628-3141 Population :
Number of potentially involved : 28 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2016-2021 Vermeer BC1800XL Vehicle Type : TRAILERS Body Style : OTHER Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : Using various manufacturing documents and drawings, as well as personnel records, research was conducted to determine the population of brush chippers equipped with surge brakes that may be affected by premature failure of the tongue weldment. This premature failure of the tongue weldment is unique to the BC1800XL machines equipped with certain surge brake assemblies. 28 units are involved in this campaign.
Production Dates : OCT 12, 2015 – FEB 16, 2021 VIN Range 1 : Begin : 1VRY151Z5G1006018 End : 1VRY151Z1M1010143 ✔ Not sequential Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : Under certain conditions the tongue weldment may develop cracking during transport on a public roadway.
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : If cracking develops and continues to propagate, hitch could separate from
the tongue/towbar possibly resulting in loss of control of the brush chipper and towing vehicle.
Description of the Cause : When the surge brake assembly is equipped, an unfavorable load pattern results in areas of high stress. Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : Inspection for cracks is part of routine machine maintenance and driver inspection. If cracking is found, machine manuals direct repair or replacement.
Involved Components : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098 Page 2 Component Name 1 : NR Component Description : NR Component Part Number : NR Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : NR Address : NR
NR
Country : NR Chronology :
May-2023: Service department received report from dealer regarding failure of tongue weldment and requested parts from dealer for analysis.
December-2023: Service department received parts from dealer for analysis.
January-2024: Service department informed product safety department about failure and initiated evaluation. Service department confirmed no previous reports on issue have been received.
24-January-2024: Product safety department held discussion with service department regarding corrective action after failure report.
2-February-2024: Product safety department met with engineering to discuss evaluation. 5-February-2024: Recall determination was made. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098
Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : Vermeer will prepare field remedy kits which will include the necessary
parts and instructions to secure the trailer tongue. The newly designed surge brake tongue will be integrated into the tongue weldment instead of being bolted on. Upon installation and receipt of field remedy kit warranty claim, dealers will be reimbursed for the parts and labor. Owners will be notified of the potential safety risk and available field remedy kit by letter according to the product database records maintained by Vermeer Corporation. Vermeer Corporation pays for all parts and labor for product safety recalls regardless of whether the machine is still covered by its one- year standard limited warranty or whether the warranty has expired.
Vermeer Corporation will reimburse a retail customer/machine owner when the owner has paid for a repair prior to the product safety alert field campaign. Owner must provide proof of repair. For an owner to obtain reimbursement, owner must inquire with an authorized, independent Vermeer dealer. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : The remedy will mitigate high stress concentrations on tongue weldment. Recall condition was corrected in production after the last build of the affected tongue weldment on 2/16/2021. Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Dealer notification will begin 21-March-2024 by email with list of
affected machines in their area of responsibility. Owner notification letters will be sent 04-April-2024 with translated letters where necessary for their affected units.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : MAR 21, 2024 – MAR 21, 2024
Planned Owner Notification Date : APR 04, 2024 – APR 04, 2024
* NR – Not Reported
**************************************************************************************************************
OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Vermeer Manufacturing Company FEB 26, 2024 NHTSA Recall No. : 24V-098 Manufacturer Recall No. : IK4524 Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Vermeer Manufacturing Company Address : 1210 VERMEER ROAD EAST
PO BOX 200 PELLA IA 50219-0200
Company phone : 641-628-3141 Population :
Number of potentially involved : 17 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2016-2021 Vermeer BC1800XL Vehicle Type : TRAILERS Body Style : OTHER Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : Using various manufacturing documents and drawings, as well as personnel records, research was conducted to determine the population of brush chippers equipped with surge brakes that may be affected by premature failure of the tongue weldment. This premature failure of the tongue weldment is unique to the BC1800XL machines equipped with certain surge brake assemblies. 17 units are involved in this campaign.
Production Dates : OCT 12, 2015 – FEB 13, 2021 VIN Range 1 : Begin : 1VRY151Z5G1006018 End : 1VRY151Z6M1010137 ✔ Not sequential Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : Under certain conditions the tongue weldment may develop cracking during transport on a public roadway.
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : If cracking develops and continues to propagate, hitch could separate from
the tongue/towbar possibly resulting in loss of control of the brush chipper and towing vehicle.
Description of the Cause : When the surge brake assembly is equipped, an unfavorable load pattern results in areas of high stress. Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : Inspection for cracks is part of routine machine maintenance and driver inspection. If cracking is found, machine manuals direct repair or replacement.
Involved Components : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098 Page 2 Component Name 1 : NR Component Description : NR Component Part Number : NR Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : NR Address : NR
NR
Country : NR Chronology :
May-2023: Service department received report from dealer regarding failure of tongue weldment and requested parts from dealer for analysis.
December-2023: Service department received parts from dealer for analysis.
January-2024: Service department informed product safety department about failure and initiated evaluation. Service department confirmed no previous reports on issue have been received.
24-January-2024: Product safety department held discussion with service department regarding corrective action after failure report.
2-February-2024: Product safety department met with engineering to discuss evaluation. 5-February-2024: Recall determination was made. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098
Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : Vermeer will prepare field remedy kits which will include the necessary
parts and instructions to secure the trailer tongue. The newly designed surge brake tongue will be integrated into the tongue weldment instead of being bolted on. Upon installation and receipt of field remedy kit warranty claim, dealers will be reimbursed for the parts and labor. Owners will be notified of the potential safety risk and available field remedy kit by letter according to the product database records maintained by Vermeer Corporation. Vermeer Corporation pays for all parts and labor for product safety recalls regardless of whether the machine is still covered by its one- year standard limited warranty or whether the warranty has expired.
Vermeer Corporation will reimburse a retail customer/machine owner when the owner has paid for a repair prior to the product safety alert field campaign. Owner must provide proof of repair. For an owner to obtain reimbursement, owner must inquire with an authorized, independent Vermeer dealer. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : The remedy will mitigate high stress concentrations on tongue weldment. Recall condition was corrected in production after the last build of the affected tongue weldment on 2/16/2021. Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Dealer notification will begin 21-March-2024 by email with list of
affected machines in their area of responsibility. Owner notification letters will be sent 04-April-2024 with translated letters where necessary for their affected units.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : MAR 21, 2024 – MAR 21, 2024
Planned Owner Notification Date : APR 04, 2024 – APR 04, 2024
* NR – Not Reported
**************************************************************************************************************
OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Vermeer Manufacturing Company FEB 23, 2024 NHTSA Recall No. : 24V-098 Manufacturer Recall No. : IK4524 Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Vermeer Manufacturing Company Address : 1210 VERMEER ROAD EAST
PO BOX 200 PELLA IA 50219-0200
Company phone : 641-628-3141 Population :
Number of potentially involved : 17 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2016-2021 Vermeer BC1800XL Vehicle Type : TRAILERS Body Style : OTHER Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : Using various manufacturing documents and drawings, as well as personnel records, research was conducted to determine the population of brush chippers equipped with surge brakes that may be affected by premature failure of the tongue weldment. This premature failure of the tongue weldment is unique to the BC1800XL machines equipped with certain surge brake assemblies. 28 units are involved in this campaign.
Production Dates : OCT 12, 2015 – FEB 13, 2021 VIN Range 1 : Begin : 1VRY151Z5G1006018 End : 1VRY151Z6M1010137 ✔ Not sequential Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : Under certain conditions the tongue weldment may develop cracking during transport on a public roadway.
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : If cracking develops and continues to propagate, hitch could separate from
the tongue/towbar possibly resulting in loss of control of the brush chipper and towing vehicle.
Description of the Cause : When the surge brake assembly is equipped, an unfavorable load pattern results in areas of high stress. Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : Inspection for cracks is part of routine machine maintenance and driver inspection. If cracking is found, machine manuals direct repair or replacement.
Involved Components : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098 Page 2 Component Name 1 : NR Component Description : NR Component Part Number : NR Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : NR Address : NR
NR
Country : NR Chronology :
May-2023: Service department received report from dealer regarding failure of tongue weldment and requested parts from dealer for analysis.
December-2023: Service department received parts from dealer for analysis.
January-2024: Service department informed product safety department about failure and initiated evaluation. Service department confirmed no previous reports on issue have been received.
24-January-2024: Product safety department held discussion with service department regarding corrective action after failure report.
2-February-2024: Product safety department met with engineering to discuss evaluation. 5-February-2024: Recall determination was made. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-098
Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : Vermeer will prepare field remedy kits which will include the necessary
parts and instructions to secure the trailer tongue. The newly designed surge brake tongue will be integrated into the tongue weldment instead of being bolted on. Upon installation and receipt of field remedy kit warranty claim, dealers will be reimbursed for the parts and labor. Owners will be notified of the potential safety risk and available field remedy kit by letter according to the product database records maintained by Vermeer Corporation. Vermeer Corporation pays for all parts and labor for product safety recalls regardless of whether the machine is still covered by its one- year standard limited warranty or whether the warranty has expired.
Vermeer Corporation will reimburse a retail customer/machine owner when the owner has paid for a repair prior to the product safety alert field campaign. Owner must provide proof of repair. For an owner to obtain reimbursement, owner must inquire with an authorized, independent Vermeer dealer. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : The remedy will mitigate high stress concentrations on tongue weldment. Recall condition was corrected in production after the last build of the affected tongue weldment on 2/16/2021. Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Dealer notification will begin 21-March-2024 by email with list of
affected machines in their area of responsibility. Owner notification letters will be sent 04-April-2024 with translated letters where necessary for their affected units.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : MAR 21, 2024 – MAR 21, 2024
Planned Owner Notification Date : APR 04, 2024 – APR 04, 2024
* NR – Not Reported
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SEOCONTENT-END
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