June 25, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V490000
Lock Nuts may Allow Trailer Hitch to Disconnect
Without a sufficient clamp load, the hitch may unexpectedly detach from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V490
Manufacturer Charles Machine Works Inc
Components TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number of Units Affected 290
Summary
Charles Machine Works Inc (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT17, 2018-2019 VT20 and VT24 trailers. The lock nuts that attach the hitch to the trailer may be insufficient to clamp the load after the hitch height has been adjusted.
Remedy
Charles Machine has notified owners, and will provide new hardware, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles Machine’s number for this recall is ID0568989.
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.
Publication Number: ID0568989
Publication Date: June 2019
Safety Notice
| Affected Models | VT17, VT20, and VT24 trailers built prior to February 2019 |
| Attention | Dealership Owners, Managers, Parts and Service Managers |
| What Dealer Should Do | |
| Parts Required | Kit #190-2483 |
| Estimated Repair Time | 1 hour |
| Compensation | Labor, Mileage, and Parts |
| Dealership Notes | URGENT: Please perform this update as soon as possible in the interest of safety. Ditch Witch requests that you update all machines in your area by 12/31/2019.
A notification will be mailed to owners of affected models in one week. Please note “What You Should Do” section of the attached customer notice. If you have any questions, contact the Trencher/ Trenchless/Electronics Product Support Group. |
Instructions
- Check trailer serial number. Replace trailer lunette mounting hardware (bolts and locknuts) if serial number indicates trailer was manufactured before February 2019.
IMPORTANT: Bolt is p/n 105-2317 and locknut is p/n 105-953. See parts page ID0466871.
- Tighten new trailer lunette hardware to 320ft•lb.
2 Affected Products
Vehicle
| CHARLES MACHINE | DITCH WITCH | 2018-2019 |
6 Associated Documents
Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2019-4
RCLQRT-19V490-4881.PDF 211.332KB
Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-3
RCLQRT-19V490-4629.PDF 211.243KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-19V490-2309.PDF 214.365KB
Remedy Instructions and TSB
RCRIT-19V490-3709.pdf 80.478KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-19V490-5642.pdf 244.896KB
Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2020-1
RCLQRT-19V490-3080.PDF 211.442KB
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