May 29, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V317000
Underrated Safety Chains May Break
If the trailer becomes unhitched from the tow-vehicle, the safety chains may break, leading to complete detachment and potential property damage, personal injury or a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V317
Manufacturer Forest River
, Inc.
Components TRAILER HITCHES, EQUIPMENT
Potential Number of Units Affected 122
Summary
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Haulin, US Cargo, and US Cargo Trail N Sport cargo trailers. The safety chains are insufficient for the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and may break if the trailer comes unhitched.
Remedy
Forest River will notify owners, and a dealer or service center will replace the safety chains, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-848-1335. Forest River’s number for this recall is 24-1167.
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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
NHTSA RECALL: 20V317
CANADA RECALL: 2020-241
FR ID: 24-1167
<<VIN>>
<<OWNER NAME/DEALERNAME>>
<<ADDRESS>>
<<CITY>>, <<ST>> <<ZIP-XXX>>
06/12/2020
This Notice applies to your vehicle VIN listed above.
Dear Forest River Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This notice is also sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Forest River – Office of Corporate Compliance (“OCC”) has decided that a defect, which relates to the motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 20202021 US Cargo, Haulin and Trail & Sport Cargo Trailers. This is to inform you that your vehicle may contain a defect that could affect the safety of a person.
WHAT IS THE DEFECT/NONCOMPLIANCE?
The safety chains do not meet the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and could potentially break under certain conditions.
EVALUATION OF THE RISK TO THE VEHICLE AND OPERATOR(S) RELATED TO THE RECALL.
If the Cargo trailer becomes detached from the tow-vehicle, the safety chains would not meet the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and could potentially break. This condition could lead to complete detachment, causing property damage, personal injury or a crash.
WHAT IS FOREST RIVER AND OUR DEALERSHIPS GOING TO DO?
Forest River is notifying dealerships of the recall. You may have the recall corrected at any Forest River dealership. However, it is preferable if you have your selling dealership perform the remedy. Forest River completely covers your cost for the remedy; you will not receive any bill of sale for anything covered under the above recall number.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Please contact your dealer without delay and request a service appointment to schedule the free remedy to replace the safety chains. The vehicle Owner is responsible for making arrangements to have the work completed. Please state you have been notified by Forest River of having a recall in process for your vehicle and provide the recall number for the dealership. It is also helpful to the dealership to have a copy of this letter when you take your vehicle in for the recall remedy.
You may also visit www.forestriverinc.com for dealer locations.
HOW LONG WILL THE REMEDY PROCESS TAKE?
The estimated time of repair is .5 hours. However, the dealership may need to keep your vehicle or schedule an appointment with you for a later date to fit into their regular service schedule.
WHAT IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR REPAIRS TO YOUR VEHICLE FOR THIS PARTICULAR CONDITION?
If you have already paid for a repair that is within the scope of this defect under recall, you still need to have this recall inspected and/or performed to ensure the correct parts and procedures were utilized.
Additionally, you may be eligible for a refund of previously paid repairs. Refunds will only be provided for within the scope of this defect under recall.
Please send the service invoice to the following address:
US Cargo
Forest River, Inc.
Attn: WARRANTY MANAGER
1280 Commerce Dr.
Bristol, IN 46507
What if you no longer own this vehicle?
If you no longer own this vehicle and have the address for the current owner, please forward this letter to the new owner within 10 working days after the day in which the notice is received. You have received this letter because government regulations require that a notification is sent to the last known owner of record. Our records indicate that you are the current owner.
PLEASE NOTE: FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT ANY VEHICLE LESSOR RECEIVING THIS RECALL NOTICE MUST FORWARD A COPY OF THIS NOTICE TO THE LESSEE WITHIN TEN DAYS.
MAY FOREST RIVER ASSIST YOU FURTHER?
If you have difficulties getting your vehicle repaired, please contact your Forest River Representative listed below:
| CONTACT | PHONE |
| Customer Service | (574) 825-1335 |
If you are still having difficulty getting your vehicle/towable repaired in a reasonable amount of time or without change, you may write to the following address:
| For US Owners Please Contact:
Administrator Or you may call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or (TTY: 1-800-424-9153). Or visit www.safercar.gov and search; | For Canadian Owners Please Contact:
Head of Recalls Telephone (800) 333-0510 Recall ID: 2020-241 |
6 Affected Products
Vehicles
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| HAULIN’ | CARGO TRAILER | 2020-2021 |
| US CARGO | CARGO TRAILER | 2020-2021 |
| US CARGO | TRAIL & SPORT | 2020-2021 |
7 Associated Documents
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-2
RCLQRT-20V317-2233.PDF 211.13KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-20V317-8405.pdf 244.977KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-20V317-6366.PDF 2799.953KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-20V317-9315.pdf 211.477KB
Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-3
RCLQRT-20V317-9044.PDF 211.223KB
Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-4
RCLQRT-20V317-5730.PDF 211.31KB
Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2021-1
RCLQRT-20V317-5052.PDF 211.415KB
Latest Recalls Documents
- [ 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!!!)
- 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
- 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
- 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..
- [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.
Last update on 2026-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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