21E079 Rigid Hitch DHB Weld

August 25, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21E079000

Incorrect Temperature Setting for Weld

Incorrect torch angle or weld temperature setting could cause the weld to fail, causing loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21E079

Manufacturer Rigid Hitch Inc.

Components STRUCTURE

Potential Number of Units Affected 80

 

Summary

Rigid Hitch, Inc. (Rigid Hitch) is recalling certain DHB-4 4″ Drop, DHB-6 6″ Drop or 6″ Rise, DHB-10 10″ Drop/10″ Rise, and DHB-8 8″ Drop/8″ Rise tow hitches. The torch angle or temperature setting used to apply the weld may have been incorrect.

 

Remedy

Rigid Hitch will provide a full reimbursement for all returned units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Rigid Hitch customer service at 1-952-895-5001.

 

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.

 

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Project Number: 18003

Date: 02/02/18

 

TESTLINK SERVICES, INC.

903 Guthrie St.

P.O. Box 221

De Soto, IA 50069

 

 

Report of Hitch Testing

Performed on one Dual Hitch Extender Design

in Accordance with SAE J684 Class 4- 10,000 lbs. Weight Carrying

Model/Part Nos.: DHB-10

Prepared for: RIGID HITCH, INC.

Attn: Blane Wirth

3301 West Burnsville Parkway Burnsville, MN 55337-9150

 

 

This Report prepared by:

Carl C. Andreasen

Project Engineer

Product Evaluation Dept.

Phone:515-834-9050

 

 

Introduction: 

This report presents the results of testing performed on one dual tube hitch extender design in accordance with the latest version of SAE J684 (Reaf. MAY2014), Table 3. This work was requested by Blane Wirth of Rigid Hitch Inc. and will be invoiced per purchase order number 010518BW (TSI proposal# 1005). The product was received on January 8, 2018 with the work conducted on January 10 through February 2, 2018.

 

Summary of Results: 

1 / DHB-10 /Dual Hitch Extender	Class 4 – 10,000	750 I 500 (total change in tube axis 1.9°)	Yes (total change in ball axis 4.5° with test loads in accesso    tube)
Performance is expected to be lower when hitch is mounted onto actual vehicle applications.

 

Note: For any projected ratings in excess of the 10,000-pound limit of this SAE standard, extrapolated values were used to calculate test loads.

 

 

As Received

Sample Description:

 

Type of Device: Hitch component; class 4 extender w/dual tubes, for nominal 2″ receiver hitches.

 

Test Procedure: 

Per SAE J684, Table 3; The test specimens are secured in an essentially non-yielding receiver hitch simulation according to the manufacturers recommended installation instructions.  All forces are then applied through an essentially non-yielding ball and ball mount with an onset rate of not more than 150 lbs.Isec. Main receiver tube tested with a lab supplied ball mount having 0 lift and a 6.0″ extension  from the ball platform centerline to the receiver lip. A preload of 400 lbs. is used for initial axis readings in degrees.

 

This report is subject to the adequacy and representative character of the sample provided. and to the comprehensiYeness of the tests requested and performed. In the interests of accuracy and avoidance of misunderstanding, quotations from or citations of this report arc authorized only

 

Carrier Loads per Customer; The test specimens  are secured as above.  All forces are then applied through an essentially non-yielding Cargo carrier/tray with an onset rate of not more than 150 lbs./sec. The first load is applied to the extreme center (rearmost) of the tray and a second load to an extreme corner (rearmost). A preload of 50 lbs. is used for initial axis readings in degrees.

 

Instrumentation: 

The verification of load cell accuracy used for this project is by an Instron Model 3385H, serial #3217 with an NIST traceable calibration due date of December 7, 2018.

 

TEST RESULTS: (using accessory tube)

 

Model/Part No.: DHB-10

SAE J684 TABLE3, Wefaht Carrvin2 Class 4-10,000 lbs. GVWR)
Direction	Required Load, lbs.	Permanent Change in Ball Axis, Degrees	Complies, Yes/No
a. Downward and Compressive (in deepest drop)	5,180 & 5,180	4.5°	Yes
b. Tensile and Downward (in hi hest rise)	3,830 & 1,500	0.6°	Yes
c. Compressive and Downward (in deenest dron)	3,830 & 1,500	0.20	Yes
d. & e. Transverse, Leftward/Rightward (in highest rise)	1,500	0°(0.1″)	Yes
	2,500	0° (0.3″)	Yes

 

The final position of the ball axis did not depart more than 5° from the original, nominally vertical, position following the application of the required test loads. Total – 4.5°.

 

 

As Tested, with Accessory Tube, in Deepest Drop

This report is subject to the adequacy and representative character of the sample provided, and to the comprehensiveness of the tests requested and performed. 1n the interests of accuracy and avoidance of misunderstanding, quotations from or citations of this report are authorized only

 

 

Additional test results:

Direction	Center Line of Carrier, Rearmost Point (moment arm, 24 inches to receiver lip)	Extreme Corner of Carrier, Rearmost Point	Comments, Degrees (permanent change in accessory tube axis)
Downward	750 Lbs. 0.6° under load	500 Lbs. (3.3° under load)	1.90 following consecutive loads

 

As Tested, with Accessory Tube, in Highest Rise for Cargo

 

Specimen Detail:	DHB-10
Insert (shank):	Nominal 2.0″sq. O.D., solid stock, 8.0″ long. The 0.64″ hole  for  a lock/pin is centered 2.5″ from the insert end. Permanent  Markings: None
Extended Receiver Tube:	Nominal 2.0″sq. I.D. 0.24″ wall, 8.0″ long with crimped lip. The 0.64″ hole for a lock/pin is centered 2.5″ from the receiver end, with a full perimeter weld to the insert with 2.0″ of overlap. Permanent Marking: None
Accessory Tube:	Nominal 2.0″sq. I.D. 0.24″ wall, 6.6″ long, open ended, with crimped lip. The tube is centered, and butt welded on top of a 2.0″sq. O.D. 0.19″ wall, 8.75″ long at an angle (7.0″ above main tube) in turn welded to top of the receiver tube. The 0.64″ hole for a lock/pin is centered 2.5″ from the receiver end. Permanent Markings: None
Possible Offset/Extension:	0.5” drop and rise with an 8.9″ extension, from anticipated location of the receiver lip (8.9″ from hole to hole, 14.9″ from insert hole to test ball centerline).

 

Sample Disposition: 

The test specimen from this project will be returned, ground freight, via UPS, per clients’ request.

 

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Manufacturers of Trailer Hitches & Towing Products Distributors of Leading Trailer Hitch, Trailer Parts & Truck Accessory Lines

 

An ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL – NHTSA RECALL NO. 21E079

 

August 31, 2021

 

To: Retail Purchaser of a Rigid Hitch manufactured Tow Bar and Accessory Receiver

 

Re: Voluntary Product Recall – Part Numbers DHB-4, DHB-6, DHB-8, & DHB-10

 

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Highway Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

 

Rigid Hitch has decided that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the following part numbers DHB-4, DHB-6, DHB-8, & DHB-10 all units purchased between January, 2021 and August, 2021.  This part was provided to you by one of our dealers and your purchase falls within the timeline affected.

 

Part Number(s) affected

DHB-4	4 inch Drop/Rise Tow Bar Accessory Receiver
DHB-6	6 inch Drop/Rise Tow Bar Accessory Receiver
DHB-8	8 inch Drop/Rise Tow Bar Accessory Receiver
DHB-10	10 inch Drop/Rise Tow Bar Accessory Receiver

 

Problem identified 

During manufacturing the torch angle or temperature setting that was used to apply the weld may have been incorrect.  This can cause the weld to fail, possibly causing loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

What should you do 

If you have this Voluntary Product Recall form you have been contacted by the selling dealer or directly by Rigid Hitch, Inc. based on information that has been provided. The return of the product can be done with your original retail purchaser or can be handled directly by the manufacturer – Rigid Hitch, Inc.

 

What will we do

After receiving this form, we will be in contact with you to determine how you would like to handle the replacement of the affected part.

• All paperwork required for the return of the recalled item(s) to Rigid Hitch, Inc. will be provided.
• A refund will be issued by Rigid Hitch, Inc. once the recalled item(s) arrive at our office.

 

We apologize for any inconvenience that this action places on you, our intentions are to help you in any way that we can to make our Voluntary Recall work as smoothly as possible. We are here to handle this situation in a prompt and efficient manner.

 

Quality manufacturing and product integrity have always been our highest standard and your confidence in us is of the utmost importance. We appreciate your business, and you may rest assured that our commitment to quality is unwavering. We will be manufacturing an enhanced version of this product soon.

 

Contact us:

https://www.rigidhitch.com/recall

Toll Free 800.624.7630 – please reference extension 265 – Les Narum our Associate Product Manager

 

If you believe that Rigid Hitch has failed to remedy this defect adequately or in a timely manner, you may contact  NHTSA at: Administrator; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE; Washington, DC  20590.   Alternatively, you may call the DOT Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Scott Nielsen

Product Manager – Rigid Hitch, Inc.

 

3301 West Burnsville Parkway • Burnsville, MN  55337-4290
Phone: (952) 895-5001 • (800) 624-7630 • Fax: (877) 895-9150

 

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1 Affected Product

Equipment

BRAND	PART NO.	PRODUCTION DATES
RIGID HITCH	TOW BAR

 

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6 Associated Documents

Defect Recall 573 Report

RCLRPT-21E079-2075.PDF 219.454KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-21E079-7936.pdf 646.032KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document – DHB Testing Report

RMISC-21E079-0679.pdf 498.597KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21E079-8294.pdf 246.518KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1

RCLRPT-21E079-3020.PDF 219.51KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2021-3

RCLQRT-21E079-3761.PDF 211.119KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=21E079&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2026-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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