January 20, 2022 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 22E003000
Trailer separation from a tow vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 22E003
Manufacturer Pacific Trailer Products, Inc
Components EQUIPMENT, TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number of Units Affected 23,719
Summary
Pacific Trailer Products, Inc (Pacific Trailer) is recalling certain RAM
A Frame 2 5/16″ couplers, part numbers CA-5400-O and CA-5400-B. The coupler was improperly welded, which may cause a trailer to separate from the tow vehicle.
Remedy
Pacific Trailer will provide inspection instructions and replace the couplers, as necessary. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Pacific Trailer customer service at 1-360-859-3828.
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.
Product Bulletin
CA-5400 O/B/Z
14K RAM A Frame Couplers with
QC#GTR202107XX Placard Date
Check for coupler welds on bottom side of coupler.
Normal Welds On Coupler up the entire length of the bottom ball clamp
Normal Welds On Coupler the entire length of the back side of bottom ball clamp
If any spot welds like on this coupler, these need to be pulled out of inventory and not used.
Pacific Rim International, LLC
19120 SE 34th Street., Suite 105
Vancouver, WA 98683
Phone: 360-859 3828
Chronology :
The explanation is somebody accidently moved a bin of tack welded (to-be-welded) couplers into the finished products stocking. It then contaminated a few crates that were packed around the same time in July 2021.
For an unrelated reason, the factory was asked to inspect all couplers in stock in the factory in late August.
Some of the couplers had a slightly short weld (non functional and completely different than the recall issue) but in an abundance of caution, the factory sorted all couplers in stock.. There were about 6,000 packaged couplers in the factory. They unpacked all of them, inspected all of them, and did enhancement welding if needed. The factory didn’t see any unwelded couplers among all in stock.
On October 13th we learned about the unwelded coupler defect, the factory was notified immediately and again they inspected all in stock (about 8000 pcs in stock). This time the factory was looking for any unwelded ones and they didn’t find any from inventory. Starting November 1 2021, all customers were notified of the possible defect and were asked to inspect using a inspection document provided by Pacific Trailer Products.
The decision to initiate a recall was made on January 7th 2022 after discussion with Mr. Choon Lee of NHTSA on January 4th 2022 and a subsequent internal discussion. There have been no warranty claims or accidents reported as of January 28 2022 regarding this defect.
1 Affected Product
Equipment
5 Associated Documents
Recall 573 Report – 1/28/2022
RCLRPT-22E003-3563.PDF 214.669KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-22E003-2054.pdf 645.659KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-22E003-7432.PDF 214.457KB
CA_5400 July GTR QC# Weld Product Bulletin.pdf
RMISC-22E003-5607.pdf 384.922KB
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2022-1
RCLQRT-22E003-6377.PDF 211.114KB
Latest Recalls Documents
- 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
- 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 for your towing setup.
- 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 travel or while parked.
- DURABLE E-COATED SURFACE Constructed from thick, die-cut steel with a uniform black E-coated finish. This electrophoretic coating is designed for superior outdoor durability and provides a professional look that complements black trailer frames.
- Constructed from die-cut steel with a durable zinc-plated finish to withstand rust and corrosion to ensure a long service life
- Rated as a class II trailer coupler and has a maximum gross trailer weight capacity of 3,500 lbs and 350 lbs. maximum tongue weight capacity
- Designed to mount onto a 3" wide straight trailer tongue beam and couple to any standard 2" diameter trailer ball
- Equipped with a quick-release latch mechanism for optimal connect and disconnect operation
- Features holes to accept a safety pin with chain to ensure that coupler remains securely latched and connected to hitch ball
- Replaces coupler latch in CURT posi-lock couplers for 2-inch trailer balls (coupler sold separately)
- Fits couplers with 2-inch, 2-1/2-inch or 3-inch channel widths (trailer tongue width)
- Spring and nut posi-lock mechanism allows for easy adjustment
- Features holes to accept a safety pin or coupler lock
- Constructed from high-strength steel and protected by a durable zinc-plated finish
Last update on 2026-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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SEOCONTENT-START
Pacific Rim International, LLC
19120 SE 34
th Street., Suite 105
Vancouver, WA 98683
Phone: 360
859 3828
Product Bulletin
CA
5400 O/B/Z
14K
RAM A Frame Couplers with
QC#GTR202107XX Placard Date
Check for coupler welds on bottom side of coupler.
Normal Welds On Coupler up
the entire length of the bottom
ball clamp
Page 1 of 3
Pacific Rim International, LLC
Pacific Rim International, LLC
19120 SE 34
19120 SE 34ththStreet., Suite 105Street., Suite 105
Vancouver, WA 98683
Vancouver, WA 98683
Phone: 360
Phone: 360–859859–38283828
Product Bulletin
Product Bulletin
CA
CA–54005400–O/B/ZO/B/Z
14K RAM A
14K RAM A–Frame Frame Couplers withCouplers with
QC#GTR202107XX Placard Date
QC#GTR202107XX Placard Date
Check for coupler welds on bottom side of coupler.
Check for coupler welds on bottom side of coupler.
Normal Welds On
Normal Welds On Coupler Coupler the the entire length of the entire length of the back side back side of bottom of bottom ball clampball clamp
Page 2 of 3
Page 2 of 3
Pacific Rim International, LLC
Pacific Rim International, LLC
19120 SE 34
19120 SE 34ththStreet., Suite 105Street., Suite 105
Vancouver, WA 98683
Vancouver, WA 98683
Phone: 360
Phone: 360–859859–38283828
Product Bulletin
Product Bulletin
CA
CA–54005400–O/B/ZO/B/Z
14K RAM A
14K RAM A–Frame Frame Couplers withCouplers with
QC#GTR202107XX Placard Date
QC#GTR202107XX Placard Date
Check for coupler welds on bottom side of coupler.
Check for coupler welds on bottom side of coupler.
If
Ifanyanyspotspotweldsweldslikelikeononthisthiscoupler,coupler,these need to be these need to be pulled out of inventory and not pulled out of inventory and not used.used.
Page
Page 3 3 of of 33
**************************************************************************************************************
OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22E-003
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Pacific Trailer Products, Inc
Submission Date : JAN 20, 2022
NHTSA Recall No. : 22E-003
Manufacturer Recall No. : NR
Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Pacific Trailer Products, Inc
Address : 19120 SE 34th St., Suite 105
Vancouver WA 98683
Company phone : 360-859-3828
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 23,719
Estimated percentage with defect : 1 %
Equipment Information :
Brand / Trade 1 : RAM
Model : N/A
Part No. : CA-5400-O, CA-5400-B
Size : 2 5/16″ A Frame
Function : Coupler
Descriptive Information : A bin of tack welded (incomplete weld) CA-5400 couplers were mixed into other
finished products in July 2021 at our factory. These couplers were assembled
and shipped to customers between 8/6/2021-10/25/2021. All couplers shipped
are identified with tracking numbers called QC codes. All customers receiving
the couplers from the suspect QC codes were contacted via email, provided a
“Product Bulletin” (inspection document), and asked to inspect for the defect.
Results show actual percent defective to be less than 0.2%.
Production Dates : JUL 01, 2021 – JUL 31, 2021
Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : The bottom portion of the coupler may have not been completely welded.
FMVSS 1 : NR
FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : The coupler welds could fail and may cause trailer/tow vehicle separation.
Description of the Cause : The final welding operation was missed at the factory of some parts. A bin of
tack welded (incomplete weld) CA-5400 couplers were mixed into other
finished products in July 2021 at our factory. These couplers were assembled
and shipped to customers between 8/6/2021-10/25/2021. All couplers
shipped are identified with tracking numbers called QC codes. All customers
receiving the couplers from the suspect QC codes were contacted via email,
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22E-003 Page 2
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
provided an inspection document, and asked to inspect for the defect. Results
show actual percent defective to be less than 0.2%.
Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur :
Broken and incomplete welds will be visible on the bottom side of the coupler.
An easy visual inspection will identify the problem.
Involved Components :
Component Name : NR
Component Description : NR
Component Part Number : NR
Supplier Identification :
Component Manufacturer
Name : NR
Address : NR
NR
Country : NR
Chronology :
The explanation is somebody accidently moved a bin of tack welded (to-be-welded) couplers into the finished
products stocking. It then contaminated a few crates that were packed around the same time in July 2021.
For an unrelated reason, the factory was asked to inspect all couplers in stock in the factory in late August.
Some of the couplers had a slightly short weld (non functional and completely different than the recall issue)
but in an abundance of caution, the factory sorted all couplers in stock.. There were about 6,000 packaged
couplers in the factory. They unpacked all of them, inspected all of them, and did enhancement welding if
needed. The factory didn’t see any unwelded couplers among all in stock.
On October 13th we learned about the unwelded coupler defect, the factory was notified immediately and
again they inspected all in stock (about 8000 pcs in stock). This time the factory was looking for any unwelded
ones and they didn’t find any from inventory. Starting November 1 2021, all customers were notified of the
possible defect and were asked to inspect using a inspection document provided by Pacific Trailer Products.
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22E-003 Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : All customers were notified in writing in November 2021 and asked to sort
for the defect using an inspection document provided by Pacific Trailer
Products. All costs will or were reimbursed for this issue. NHTSA recall
letters and process will occur in February 2022.
How Remedy Component Differs
from Recalled Component :
The remedy coupler is fully welded on the bottom side. The recalled
coupler is not fully welded on the bottom side.
Identify How/When Recall Condition
was Corrected in Production :
The unwelded coupler crate was mixed in production in July 2021, after
extensive sorting and inspection starting in August 2021, no incomplete
welded couplers were found. An in process inspection was added to
inspect for the condition immediately after the condition was identified in
October 2021.
Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Letters will be mailed in the February -March 2022 time frame.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : FEB 01, 2022 – FEB 28, 2022
Planned Owner Notification Date : MAR 01, 2022 – MAR 31, 2022
Purchaser Information :
The following manufacturers purchased this defective/noncompliant equipment for possible use or
installation in new motor vehicles or new items of motor vehicle equipment:
Name : NR
Address : NR
NR
Country : NR
Company Phone : NR
* NR – Not Reported
**************************************************************************************************************
OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22E-003
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Pacific Trailer Products, Inc
Submission Date : JAN 28, 2022
NHTSA Recall No. : 22E-003
Manufacturer Recall No. : NR
Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Pacific Trailer Products, Inc
Address : 19120 SE 34th St., Suite 105
Vancouver WA 98683
Company phone : 360-859-3828
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 23,719
Estimated percentage with defect : 1 %
Equipment Information :
Brand / Trade 1 : RAM
Model : N/A
Part No. : CA-5400-O, CA-5400-B
Size : 2 5/16″ A Frame
Function : Coupler
Descriptive Information : A bin of tack welded (incomplete weld) CA-5400 couplers were mixed into other
finished products in July 2021 at our factory. These couplers were assembled
and shipped to customers between 8/6/2021-10/25/2021. All couplers shipped
are identified with tracking numbers called QC codes. All customers receiving
the couplers from the suspect QC codes were contacted via email, provided a
“Product Bulletin” (inspection document), and asked to inspect for the defect.
Results show actual percent defective to be less than 0.2%.
Production Dates : JUL 01, 2021 – JUL 31, 2021
Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : The bottom portion of the coupler may have not been completely welded.
FMVSS 1 : NR
FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : The coupler welds could fail and may cause trailer/tow vehicle separation
causing an increased risk of a crash.
Description of the Cause : The final welding operation was missed at the factory of some parts. A bin of
tack welded (incomplete weld) CA-5400 couplers were mixed into other
finished products in July 2021 at our factory. These couplers were assembled
and shipped to customers between 8/6/2021-10/25/2021. All couplers
shipped are identified with tracking numbers called QC codes. All customers
receiving the couplers from the suspect QC codes were contacted via email,
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22E-003 Page 2
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
provided an inspection document, and asked to inspect for the defect. Results
show actual percent defective to be less than 0.2%.
Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur :
Broken and incomplete welds will be visible on the bottom side of the coupler.
An easy visual inspection will identify the problem.
Involved Components :
Component Name : NR
Component Description : NR
Component Part Number : NR
Supplier Identification :
Component Manufacturer
Name : NR
Address : NR
NR
Country : NR
Chronology :
The explanation is somebody accidently moved a bin of tack welded (to-be-welded) couplers into the finished
products stocking. It then contaminated a few crates that were packed around the same time in July 2021.
For an unrelated reason, the factory was asked to inspect all couplers in stock in the factory in late August.
Some of the couplers had a slightly short weld (non functional and completely different than the recall issue)
but in an abundance of caution, the factory sorted all couplers in stock.. There were about 6,000 packaged
couplers in the factory. They unpacked all of them, inspected all of them, and did enhancement welding if
needed. The factory didn’t see any unwelded couplers among all in stock.
On October 13th we learned about the unwelded coupler defect, the factory was notified immediately and
again they inspected all in stock (about 8000 pcs in stock). This time the factory was looking for any unwelded
ones and they didn’t find any from inventory. Starting November 1 2021, all customers were notified of the
possible defect and were asked to inspect using a inspection document provided by Pacific Trailer Products.
The decision to initiate a recall was made on January 7th 2022 after discussion with Mr. Choon Lee of NHTSA
on January 4th 2022 and a subsequent internal discussion. There have been no warranty claims or accidents
reported as of January 28 2022 regarding this defect.
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22E-003 Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : All customers were notified in writing in November 2021 and asked to sort
for the defect using an inspection document provided by Pacific Trailer
Products. All costs will or were reimbursed for this issue. NHTSA recall
letters and process will occur in February 2022. Pacific Trailer Products
will submit all necessary quarterly reports.
How Remedy Component Differs
from Recalled Component :
The remedy coupler is fully welded on the bottom side. The recalled
coupler is not fully welded on the bottom side.
Identify How/When Recall Condition
was Corrected in Production :
The unwelded coupler crate was mixed in production in July 2021, after
extensive sorting and inspection starting in August 2021, no incomplete
welded couplers were found. An in process inspection was added to
inspect for the condition immediately after the condition was identified in
October 2021.
Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Letters will be mailed in the February -March 2022 time frame.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : FEB 01, 2022 – FEB 28, 2022
Planned Owner Notification Date : MAR 01, 2022 – MAR 31, 2022
Purchaser Information :
The following manufacturers purchased this defective/noncompliant equipment for possible use or
installation in new motor vehicles or new items of motor vehicle equipment:
Name : NR
Address : NR
NR
Country : NR
Company Phone : NR
* NR – Not Reported
SEOCONTENT-END