May 20, 2022 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 22V366000
Trailer separation from a tow vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V366
Manufacturer Joe’s Trailer Mfg.
Components TRAILER HITCHES, EQUIPMENT
Potential Number of Units Affected 20
Summary
Joe’s Trailer Mfg. (Joe’s) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Great Lakes Tandem 16′, 18′ and 20′ trailers. The coupler was improperly welded, which may cause the trailer to separate from the tow vehicle.
Remedy
Joe’s will inspect and replace the coupler as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed in July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Joe’s customer service at 1-734-261-0050.
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.
Joe’s Trailer Mfg. has decided that a defect, which relates to recreational vehicle/Trailer safety, may exist in some 2021 and 2022 16’,18’, and 20’ Tandem Trailer/vehicles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY DEFECT AND SAFETY HAZARD
Joe’s Trailer has determined that they may have received some couplers that may have been manufactured to specification. A batch of incomplete welded couplers were mixed with completed weld couplers at the manufacturer. This could cause the trailer to separate from the tow vehicle without prior warning, leading to a potential crash.
REPAIRS
To correct this condition, Joe’s Trailer will replace the coupler at no cost to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
You should immediately contact Joe’s Trailer to determine if your coupler was manufactured out of specification. If you prefer not to operate your trailer until repairs are made, please contact Joe’s Trailer to make arrangements to have your trailer towed to a repair shop at no cost to you.
There are several important precautions you should take until this repair has been performed. The welds in question are on the bottom side of the coupler, and holds the bracket towards the trailer side in place for proper ball placement and securement. A coupler welded out of specification will only have a few small “tack” welds holding the bracket on, not a complete weld (approximately 1” long on both sides of the bracket)
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The actual time to replace your vehicle/trailer coupler is 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, it may be necessary to leave your vehicle/trailer for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow for flexibility in scheduling. Please present this letter to Joe’s Trailer at the time this repair is performed.
IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSITANCE:
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 734‐261‐0050
Mondays and Thursdays – 8:00 am – 7:00 pm ET
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm ET
Saturdays – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm ET
Mailing Address: 13374 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI 48150
Chronology :
We were contacted by our supplier of a possible defect on the coupler. We cross checked our Purchase orders and found that we had received 10 during the 8/6/2021-10/25/21 dates provided in their 573. Our inventory levels automatically reorder at a minimum inventory level of 5. To cover for any potential mix up of new/old inventory, we are recalling 20 trailers to cover all potentially affected trailers. We did have two units that were sold as replacement parts, which we will be contacting our customer to reach out to their customer they may have installed the part on. We strictly manufacture for ourselves, so we do not have any dealers that we sell to.
22E003 – Coupler Improperly Welded – Pacific Trailer RAM A Frame 2 5/16″ Couplers
http://oemdtc.com/7220/22e003-coupler-improperly-welded-pacific-trailer-ram
-a-frame-2-5-16-couplers
6 Affected Products
Vehicles
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| GREAT LAKES | TANDEM 16′ | 2021-2022 |
| GREAT LAKES | TANDEM 18′ | 2021-2022 |
| GREAT LAKES | TANDEM 20′ | 2021-2022 |
4 Associated Documents
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-22V366-5648.pdf 646.423KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-22V366-6546.PDF 215.261KB
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2022-3
RCLQRT-22V366-9185.PDF 211.113KB
Issued Owner Notification Letter
RCONL-22V366-7311.pdf 125.646KB
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
Dear Joe’s Trailer owner: This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Joe’s Trailer Mfg. has decided that a defect, which relates to recreational vehicle/Trailer safety, may exist in some 2021 and 2022 16’,18’, and 20’ Tandem Trailer/vehicles. DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY DEFECT AND SAFETY HAZARD Joe’s Trailer has determined that they may have received some couplers that may have been manufactured to specification. A batch of incomplete welded couplers were mixed with completed weld couplers at the manufacturer. This could cause the trailer to separate from the tow vehicle without prior warning, leading to a potential crash. REPAIRS To correct this condition, Joe’s Trailer will replace the coupler at no cost to you. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO You should immediately contact Joe’s Trailer to determine if your coupler was manufactured out of specification. If you prefer not to operate your trailer until repairs are made, please contact Joe’s Trailer to make arrangements to have your trailer towed to a repair shop at no cost to you. There are several important precautions you should take until this repair has been performed. The welds in question are on the bottom side of the coupler, and holds the bracket towards the trailer side in place for proper ball placement and securement. A coupler welded out of specification will only have a few small “tack” welds holding the bracket on, not a complete weld (approximately 1” long on both sides of the bracket) HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE? Important Safety Recall Notice Joe’s Trailer Recall Campaign NEF‐107MR NHTSA Recall No. 22V‐366 The actual time to replace your vehicle/trailer coupler is 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, it may be necessary to leave your vehicle/trailer for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow for flexibility in scheduling. Please present this letter to Joe’s Trailer at the time this repair is performed. IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSITANCE: If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly: Email: [email protected] Phone: 734‐261‐0050 Mondays and Thursdays – 8:00 am – 7:00 pm ET Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm ET Saturdays – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm ET Mailing Address: 13374 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI 48150 You 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 wwww.nhtsa.gov. Your continued satisfaction with Joe’s Trailer is important to us. Please understand that we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and your vehicle’s proper operation. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause and urge you to contact Joe’s as soon as possible to have this repair performed. Sincerely, Joe’s Trailer Mfg.
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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-366 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Joe’s Trailer Mfg. Submission Date : MAY 20, 2022 NHTSA Recall No. : 22V-366 Manufacturer Recall No. : NR Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Joe’s Trailer Mfg. Address : 13374 Farmington Rd. Livonia MI 48150 Company phone : 2610050 Population : Number of potentially involved : 20 Estimated percentage with defect : 1 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2021-2022 Great Lakes Tandem 16′ Vehicle Type : TRAILERS Body Style : OTHER Power Train : NR Descriptive Information : We received a recall from one of our suppliers. During the noted shipping dates, we received a total of 10 of those part numbers. To account for mixed stock of old and new, we doubled that number and accounted for the next 20 trailers. Our inventory re-order point is 5, so 20 trailers would cover all potential defective parts, including previous inventory. These trailers are two axle trailers, so they require the defective part in question, a 2 5/16″ coupler, rather than a 2″ coupler, used on all of our other trailers. Production Dates : SEP 30, 2021 – MAR 31, 2022 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Vehicle 2 : 2021-2022 Great Lakes Tandem 18′ Vehicle Type : TRAILERS Body Style : OTHER Power Train : NR Descriptive Information : We received a recall from one of our suppliers. During the noted shipping dates, we received a total of 10 of those part numbers. To account for mixed stock of old and new, we doubled that number and accounted for the next 20 trailers. Our inventory re-order point is 5, so 20 trailers would cover all potential defective parts, including previous inventory. These trailers are two axle trailers, so they require the defective part in question, a 2 5/16″ coupler, rather than a 2″ coupler, used on all of our other trailers. Production Dates : SEP 30, 2021 – MAR 31, 2022 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-366 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Vehicle 3 : 2021-2022 Great Lakes Tandem 20′ Vehicle Type : TRAILERS Body Style : OTHER Power Train : NR Descriptive Information : We received a recall from one of our suppliers. During the noted shipping dates, we received a total of 10 of those part numbers. To account for mixed stock of old and new, we doubled that number and accounted for the next 20 trailers. Our inventory re-order point is 5, so 20 trailers would cover all potential defective parts, including previous inventory. These trailers are two axle trailers, so they require the defective part in question, a 2 5/16″ coupler, rather than a 2″ coupler, used on all of our other trailers. Production Dates : SEP 30, 2021 – MAR 31, 2022 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential 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, which could cause a potential 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. These couplers were assembled and shipped to customers between 8/6/2021 – 10/25/2021. 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 1 : 2 5/16″ coupler Component Description : 2 5/16″ a-frame coupler Component Part Number : CA-5400 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-366 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Name : Pacific Trailer Products, Inc. Address : 3507 NW 14th Ave. Camas Washington 98607 Country : United States Chronology : We were contacted by our supplier of a possible defect on the coupler. We cross checked our Purchase orders and found that we had received 10 during the 8/6/2021-10/25/21 dates provided in their 573. Our inventory levels automatically reorder at a minimum inventory level of 5. To cover for any potential mix up of new/old inventory, we are recalling 20 trailers to cover all potentially affected trailers. We did have two units that were sold as replacement parts, which we will be contacting our customer to reach out to their customer they may have installed the part on. We strictly manufacture for ourselves, so we do not have any dealers that we sell to. Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : We do not have any dealers, as we sell directly to our customer base. All customers will be notified by either phone or mail by Joe’s Trailer. All costs will be reimbursed for this issue. NHTSA recall letters and process will occur in July of 2022. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : The remedy component will have a full, complete weld on the bottom side. The recalled component is not fully welded on the bottom Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : We received notification of a potential defect in May of 2022. We immediately looked at our purchase orders from our supplier during the dates on the 573 recall. We received 10 potential components that could be defective. Our minimum inventory to reorder is 5, putting the total in question at 15 components. We are recalling 20 trailers/parts, to account for old/new stock. Some of the components in question were still on our sales lot and immediately checked for defects, which were none (0). Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : We will first reach out to customers by phone and ask for them to check/ send us photographic proof of the bottom side of their coupler, NHTSA recall letters will go out July 2022, if not 100% by July. Planned Dealer Notification Date : NR – NR Planned Owner Notification Date : MAY 20, 2022 – JUL 19, 2022 * NR – Not Reported
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