Draw-Tite Important Safety Recall
Draw-Tite has identified an issue with 2 Ball & Pintle Hook Combination
products which they have directed to recall.
The Draw-Tite document outlining this is included in this communication.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
RECALL NO. 20E065
RELEASE: December 2020
For Immediate Release
This notice is in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Horizon Global Americas Inc. (Horizon Global) has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Draw-Tite brand Ball & Pintle Hook Combination products listed below. Horizon is conducting a voluntary safety recall to address the issue.
What Is The Problem?
Due to a process change at the supplier in effect during a specified production period, a pivot hole on the base component of some of these products may be out of position, resulting in less engagement between the T-latch and the base. This condition, if present, can prevent the upper moveable jaw from locking securely in the closed position. If the T-latch engagement is sufficiently reduced, there is a risk of opening and separation of the trailer from the towing vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What Products Are Involved?
This recall involves the following products:
If you purchased one of the above items, your product may be affected. Because not all such parts are affected by the condition, please see the “WHAT YOU SHOULD DO” portion of this letter for further instructions to determine whether your part is affected and should be returned.
Products purchased after August 31, 2020 are not affected. These unaffected products will contain either (i) the number “20” stamped on either side of the mounting flange indicating that the product has been inspected and accepted, or (ii) a date code stamped on the neck in the following format – “J Y WW,” where J = Supplier Code, Y = Year Code (A =2020, B = 2021, etc.), and WW = Calendar Week Number – indicating that the product was manufactured after August 31, 2020. (Thus, for example, JA43 indicates that the product was manufactured during the 43rd week of 2020.) These stamps can be found on the Base of the Ball & Pintle Assembly where indicated in these photos:
What Should You Do?
Because not all of the parts listed above are defective, Horizon Global has developed inspection instructions that may be used to determine whether your product is affected by this issue. Inspection instructions (including a how-to video) are available at https://www.draw-tite.com/product-recalls. If your product fails the inspections please contact your local Wheelco Truck & Trailer for your free replacement parts. You do not have to register your product with Draw-Tite for the recall.
If you are unable to perform the inspection or if you would prefer to have the inspection performed for you, please contact your local Wheelco Truck & Trailer for additional assistance.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding this recall, please contact your local Wheelco Truck & Trailer or email us at supportcenter@wheelco.com. If you are unable to obtain a remedy without charge within a reasonable time, you may submit a complaint to: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590; or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Horizon Global is taking this action in the interest of your safety and satisfaction with their products.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your attention to this matter.
About Wheelco Truck & Trailer
Wheelco is the truck and trailer parts distribution leader in the upper Midwest with a flagship parts store and service shop in Sioux Falls, SD. Six Wheelco locations offer extensive parts inventories and three excellent service shops, along with shipping, daily parts delivery on designated routes and emergency roadside assistance. Proud to be family owned and customer driven since 1961. | www.wheelco.com
SOURCE: Wheelco Truck and Trailer
RELATED LINKS: https://www.draw-tite.com/product-recalls