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Heartland Torque Recall 16V201: Trailer Safety Chains Too Weak, Trailer Could Separate

NHTSA campaign 16V201, reported April 8, 2016, 33 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2016-2017 Torque travel trailers (models T31 and T32, built between December 15, 2015 and March 16, 2016) have safety chains on the A-frame rated for 11,700 pounds. That rating is lower than the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating, so the chains may not be strong enough to hold the trailer's weight.

If the main trailer connection fails, the chains could break under the trailer's weight. The trailer could then separate from the towing vehicle, which raises the risk of a crash.

Owners should contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032 or [email protected]. Authorized dealers will replace the safety chains with chains rated at 16,200 pounds at no cost. Check your VIN for any open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 16V201Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC
Component
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER; TRAILER HITCHES
Problem
Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Torque travel trailers, models T31 and T32, manufactured December 15, 2015, to March 16, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with safety chains on the A-frame that are rated for 11,700 lbs instead of being rated equal to, or greater than, the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the travel trailer
Risk
In the event the main trailer connection fails, the weight of the trailer can break the safety chains if the chains are not strong enough, allowing the trailer to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing safety chains with chains that have a 16,200 pound rating, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2016. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032 or by email at [email protected].
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.

Affected vehicles

Heartland Torque20162017