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Coachmen Freedom Express Recall 17V611: Misaligned Axles Can Affect Handling and Crash Risk

NHTSA campaign 17V611, reported October 2, 2017, 594 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express recreational trailers may have been built without reinforcement stiffeners welded to the exterior I-beam in the axle area. Without these stiffeners, the axles can become misaligned.

Misaligned axles can affect how the trailer handles on the road, which increases the risk of a crash. Owners should take this recall seriously and have their trailer checked as soon as possible.

The repair is free. Forest River will notify owners, and the frame manufacturer will inspect the trailer for frame reinforcements, install them where needed, and secure the axle mountings at no cost. Contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8205 or Lippert Components customer service at 1-574-537-8900, referencing Forest River recall number 220-0529. Owners can also check their VIN for 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 17V611Forest River, Inc.
Component
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS; SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Problem
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express recreational trailers. The frames on these vehicles may not have had reinforcement stiffeners welded onto the exterior I-Beam in the axle area, allowing the axles to be misaligned.
Risk
Misaligned axles can affect vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Forest River will notify owners, and the frame manufacturer will inspect the trailer for frame reinforcements, installing them as necessary and secure the axle mountings, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8205, or Lippert Components customer service at 1-574-537-8900. Forest River's number for this recall is 220-0529.
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

Coachmen Freedom Express20132014