CarRecallWatch- Component
- TRAILER HITCHES
- Problem
- Airstream, Inc. (Airstream) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Sport, Nest, Flying Cloud, International Serenity, International Signature, Classic, Globetrotter and Tommy Bahama trailers and 2020 Basecamp, Bambi and Caravel trailers. Due to improper welding, the Demco ball coupler installed on the travel trailers may not provide enough clamping force on the tow ball, potentially causing the coupler to separate from the tow ball.
- Risk
- If the coupler separates from the tow ball, the trailer can detach from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Airstream will notify owners, and will send a temporary use adaptor that can be slipped over the ball portion of the coupler to allow owners to tow their trailers. For the final remedy, dealers will add a shim plate to the backside of the ball coupler clamp to put it in position to apply the required clamping force on the tow ball, free of charge. The recall began November 13, 2019. Owners may contact Airstream customer service at 1-877-596-6505 or 1-937-596-6111 extension 7401 or 7411.
- 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.
What this recall means for you
A welding defect in the Demco ball coupler on certain Airstream travel trailers may mean the coupler does not clamp firmly enough onto the tow ball. If the coupler separates from the tow ball, the trailer can detach from the tow vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash.
Airstream will notify owners and send a temporary use adaptor that slips over the ball portion of the coupler so owners can continue to tow while the final fix is pending. The permanent remedy is free: an authorized dealer will add a shim plate to the back of the ball coupler clamp so it applies the required clamping force on the tow ball. Owners can contact Airstream customer service at 1-877-596-6505 or 1-937-596-6111, extension 7401 or 7411, and should check their VIN for open recalls.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle