The problem
On certain horse/stock trailers equipped with dexter predator electric/hydraulic brake systems and were not factory equipped with a storage battery, the break-away system battery does not have enough amp hours to maintain braking for the required 15 minutes in case of trailer break-away when using the electric/hydraulic brake system.
The risk
If the trailer were to come loose from the tow vehicle, it is possible that the current break-away battery would not be able to maintain breaking action for the required 15 minutes, which could result in a crash or injury/damage to the operator and/or the horses/stock.
The fix
Dealers will install a battery and battery box and rewire the trailer through the storage battery. They will also apply a notice label on or by the battery location informing them that the break-away system is tied into the storage battery. The recall began on july 18, 2005. Owners may contact sundowner at 1-800-654-3879, extension 2149.
Contacts
Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Sundowner dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 05V301000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.