The problem
Great Dane Trailers (Great Dane) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 flatbed trailers. In the affected trailers, the brackets used to store aluminum J-hook cargo restraint plates may break and allowing the cargo restraint plates that are stored on the bracket to fall from the trailer.
The risk
If the bracket breaks, the falling restraint plates may become a road hazard for drivers of other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Great Dane will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective brackets with a newly designed bracket, free of charge. The recall began on April 17, 2014. Owners may contact Great Dane at 1-800-633-4176.
Contacts
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 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 Great Dane dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 14V113000.
- 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.