The problem
Vintage Trailers Ltd. (Vintage) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Intimidator, Aero, Outlaw, Bandit, and Crystal SS triple axles trailers manufactured May 9, 2008, to September 23, 2015. The affected trailers have a Federal Certification Label that incorrectly lists the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of each axle as 5,200 pounds when the correct GAWR is 5,080 pounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 120, "Wheels and Rims- Other than Passenger Cars."
The risk
If the operator overloads the trailer past the 15,200 pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) limit, axle failure may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Vintage will notify owners and will provide a corrected Federal Certification Label, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2016. Owners may contact Vintage customer service at 1-800-233-5455.
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 Vintage dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V033000.
- 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.