The problem
Highland Ridge RV (Highland) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Highlander, Mesa Ridge, Roamer, and Journeyer travel trailers manufactured April 7, 2014, to January 11, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with safety chains on the A-frame that are rated for 11,700lb instead of being rated equal to or greater than the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the travel trailer.
The risk
In the event the main trailer connection fails, the weight of the trailer can break the safety chains if the chains are not strong enough, allowing the trailer to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Highland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing safety chains with chains that have a 16,200lb rating, free of charge. The recall began on February 25, 2016. Owners may contact Highland customer service at 1-260-768-7771. Highland's number for this recall is 9904277.
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 Highland Ridge dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V058000.
- 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.