The problem
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company (Utility) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 FS1CHA, FS1CHS, FS2CDHA, FS2CHA, FS2CHS, FS3CDHA, FS3CHA, FS3CHS, TS1CA, TS2CDHA, TS2CHA, VS1DC, VS1RA, VS2DX, VS2RA, VS2RAP, VS3DX, VS3RA, and VS4DX refrigerated, dry van, and flatbed trailers manufactured January 1, 2014, to March 4, 2016, equipped with certain Bendix SR5 spring brake valves. These valves may have been improperly machined which may cause a delay of application of the spring brakes while parking.
The risk
If there is a delay of the spring brake application, the trailer may roll away after it has decoupled from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix
Utility will contact owners and provide a remedy kit, complete with instructions, to repair any affected SR-5 trailer relay valves, free of charge. Utility distributed an interim notification to owners on July 27, 2016. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Utility customer service at 1-800-423-6591.
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 Utility dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V503000.
- 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.