The problem
Altec Industries Inc. (Altec) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Altec LS63 and LS87 aerial devices equipped with a pintle hook mounted into the Class 3 receiver tube. This towing combination was shipped without a placard that provides the maximum allowable towing limit, possibly resulting in the receiver tube being overloaded.
The risk
An overloaded receiver tube could detach, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Altec will notify owners, and provide them with a placard that states the limit of the receiver tube assembly as 600lbs vertical load, and 6,000lbs towing capacity, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2018. Owners may contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is CSN 684.
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 Altec dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 18V348000.
- 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.