The problem
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Coachmen Freedom Express recreational trailers. The break-away safety switch was not wired to a constant power source, and, as a result, the switch may be inadvertently disconnected from the trailer house battery and cause the brakes to not engage if the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle.
The risk
If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix
Forest River has notified owners, and dealers will correct the break-away safety switch wiring, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2018. Owners may contact Coachmen Freedom Express customer service at 1-574-825-8657. Forest River's number for this recall is 220/320-0825.
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 Coachmen dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 18V545000.
- 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.