- The problem
- Vehicle description: dump trailers with a bolt-on pintle hitch mounting plate. Cracks can develop in the hitch mounting plate leading to failure of the assembly.
- The risk
- Failure of the mounting plate can result in the rear trailer disconnecting from the lead trailer, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will reinforce the rear cross member and mount the pintle hitch directly to the rear cross member eliminating the bolt-on pintle hitch mounting plate.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Red River Trailer Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1997 Red River Trailer with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (1) and the suspension (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 1 injury. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in May 1998 for the trailer hitches. For comparison, the 1996 has 0 and the 1998 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Trailer year, for its age
#268 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Red River Trailer problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Red River Trailer recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
2 complaints about the 1997 Red River Trailer
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 road trek camper (na). The contact stated that three windows in the top front and the seal were leaking into the cab. The vehicle has not yet been diagnosed by a mechanic or a dealer. The current and failure mileages were 98,000.
I purchased this truck used from a dealer ship , the truck was bouncing all over the road every time I would hit a bump , but one time when I was passing a veh the truck rear end caught up with the front end and it began to roll and roll and roll where then the roof didnt hold up this truck is dangerous its needs to be put off the road I broke my neck in two places not to mention other injuries I am now disable and ford knows they have this problem and they know the roof support its not made to proctect the driver...
Read the full complaint
I am disable from this veh and there should be a investigation on this truck..Again before it happens again the truck is unsafe!!! I couldnt give the right info on this site it dosnt give the option it was a 97 ranger xlt it had firestone tires ht wilderness that blew not shreaded blew again this issue needs to be issued!!!!
Red River Trailer: every year compared
All Trailer yearsQuestions about the 1997 Red River Trailer
Does the 1997 Red River Trailer have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Red River Trailer: trailer hitches (May 1998). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Red River Trailer?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (1), suspension (1), wheels & tires (1).
How many complaints has the 1997 Red River Trailer had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 19, 2005 and the latest on June 16, 2008. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Red River Trailer a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 16 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Red River Trailer year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 1997 Red River Trailer has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data