January 29, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V049000
Emergency Break-Away Switch May Fail
In the event of trailer separation from the tow vehicle, a failed break-away switch will not apply the trailer's brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V049
Manufacturer Forest River, Inc.
Components SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Potential Number of Units Affected 218
Summary
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020 Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood recreational trailers. The emergency break-away switch may fail.
Remedy
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the break-away switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 13, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410 or 1-574-825-8205. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1129.
Notes
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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
NHTSA RECALL: 20V049
CANADA RECALL: 2020-030
FR ID: 51-1129
<<VIN>>
<<OWNER NAME/DEALERNAME>>
<<ADDRESS>>
<<CITY>>, <<ST>> <<ZIP-XXX>>
This Notice applies to your vehicle VIN listed above.
Dear Forest River Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This notice is also sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Forest River – Office of Corporate Compliance (“OCC”) has decided that a defect, which relates to the motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2020 Forest River Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood travel trailer recreational vehicles. This is to inform you that your vehicle may contain a defect that could affect the safety of a person.
WHAT IS THE DEFECT/NONCOMPLIANCE?
On certain travel trailers, the emergency trailer breakaway switch may not work properly when the pin is pulled. If the trailer separates from a tow vehicle, the trailer brakes would not self-apply.
EVALUATION OF THE RISK TO THE VEHICLE AND OPERATOR(S) RELATED TO THE RECALL.
If the trailer breakaway switch does not work properly, there could be an increased risk of a crash.
WHAT IS FOREST RIVER AND OUR DEALERSHIPS GOING TO DO?
Forest River is notifying dealerships of the recall. You may have the recall corrected at any Forest River dealership. However, it is preferable if you have your selling dealership perform the remedy. Forest River completely covers your cost for the remedy; you will not receive any bill of sale for anything covered under the above recall number.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Please contact your dealer without delay and request a service appointment to schedule the free remedy. The service center will replace the breakaway switch. The vehicle Owner is responsible for making arrangements to have the work completed. Please state you have been notified by Forest River of having a recall in process for your vehicle and provide the recall number for the dealership. It is also helpful to the dealership to have a copy of this letter when you take your vehicle in for the recall remedy.
You may also visit www.forestriverinc.com for dealer locations.
HOW LONG WILL THE REMEDY PROCESS TAKE?
The estimated time of repair is .20 hours. However, the dealership may need to keep your vehicle or schedule an appointment with you for a later date to fit into their regular service schedule.
WHAT IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR REPAIRS TO YOUR VEHICLE FOR THIS PARTICULAR CONDITION?
If you have already paid for a repair that is within the scope of this defect under recall, you still need to have this recall inspected and/or performed to ensure the correct parts and procedures were utilized.
Additionally, you may be eligible for a refund of previously paid repairs. Refunds will only be provided for within the scope of this defect under recall.
Please send the service invoice to the following address:
Freedom Express Forest River, Inc. Attn: WARRANTY MANAGER 423 N Main St Middlebury, IN 46540 |
Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood Forest River, Inc. Attn: WARRANTY MANAGER 1429 SouthEast Uglow 46540 Dallas, OR 97338 |
What if you no longer own this vehicle?
If you no longer own this vehicle and have the address for the current owner, please forward this letter to the new owner within 10 working days after the day in which the notice is received. You have received this letter because government regulations require that a notification is sent to the last known owner of record. Our records indicate that you are the current owner.
PLEASE NOTE: FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT ANY VEHICLE LESSOR RECEIVING THIS RECALL NOTICE MUST FORWARD A COPY OF THIS NOTICE TO THE LESSEE WITHIN TEN DAYS.
MAY FOREST RIVER ASSIST YOU FURTHER?
If you have difficulties getting your vehicle repaired, please contact your Forest River Representative listed below:
CONTACT | PHONE |
Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood | (503) 831-5413 |
Freedom Express | (574) 825-8205 |
If you are still having difficulty getting your vehicle/towable repaired in a reasonable amount of time or without change, you may write to the following address:
For US Owners Please Contact: Administrator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590 Or you may call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or (TTY: 1-800-424-9153). Or visit www.safercar.gov and search; Recall ID: 20V049 |
For Canadian Owners Please Contact: Head of Recalls Motor Vehicle Safety Investigations Laboratory Transport Canada 80 Noël street, Gatineau, Quebec, J8Z 0A1 Telephone (800) 333-0510 Facsimile (819) 420-4292 Recall ID: 2020-030 |
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
NHTSA RECALL: 20V049
CANADA RECALL: 2020-030
FR ID: 51-1129
<<DEALERNAME>>
<<ADDRESS>>
<<CITY>>, <<ST>> <<ZIP-XXX>>
Pursuant to USC49CFR §577.13 – Notification to Dealerships and Distributors – Paragraph B
“It is a violation of Federal Law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by the notification under a sale or lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied. Substantial civil penalties apply to violations of this law.”
–Forest River motorized and towable products are contained in this section-
CANADA: Pursuant to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act, section 5
Companies who sell new non-complying vehicles may be in violation of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Substantial penalties apply to violations of this law. This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This is to inform you that your vehicle may contain a defect that could affect the safety of a person.
Forest River – Office of Corporate Compliance (“OCC”) has decided that a safety defect exists in certain Forest River Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood travel trailer recreational vehicles. Forest River is recalling the defect model(s) to ensure the safety of our future retail consumers and your dealership. Forest River apologizes for any inconvenience this action may cause your dealership; however, safety continued satisfaction and our commitment to building great products are of the utmost importance to Forest River.
The identified VIN referenced in the attached document(s).
The designated Date range of production is 9/24/2019 through 1/15/2020.
DEFECT/NONCOMPLIANCE:
On certain travel trailers, the emergency trailer breakaway switch may not work properly when the pin is pulled. If the trailer separates from a tow vehicle, the trailer brakes would not self-apply.
EVALUATION OF RISK:
If the trailer breakaway switch does not work properly, there could be an increased risk of a crash.
SERVICE PROCEDURE:
Dealership Service Department Service procedures for to replace the breakaway switch is included with this notification.
AVAILABILITY OF REMEDY:
The remedy for this recall is included with this notification.
PARTS AND RETURN:
Pictures are required for the remedy and/or inspection after installation. Pictures of the remedy are a condition ofpayment in which must be provided with a claim against the repair code(s).
Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood PN LBS-48-16
Freedom Express PN C01286637
Parts replaced should be field destroyed
DEALER REPAIR CODES: Dealer Central
UNITED STATES |
CANADA | REPAIR CODE |
DESCRIPTION | ALLOWABLE HOUR(S) |
20V049 | 2020-030 | 10-20V049 | REPLACE BREAKAWAY SWITCH | .20 |
DEALER REPAIR CODES: Dealer Connect | OR | |||
UNITED STATES |
CANADA | REPAIR CODE | DESCRIPTION | ALLOWABLE HOUR(S) |
20V049 | 2020-030 | RC-036-01—003349 | REPLACE BREAKAWAY SWITCH | .20 |
HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION:
CONTACT | PHONE |
Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood | (503) 831-5413 |
Freedom Express | (574) 825-8205 |
The Recall shall be considered the utmost priority to remedy the 2020 Forest River Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood travel trailer in question. The retail consumer shall not be charged any amount of monies for remedy to their 2020 Forest River Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood travel trailer listed under this Recall.
If your dealership has already performed the remedy to 2020 Forest River Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood travel trailer, your dealership is entitled to the reimbursement as stated above by filing a claim using the indicated repair code(s). If the remedy needs to be performed on an out of warranty 2020 Forest River Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood travel trailer in which the VIN falls under as stated in the identified VIN listing, your dealership is entitled to the reimbursement as stated above by filing a claim using the indicated repair code(s).
Notice:
In no manner shall a Forest River Product Owner or Coachmen Product Owner be charged any fee(s) for scheduling, conduction or completion of the recall. Additionally, all dealership(s) that are Forest River and/or Coachmen dealership(s) are Federally Mandated to perform the recall once presented with this recall whether by the Owner or Dealership receipt of this letter, without denial of service to the Owner. Lastly, denial of a remedy for this recall is a Federal Violation punishable by law resulting substantial fines and/or civil penalties.
Federal Regulation requires that any lessor receiving this Recall must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days. If your dealership no longer owns this vehicle, please inform the Warranty Manager of the product listed above of the change of ownership.
Freedom Express
FET192RBS-320
2020
2
Freedom Express
FET248RBS-320
2020
2
Freedom Express
FET259FKDS-320
2020
2
Salem
SMT171RBXL-OR
2020
2
Salem
SMT179DBK-OR
2020
1
Salem
SMT254RLXL-OR
2020
2
Salem
SMT25RLS-OR
2020
1
Salem
SMT263BHXL-OR
2020
3
Salem
SMT27REIS-OR
2020
1
Stealth EVO
SJT177BQ-OR
2020
4
Stealth EVO
SJT177FQ-OR
2020
3
Stealth EVO
SJT2110RTX-OR
2020
2
Stealth EVO
SJT2160RBX-OR
2020
1
Stealth EVO
SJT2260BHX-OR
2020
1
Stealth EVO
SJT2360RK-OR
2020
2
Stealth EVO
SJT2445RB-OR
2020
5
Stealth EVO
SJT2465RL-OR
2020
2
Stealth EVO
SJT2495DBX-OR
2020
3
Stealth EVO
SJT2510RTX-OR
2020
4
Stealth EVO
SJT2540RLX-OR
2020
8
Stealth EVO
SJT2700BHX-OR
2020
5
Stealth EVO
SJT2740BH-OR
2020
3
Stealth EVO
SJT2750QBX-OR
2020
3
Stealth EVO
SJT2990QBX-OR
2020
3
Stealth EVO
SJT3250BH-OR
2020
2
VIBE
VBT20QB-OR
2020
1
VIBE
VBT21BH-OR
2020
6
VIBE
VBT22RB-OR
2020
3
VIBE
VBT24DB-OR
2020
16
VIBE
VBT24RL-OR
2020
6
VIBE
VBT25RK-OR
2020
8
VIBE
VBT26RK-OR
2020
12
VIBE
VBT28QB-OR
2020
2
VIBE
VBT30RL-OR
2020
5
Wildcat Maxx
WCF292MKX-OR
2020
7
Wildcat Maxx
WCF313MBX-OR
2020
2
Wildcat Maxx
WCF333MKX-OR
2020
4
Wildcat Maxx
WCT266MEX-OR
2020
9
Wildcat Maxx
WCT272MKX-OR
2020
5
Wildcat Maxx
WCT323TSX-OR
2020
4
Wildwood
WDT167RB-OR
2020
6
Wildwood
WDT170SS-OR
2020
8
Wildwood
WDT171RBXL-OR
2020
4
Wildwood
WDT179DBK-OR
2020
5
Wildwood
WDT181RT-OR
2020
4
Wildwood
WDT210RBXL-OR
2020
2
Wildwood
WDT211SSXL-OR
2020
1
Wildwood WDT220BHXL-OR 2020 2
Wildwood WDT22RBS-OR 2020 6
Wildwood WDT233RBXL-OR 2020 1
Wildwood WDT243BHXL-OR 2020 6
Wildwood WDT254RLXL-OR 2020 1
Wildwood WDT263BHXL-OR 2020 8
Wildwood WDT26DBUD-OR 2020 1
Wildwood WDT273QBXL-OR 2020 1
Wildwood WDT27RKSS-OR 2020 3
Wildwood WDT282QBXL-OR 2020 2
Grand Total 218
6 Affected Products
Vehicles
MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
FOREST RIVER | FREEDOM EXPRESS | 2020 |
FOREST RIVER | SALEM | 2020 |
FOREST RIVER | STEALTH EVO | 2020 |
FOREST RIVER | VIBE | 2020 |
FOREST RIVER | WILDCAT MAXX | 2020 |
FOREST RIVER | WILDWOOD | 2020 |
6 Associated Documents
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-1
RCLQRT-20V049-9840.PDF 211.132KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-20V049-8636.pdf 209.837KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)
RCMN-20V049-9489.pdf 224.424KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-20V049-7140.pdf 244.282KB
Miscellaneous Document - Model listing
RMISC-20V049-7381.pdf 425.976KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-20V049-1930.PDF 213.332KB
Latest Recalls Documents
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V049&docType=RCL
- PROVIDES A SAFER AND MORE EFFECTIVE CONNECTION to your trailer, because it doesn’t rust, fray or become damaged while towing which keeps you and your trailer safer when towing
- THE COILED CABLE STAYS SAFELY OFF THE GROUND while you’re towing, preventing wear and tear to the cable and providing years of lasting use
- COATED CABLE WIRE ELIMINATES FRAY and protects your fingers from loose, sharp wire
- MEETS OR EXCEEDS ALL DOT REQUIREMENTS
- EASY ATTACHMENT WITH INCLUDED SPRING CLIP
- RELIABLE SAFETY. This trailer breakaway switch offers safer towing by connecting your vehicle to your trailer's breakaway battery and trailer brakes. If the trailer becomes disconnected while towing, the cable is released and the brakes are engaged
- STRONG CONNECTION. To ensure a dependable electrical connection for the wires, this trailer breakaway switch is equipped with silver contact points
- EASY TO INSTALL. Mounting this trailer breakaway switch on your trailer is easy. It comes with a metal mounting tab with a pre-drilled hole to accept a screw or bolt
- SECURE ATTACHMENT. The included trailer breakaway cable features a nylon pull pin for easy release and a looped end to quickly and securely attach to your trailer hitch
- WEATHER-RESISTANT. To keep the breakaway switch well-protected from the outdoor elements, it comes with a nylon case that will not rust or corrode
- TRAILER BREAKAWAY KIT: The Dumble RV Supplies | Trailer Emergency Breakaway Cable and Switch Kit is designed to minimize the possibility of accidents while towing trailers, RVs, and mobile homes; This 12V trailer break away cable and switch kit includes 2 attached wires, a pull pin, and a pull cable to make installation and usage quick and easy
- EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM: The purpose of the break away trailer kit is to safely and securely stop a trailer if separated from your vehicle during travel; The reusable pin holds two pieces of metal apart inside of the sealed switch and if the pin is removed due to force while traveling, it triggers the switch and activates the trailer brakes to keep the towed vehicle from rolling away and causing accidents
- EASY INSTALLATION: Whether you are using this electric trailer brake kit to tow a trailer, dump truck, or family RV, these trailer parts are easy to install; Simply splice 1 of the wires from the trailer brake switch into the trailer brake wire and the second wire to the positive post inside of the trailer battery box; Connect the trailer brake away cable to your vehicle and mount the breakaway box to the trailer
- BUILT TO LAST: Constructed of steel and a durable plastic case, the components of this RV breakaway switch are protected from elements, high heat, and road wear; The RV breakaway cable and switch are designed for emergency use only and are not to be used to lock brakes when parking or storing trailer; For best use, do not remove plunger pin during storage; Removal of the pin will result in battery drain and corrosion of contact blades
- SPECIFICATIONS: This 12V trailer brake away kit includes 2 attached 16AWG wires, a pull pin, and a 48-inch (121.9 cm) cable; Each RV emergency brake switch wire is 46 inches (116.8 cm) long to provide you the option to cut the wire to the necessary length; Please note that you must have operational electric trailer brakes to use this product
- RELIABLE SAFETY. This trailer breakaway kit serves as a safeguard while towing, using your electric trailer brakes. If your vehicle and trailer become disconnected while towing, the breakaway kit activates the trailer brakes automatically
- DEPENDABLE POWER. To ensure a strong electrical connection to the electric trailer brakes, this trailer breakaway system comes with a trailer breakaway battery, battery charger, battery case and trailer breakaway switch
- EASY TO INSTALL. Mounting this trailer brake breakaway kit on your towing setup is easy. The trailer breakaway switch has a 48-inch cable for flexible attachment, and the battery case comes with a one-bolt mounting bracket
- WEATHER-RESISTANT. To keep the trailer breakaway system well-protected from the outdoor elements, the trailer breakaway switch comes with a nylon case that will not rust or corrode, and the battery case features a durable plastic construction
- DOT-REQUIREMENTS. This trailer breakaway kit meets DOT requirements for holding / breakaway situations. It includes a 12-volt, 5-amp battery with charger and can be used on trailers with up to 3 axles
- Activates trailers brakes upon separation from tow vehicle within 30 seconds to ensure a safe stop of the trailer. Meets DOT requirements
- Battery: This pack is run by a 12 volt 5 amp hour AGM battery
- Compatibility: For use on single, double and triple axle trailers with electric brakes
- Casing: This plastic case is weather resistant and protects both the battery and charger
- For use on 1, 2 or 3 axle trailers equipped with electric brakes
- Push to test LED's indicate fully charged, charging or recharge
- Multi-Stage integrated charger provides a fast recharge up to 12.8 Volts
- Corrosion resistant, heavy-duty polymer case to protect battery and charger, with flat surface mount
- 5 amp/hour battery and breakaway switch with 7.5" Lead wires
Last update on 2021-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2021-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API