2000 US Cargo Trailer Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH AMERICAN RACING EQUIPMENT…

The defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH AMERICAN RACING EQUIPMENT ALUMINUM WHEELS (PART AR-62) COMBINED WITH DEXTER AXLE SIX BOLT HUBS (PART 008-201). CERTAIN ALUMINUM WHEELS WITH A SMALLER DIAMETER MOUNTING SURFACE ARE NOT ADEQUATELY SUPPORTED WHEN USED ON THE SIX BOLT BRAKE DRUMS. THE INSUFFICIENT CONTACT AREA BETWEEN THIS WHEEL AND DEXTER'S HUB CAN RESULT IN LOOSENING OF THE WHEEL FASTENERS WHICH COULD CAUSE THE WHEEL(S) TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE.

The risk

INSUFFICIENT SURFACE AREA WILL RESULT IN LOOSENING OF THE WHEEL BOLTS WHICH MAY CAUSE THE WHEEL(S) TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. LOSS OF THE WHEEL(S) COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

The fix — what to do

DEXTER AXLE WILL BE NOTIFYING CONSUMERS TO INSPECT THEIR AXLES TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRAILER IS FITTED WITH ALUMNIUM WHEELS. IF SO, THE NEAREST TRAILER FACILITY SHOULD BE ABLE TO ASSIST THE CONSUMERS WITH REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DEXTER AXLE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-440-2164 OR US CARGO AT 1-219-848-5862.

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).