2019 Fontaine Infinity Recall: These trailers were built with an under ride guard compliant for a wheels…

The defect

Fontaine Trailer Company (Fontaine) is recalling certain 2019 Fontaine Infinity trailers. These trailers were built with an under ride guard compliant for a wheels back trailer configuration, however, due to the customers design changes, the wheel set was moved forward and the vehicles no longer meet the definition of a wheels back trailer. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 223, "Rear Impact Guards," and 224, "Rear Impact Protection."

The risk

The incorrect rear impact guards may not adequately reduce the possibility of a car traveling under the trailer in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the car driver.

The fix — what to do

Fontaine will notify owners, and dealers will remove the C-channel style horizontal member and replace it with a 4-inch tube and reinforcement gusset, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Fontaine customer service at 1-877-345-9526.

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.