NHTSA Recall 00V265001: Trailer hitches

Vehicle description: travel trailers and fifth wheel vehicles equipped with tekonsha or bargman breakaway switch assemblies. The subject switches are base parts 2011 and 50-85-009, and are branded tekonsha (2011) and bargman (50-85-009). These may be packaged in kit numbers 1026, 1028, 2011-23, 2028-23, 2011p, 2011ap, 20005, 20010, 20015, 20020, 2026, 2026-lb, 2028, 1026-lb, 50-85-200, 50-85-201, 50-85-250, 5061404, 5061406, 5061407, 5061408, 5061410, 5061506, 5061507, 5061508, 5067406, 5067407, 5067408, 5067409, and 5067410. The internal switching mechanism may fail to make proper contact and provide electrical continuity when the breakaway pin is pulled. This condition may result in no electrical power to the trailer brakes in the event of a trailer breakaway situation and could occur without warning.

In the event of a trailer breaking loose from a tow vehicle, the malfunction of a breakaway switch could result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, property damage or both.

Tekonsha is notifying distributors and original equpiment manufacturers and will replace the defective breakaway device with new breakaway kits free of charge. Also, tekonsha will reimburse for all freight charges to and from its customers on recalled part number.

Tekonsha started notifying owners during september 2000.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 tekonsha towing systems at 1-800-325-5860 or coachmen at 1-219-825-5821.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).