VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS. THESE TRAILERS CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE FLEXING IN THE UPPER CHASSIS WHICH CAN LEAD TO FAILURE IN THE AREA OF THE PIN BOX.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE OR REPLACE THE PIN BOX AND ITS SUPPORT STRUCTURE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
PE99041 · Draw Pin Box
Opened Jun 16, 1999 · Closed Nov 16, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
The pin box/king pin assembly is the attachment point between the fifth wheel trailer and the towing vehicle.Should a complete fracturer occur in service, the trailer could become detached from the towing vehicle.In 1997, Fleetwood replaced the 7 gage steel used to construct the pin box with 11 gage steel, which is about 30 percent thinner.In mid 1998, Fleetwood went back to the thicker steel and has provided dealers with drawings and specifications to repair vehicles in the field with the thicker steel pin box.
1998 Fleetwood Westport Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year