Is This A Lemon?

NHTSA recall campaign

05V301000

ManufacturerSUNDOWNER TRAILERS, INC.Reported2005-06-27Affected7 vehicles

What was wrong

Defect

ON CERTAIN HORSE/STOCK TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH DEXTER PREDATOR ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS AND WERE NOT FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH A STORAGE BATTERY, THE BREAK-AWAY SYSTEM BATTERY DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH AMP HOURS TO MAINTAIN BRAKING FOR THE REQUIRED 15 MINUTES IN CASE OF TRAILER BREAK-AWAY WHEN USING THE ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM.

Risk

IF THE TRAILER WERE TO COME LOOSE FROM THE TOW VEHICLE, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE CURRENT BREAK-AWAY BATTERY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN BREAKING ACTION FOR THE REQUIRED 15 MINUTES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH OR INJURY/DAMAGE TO THE OPERATOR AND/OR THE HORSES/STOCK.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BATTERY AND BATTERY BOX AND REWIRE THE TRAILER THROUGH THE STORAGE BATTERY. THEY WILL ALSO APPLY A NOTICE LABEL ON OR BY THE BATTERY LOCATION INFORMING THEM THAT THE BREAK-AWAY SYSTEM IS TIED INTO THE STORAGE BATTERY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUNDOWNER AT 1-800-654-3879, EXTENSION 2149.

To check whether your specific VIN is covered and to find a participating dealer, look this campaign up on NHTSA.gov →

Affected vehicles

1 entry
  • Sundowner