The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·13V508000·Announced 2013-10-17

Big Tex Recalls Utility Trailers Due to Ramp Gate Latch Failure

Big Tex is recalling 2013-2014 utility trailers because vibrations may cause ramp gate latches to fail, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect that increases the risk of a crash, but the source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 utility trailers manufactured between March 2013 and September 30, 2013. The affected models include the 10PI, 12PI, 14PI, 29SA, 30AA, 30LS, 30SA, 30SV, 35AA, 35LS, 35SA, 35SV, 45LA, 45SS, 50LA, 50SA, 60SP, 70LR, 70PI, 70SP, and 70TV. Approximately 7,600 units are affected.

The recall is due to a defect in the fold flat ramp gate system. Vibrations from towing the trailer may cause the ramp gate latches to fail. If both latches fail while the trailer is in tow, the ramp gate will fall from the upright, stowed position into the down position and be dragged behind the trailer. This condition could result in an increased risk of a crash.

Big Tex will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental gate latch free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2013. Owners may contact Big Tex at 1-800-594-5637 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
BIG TEX 29SA, 70TV, 70SP, 70LR
Brand
BIG TEX
Manufacturer
Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Utility Trailer
Hazard
Affected units
7,600

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (21)

  • 29SA
  • 70TV
  • 70SP
  • 70LR
  • 60SP
  • 50SA
  • 50LA
  • 45SS
  • 35SV
  • 35AA
  • 30SV
  • 30LS
  • 12PI
  • 30AA
  • 10PI
  • 14PI
  • 30SA
  • 35LS
  • 35SA
  • 45LA
  • 70PI

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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