Recall 10V503 affects 56 2011 Open Range Fifth Wheel and Toy Hauler trailers for Dexter axle spindle weld cracks. Repair is free through Open Range.
Open Range is recalling 56 2011 Fifth Wheel and Toy Hauler trailers equipped with Dexter axles because cracks can form in the spindle weld. This can separate the wheel end from the trailer, create a road hazard, and reduce driver control; the Open Range dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The axle assembly under a 2011 Open Range Fifth Wheel or Toy Hauler supports the trailer's weight and lets the wheels turn while the trailer is being pulled. The spindle is the machined end of the axle where the wheel hub and bearings ride. Its weld has to stay solid because that joint holds the wheel-end hardware in the right position.
On affected trailers equipped with Dexter axles, cracks can form in the spindle weld. Once that weld cracks, the spindle is no longer supported the way it was designed to be. Continued towing adds load through the cracked area, which puts the wheel hub and axle end under stress.
There is no warning sign before failure. Open Range did not list a dashboard light, sound, or handling symptom for owners to rely on before the axle problem becomes serious.
Who's affected?
Includes the Fifth Wheel and Toy Hauler models, both tied to the same drive axle.
| 2011 Open Range Fifth Wheel | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2011 Open Range Toy Hauler | drive axle |
| Units affected | 56 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A cracked axle spindle can detach from the axle tube, letting the wheel end separate from the vehicle. That creates a road hazard for other vehicles and compromises the driver's control, increasing crash risk. Schedule the inspection and axle replacement promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Open Range dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Open Range Fifth Wheel or Toy Hauler is included in this recall.
- Contact Open Range customer service or a franchised Open Range dealer for current repair instructions.
- Ask for the Dexter axle serial number inspection and axle replacement if the axle is in the recalled range; this repair addresses spindle weld cracks that can lead to wheel-end separation.
- Bring the recall notice if Open Range sent one. If not, reference recall number 10V503 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer until Open Range or the dealer confirms the axle inspection and any needed replacement are complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Open Range technician inspects the Dexter axle serial number on the trailer or toy hauler. If the axle falls within the affected serial number range, the axle is replaced. The known repair path comes from Open Range working with Dexter Axle on the inspection and replacement. The dealer repair will be free once available, with replacement of the affected axle performed at no charge under the recall.
Timeline
| October 21, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 26, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V503?
Recall 10V503 covers 56 2011 Open Range Fifth Wheel and Toy Hauler trailers equipped with Dexter axles. Cracks in the spindle weld can lead to wheel-end separation, a road hazard, and loss of driver control. Open Range will inspect the axle serial number and replace the axle for free if it is included.
What should I do if my 2011 Open Range Fifth Wheel or Toy Hauler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 10V503. If it is, contact Open Range service at 1-260-768-7771 and ask for the Dexter axle serial-number inspection. If the axle falls within the affected serial-number range, the replacement is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Open Range's remedy says the axle replacement will be performed free of charge. The inspection checks the Dexter axle serial number before replacement.
What is the safety risk with this Open Range axle recall?
The safety risk is wheel-end separation. Cracks in the spindle weld can spread until the spindle detaches from the axle tube. That creates a road hazard for other vehicles and compromises driver control, increasing crash risk.
When did recall 10V503 start?
The safety recall began on December 27, 2010. Because that date has passed, affected owners should use the VIN check and contact Open Range service with recall number 10V503 to ask about axle inspection and free replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V503000 |
|---|---|
| Open Range customer service | 1-260-768-7771 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V503 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V503000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →