Recall 11V481 affects 4 2011 Wilson Grain Trailer trailers for slack adjuster housings that can crack during braking. Repair is free at franchised Wilson dealers.
Wilson is recalling 4 trailers from its 2011 Grain Trailer line because Gunite automatic slack adjuster housings can crack or break under normal braking loads. A broken slack adjuster can cause loss of braking and raise crash risk, and the Wilson dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The automatic slack adjuster on a 2011 Wilson Grain Trailer is part of the air brake linkage at the wheel end. It keeps the brake adjustment within the right range as the brake linings wear, so air pressure moves the brake hardware through the intended amount when the driver brakes.
These trailers were equipped with Gunite automatic slack adjusters whose housings lacked full structural integrity from the casting process. The filing describes incomplete knitting of the iron, meaning the metal did not fully bond together inside the casting. Under normal operating loads, the housing can break at the handle, leaving the adjuster damaged instead of carrying brake force as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is unlikely to get a reliable dashboard alert or a consistent feel change before the slack adjuster housing breaks, so the problem has to be handled through the recall repair path rather than a wait-and-see inspection.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Wilson Grain Trailer | brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4 |
Not every 2011 Wilson Grain Trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A cracked slack adjuster can cause loss of braking under normal braking conditions. That raises the risk of a crash. Keep extra distance, avoid loading or routes that strain braking, and contact a Wilson dealer about the repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Wilson dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Wilson Grain Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Wilson dealer or Wilson Trailer customer service to ask about the free slack-adjuster replacement.
- Reference recall number 11V481 when you call, and mention the Gunite automatic slack adjusters on the trailer.
- Bring the Wilson owner notice from October 10, 2011, if you have it.
- Avoid hauling or towing until the slack adjusters are inspected and replaced, since a cracked adjuster housing can cause loss of braking.
What happens at the repair
Wilson's remedy is to replace the Gunite automatic slack adjusters on the affected grain trailers. At the dealer, a Wilson technician removes the recalled slack adjusters, checks the brake adjustment hardware around them, and installs replacement adjusters at no charge. The recall repair is free. Because the remedy status is not listed, schedule only after Wilson or the dealer confirms the repair is open for your VIN. Ask the service desk to document that the work is tied to recall 11V481.
Timeline
| September 22, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 10, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V481?
Recall 11V481 covers 4 2011 Wilson Grain Trailer units equipped with Gunite automatic slack adjusters. The slack adjuster housing has inadequate structural integrity and can break at the handle under normal operating loads. Wilson will replace the slack adjusters for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Wilson Grain Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 11V481. If it is, contact a franchised Wilson dealer to arrange the slack adjuster replacement. Reference recall number 11V481 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Wilson's remedy says the slack adjusters will be replaced free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included trailers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of braking. A slack adjuster with the casting flaw can crack under normal braking conditions, which can lead to a crash. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Wilson dealer repair before relying on the trailer for service.
What if I bought this Wilson Grain Trailer used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2011 Wilson Grain Trailer is included, then reference recall number 11V481 when you contact a Wilson dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V481000 |
|---|---|
| Wilson customer service | 1-812-962-5000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V481 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V481000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →