Recall 12V129 covers 21 2012 Ez Loader Boat Trailer trailers with Hydrastar actuators that can lose braking. Repair is free through Ez Loader.
Ez Loader is recalling 21 2012 Boat Trailer trailers equipped with Carlisle Hydrastar brake actuators because a pump component missed heat treatment and can wear too quickly. If the hydraulic pump fails, the trailer can lose braking ability, raising the risk of a crash, serious injuries, or property damage; the Ez Loader dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake actuator on the 2012 Ez Loader Boat Trailer is the unit that turns a braking signal into hydraulic pressure for the trailer brakes. On trailers equipped with the Carlisle Hydrastar actuator, the actuator runs a hydraulic pump that moves brake fluid through the brake lines. That pressure is what helps the trailer slow with the tow vehicle instead of relying only on the tow vehicle's brakes.
In the recalled actuator, one rotating part inside the hydraulic pump missed a required heat treat operation. Heat treating hardens metal so it can handle repeated rotation and pressure without wearing too quickly. Without that step, the part wears at a higher than normal rate. As wear builds up, the pump can fail and the trailer can lose braking ability.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the pump stops working, the trailer braking help is lost, so the tow vehicle has to do more of the stopping.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Ez Loader Boat Trailer | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 21 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of braking ability can make the trailer hard to control, increasing crash, serious injury, and property damage risk. If your VIN is included, avoid towing loads until you arrange recall service, and stop towing if braking feels abnormal. Repair will be free at any franchised Ez Loader dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Ez Loader Boat Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Ez Loader customer service at 1-509-489-0181 to confirm the repair path for the brake-actuator recall.
- Ask about the brake-actuator repair that addresses hydraulic pump wear and trailer braking loss.
- Reference recall number 12V129 when you call or visit for service.
- Avoid towing the trailer until Ez Loader confirms the brake actuator has been inspected or repaired.
What happens at the repair
The recall campaign began on March 19, 2012, but the provided remedy text does not list the exact service operation. Expect the service visit to focus on the Carlisle Hydrastar brake actuator and hydraulic pump identified in the recall. An Ez Loader technician or authorized service desk can confirm whether the actuator assembly is inspected, repaired, or replaced for your trailer. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| March 19, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| March 26, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V129?
Recall 12V129 covers 21 2012 Ez Loader Boat Trailer units equipped with a Carlisle Hydrastar brake actuator. A hydraulic pump component missed a heat-treat operation, which can cause faster actuator wear and loss of trailer braking ability.
What should I do if my 2012 Ez Loader Boat Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V129. If it is, contact Ez Loader at 1-509-489-0181 for recall repair instructions and ask where to take the trailer for service. Reference recall number 12V129 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety recall defects at no cost. Ez Loader began this safety recall on March 19, 2012, and owners can contact Ez Loader at 1-509-489-0181 for repair instructions.
What is the safety risk?
The trailer can lose braking ability if the hydraulic pump fails. That loss of braking can lead to loss of control of the trailer, which raises the risk of a crash, serious injuries, or property damage under NHTSA campaign 12V129.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V129000 |
|---|---|
| Ez Loader customer service | 1-509-489-0181 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V129 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V129000 |
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 →