Recall 12V208 affects 2 2011-2012 Triad Trailer J/111 and J/105 boat trailers for brake actuator pump failure. Repair is free through Triad and Dexter.
Triad Trailer is recalling 2 2011-2012 boat trailers, the J/105 and J/111, because the Dexter electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump was not properly heat treated. If the actuator fails, the trailer can lose braking effort, raising crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Triad Trailer makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The Dexter electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump on these 2011-2012 Triad Trailer J/111 and J/105 boat trailers is the unit that turns an electrical brake signal into hydraulic brake pressure. When the tow vehicle brakes, the actuator pump builds pressure in the trailer brake system so the trailer can help slow itself instead of relying only on the tow vehicle.
The recall concerns pumps that were not properly heat treated during manufacturing. Heat treatment hardens internal metal parts so they resist wear under load. Without that treatment, critical parts inside the pump wear too early. As that wear builds, the actuator pump can stop working and the trailer brakes lose the pressure source they need.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner can have normal braking before an actuator pump becomes inoperable when the trailer brakes are needed.
Who's affected?
The scope is split by model year: J/105 for 2011 and J/111 for 2012.
| 2012 Triad Trailer J/111 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2011 Triad Trailer J/105 | Equipment |
| Units affected | 2 |
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?
The E/H brake actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes. If the actuator fails, the trailer can lose braking effort, increasing the risk of a crash. Leave extra stopping distance and arrange the actuator replacement before towing again. Repair will be free at any franchised Triad Trailer dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Triad Trailer J/111 or J/105 boat trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Triad Trailer at 1-919-782-6007 to confirm the free Dexter brake-actuator pump replacement for your trailer.
- Reference recall number 12V208 when you call, and ask whether Dexter or Triad Trailer will handle the actuator replacement.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, along with any trailer registration or ownership paperwork.
- Tow with extra following distance until the repair is complete because actuator failure reduces trailer braking effort.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Triad Trailer technician coordinates replacement of the Dexter electric over hydraulic brake actuator pump. The recalled pump was not properly heat treated, which can wear internal parts and leave the actuator inoperable. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with the actuator replaced at no charge. Before moving the trailer for service, confirm handling with Triad Trailer so the shop knows the recall applies to the Dexter brake actuator pump.
Timeline
| May 11, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 30, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V208?
Recall 12V208 covers 2 2011-2012 Triad Trailer J/111 and J/105 boat trailers equipped with Dexter electric/hydraulic brake actuator pumps. The pumps were not properly heat treated, which can cause premature component wear and make the actuator inoperable.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Triad Trailer J/111 or J/105 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific boat trailer is included in recall 12V208. If it is, call Triad Trailer at 1-919-782-6007 and ask how to get the Dexter brake actuator replaced. Reference recall number 12V208 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Triad Trailer's recall remedy says Dexter will replace the affected brake actuators free of charge. The no-cost repair applies to the included J/111 and J/105 boat trailers under recall 12V208.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of trailer braking effort. The electric/hydraulic brake actuator provides braking power to the trailer brakes, and actuator failure can leave the trailer without that braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V208000 |
|---|---|
| Triad Trailer customer service | 1-919-782-6007 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V208 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V208000 |
Source documents
-
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 →