Recall 12V229 covers 1 2012 Royal Cargo Amttgn 8.5X38 TR52 trailer for brake actuator pump failure. The free repair has been completed.
Royal Cargo is recalling 1 2012 Amttgn 8.5X38 TR52 trailer under recall 12V229 because its Dexter electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump has a heat-treatment defect. If the actuator fails, the trailer can lose braking effort and increase crash risk; the Royal Cargo dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump converts the tow vehicle's brake signal into hydraulic pressure for the trailer brakes. On the 2012 Royal Cargo Amttgn 8.5X38 TR52, that pump sits between the brake controller and the trailer's hydraulic brake lines. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the actuator builds pressure so the trailer brakes apply with the tow vehicle.
Royal Cargo's recall says the Dexter Axle pump was not properly heat treated. Heat treatment hardens internal metal parts so they can hold their shape under repeated movement and pressure. When that step is wrong, critical pump components wear too early. As those parts wear, the actuator can stop building hydraulic pressure and the pump can become inoperable.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on a dashboard light, noise, or visible leak to appear before the actuator stops working.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Royal Cargo Amttgn 8.5X38 TR52 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific trailer.
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. Use extra care when moving the trailer and arrange the recall repair promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Royal Cargo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Royal Cargo Amttgn 8.5X38 TR52 is included in this recall.
- Contact Royal Cargo customer service at 1-877-283-7260 to confirm whether the free Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump replacement was completed.
- Reference recall number 12V229 when you call or schedule service.
- Avoid towing heavy loads until Royal Cargo confirms the actuator pump repair is complete, since actuator failure can reduce trailer braking effort.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump is replaced at no charge. The source remedy says Royal Cargo notified the owner, and a Dexter Axle dealer handled the pump replacement. It also says the affected trailer has been repaired. If your VIN still shows this recall open, ask the service desk to confirm the repair record and the brake actuator pump status before the trailer is used again. Parts and labor are covered under the recall once the dealer repair is available for an open VIN.
Timeline
| May 11, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| May 15, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V229?
Recall 12V229 covers 1 2012 Royal Cargo Amttgn 8.5X38 TR52 trailer with a Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump that was not properly heat treated. The actuator can fail and reduce trailer braking effort, increasing crash risk. A Dexter Axle dealer replaces the pump for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Royal Cargo Amttgn 8.5X38 TR52 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V229. If it is, contact Royal Cargo at 1-877-283-7260 or ask a Dexter Axle dealer to confirm the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump replacement. Reference recall 12V229 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Royal Cargo's remedy states that a Dexter Axle dealer replaces the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for the affected trailer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of braking effort from the trailer brakes. The electric/hydraulic actuator supplies braking power to the trailer, and actuator failure increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, confirm that the free actuator pump replacement is complete before regular use.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V229000 |
|---|---|
| Royal Cargo customer service | 1-877-283-7260 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V229 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V229000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →