Recall 12V381 affects 2 2011 Boatwheels PB36-RS2100 and PB27-TH1200 trailers for brake actuator failure. Repair is free at any franchised Boatwheels dealer.
Boatwheels is recalling 2 2011 PB36-RS2100 and PB27-TH1200 trailers because the Dexter electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump was not properly heat treated. Premature wear can make the actuator inoperable, which can cause the trailer to lose braking effort and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump on the 2011 Boatwheels PB36-RS2100 and PB27-TH1200 trailers is the part that turns the tow vehicle's brake signal into hydraulic pressure for the trailer brakes. When the driver brakes, the actuator pump builds pressure in the trailer brake system. That pressure lets the trailer brakes apply in step with the tow vehicle.
On these trailers, the pump was not properly heat treated. Heat treating hardens internal metal parts so they resist wear while the pump runs under load. Without the correct treatment, critical pump components wear early, and the actuator pump stops working.
The filing does not name a specific symptom an owner will notice first. There is no warning sign before failure, so a working trailer brake check before towing is the practical way to spot a problem before a trip.
Who's affected?
Covers two Boatwheels models from the same model year, both tied to equipment.
| 2011 Boatwheels PB36-RS2100 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2011 Boatwheels PB27-TH1200 | Equipment |
| Units affected | 2 |
Year and model alone do not confirm 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 it fails, the trailer can lose braking effort, and the crash risk rises while towing. There is no listed warning sign before failure, so schedule the recall repair before using the trailer again. Repair will be free at any franchised Boatwheels dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Boatwheels PB36-RS2100 or PB27-TH1200 trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Boatwheels customer service at 1-419-433-2300 to confirm the repair path for your trailer.
- Ask a Boatwheels dealer about the free electric/hydraulic brake-actuator replacement that fixes the trailer brake-power loss risk.
- Reference recall number 12V381 when you call or schedule service.
- Avoid towing the trailer until Boatwheels confirms the actuator works or the free actuator replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
Boatwheels' remedy is to replace the electric/hydraulic brake actuators covered by recall 12V381. At the dealer, a Boatwheels technician removes the affected Dexter Axle actuator pump and installs a replacement actuator so the trailer brake system can operate as intended. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. The filing does not give a shop-time estimate, so ask the service desk how long the trailer needs to stay.
Timeline
| August 3, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 21, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V381?
Recall 12V381 covers 2 2011 Boatwheels trailers, the PB36-RS2100 and PB27-TH1200, equipped with a Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump. The pump was not properly heat treated, which can wear critical parts and leave the trailer brakes without actuator support.
What should I do if my 2011 Boatwheels PB36-RS2100 or PB27-TH1200 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V381. If it is, contact a Boatwheels dealer or call Boatwheels at 1-419-433-2300 to arrange actuator replacement. Reference recall number 12V381 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost, and Boatwheels dealers will replace the affected Dexter Axle brake actuator free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included trailers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of trailer braking effort. The electric/hydraulic actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes, and actuator failure increases crash risk because the trailer no longer gets the expected braking support.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V381000 |
|---|---|
| Boatwheels customer service | 1-419-433-2300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V381 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V381000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - 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 →