Recall 14V017 covers 264 2011-2013 Hitchhiker Ls, Discover America, and Champagne Edition trailers with Fastec deadbolts that can jam. Replacement is free.
Hitchhiker is recalling 264 2011-2013 Ls, Discover America, and Champagne Edition fifth-wheel recreational trailers because Fastec-brand door locks can jam the deadbolt after the key is removed. If the deadbolt jams, someone inside can be locked in and forced to use the emergency exit, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The entry door lock on the 2011-2013 Hitchhiker Ls, Discover America, and Champagne Edition fifth wheel trailers is a Fastec-brand latch and deadbolt assembly. The latch holds the door closed during normal use, and the deadbolt is the lock bar that slides into the door frame to secure the trailer from the outside or inside.
On affected trailers, the key can be removed from the lock in a position that leaves the deadbolt mechanism jammed. The problem is in the lock operation itself: the lock accepts key removal before the deadbolt has fully returned to a clean locked or unlocked position. Once the deadbolt jams, the entry door lock no longer moves the way the owner expects.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices is that the key turns poorly, the deadbolt does not retract or extend cleanly, or the door lock feels stuck when trying to enter or exit the trailer.
Who's affected?
Spans the Ls, Discover America, and Champagne Edition lines across the 2011, 2012, and 2013 model years, all tied to the same latches/locks/linkages component.
| 2013 Hitchhiker Ls | Latches/locks/linkages |
|---|---|
| 2012 Hitchhiker Discover America | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2013 Hitchhiker Discover America | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2013 Hitchhiker Champagne Edition | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2011 Hitchhiker Discover America | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2012 Hitchhiker Ls | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2012 Hitchhiker Champagne Edition | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2011 Hitchhiker Ls | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2011 Hitchhiker Champagne Edition | Latches/locks/linkages |
| Units affected | 264 |
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?
A jammed deadbolt can trap someone inside the trailer if the interior side of the lock also jams. That leaves the emergency exit as the way out and increases the risk of injury. Check the door lock before using the trailer and schedule the recall work when it is available. Repair will be free at any franchised Hitchhiker dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Hitchhiker Ls, Discover America, or Champagne Edition fifth wheel is included in this recall.
- Watch for the owner notice, or call Hitchhiker customer service at 1-620-431-2088 if you never received one.
- Ask whether the free Fastec door-lock cylinder inspection and replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 14V017 when you call about the deadbolt jam risk and door-lock repair.
- Keep the emergency exit clear until the door-lock inspection and any needed cylinder replacement are complete.
What happens at the repair
Fastec coordinates the inspection for this recall. When the final repair is available, a Hitchhiker technician inspects the Fastec door lock cylinders and replaces any cylinder that needs replacement. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The repair addresses the lock cylinder condition that can jam the deadbolt after the key is removed, so the service visit centers on confirming the affected lock hardware and replacing the cylinder when inspection shows it is included.
Timeline
| January 27, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 3, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V017?
Recall 14V017 covers 264 2011-2013 Hitchhiker Ls, Discover America, and Champagne Edition fifth wheel trailers with Fastec-brand door locks. The key can be removed in a way that jams the deadbolt, trapping someone inside and raising injury risk if the emergency exit is needed.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Hitchhiker Ls, Discover America, or Champagne Edition is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fifth wheel trailer is included in recall 14V017. If it is, contact a Hitchhiker service provider and reference recall 14V017. Fastec coordinates the lock-cylinder inspection and replacement, as needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost to owners. For recall 14V017, Fastec coordinates inspection and replacement of the affected door-lock cylinders, as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is being trapped inside the trailer if the deadbolt jams and the interior side of the door lock jams too. NHTSA campaign 14V017 says a person inside then has to use the emergency exit, increasing the risk of injury.
What if I bought this Hitchhiker fifth wheel used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your used Hitchhiker fifth wheel is included, then reference recall 14V017 when you contact a Hitchhiker service provider about the Fastec lock-cylinder inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V017000 |
|---|---|
| Hitchhiker customer service | 1-620-431-2088 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V017 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V017000 |
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 →