Recall 14V503 affects 51 2000-2013 Altec Aerial Device and Digger Derrick trucks for battery equalizers that can become conductive, melt, and burn. Repair is free.
Altec is recalling 51 2000-2013 Aerial Device and Digger Derrick trucks because the Sure Power battery equalizer potting compound can conduct electricity after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material can melt and burn, increasing the risk of a fire; the Altec dealer repair will be free once Altec makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The recalled part is the Sure Power Battery Equalizer on certain 2000-2013 Altec Aerial Device and Digger Derrick trucks. A battery equalizer helps manage voltage between batteries so the truck's electrical equipment gets steady power. Inside the equalizer, an epoxy sealing compound, also called potting, surrounds internal electrical parts and is supposed to act like insulation.
On these trucks, the specific potting compound used in the equalizer loses that insulating role after heat exposure. Instead of blocking current, the compound can conduct electricity. That creates an unintended electrical path inside a part that is meant to keep circuits separated.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or operator should not expect a light, sound, smell, or change in equipment operation before the equalizer has already developed the fault.
Who's affected?
Covers both Altec Aerial Device and Digger Derrick equipment across the 2000-2013 model years, all tied to the battery component.
| 2011 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
|---|---|
| 2009 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2008 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2003 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2002 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2000 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2013 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2010 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2006 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2005 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2001 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2000 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2013 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2003 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2004 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2007 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2008 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2009 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2011 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2012 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| 2001 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2004 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2005 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2006 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2007 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2010 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2012 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2002 Altec Digger Derrick | battery |
| Units affected | 51 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Electrically conductive battery equalizer material can melt and burn, increasing the risk of a fire. If your unit is included, schedule the repair soon and limit use until the battery equalizer is replaced. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2000-2013 Altec Aerial Device or Digger Derrick truck is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service to ask whether the free battery-equalizer replacement is open for your VIN.
- Ask for the battery-equalizer replacement that fixes the insulation defect linked to fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V503 when you call.
- Limit use of the truck until Altec confirms whether your VIN needs the repair.
What happens at the repair
The repair Altec identified is a free replacement of any affected Sure Power battery equalizer. At the dealer, an Altec technician confirms the unit covered by the recall and replaces the affected battery equalizer. The battery equalizer helps manage electrical balance between batteries; the recalled unit uses epoxy insulation that can conduct electricity after heat exposure. The final dealer repair is free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to reference Altec recall CSN 603 when discussing the repair.
Timeline
| August 15, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 15, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V503?
Recall 14V503 covers 51 2000-2013 Altec Aerial Device and Digger Derrick trucks with Sure Power battery equalizers that used a specific epoxy potting compound. After heat exposure, that material can conduct electricity, melt, and burn, increasing fire risk.
What should I do if my 2000-2013 Altec Aerial Device or Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 14V503. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and reference recall number 14V503 or Altec recall CSN 603.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Altec's remedy says dealers will replace any affected battery equalizer free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trucks included in recall 14V503.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The epoxy potting compound inside the affected battery equalizer can become electrically conductive after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material can melt and burn. Altec's dealer remedy is to replace the affected battery equalizer for free.
What if I bought this Altec truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Aerial Device or Digger Derrick is included, then contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service with recall number 14V503.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V503000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V503 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V503000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 →