Recall 14V761 covers 129 2000-2014 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer units for undersized secondary coupling cables. Repair is free at any franchised Heil dealer.
Heil is recalling 129 2000-2014 Petroleum Pull Trailer units because the secondary coupling cables can fail after a pintle hitch disconnects. If that backup connection fails, the trailer can detach from the tow vehicle and increase the risk of a crash; Heil dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The secondary coupling system on a 2000-2014 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer is the backup connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle. The main connection is the pintle hitch, which holds the trailer during normal towing. The secondary cables are there to keep the trailer attached if that primary hitch connection fails.
On recalled trailers, the secondary system uses 5/8-inch cable. Heil's remedy changes that backup connection to 3/4-inch cables because the original cables are not strong enough to reliably hold the trailer after a pintle hitch failure. If the primary hitch separates and the backup cables also fail, the trailer is no longer held to the tow vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver would not have a dashboard light, sound, or handling change that confirms the secondary coupling cables are about to fail.
Who's affected?
All listed model years point to the same trailer-hitch component, so the VIN check separates included trailers from similar trailers.
| 2004 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2001 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2000 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2011 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2010 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2009 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2007 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2005 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2003 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2013 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2014 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2008 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2012 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2006 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2002 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 129 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
If the pintle hitch disconnects, failed secondary coupling cables can let the trailer separate from the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk. Before towing, confirm the trailer coupling is secure and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Heil dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2000-2014 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Heil dealer to schedule the free larger diameter secondary coupling cable installation, which helps keep the trailer connected if the pintle hitch separates.
- Bring any recall notice Heil mailed, and reference recall number 14V761 when you call.
- Limit towing until the repair is complete, and stop using the trailer if the hitch or secondary coupling cables show damage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Heil technician replaces the secondary coupling cables with larger diameter cables. These cables are the backup connection intended to keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle if the pintle hitch connection fails. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Ask the service desk to confirm the trailer is included before the work order is opened.
Timeline
| December 1, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 29, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V761?
Recall 14V761 covers 129 2000-2014 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailers with secondary coupling cables that can fail after a pintle hitch disconnects. If that happens, the trailer can detach from the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk. Heil will install larger diameter secondary coupling cables for free.
What should I do if my 2000-2014 Heil Petroleum Pull Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 14V761. If it is, contact a Heil dealer or Heil customer service at 1-800-400-6913 to arrange the free secondary coupling cable repair. Reference recall number 14V761 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Heil's remedy states that larger diameter secondary coupling cables will be installed free of charge. Use recall number 14V761 when speaking with a Heil dealer or Heil customer service.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation after a pintle hitch disconnects. If the secondary coupling cables fail to hold the trailer to the tow vehicle, the trailer can detach and increase crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free cable replacement before relying on the trailer in service.
What if I bought this Heil trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer VIN, not the original owner. If you never received Heil's recall notice, check your VIN and contact a Heil dealer or Heil customer service at 1-800-400-6913 with recall number 14V761.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V761000 |
|---|---|
| Heil customer service | 1-800-400-6913 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V761 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V761000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →