Recall 15V158 affects 590 2013-2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T18 trailers for incorrect wheel-hub bearing preload. Repair is free at any franchised Charles Machine dealer.
Charles Machine is recalling 590 2013-2015 Ditch Witch T18 tandem axle trailers because incorrect wheel-hub bearing pre-loads can make a trailer wheel lock up. A locked trailer wheel increases crash risk, and Charles Machine dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The wheel hub on a 2013-2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T18 tandem axle trailer carries the wheel on the non-powered trailer axle. Inside the hub, bearings let the wheel turn freely while keeping it centered and supported under the trailer load. The bearing pre-load is the set tension on those bearings, and it has to stay within spec.
On these trailers, the wheel hubs were built with incorrect bearing pre-loads on axles supplied to Charles Machine. When that tension is wrong, the hub does not hold the wheel correctly on the axle. The noticeable difference is side-to-side movement at the wheel, and the failure can progress until a trailer wheel locks up.
There is no warning sign before failure. With the trailer parked and secured, lateral wheel movement is the condition tied to this recall, so a loose-feeling wheel needs dealer attention before the trailer is used again.
Who's affected?
Covers three model years of the Ditch Witch T18, all tied to the same rear suspension component.
| 2014 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T18 | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T18 | rear suspension |
| 2013 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T18 | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 590 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A trailer wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash. If your Ditch Witch T18 is included, schedule the axle inspection soon and ask the dealer whether the bearings need replacement before further heavy use. Repair is free at any franchised Charles Machine dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T18 trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Charles Machine dealer to schedule the free axle inspection and bearing replacement that fixes the incorrect bearing preload behind the wheel lockup risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Charles Machine mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V158 when you call.
- Avoid using the trailer until the dealer inspection is complete and any needed bearing replacement is finished.
- Call Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481 with questions about the recall or dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Charles Machine technician inspects the trailer axles and wheel hub bearing setup covered by recall 15V158. If the bearing preload is wrong or the bearing condition calls for replacement, the dealer replaces the affected bearings. The inspection and any bearing replacement are free under the recall. Ask the service desk to note that the recall applies to the Ditch Witch T18 trailer axle and wheel hub bearing condition.
Timeline
| March 18, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| March 27, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 8, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 10, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 10, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V158?
Recall 15V158 covers 590 2013-2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T18 tandem axle trailers with wheel hubs that have incorrect bearing pre-loads. That defect can make the trailer wheels lock up and increase crash risk. Dealers will inspect the axles and replace bearings as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T18 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 15V158. If it is, contact an authorized Charles Machine dealer to schedule the axle inspection and bearing replacement if needed. Reference recall number 15V158 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost. Charles Machine dealers will inspect the axles and replace the bearings as needed free of charge under recall 15V158.
Is it safe to tow a recalled Ditch Witch T18 trailer?
Use caution until the trailer is inspected. The recall involves wheel hubs with incorrect bearing pre-loads, which can cause a trailer wheel to lock up and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection before regular towing.
What if I bought the Ditch Witch T18 trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the trailer VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Ditch Witch T18 is included, then contact a Charles Machine dealer or Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V158000 |
|---|---|
| Charles Machine customer service | 1-800-654-6481 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V158 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V158000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (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 →