Recall 15V231 covers 691 2016 Amera-Lite trailers for wheel studs that can break and detach a wheel. Repair is free at any franchised Amera-Lite dealer.
Amera-Lite is recalling 691 2016 trailers, including Wattx and Phantom models, because wheel studs used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs can break. A broken wheel stud can let a wheel detach and increase crash risk; Amera-Lite dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
A wheel stud is the threaded bolt pressed into the axle hub. It holds the wheel tight against the hub when the lug nut is tightened. On these trailers, the hub rides on the non-powered axle assembly, so the studs provide the clamping force that keeps the wheel attached while the trailer rolls.
On affected 2016 Amera-Lite trailers, certain Tru Ryde hubs installed on Lippert axles used studs suspected of becoming brittle during case hardening. A brittle stud does not stretch and hold clamping force the way it should. When final lug nut torque is applied, the stud can shear off instead of staying intact.
Owners are not given a driving warning sign before the stud breaks. The notice describes no warning until final torque is placed on the nut, which means the problem is found during wheel installation or service rather than through a sound, light, or handling change.
Who's affected?
The scope spans several trailer lines tied to the same rear suspension component.
| 2016 Amera-Lite Wattx | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2016 Us Cargo Phantom | rear suspension |
| 2016 Us Cargo Trail Master | rear suspension |
| 2016 Ameralite Attx | rear suspension |
| 2016 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup | rear suspension |
| 2016 Us Cargo Trail & Sport | rear suspension |
| 2016 Continental Cargo Auto Master | rear suspension |
| 2016 Forest River Salem | rear suspension |
| 2016 Continental Cargo Tailwind | rear suspension |
| 2016 Continental Cargo Value Hauler | rear suspension |
| 2016 Forest River Wildwood | rear suspension |
| 2016 Cargo Mate Blazer | rear suspension |
| 2016 Cargo Mate E Series | rear suspension |
| 2016 Us Cargo Patriot X | rear suspension |
| 2016 Palomino Puma | rear suspension |
| 2016 Forest River Vengeance | rear suspension |
| 2016 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf | rear suspension |
| 2016 Forest River Cherokee | rear suspension |
| 2016 Continental Cargo Elite Series | rear suspension |
| 2016 Cargo Mate E Series Wedge | rear suspension |
| 2016 Cargo Mate Eliminator | rear suspension |
| 2016 Cargo Mate Qualifier | rear suspension |
| 2016 Coachmen Catalina | rear suspension |
| 2016 Coachmen Freedom Express | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 691 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific trailer.
What's the safety risk?
Broken wheel studs can let a wheel detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the final torque is placed on the nut, so treat loose or damaged wheel hardware as a reason to stop and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Amera-Lite dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Amera-Lite trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Amera-Lite dealer to schedule the free wheel-hub replacement that addresses wheel studs that can break and let a wheel detach.
- Bring the recall notice if Amera-Lite has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V231 when you call.
- Tow cautiously until the repair is complete. Reduce speed, leave extra following distance, and stop if you hear wheel noise or feel vibration.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Amera-Lite technician replaces any wheel hub covered by the recall. This repair addresses axle hubs with wheel studs that can break. The replacement hub, parts, and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a wheel hub or wheel stud repair tied to this recall, the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Ask the service desk or Amera-Lite customer service how to submit the paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 20, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 30, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| April 30, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 29, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 16, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V231?
Recall 15V231 covers 691 certain 2016 Amera-Lite trailer models with rear axle hub wheel studs that can break. If the studs break, the wheel can detach from the trailer, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace any affected wheel hub for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Amera-Lite Wattx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 15V231. If it is, contact an Amera-Lite dealer to schedule inspection and replacement of any affected wheel hub. Reference recall number 15V231 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Amera-Lite dealers will replace any affected wheel hub free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trailers included in recall 15V231.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is wheel separation while towing. The affected wheel studs attach the wheel to the axle hub. If those studs break, the wheel can detach from the trailer, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN before towing and arrange the free hub repair if your trailer is included.
What if I bought this trailer used?
The free repair still applies. Recalls follow the trailer, not the first owner. If you never received the owner notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included, then call an Amera-Lite dealer with recall number 15V231.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V231000 |
|---|---|
| Amera-Lite customer service | 1-800-453-6064 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V231 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V231000 |
Source documents
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Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →