Recall 15V838 covers 4 2015-2016 Charmac Cargo Trailer and Horse Trailer vehicles for axle weld failure. Repair is free at any franchised Charmac dealer.
Charmac is recalling 4 2015-2016 trailers, including the Cargo Trailer and Horse Trailer, because a torsion axle weld can fail and let the tire, wheel, hub, and torsion arm separate from the trailer. That separation can reduce trailer stability and control, increasing crash risk; the dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The rear torsion axle on the 2015-2016 Charmac Cargo Trailer and Horse Trailer carries the trailer's weight and keeps each wheel aligned as the trailer moves. A torsion axle uses a torsion arm at the wheel end to absorb road movement without a powered drivetrain. The weld at that arm has to hold the tire, wheel, hub, and arm in place under load.
On affected trailers, certain 3500lb-capacity torsion axles from Henderson Wheel & Supply were not welded with proper penetration into the steel. That weak weld secures the torsion arm assembly to the axle beam. If it breaks, the tire, wheel, hub, and torsion arm can separate from the trailer, which leaves the trailer unstable and creates a road hazard.
Owners can look for cracked or suspect welds around the torsion arm. A crooked tire, or a tire tilted beyond straight alignment, is also a warning sign before the assembly fails.
Who's affected?
Covers both Cargo Trailer and Horse Trailer models across the 2015 and 2016 model years, with rear suspension listed for each.
| 2016 Charmac Cargo Trailer | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2015 Charmac Cargo Trailer | rear suspension |
| 2016 Charmac Horse Trailer | rear suspension |
| 2015 Charmac Horse Trailer | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 4 |
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 torsion arm separates, the trailer can lose stability and control, increasing crash risk. Look for damaged torsion arm welds or a tire that sits crooked instead of straight. If you see either sign, stop towing and call the dealer before moving the trailer again. Repair is free at any franchised Charmac dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Charmac Cargo Trailer or Horse Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Charmac dealer to schedule the free suspect-axle replacement for the torsion-arm weld failure.
- Bring the recall notice if Charmac has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V838 when you call.
- Tow cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the trailer if it feels unstable.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Charmac technician replaces the suspect torsion axles covered by recall 15V838. The repair addresses axles where the weld securing the torsion arm assembly can fail, allowing the tire, wheel, hub, and torsion arm to separate from the trailer. Replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Charmac has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related axle repair before the recall notice. Bring repair orders, receipts, and any axle replacement paperwork to the service desk so the claim can be reviewed under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 11, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| December 11, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 14, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| December 30, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 28, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V838?
Recall 15V838 covers 4 2015-2016 Charmac Cargo Trailer and Horse Trailer units with certain torsion axles. A weld securing the torsion arm assembly can fail, allowing the tire, wheel, hub, and torsion arm to separate from the trailer. Charmac dealers will replace suspect axles for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Charmac Cargo Trailer or Horse Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 15V838. If it is, contact a franchised Charmac dealer to schedule axle replacement. Reference recall number 15V838 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Charmac dealers will replace the suspect axles free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trailers included in recall 15V838.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of trailer stability and control. If the torsion arm separates, the tire, wheel, hub, and torsion arm can detach from the trailer, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free axle replacement with a Charmac dealer.
What if I bought my Charmac trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2015-2016 Charmac Cargo Trailer or Horse Trailer is included, then call a Charmac dealer with recall number 15V838.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V838000 |
|---|---|
| Charmac customer service | 1-208-733-5241 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V838 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V838000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →