Recall 16V557 affects 54 2014-2016 Load Trail Triple Axle Tilt Deck trailers for cracked weld joints. Repair is free at any franchised Load Trail dealer.
Load Trail is recalling 54 2014-2016 Triple Axle Tilt Deck trailers because weld joints at the front bumper, frame, and stationary deck can crack. If those welds fail, equipment can disengage from the trailer and increase crash risk; Load Trail dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The structure on the 2014-2016 Load Trail Triple Axle Tilt Deck trailer includes the front bumper, main frame, and stationary deck. Those welded joints help the deck and frame carry the tied-down aerial device as the trailer moves, stops, and loads shift. The trailer depends on those welds staying intact so the front deck area stays supported.
On affected trailers, the optional D-rings on the front stationary deck changed how the carried equipment was secured. Instead of using the standard side stake pockets, the aerial device was tied at points requested for the Altec package. That placed load into the front deck area in a way that led to cracked welds where the front bumper, frame, and stationary deck meet.
Owners or service crews can see the warning sign during inspection. Look at the welds where the front bumper, frame, and stationary deck join; visible cracking in those welds is the sign that the structure has begun to fail.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years with the same body or structural component listed for each year.
| 2015 Load Trail Triple Axle Tilt Deck | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2016 Load Trail Triple Axle Tilt Deck | body or structural component |
| 2014 Load Trail Triple Axle Tilt Deck | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 54 |
| 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 welds fail, equipment attached to the trailer can separate and increase the risk of a crash. Check the welds where the front bumper, frame and stationary deck join, and treat visible cracking as a reason to call the dealer before another tow. Repair is free at any franchised Load Trail dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Load Trail Triple Axle Tilt Deck trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Load Trail dealer to schedule the free weld-joint repair for the front bumper, frame, and stationary deck connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Load Trail mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V557 when you call.
- Avoid hauling the affected aerial equipment on the trailer until the weld-joint repair is complete.
- Call Load Trail customer service at 1-800-650-5194 with questions about scheduling or dealer availability.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Load Trail technician repairs the weld joints where the front bumper, frame, and stationary deck are joined. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor tied to the weld joint repair. If you've already paid to fix or attempt to fix the weld cracking issue before Load Trail issued owner notifications, Load Trail reimburses eligible Altec customers under this campaign. Keep the repair invoice or documentation and contact Load Trail customer service at 1-800-650-5194 to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 26, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 20, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| September 20, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 20, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 21, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V557?
Recall 16V557 covers 54 2014-2016 Load Trail Triple Axle Tilt Deck trailers sold through Altec for transporting TDA58 Articulating Telescopic Aerial Devices. Weld joints where the front bumper, frame, and stationary deck meet can crack. Load Trail dealers repair the weld joints for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Load Trail Triple Axle Tilt Deck is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V557. If it is, contact a Load Trail dealer to schedule the weld-joint repair. Reference recall number 16V557 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and Load Trail's remedy says dealers will repair the weld joints free of charge. Load Trail listed customer service at 1-800-650-5194 for owners who need help with the dealer repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is equipment separation from the trailer. If the welds fail, the transported equipment can disengage from the trailer and increase crash risk. Check your VIN, then arrange the free weld-joint repair with a Load Trail dealer if your trailer is included.
When did Load Trail start this recall?
Load Trail began this recall on September 21, 2016. If you bought the trailer used or never received a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether recall 16V557 applies, then contact a Load Trail dealer for the free weld-joint repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V557000 |
|---|---|
| Load Trail customer service | 1-800-650-5194 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V557 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V557000 |
Source documents
-
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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →