Recall 16V709 covers 89 2015-2016 Wells Cargo Aluminum Snowmobile trailers with couplers that can tear. Free repair at any franchised Wells Cargo dealer once available.
Wells Cargo is recalling 89 2015-2016 Aluminum Snowmobile trailers because cross winds can tip or lift the trailer and tear the coupler. If the coupler tears, the trailer can separate from the tow vehicle and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On certain 2015-2016 Wells Cargo Aluminum Snowmobile trailers, the hitch coupler is the connection point between the trailer tongue and the tow vehicle. Its main coupler tube carries the pulling load and keeps the trailer attached while it tracks behind the tow vehicle. That tube also has to resist side forces when wind pushes against the tall trailer body.
During towing in cross winds, the trailer can start to tip or lift instead of staying planted behind the tow vehicle. In the reported event, cross winds above 20 mph made the trailer tip and tear the main coupler tube. Once that tube tears, the coupler can lose its hold and the trailer can disconnect from the tow vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem can show up while the trailer is already being towed in cross winds, when the coupler tube is being loaded sideways and the trailer starts to lift or tip.
Who's affected?
Scope spans the 2015 and 2016 model years, with Aluminum Snowmobile trailers listed under both Wells Cargo and Haulmark for the same trailer hitch component.
| 2016 Wells Cargo Aluminum Snowmobile | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2015 Haulmark Aluminum Snowmobile | Trailer hitches |
| 2016 Haulmark Aluminum Snowmobile | Trailer hitches |
| 2015 Wells Cargo Aluminum Snowmobile | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 89 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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 coupler tears, the trailer can separate from the tow vehicle and increase crash risk. Treat this as a towing safety issue, confirm whether your trailer is included, and schedule dealer service before the next trip. Repair will be free at any franchised Wells Cargo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Wells Cargo Aluminum Snowmobile trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Wells Cargo customer service at 1-574-264-9661 for current repair instructions before scheduling service.
- Ask a franchised Wells Cargo dealer about the free reinforcement plate assembly and extra coupler tube repair that strengthens the hitch coupler area.
- Reference recall number 16V709 when you call, and bring the recall notice if you have it.
- Avoid towing in strong cross winds until the coupler reinforcement repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Wells Cargo technician will attach a reinforcement plate assembly and an extra coupler tube to the trailer. Because the remedy is listed as under development, treat this as the repair plan, not a same day scheduling promise. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Ask the dealer how they will handle the trailer if it needs to be moved before the repair opens.
Timeline
| October 3, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| October 5, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| October 7, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 24, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 26, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V709?
Recall 16V709 covers 89 2015-2016 Wells Cargo Aluminum Snowmobile trailers with hitch couplers that can tear after cross winds make the trailer tip or lift. If the coupler tears, the trailer can separate from the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Wells Cargo Aluminum Snowmobile is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V709. If it is, contact a franchised Wells Cargo dealer to arrange the coupler reinforcement repair. Reference recall 16V709 and ask for the reinforcement plate assembly and extra coupler tube repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will attach a reinforcement plate assembly and extra coupler tube free of charge.
What is the safety risk for this Wells Cargo trailer recall?
The safety risk is trailer separation. Cross winds can make the trailer tip or lift, and that movement can tear the coupler. If the coupler tears, the trailer can separate from the tow vehicle and increase crash risk.
What if I bought this Wells Cargo trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your trailer is included, then give the dealer recall 16V709 when you schedule the coupler reinforcement repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V709000 |
|---|---|
| Wells Cargo customer service | 1-574-264-9661 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V709 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V709000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →