Recall 16V957 covers 366 2017 Prime Time Spartan and Xlr Toyhauler fifth-wheels for weak ramp-door hinges. Repair is free at a franchised Prime Time dealer.
Prime Time is recalling 366 2017 Spartan and Xlr Toyhauler fifth-wheel trailers because rear cargo door hinge welds are insufficient. If the hinge pin separates from the hinge plate, the door can shift and swing down with more force than normal, increasing the risk of personal injury; Prime Time dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear cargo door hinges on affected 2017 Prime Time Spartan and Xlr Toyhauler fifth-wheel vehicles attach the heavy rear cargo door to the body. On a toy hauler, that door opens for loading cargo such as ATV's, UTVS, or motorcycles, so the hinges have to control the door's weight as it moves.
The problem is in the welds on the hinge pin and hinge plate. Those welds were not strong enough on affected doors. When the hinge joint does not hold as designed, the top of the cargo door can swing down with more force than normal instead of moving in a controlled way.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat any unusual rear door movement, sagging, or hinge looseness as a reason to stop using the cargo door until a Prime Time dealer inspects the hinge welds with the proper gauge and repairs any insufficient welds.
Who's affected?
Covers both toy hauler lines under the same body-structure hinge issue.
| 2017 Prime Time Spartan | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2017 Forest River Xlr Toyhauler | body structure |
| Units affected | 366 |
| 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?
A separated ramp door hinge pin lets the side of the door shift. The springs can lift off the hinged end, and the top of the door can swing down with more force than normal, increasing injury risk. Schedule the recall repair before using the ramp door. Repair is free at any franchised Prime Time dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Prime Time Spartan or Xlr Toyhauler is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Prime Time dealer to schedule the free ramp door hinge replacement that fixes the rear cargo door hinge pin and plate separation.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 16V957 when you call.
- Keep people clear of the rear cargo door until the hinge repair is complete, since the top of the door can swing down with more force than normal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Prime Time technician replaces the rear ramp door hinge covered by the recall. The repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. The hinge replacement addresses the weld issue at the hinge pin and hinge plate so the ramp door does not drop with abnormal force. Prime Time has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible out-of-pocket hinge repairs paid before the recall notice. Ask the service desk what paperwork Prime Time requires.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 31, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 22, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 27, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| February 27, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 27, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V957?
Recall 16V957 covers 366 2017 Prime Time Spartan and Xlr Toyhauler fifth-wheel vehicles with rear cargo door hinge welds that do not hold the hinge pin and hinge plate correctly. Prime Time dealers will replace the ramp door hinge for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Prime Time Spartan or Xlr Toyhauler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fifth-wheel is included in recall 16V957. If it is, contact a franchised Prime Time dealer to schedule the ramp door hinge replacement. Reference recall number 16V957 and Forest River recall number 51-12312016-0310 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 16V957 is a free ramp door hinge replacement at a franchised Prime Time dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The hinge pin can separate from the hinge plate and let the side of the rear cargo door shift. That can cause the door springs to lift off the hinged end and the top of the door to swing down with more force than normal, increasing the risk of personal injury.
What if I bought this fifth-wheel used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN, then contact a franchised Prime Time dealer if your 2017 Spartan or Xlr Toyhauler is included in recall 16V957.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V957000 |
|---|---|
| Prime Time customer service | 1-574-642-0432 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V957 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V957000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →