Recall 17V065 affects 148 2016-2017 Highland Ridge Fw Open Range fifth-wheel vehicles for axle hanger and riser tube damage. Repair is free at dealers.
Highland Ridge Fw is recalling 148 2016-2017 Open Range fifth-wheel vehicles because the axle hangers can puncture the riser tube wall. That can let the axle shift out of alignment, leading to irregular tire wear, tire failure, and increased crash risk; Highland Ridge Fw dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The axle hanger on a 2016-2017 Highland Ridge Fw Open Range fifth-wheel trailer is part of the rear suspension. It anchors the leaf spring and axle assembly to the trailer frame so the axle stays square under the coach. The riser tube is the frame tube that gives that hanger its mounting surface and sets the ride height.
On the affected 388RKS Open Range trailers, the riser tube and LCI spring-hanger setup were built with incorrect specifications. The hanger can puncture the wall of the riser tube instead of staying firmly supported. Once that wall is damaged, the axle can shift out of alignment, which shows up as unstable suspension geometry and uneven tire loading.
There is no warning sign before failure. A dealer report found irregular tire wear after the door-side axle hangers had failed, so tire wear or a trailer that does not track straight deserves prompt dealer inspection.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2016 and 2017 Open Range model years, both tied to the same rear suspension assembly.
| 2016 Highland Ridge Fw Open Range | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2017 Highland Ridge Fw Open Range | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 148 |
| 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?
Axle movement can throw the trailer axle out of alignment. That can cause irregular tire wear, tire failure, and a higher crash risk. Check your VIN before your next trip, and schedule the hanger repair if it is included. Repair is free at any franchised Highland Ridge Fw dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Highland Ridge Fw Open Range is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Highland Ridge Fw dealer to schedule the free hanger welding that secures the axle hangers against axle shift and misalignment.
- Bring the recall notice if Highland Ridge Fw mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V065 and Highland Ridge Fw recall 9904343 when you call.
- Avoid long trips and heavy loads until the repair is complete because axle misalignment can lead to irregular tire wear and tire failure.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Highland Ridge Fw technician inspects the axle hanger area and welds on new hangers so the axle mounting points are secured correctly. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Highland Ridge lists a general reimbursement plan for this recall. If you already paid for the same hanger repair before recall service, ask Highland Ridge customer service or the dealer how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 1, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| March 15, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 15, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 29, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V065?
Recall 17V065 covers 148 2016-2017 Highland Ridge Fw Open Range fifth-wheel vehicles with rear axle hangers that can puncture the riser tube wall. That damage can let the axle shift out of alignment. Dealers will weld on new hangers for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Highland Ridge Fw Open Range is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fifth-wheel is included in recall 17V065. If it is, contact a franchised Highland Ridge Fw dealer to schedule the hanger repair. Reference recall number 17V065 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 Highland Ridge Fw dealers will weld on new axle hangers free of charge. The recall repair began on March 29, 2017.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is axle misalignment. If the axle shifts, the tires can wear irregularly and fail, increasing crash risk. Until the repair is complete, watch for unusual tire wear, handling changes, or signs that the trailer is not tracking straight.
What if I bought my Highland Ridge Fw Open Range used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Open Range is included, then call a franchised Highland Ridge Fw dealer and reference recall 17V065.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V065000 |
|---|---|
| Highland Ridge Fw customer service | 1-260-768-7771 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V065 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V065000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →