Recall 17V186 covers 55 2016-2017 Trail King Aacs and Acs trailers for fifth wheel coupler plate cracks. Free repair at any franchised Trail King dealer.
Trail King is recalling 55 2016-2017 Aacs and Acs drop deck fifth wheel trailers because the fifth wheel coupler plate can crack. If the trailer detaches from the tractor, crash risk increases, and Trail King dealers will complete the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
The fifth wheel coupler plate on 2016-2017 Trail King Aacs and Acs drop deck trailers is the steel plate under the gooseneck that locks onto the tractor's fifth wheel through the king pin. It carries the trailer's front load and keeps the trailer attached to the tractor while the combination turns, brakes, and travels over uneven roads.
On affected trailers, the lower coupler plate was built from material that is too thin for the trailer load. The condition applies to trailers with 18 inch, 20 inch, 24 inch, and 30 inch king pin settings. As the trailer is used, stress can crack the plate; if the cracking progresses, the trailer can detach from the tractor. The remedy uses a 3/8 inch lower plate instead of the original 1/4 inch plate, and it extends farther back behind the tractor's fifth wheel.
The warning sign is small cracks in the corners of the coupler plate underneath the gooseneck. Owners and fleet mechanics should look there during inspection before the trailer is used again.
Who's affected?
Covers two Trail King trailer models across the 2016 and 2017 model years, all using the same fifth wheel assembly.
| 2016 Trail King Aacs | Fifth wheel assembly |
|---|---|
| 2017 Trail King Acs | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2017 Trail King Aacs | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2016 Trail King Acs | Fifth wheel assembly |
| Units affected | 55 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 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?
If the trailer separates from the tractor, the separation increases the risk of a crash. Small cracks in the corners of the coupler plate under the gooseneck are a warning sign to stop hauling and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Trail King dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Trail King Aacs or Acs trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Trail King dealer to schedule the free coupler-plate replacement that fixes the cracking fifth-wheel plate.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 17V186 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer if you see cracking or any loose connection at the fifth-wheel assembly before the repair.
- Tow cautiously until the coupler plate is replaced, and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Trail King technician replaces the fifth wheel coupler plate that can crack and allow the trailer to detach from the tractor. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Trail King. The dealer removes the affected plate, installs the replacement coupler plate, and checks that the trailer coupling is secure before returning it to service.
Timeline
| March 15, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 20, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 20, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| March 20, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 30, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V186?
Recall 17V186 covers 55 2016-2017 Trail King Aacs and Acs drop deck fifth wheel trailers. The fifth wheel coupler plate can crack and allow the trailer to detach from the tractor, increasing crash risk. Trail King dealers replace the coupler plate for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Trail King Aacs or Acs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 17V186. If it is, contact a franchised Trail King dealer or Trail King customer service at 1-800-843-3324 to schedule the coupler plate replacement. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair covered safety defects at no cost. For recall 17V186, Trail King dealers replace the affected fifth wheel coupler plate free of charge at a franchised Trail King dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is trailer separation. If the fifth wheel coupler plate cracks, the trailer can detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, arrange the free coupler plate replacement before returning the trailer to service.
What if I bought this Trail King trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Aacs or Acs trailer is included, then reference recall 17V186 when you contact a Trail King dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V186000 |
|---|---|
| Trail King customer service | 1-800-843-3324 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V186 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V186000 |
Source documents
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 →