Recall 17V439 affects 910 2016-2017 Keystone Outback travel trailers with an incorrect drawbar. Repair is free at any franchised Keystone dealer.
Keystone is recalling 910 2016-2017 Outback travel trailers because an incorrect drawbar was installed for towing the trailer. Under certain travel conditions, the drawbar can bend, affect handling, and increase crash risk; Keystone dealers will replace the drawbar free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The drawbar on a 2016-2017 Keystone Outback travel trailer is the structural steel member at the front of the trailer that supports the hitch connection. It transfers towing loads from the coupler into the trailer frame, so the trailer tracks behind the tow vehicle without the nose structure flexing out of shape.
On the affected Outback trailers, Keystone says an undersized drawbar was installed. That means the steel member does not have the strength intended for these floor plans. Normal towing loads can make the drawbar bend upward at the hitch area, which changes the angle of the hitch connection and puts extra stress into the front frame structure.
The warning sign is visible movement in the drawbar. If the hitch area starts to bend upward, stop towing and have a Keystone dealer inspect the trailer before it is moved again.
Who's affected?
The same body or structural component listing applies to both model years.
| 2016 Keystone Outback | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2017 Keystone Outback | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 910 |
| 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?
A bending drawbar can affect vehicle handling while traveling and increase the risk of a crash. If the hitch drawbar is bending upward, stop towing and call a Keystone dealer before another trip. Repair is free at any franchised Keystone dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Keystone Outback is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Keystone dealer to schedule the free reinforcement-channel repair that strengthens the drawbar attachment.
- Bring the recall notice if Keystone mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V439 and Keystone recall 17-290 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer until the reinforcement channel is installed, and use extra caution if it has to be moved.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Keystone technician bolts a reinforcement channel over the existing drawbar attachment on the trailer frame. That added channel reinforces the frame connection used for towing the travel trailer. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related drawbar or frame attachment repair before the recall notice, keep the repair invoice and contact Keystone customer service about reimbursement under its general plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 13, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 27, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| July 27, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 27, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 28, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V439?
Recall 17V439 covers 910 2016-2017 Keystone Outback travel trailers built with an incorrect drawbar for towing. Under certain conditions while traveling, the drawbar can bend, affect handling, and increase crash risk. Keystone dealers reinforce the drawbar attachment for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Keystone Outback is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 17V439000. If it is, contact a franchised Keystone dealer to schedule the drawbar reinforcement. Reference recall number 17V439000 or Keystone recall 17-290 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Keystone dealers will bolt a reinforcement channel over the existing drawbar attachment of the frame free of charge.
Is it safe to tow my Keystone Outback before the repair?
The recall warns that the incorrect drawbar can bend while traveling, affect handling, and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Keystone dealer repair before further towing and ask the dealer for guidance if the trailer needs to be moved.
What if I bought my Keystone Outback used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016-2017 Keystone Outback is included, then call a Keystone dealer and reference recall number 17V439000 or Keystone recall 17-290.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V439000 |
|---|---|
| Keystone customer service | 1-866-425-4369 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V439 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V439000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →