Recall 17V552 affects 88 2017-2018 Prime Time Wildcat fifth-wheel trailers for a water-heater placement defect. Repair is free at any franchised Prime Time dealer.
Prime Time is recalling 88 2017-2018 Wildcat fifth-wheel recreational trailers because the water heater was installed too close to the underside of the slideroom. The defect can let carbon monoxide enter through the slideroom opening and increase the risk of injury, and Prime Time dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The water heater assembly in a 2017-2018 Prime Time Wildcat fifth-wheel trailer heats water for the coach's plumbing system. Because it burns LP gas, it also needs its exhaust vented safely outside the living area, away from places where fumes can collect or be pulled back inside.
On affected Wildcat trailers, the water heater was installed too close to the underside of the slide room. That placement leaves the exhaust ventilation in the wrong area, so carbon monoxide from the heater can enter the trailer compartment instead of staying outside. The repair moves and reinstalls the water heater farther rearward, outside the danger area identified by Prime Time.
The warning sign is the carbon monoxide alarm inside the trailer. If that alarm activates, treat it as a safety warning, leave the compartment, and have the trailer checked before using the water heater again.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2017 and 2018 Wildcat model years, tied to the same water-heater LPG system.
| 2018 Prime Time Wildcat | Water heater |
|---|---|
| 2017 Prime Time Wildcat | Water heater |
| Units affected | 88 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Carbon monoxide entering the vehicle through the slideroom opening increases the risk of injury. The carbon monoxide alarm can activate if fumes reach the cabin; treat any alarm as a reason to leave the vehicle, get fresh air, and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Prime Time dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Prime Time Wildcat is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Prime Time dealer to schedule the free water-heater relocation kit that moves the heater away from the slideroom opening.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 17V552 when you call.
- Avoid using the water heater or occupying the trailer with the heater running until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Prime Time technician installs the kit needed to correct the water heater's location near the slideroom area. The work is covered by the recall, so the kit, parts, and labor are free. Forest River's standard reimbursement plan is on file for owners who already paid for a related water heater location repair before the recall work. Bring repair invoices or other documentation to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 6, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 30, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 2, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| November 2, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 2, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V552?
Recall 17V552 covers 88 2017-2018 Prime Time Wildcat fifth-wheel recreational trailers with a water heater installed too close to the underside of the slideroom. Carbon monoxide can enter through the slideroom opening and increase injury risk. Prime Time dealers will install a repair kit for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Prime Time Wildcat is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 17V552. If it is, contact a franchised Prime Time dealer to schedule the water-heater location repair kit. Reference recall number 17V552 and Prime Time recall number 61-0515 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. A franchised Prime Time dealer will install the kit that corrects the water heater's location free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is carbon monoxide entering the trailer through the slideroom opening. Prime Time reported that the water heater was installed too close to the underside of the slideroom, and carbon monoxide entering the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair became available when the recall began on October 30, 2017. If your VIN is included, call a franchised Prime Time dealer and ask for the free repair kit installation tied to recall 17V552 and Prime Time recall number 61-0515.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V552000 |
|---|---|
| Prime Time customer service | 1-574-862-1025 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V552 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V552000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →