Recall 18V469 affects 126 2018-2019 Dutchmen Aerolite trailers for undersized safety chains. Repair is free at any franchised Dutchmen dealer.
Dutchmen is recalling 126 2018-2019 Aerolite trailers because their safety chains are rated for 7,600 lbs even though the trailer GVWR is 9,680 lbs. If the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle, the lower-rated chains can fail and increase crash risk; Dutchmen dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The safety chains on a 2018-2019 Dutchmen Aerolite are the backup connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle. If the trailer coupler separates from the hitch ball, the chains are supposed to help keep the trailer attached long enough to bring it under control. They need to be rated for the trailer they are backing up.
On affected Aerolite trailers, the trailer has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 9,680 pounds, but the installed safety chains are rated at 7,600 pounds. Dutchmen traced the problem to chains that were incorrectly specified for this floor plan. The correct chains are rated at 11,700 pounds, which matches the job better than the lower-rated chains installed on the recalled trailers.
There is no warning sign before failure. The chain rating tag is the visible clue, but the mismatch shows up as a safety problem only when the chains are needed.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same equipment component.
| 2019 Dutchmen Aerolite | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2018 Dutchmen Aerolite | Equipment |
| Units affected | 126 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018-2019 Dutchmen Aerolite trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
The lower rated safety chains can fail if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Until the chains are replaced, check that the trailer is hitched correctly before each trip and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Dutchmen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Dutchmen Aerolite is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Dutchmen dealer to schedule the free safety-chain replacement that swaps the lower-rated chains for the correct chains.
- Bring the recall notice if Dutchmen sent one, or reference recall number 18V469 when you call.
- Call Dutchmen customer service at 1-866-425-4369 with questions about Dutchmen recall 18-326.
- Confirm the safety-chain replacement is complete before towing long trips with the trailer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dutchmen technician replaces the 7,600lb rated safety chains with 11,700lb rated safety chains. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related safety chain repair, the manufacturer's general reimbursement plan on file covers documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk, and ask how to submit the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 13, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 16, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 2, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 2, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 2, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 2, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V469?
Recall 18V469 covers 126 2018-2019 Dutchmen Aerolite trailers with safety chains rated at 7,600lb even though the trailer GVWR is 9,680lbs. Dutchmen dealers will replace those chains with 11,700lb rated chains for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Dutchmen Aerolite is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V469. If it is, contact a franchised Dutchmen dealer to schedule the safety-chain replacement. Reference recall 18V469 or Dutchmen recall number 18-326 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 18V469, a franchised Dutchmen dealer will replace the 7,600lb rated safety chains with 11,700lb rated chains free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety chains are rated below the trailer's 9,680lb GVWR. If the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle, the lower-rated chains can fail, which raises crash risk. The free dealer repair replaces them with higher-rated 11,700lb chains.
What if I bought my Dutchmen Aerolite used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2018-2019 Dutchmen Aerolite is included, then call a franchised Dutchmen dealer or Dutchmen customer service at 1-866-425-4369.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V469000 |
|---|---|
| Dutchmen customer service | 1-866-425-4369 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V469 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V469000 |
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 →