Recall 18V590 covers 118 2017-2018 Fabform Power Tilt Dump Trailer trailers for hinge fractures. Repair is free at any franchised Fabform dealer.
Fabform is recalling 118 Power Tilt Dump Trailer models from 2017-2018 because hinges welded to the bottom frame can fracture, allowing the dump box to fall unexpectedly. If your VIN is included, a Fabform dealer will complete the free repair to address the hinge failure and reduce the risk of injury or death.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The 2017-2018 Fabform Power Tilt Dump Trailer uses hinges welded to the bottom frame to let the dump box pivot during loading and unloading. Those hinges carry the box as it tilts, then hold the box in line with the trailer frame when it comes back down. The hinge area has to stay solid because the box moves under weight and vibration.
On affected Power Tilt Dump Trailers, the hinge welded to the bottom frame can fracture. When that happens, the dump box is no longer held in its intended path and can unexpectedly fall. Fabform's repair adds gussets and reinforced welds to the existing hinge, with replacement only when that repair cannot be made.
Owners reported hearing a popping sound when the hinge failed. Treat that sound as a warning sign and keep people clear of the dump box until the trailer is inspected and repaired.
Who's affected?
Both model years involve the same body or structural component.
| 2017 Fabform Power Tilt Dump Trailer | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2018 Fabform Power Tilt Dump Trailer | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 118 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 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?
An unexpected dump box fall can cause injury or death to someone near the trailer. A popping sound at the hinge is a warning sign to stop using the dump box and keep people clear until the hinge reinforcement is installed. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Fabform dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Fabform Power Tilt Dump Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Fabform dealer to schedule the free hinge gusset installation with reinforced welds, the repair that helps keep the dump box from falling unexpectedly.
- Call Fabform customer service at 1-541-679-2920 with questions and reference recall number 18V590 when you call.
- Keep people clear of the dump box area until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Fabform technician installs gussets with reinforced welds on the existing dump box hinges. The added reinforcement is meant to keep the hinge weld area from fracturing, and parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a hinge related repair before the recall work, Fabform has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented expenses. Bring your repair paperwork to the dealer or contact Fabform customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 5, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 13, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V590?
Recall 18V590 covers 118 2017-2018 Fabform Power Tilt Dump Trailer units with bottom-frame hinges that can fracture and let the dump box fall unexpectedly. That failure increases the risk of injury or death. Fabform dealers install gussets with reinforced welds for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Fabform Power Tilt Dump Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V590. If it is, contact a Fabform dealer or Fabform customer service at 1-541-679-2920 to arrange the hinge reinforcement repair. Reference recall number 18V590 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Fabform's remedy says dealers will install gussets with reinforced welds to the existing hinges free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected dump-box fall. If the welded hinges on the bottom frame fracture, the dump box can drop without warning and increase the risk of injury or death to anyone near the trailer.
What if I bought the trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies to a used trailer. The VIN decides whether recall 18V590 covers your specific 2017-2018 Fabform Power Tilt Dump Trailer, regardless of ownership history. Fabform began the recall on September 13, 2018.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V590000 |
|---|---|
| Fabform customer service | 1-541-679-2920 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V590 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V590000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 →