Recall 18V727 affects 96 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch trailers for a jib boom latching-pin defect. Repair is free at any franchised Charles Machine dealer.
Charles Machine is recalling 96 2018 Ditch Witch trailers with HX30, HX50, or HX75 vacuum excavators and an optional jib boom because the boom can come loose from its latching pin and swing outside the trailer while towed. If that happens, it increases the risk of injury or a crash, and the Charles Machine repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The jib boom on 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch trailers is the hinged arm fitted to certain vacuum excavator setups. Its normal job is to stay secured on the trailer while the unit is being towed, with a latching pin holding the arm in its stowed position. When secured, the boom stays inside the trailer body instead of swinging outward.
On affected trailers, manufacturing tolerances in the articulating joint leave the arm with more movement than intended. That extra movement lets the arm rise above the latching pin, so the pin no longer keeps it captured. Once that happens, the boom can swing outside the trailer while the trailer is being towed. The replacement design uses a handle and hook to secure the arm to the structure.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat any loose or shifting boom as a reason to stop using the trailer until a Charles Machine dealer inspects the latch.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 96 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the jib boom is not secured, it can swing outside the trailer during towing and increase the risk of injury or a crash. Before towing, confirm the boom is latched to the trailer structure and arrange the latch repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Charles Machine dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Charles Machine dealer to schedule the free latching-pin replacement, which adds a hook mechanism to keep the jib boom secured to the trailer.
- Bring the recall notice if Charles Machine mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V727 when you call.
- Confirm the jib boom is secured before each tow until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Charles Machine technician replaces the latching pin with a hook mechanism that fits over the top of the arm and secures the jib boom to the trailer structure. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Charles Machine has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring repair documentation to the dealer or contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481 and reference recall ID0502488.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 18, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 19, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| October 19, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 22, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 26, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V727?
Recall 18V727 covers 96 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch VT14, VT20, and VT24 trailers with HX30, HX50, or HX75 vacuum excavators and an optional jib boom. The jib boom can come loose from the latching pin and swing outside the trailer while being towed.
What should I do if my 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V727. If it is, contact a Charles Machine dealer to schedule the latching pin replacement. Reference recall 18V727 or Charles Machine recall ID0502488 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. Charles Machine dealers will replace the latching pin with a hook mechanism that secures the jib boom to the trailer structure free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that the jib boom can swing outside the trailer while the trailer is being towed. That movement can increase the risk of injury or a crash. Stop towing until a dealer confirms whether your trailer is included and completes the free repair.
What if I bought the trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch trailer is included, then contact a Charles Machine dealer for the free repair if it is.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V727000 |
|---|---|
| Charles Machine customer service | 1-800-654-6481 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V727 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V727000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →