Recall 19V487 affects 796 2018-2019 Ditch Witch VT-series trailers for improperly crimped brake wire terminals. Repair is free at any franchised Charles Machine dealer.
Charles Machine is recalling 796 2018-2019 Ditch Witch VT-series trailers under recall 19V487 because the brake wire terminals were improperly crimped, which can keep the trailer brakes from applying when commanded. That can lengthen stopping distance and raise the risk of a crash, and a Charles Machine dealer will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The electric brake system on these 2018-2019 Ditch Witch VT-series trailers relies on a wire that carries an electrical signal from the tow vehicle to the brake assemblies at each wheel. When the driver presses the brake pedal, that signal travels through the wire and a crimped metal terminal at the connection point, then energizes the trailer brakes so the trailer slows with the truck. The crimp is the small mechanical joint that holds the wire to the terminal and keeps current flowing.
On affected trailers, the brake wire terminal was crimped improperly during assembly. A weak or loose crimp interrupts the electrical path, so the signal from the tow vehicle does not reach the brake assemblies. When that happens, the trailer brakes do not apply when commanded, and the tow vehicle has to stop the full combined weight on its own brakes.
There is no warning sign before failure. The brakes work until they do not, which is why the inspection and repair matter even if the trailer has been towing without issue.
Who's affected?
Covers two model years (2018 and 2019) of the Ditch Witch, all sharing the same electric service brake system.
| 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Charles Machine Ditch Witch | brake system |
| Units affected | 796 |
| 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 in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
Trailer brakes that fail to apply lengthen the stopping distance, which raises the risk of a crash with the towing vehicle, the trailer, or anything in front of them. Treat any change in trailer braking response as a reason to stop towing and call the dealer to schedule the fix. Repair is free at any franchised Charles Machine dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Ditch Witch VT-series trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Charles Machine dealer to schedule the brake-terminal replacement that fixes the improperly crimped wires causing the trailer brakes to fail.
- Call Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481 and reference recall number 19V487 when you call.
- Bring the owner notice if Charles Machine has mailed one; otherwise reference recall number 19V487 at the service desk.
- Avoid towing loads with the trailer until the brake-terminal repair is complete, since the brakes can fail to apply and lengthen stopping distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Charles Machine technician replaces the brake wire terminals with a machine terminal so the trailer brakes apply when commanded. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you have already paid out of pocket for a related brake terminal repair, Charles Machine's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring your receipts to the service desk when you arrive, or contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481 to confirm what documentation is needed before your visit.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 21, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 25, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 26, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| June 26, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 26, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V487?
Recall 19V487 covers 796 2018-2019 Ditch Witch VT9, VT12, VT14, VT17, VT20, and VT24 trailers with improperly crimped brake wire terminals. The faulty crimp can cause the trailer brakes to fail when commanded, lengthening stopping distance. Charles Machine dealers will replace the brake terminals at no cost.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Ditch Witch trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 19V487. If it is, contact a Charles Machine dealer to schedule the brake terminal replacement, or call Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Reference recall number 19V487 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to fix the defect at no cost to the owner. Charles Machine dealers will replace the improperly crimped brake wire terminals with a machine terminal free of charge, regardless of where the trailer was originally purchased.
What is the safety risk of the brake wire terminal defect?
If the brake wire terminals fail, the trailer brakes will not apply when commanded by the tow vehicle. That lengthens the distance required to stop the trailer and increases the risk of a crash, especially when towing loaded or on a downgrade. The dealer replaces the terminals for free.
What if I bought my Ditch Witch trailer used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If Charles Machine never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your trailer is included, then call a Charles Machine dealer or customer service at 1-800-654-6481 and reference recall 19V487.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V487000 |
|---|---|
| Charles Machine customer service | 1-800-654-6481 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V487 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V487000 |
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 →