Recall 19V490 affects 290 2018-2019 Charles Machine Ditch Witch trailers for hitch lock nuts with insufficient clamp load. New hardware is free.
Charles Machine is recalling 290 2018-2019 Ditch Witch trailers because lock nuts that hold the adjustable hitch to the trailer do not provide enough clamp load. If the hitch detaches, the trailer can separate and raise the risk of a crash; Charles Machine dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The hitch on 2018-2019 Charles Machine Ditch Witch trailers is the connection point that lets the trailer attach to the tow vehicle. Its height can be adjusted so the trailer sits correctly behind different tow vehicles. Lock nuts hold the hitch hardware tight after that adjustment.
On included trailers, defective lock nuts were mixed into production inventory. The nuts can provide enough clamping force during the initial installation, but after the hitch height is adjusted, the same nuts can fail to clamp the load properly. That leaves the hitch less secure at the trailer connection.
A loose hitch is the warning sign owners can notice before the hardware stops locking as designed. If the hitch moves, rattles, or does not stay tight after adjustment, treat that as a sign the lock nuts are not holding correctly.
Who's affected?
Spans 2 model years with the same trailer-hitch component.
| 2019 Charles Machine Ditch Witch | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 290 |
| 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?
Insufficient clamp load can let the hitch detach from the trailer and increase the risk of a crash. Treat a loose hitch as a warning sign, stop towing, and arrange the repair before using the trailer again. Repair is free at any franchised Charles Machine dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Charles Machine Ditch Witch trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481 to get the free replacement hitch hardware.
- Bring the recall notice if Charles Machine mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V490 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer until the hitch-hardware repair restores the clamp load for the trailer hitch.
What happens at the repair
At service, a Charles Machine technician replaces the hitch attachment hardware so the hitch can clamp correctly after the hitch height is adjusted. The new hardware is provided free under the recall, and parts and labor are covered. If you paid out of pocket for a related hitch hardware repair before the recall notice, Charles Machine's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service contact so the claim can be reviewed under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 25, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 28, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| June 28, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 28, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 28, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V490?
Recall 19V490 covers 290 2018-2019 Charles Machine Ditch Witch trailers with hitch lock nuts that do not provide enough clamp load after hitch-height adjustment. The hitch can detach from the trailer, increasing crash risk. Charles Machine provides new hardware free of charge.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Charles Machine Ditch Witch is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 19V490. If it is, contact a Charles Machine dealer or Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481 and reference recall ID0568989. The new hitch hardware is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Charles Machine provides the new hitch hardware free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2019, so the remedy is available now.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation. If the lock nuts do not hold enough clamp load after the hitch height is adjusted, the hitch can detach from the trailer and increase crash risk. Confirm the VIN before using the trailer for service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V490000 |
|---|---|
| Charles Machine customer service | 1-800-654-6481 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V490 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V490000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →