Recall 20V380 affects 2 2016 Ameralite Cargo Van Trailer trailers for drawbars that can fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Ameralite dealer.
Ameralite is recalling 2 2016 Cargo Van Trailer units under recall 20V380 because the steel tubes used for the trailer drawbars have insufficient thickness for the trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. A fractured drawbar can cause loss of control or trailer separation from the tow vehicle, and Ameralite dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The drawbar on the 2016 Ameralite Cargo Van Trailer is the steel tube structure at the front of the trailer that ties the trailer tongue to the hitch connection. It carries the pulling load from the tow vehicle and helps keep the trailer aligned while it is being pulled. That part has to match the trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, which is the maximum loaded weight the trailer is designed to handle.
On affected trailers, the steel tubes used for the drawbars are too thin for that rated weight. The original drawbar tube was 2 inches by 3 inches by .125 inches, while the corrected tube is 2 inches by 3 inches by .25 inches. Under load, the thinner tube does not have the intended strength margin, so the drawbar can fail instead of holding the trailer tongue as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not count on a sound, visible bend, or change in towing feel to appear before the drawbar fails.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Ameralite Cargo Van Trailer | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific trailer.
What's the safety risk?
If a drawbar fractures during towing, the driver can lose control or the trailer can separate from the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm whether your VIN is included and arrange the repair before towing again. Repair is free at any franchised Ameralite dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Ameralite Cargo Van Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ameralite dealer to schedule the free drawbar reinforcement repair.
- Ask the dealer to install the double hollow tubes that strengthen the drawbars and reduce the risk of drawbar fracture or trailer separation.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V380 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Ameralite technician installs a double hollow tube on both drawbars to strengthen the trailer structure for the rated load. The recall repair is available now, and the drawbar parts and labor are free. The service desk can confirm that your 2016 Cargo Van Trailer is included before the work order is opened. Ask when the trailer can be picked up after the installation is complete.
Timeline
| July 1, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 28, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 10, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| August 10, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 10, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V380?
Recall 20V380 covers 2 2016 Ameralite Cargo Van Trailer units with drawbar steel tubes that are too thin for the trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The drawbars can fracture during towing, causing loss of control or trailer separation. Dealers will reinforce both drawbars for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Ameralite Cargo Van Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 20V380. If it is, contact an Ameralite dealer or Forest River customer service at 1-574-848-1335 and reference Forest River recall number 24-1191. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 20V380 is free. Dealers install a double hollow tube to both drawbars so the trailer hitch structure is reinforced.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of control or trailer separation during towing. The drawbars can fracture and fail while the trailer is in operation, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer reinforcement before continued use.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V380000 |
|---|---|
| Ameralite customer service | 1-574-848-1335 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V380 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V380000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →