Recall 20V522 affects 694 2020-2021 Pj Trailers De trailers for hydraulic cylinder attachment bolt failure. Repair is free at any franchised Pj Trailers dealer.
Pj Trailers is recalling 694 2020-2021 De trailers because hydraulic cylinder attachment bolts can fail when the hydraulic system lowers a dump box that is already fully lowered. If the dump box is used after the bolts fail, it can drop suddenly while being raised, increasing injury risk; Pj Trailers dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic cylinder on 2020-2021 Pj Trailers De trailers raises and lowers the dump box. Its attachment bolts hold the cylinder to the trailer structure, so the cylinder force moves the box instead of pulling against loose hardware. When the box reaches the frame in the fully lowered position, the hydraulic system should stop being powered.
On affected De trailers, the cylinder still has stroke left after the dump box is already down. If the operator keeps the hydraulic system engaged, the cylinder pulls the dump box into the trailer frame. That load is transferred into the cylinder attachment bolts, and the bolts can fail. The problem is hidden from normal view, so the broken bolts are likely found only the next time the cylinder is used.
The warning sign is audible strain from the pump motor while the box is fully lowered and the hydraulics keep running. There is no other warning sign before the attachment bolts fail, and the failure is not visible to the user.
Who's affected?
Covers the De model across the 2020 and 2021 model years, with the same mechanical equipment issue in both years.
| 2020 Pj Trailers De | Mechanical |
|---|---|
| 2021 Pj Trailers De | Mechanical |
| Units affected | 694 |
| 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?
If the attachment bolts fail, using the dump box can make the raised box drop suddenly and injure someone nearby. Audible pump motor strain while the box is fully lowered is the warning sign to stop using the dump box and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Pj Trailers dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Pj Trailers De is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Pj Trailers dealer to schedule the free hydraulic power unit and attachment-bolt replacement that addresses dump box drop risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Pj Trailers mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V522 when you call.
- Avoid using the hydraulic system to lower the dump box after it is already fully lowered until the repair is complete.
- Call Pj Trailers customer service at 1-866-752-8781 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Pj Trailers technician replaces the hydraulic power unit and the attachment bolts for the dump box hydraulic system. Parts and labor are covered under recall 20V522, and the repair is free. Pj Trailers has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible related repairs paid before the recall notice. If you already paid for this repair, gather your repair order and payment records, then contact Pj Trailers customer service at 1-866-752-8781 before your dealer visit.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 28, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 18, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 28, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 1, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 2, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 27, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V522?
Recall 20V522 covers 694 2020-2021 Pj Trailers De trailers with hydraulic cylinder attachment bolts that fail when the hydraulic system lowers a dump box that is already fully lowered. Pj Trailers dealers replace the hydraulic power unit and attachment bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Pj Trailers De is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 20V522. If it is, contact a franchised Pj Trailers dealer to schedule replacement of the hydraulic power unit and attachment bolts. Reference recall 20V522 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, and Pj Trailers dealers replace the hydraulic power unit and attachment bolts free of charge. Pj Trailers customer service is available at 1-866-752-8781.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury from a sudden dump box drop after the attachment bolts fail. The failure is tied to using the hydraulic system to lower the dump box after it is already fully lowered. If your VIN is included, have the dealer complete the free repair.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began October 2, 2020. Since that date is in the past, owners can contact a franchised Pj Trailers dealer now to schedule the free replacement of the hydraulic power unit and attachment bolts.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V522000 |
|---|---|
| Pj Trailers customer service | 1-866-752-8781 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V522 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V522000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 →