Recall 21V029 affects 343 2008-2020 Smeal Aerial fire apparatus vehicles for a positional waterway trolley defect. Repair is free at any franchised Smeal dealer.
Smeal is recalling 343 2008-2020 Aerial fire apparatus vehicles equipped with a positional waterway trolley because operating the ladder extension while shifting waterway modes can break locking tabs off the locking arms. A damaged trolley can disconnect from the ladder and drop to the ground, increasing the risk of injury or death; Smeal dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The positional waterway trolley on 2008-2020 Smeal Aerial fire apparatus is part of the ladder water delivery system. It helps position the waterway as the aerial ladder operates, so the apparatus can move water through the ladder while crews place the ladder where it is needed.
On affected apparatus, the proximity switches were not set properly during manufacturing. If the operator tries to extend the ladder and shift from one waterway mode to another at the same time, the locking arms can be loaded in a way that breaks off the locking tabs. Once those tabs are missing, the trolley is no longer secured the way the design intends.
The warning sign is direct. Breaking tabs will make a loud noise, and missing tabs can be seen from the side of the ladder when the ladder is stowed on the apparatus. Daily and weekly inspections listed in the operator manual are meant to catch that damage before the ladder is used again.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2008-2020 model years, with the same boom/crane/ladder component listed throughout.
| 2017 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
|---|---|
| 2014 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| 2011 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| 2013 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| 2009 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| 2020 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| 2010 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| 2018 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| 2008 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| 2015 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| 2016 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| 2012 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| 2019 Smeal Aerial | Boom/crane/ladder |
| Units affected | 343 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
If a damaged positional waterway trolley disconnects from the ladder, it drops to the ground and increases the risk of injury or death. A loud noise from breaking locking tabs, or missing tabs visible with the ladder stowed, means the apparatus needs inspection before use. Repair is free at any franchised Smeal dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2020 Smeal Aerial is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Smeal dealer to schedule the free proximity-switch adjustment that helps keep the positional waterway trolley secured to the ladder.
- Bring the recall notice if Smeal mailed one, or reference recall number 21V029 when you call.
- Avoid extending the ladder while shifting waterway modes until the proximity-switch adjustment is complete.
- Call Smeal customer service at 1-800-867-6478 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Smeal technician adjusts the proximity switches on units equipped with the positional waterway mode shift timer interlock system. This work addresses the locking arm issue tied to extending the ladder while shifting waterway modes. The adjustment and related labor are free under the recall. Smeal's general reimbursement plan is on file for this campaign, so ask Smeal customer service how to submit documentation for eligible out-of-pocket repairs already paid.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 28, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| March 19, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 22, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 25, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V029?
Recall 21V029 covers 343 2008-2020 Smeal Aerial fire apparatus vehicles with a positional waterway trolley issue. If the operator extends the ladder while shifting modes, the locking tabs can break off the locking arms. Smeal dealers will adjust the proximity switches for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2020 Smeal Aerial is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific apparatus is included in recall 21V029. If it is, contact a Smeal dealer or Smeal customer service at 1-800-867-6478 to arrange the proximity-switch adjustment. Reference recall number 21V029 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Smeal dealers will adjust the proximity switches for affected units equipped with a positional waterway mode shift timer interlock system free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that a damaged positional waterway trolley can disconnect from the ladder and drop to the ground. That creates a risk of injury or death for people near the apparatus. Until the repair is complete, avoid operating the ladder and mode shift in the problem condition described by recall 21V029.
When did Smeal notify owners?
Smeal began the recall on March 25, 2021. If your department or agency did not receive a notice, the VIN still decides whether the apparatus is included. Check your VIN, then contact a Smeal dealer or Smeal customer service with recall number 21V029.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V029000 |
|---|---|
| Smeal customer service | 1-800-867-6478 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V029 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V029000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →