Recall 21V171 affects 230 2018-2021 Atc Arv Gamechanger and Pro Bumper Pull trailers for underrated safety chains. Free repair at any franchised Atc Arv dealer.
Atc Arv is recalling 230 2018-2021 Pro Bumper Pull and Gamechanger trailers because their safety chains are rated below the trailer load. If the trailer separates from the tow vehicle, the chains can break and increase crash risk; Atc Arv dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The safety chains on 2018-2021 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull and Gamechanger trailers are backup chains that connect the trailer to the tow vehicle near the hitch. Their job is to help keep the trailer attached if the ball hitch separates, giving the driver a chance to stop while the trailer stays connected.
On affected trailers with tandem 6,000 lb axles, the installed chains are rated at 11,700 lbs. That rating is below what these trailers need when loaded to their maximum weight rating. If a fully loaded trailer separates from the ball hitch, the chains can reach their pulling limit and break. Once the chains fail, the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The chain does not need to make noise, feel loose, or show damage before it reaches its limit under load. The repair replaces the lower-rated chains with 16,200 lb chains and includes the pieces needed for the chain repair.
Who's affected?
Spans Pro Bumper Pull and Gamechanger trailers across the 2018-2021 model years, with safety-chain equipment and trailer-hitch components listed for both.
| 2019 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2019 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull | Trailer hitches |
| 2020 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2020 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull | Trailer hitches |
| 2021 Atc Arv Gamechanger | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2021 Atc Arv Gamechanger | Trailer hitches |
| 2018 Atc Arv Gamechanger | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2018 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2018 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull | Trailer hitches |
| 2020 Atc Arv Gamechanger | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2020 Atc Arv Gamechanger | Trailer hitches |
| 2019 Atc Arv Gamechanger | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2019 Atc Arv Gamechanger | Trailer hitches |
| 2021 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2018 Atc Arv Gamechanger | Trailer hitches |
| 2021 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 230 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific trailer.
What's the safety risk?
If the trailer separates from the tow vehicle, the affected safety chains can break instead of holding the trailer behind the tow vehicle. That raises the risk of a crash for the driver and nearby traffic. Until the repair is complete, avoid towing with a trailer whose VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Atc Arv dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2021 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull or Gamechanger trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Atc Arv dealer to schedule the free safety-chain replacement that installs chains rated for the trailer's GVWR.
- Bring the recall notice mailed on May 7, 2021, if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V171 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer until the safety-chain replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Atc Arv technician replaces the existing safety chains with chains rated for the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating. Parts and labor are free under recall 21V171, and the repair facility is allotted 60 minutes for the work. ATC supplies the required parts kit and repair instructions after the repair request. If you or a dealer already paid for safety chains that this recall repair would have covered, contact ATC customer service to claim reimbursement for those costs.
| Estimated time at dealer | 60 minutes |
|---|---|
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
Timeline
| March 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 3, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| May 3, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 7, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 7, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V171?
Recall 21V171 covers 230 2018-2021 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull and Gamechanger trailers equipped with tandem 6,000 lb axles. The installed safety chains are rated at 11,700 lbs, below the trailer's GVWR. Atc Arv dealers will replace the chains for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2021 Atc Arv Pro Bumper Pull or Gamechanger is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V171. If it is, contact an Atc Arv dealer to schedule the safety-chain replacement. Reference recall number 21V171 when you call. 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 Atc Arv will replace the existing safety chains with chains that meet the trailer's GVWR rating free of charge through its dealer network.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is chain breakage if the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle. If the chains fail during a disconnect, the trailer loses its backup connection to the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk. The repair replaces the chains with properly rated parts.
When were owners notified about recall 21V171?
Atc Arv mailed owner notification letters on May 7, 2021. If you bought the trailer used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Pro Bumper Pull or Gamechanger is included before calling the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V171000 |
|---|---|
| Atc Arv customer service | 1-877-441-2440 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V171 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V171000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →