Recall 21V505 affects 2,786 2021-2022 Bwise Utility, Tilt, Dump, Car Hauler, and Equipment trailers for excessive coupler play. Repair is free at a franchised Bwise dealer.
Bwise is recalling 2,786 2021-2022 Utility Trailer, Tilt Trailer, Dump Trailer, Car Hauler, and Equipment Trailer models under recall 21V505 because the Wallace Forge adjustable mount coupler can have excessive play from a missing radius piece. The loose coupler can let the trailer uncouple and raise crash risk; the dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The adjustable ball coupler on the 2021-2022 Bwise Utility Trailer, Tilt Trailer, Dump Trailer, Car Hauler, and Equipment Trailer is the hitch part that locks the trailer to the tow vehicle's ball. When it is built correctly, the internal locking mechanism wraps under the ball with the correct rounded surface and holds the connection while the trailer is being towed, parked, loaded, or dumped.
On affected trailers, the Wallace Forge R25160 coupler was built with an internal locking mechanism that lacks the correct radius. Instead of a rounded surface, the lock has a flat, straight surface. That shape allows excessive play at the ball. Under load or movement, the coupler can pop off the tow vehicle ball and let the trailer move unexpectedly.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall filing describes no prior symptom before the locking mechanism lets go, so an owner should not rely on noise, looseness, or feel at the hitch to decide whether the trailer is safe.
Who's affected?
Covers 5 Bwise trailer types from the 2021 and 2022 model years, all using the same 20,000# adjustable ball coupler.
| 2022 Bwise Utility Trailer | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2021 Bwise Tilt Trailer | Equipment |
| 2022 Bwise Tilt Trailer | Equipment |
| 2022 Bwise Dump Trailer | Equipment |
| 2021 Bwise Car Hauler | Equipment |
| 2022 Bwise Car Hauler | Equipment |
| 2021 Bwise Equipment Trailer | Equipment |
| 2022 Bwise Equipment Trailer | Equipment |
| 2021 Bwise Utility Trailer | Equipment |
| 2021 Bwise Dump Trailer | Equipment |
| Units affected | 2,786 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?
Excessive play in the mount coupler can let the trailer separate from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the locking mechanism fails, so schedule the repair soon and check the coupler latch before towing. Repair is free at any franchised Bwise dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Bwise Utility Trailer, Tilt Trailer, Dump Trailer, Car Hauler, or Equipment Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Bwise dealer to schedule the free coupler replacement that fixes the excessive adjustable-mount-coupler play.
- Bring the recall notice if Bwise mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V505 when you call.
- Tow cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop using the trailer if the coupler feels loose.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Bwise technician removes the existing adjustable mount coupler and installs a new coupler. The repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. The coupler is the trailer connection point that locks onto the tow vehicle, so the service focuses on replacing that connection hardware with the corrected part. The source materials describe manufacturer coverage for dealer labor, replacement couplers, and freight, but do not describe an owner reimbursement program.
Timeline
| July 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 30, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 16, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 10, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V505?
Recall 21V505 covers 2,786 2021-2022 Bwise Utility Trailer, Tilt Trailer, Dump Trailer, Car Hauler, and Equipment Trailer units with Wallace Forge medium-duty adjustable mount couplers. A missing .750" radius piece can leave excessive play in the coupler. Dealers will replace the coupler for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Bwise Utility Trailer, Tilt Trailer, Dump Trailer, Car Hauler, or Equipment Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V505. If it is, contact a Bwise dealer to schedule the coupler replacement. Reference recall number 21V505 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 Bwise dealers will replace the affected coupler free of charge. Bwise customer service is available at 1-717-261-0922 for owner questions.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V505?
The safety risk is trailer separation. Excessive play in the mount coupler can cause the trailer to uncouple, increasing crash risk. Until the coupler is replaced, confirm whether your VIN is included and arrange the free dealer repair if it is.
When were owners notified about recall 21V505?
Bwise mailed owner notification letters on September 10, 2021. If you bought the trailer used or never received a letter, the VIN check still decides whether recall 21V505 applies to your specific trailer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V505000 |
|---|---|
| Bwise customer service | 1-717-261-0922 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V505 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V505000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →