Recall 21V541 covers 83 2018-2020 Trail King Tkolb vehicles because a Dexter steering arm can detach. Inspection and weld repair are free.
Trail King is recalling 83 2018-2020 Tkolb trailers equipped with Dexter Smart Steer axles because the steering arm can detach from the steering knuckle during certain low-speed, high-side loading maneuvers. A detached steering arm can cause loss of steering control or drop hardware into the road, and Trail King dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering knuckle assembly on the 2018-2020 Trail King Tkolb trailers is the joint that lets the Dexter Smart Steer axle wheels turn and follow the trailer through a maneuver. The steering arm bolts to the steering knuckle, and that connection transfers steering force into the axle so the wheels track with the trailer instead of being dragged sideways.
On affected trailers, the attachment between the steering arm and knuckle does not have enough strength for certain low-speed, high-side loading maneuvers. Under that load, the steering arm can detach from the knuckle. Dexter's later service bulletin added dual reinforcing welds at that bolted joint, which shows the failure point is the arm-to-knuckle connection.
Owners can notice independent castering of the steer axle wheels, which means the wheels start turning on their own instead of following the intended steering path. Noise from dragging parts is another warning sign before the assembly fails.
Who's affected?
The scope spans three model years and ties the issue to the steering knuckle under both steering linkage and steering system component categories.
| 2019 Trail King Tkolb | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2019 Trail King Tkolb | steering system |
| 2020 Trail King Tkolb | steering linkage |
| 2020 Trail King Tkolb | steering system |
| 2018 Trail King Tkolb | steering linkage |
| 2018 Trail King Tkolb | steering system |
| Units affected | 83 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
A detached steering arm can cause loss of steering control, and loose attachment hardware can fall from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Noise from dragging parts or independent castering of the steer axle wheels is a warning sign to pull over safely and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Trail King dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 Trail King Tkolb is included in this recall.
- Contact a Trail King dealer or Trail King customer service to schedule Dexter Axle's free steering-arm inspection and weld repair that keeps the arm attached to the steering knuckle.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 21V541 (Trail King recall TK202103) when you call.
- Avoid low-speed, high-side loading maneuvers until the repair is complete.
- Call Trail King customer service at 1-800-843-3324 with questions about the repair path.
What happens at the repair
At an approved repair facility, a technician inspects the Dexter Smart Steer axle steering arm and applies the required welds to secure it to the steering knuckle. The recall repair is free, and Dexter provides the needed replacement parts and up to 3 hours of labor for the repair. Trail King directs owners to contact Dexter Axle to identify an authorized Dexter Canada repair facility and arrange the update.
| Estimated time at dealer | 180 minutes |
|---|
Timeline
| July 20, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 2, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 2, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 4, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 16, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V541?
Recall 21V541 covers 83 2018-2020 Trail King Tkolb trailers equipped with Dexter Smart Steer axles. The steering arm can detach from the steering knuckle during low-speed, high-side loading maneuvers, causing loss of steering control or loose hardware in the roadway. Dexter Axle will inspect the steering arm and apply welds for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 Trail King Tkolb is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V541. If it is, contact Trail King at 1-800-843-3324 or your Trail King service contact to arrange the Dexter Axle steering-arm inspection and weld repair. Reference Trail King recall number TK202103 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and the remedy states that Dexter Axle will inspect the steering arm and apply welds free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trailers included in recall 21V541.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control if the steering arm detaches from the steering knuckle. Attachment hardware can also fall from the trailer and create a road hazard. Both conditions increase crash risk, so confirm the VIN and arrange the free repair if your trailer is included.
What if I bought this Trail King Tkolb used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received the owner letter mailed on August 4, 2021, check your VIN and reference recall 21V541 and Trail King number TK202103 when you contact service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V541000 |
|---|---|
| Trail King customer service | 1-800-843-3324 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V541 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V541000 |
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →