Recall 21V710 affects 252 2021 Kaufman Equipment Trailer trailers for a hitch locking mechanism defect. Replacement parts are mailed free after inspection.
Kaufman is recalling 252 2021 Equipment Trailer units because the internal locking mechanism is incorrect and can leave excessive play when the trailer is coupled to the specified ball hitch. If the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle, crash risk increases; Kaufman dealers will complete the repair free of charge once Kaufman makes the remedy available.
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What's wrong?
The coupler on a 2021 Kaufman Equipment Trailer is the adjustable hitch head at the front of the trailer. It locks around the tow vehicle's 2-5/16" ball so the trailer stays connected while the truck accelerates, brakes, turns, and crosses bumps. On these trailers, the affected part is the CADJ2516-15K adjustable ball coupler.
The problem is inside the coupler, where the locking mechanism is supposed to clamp the ball with the correct fit. Kaufman says the wrong internal locking mechanism was installed. With a 2-5/16" ball hitch, that mismatch leaves excessive play between the ball and the coupler. Too much movement at the hitch can let the trailer separate from the tow vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on a visible crack, a dashboard alert, or a normal walkaround to confirm whether the coupler is correct.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Kaufman Equipment Trailer | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 252 |
Not every 2021 Kaufman Equipment Trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A trailer that separates from the tow vehicle increases the risk of a crash. Before towing, inspect the coupler and related attachment hardware as instructed by Kaufman, and stop using the trailer if anything does not latch or seat correctly. Repair will be free at any franchised Kaufman dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Kaufman Equipment Trailer is included in this recall.
- Review the owner notice from Kaufman before towing, or call Kaufman customer service at 1-336-790-6800 if you never received it.
- Inspect the trailer hitch using Kaufman's instructions, especially before using a 2-5/16" ball hitch.
- Request the free replacement from Kaufman if the inspection shows the incorrect internal locking mechanism that creates excessive hitch play.
- Reference recall number 21V710 when you contact Kaufman.
What happens at the repair
Kaufman's final remedy is still listed as under development, so do not treat this as a dealer repair that is ready to schedule. The current remedy path says the customer inspects the trailer, and Kaufman mails a replacement at no charge when replacement is required. Once Kaufman opens the final repair process, the repair or replacement will be free. Contact Kaufman customer service or the selling dealer for the inspection instructions before towing the trailer again.
Timeline
| September 14, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 19, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V710?
Recall 21V710 covers 252 2021 Kaufman Equipment Trailer units with an incorrect internal locking mechanism. When the trailer is coupled to a 2-5/16" ball hitch, the hitch can have excessive play and detach, increasing crash risk. Kaufman will mail a replacement for free when required.
What should I do if my 2021 Kaufman Equipment Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V710. If it is, follow Kaufman's inspection instructions and contact Kaufman customer service at 1-336-790-6800. Reference recall number 21V710 when you call. The replacement is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost to the owner. For recall 21V710, Kaufman says the customer will inspect the trailer and a replacement will be mailed for free when required.
Is it safe to tow my Kaufman Equipment Trailer before the recall is fixed?
The safety risk is trailer detachment. The recall states that an incorrect internal locking mechanism, when used with a 2-5/16" ball hitch, can create excessive play and let the trailer detach from the tow vehicle. Confirm your VIN and contact Kaufman before towing with that hitch setup.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V710000 |
|---|---|
| Kaufman customer service | 1-336-790-6800 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V710 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V710000 |
Source documents
-
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →