Recall 21V876 covers 325 2021-2022 Cargo Mate Cargo Trailer vehicles for an improperly welded coupler. Repair is free at any franchised Cargo Mate dealer.
Cargo Mate is recalling 325 2021-2022 Cargo Trailer cargo trailers because an improperly welded coupler can let the trailer separate from the tow vehicle. Trailer separation increases the risk of a crash, and Cargo Mate dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The A-frame coupler on the 2021-2022 Cargo Mate Cargo Trailer is the front hitch assembly that locks the trailer to the tow vehicle. When it is built correctly, the coupler holds the trailer tongue on the hitch ball while the tow vehicle accelerates, brakes, and turns. That connection has to stay solid because every movement of the trailer runs through it.
On affected trailers, the coupler assembly was only spot welded during manufacturing. The full welds were not completed, so the coupler lacks the intended strength at the hitch connection. Under towing loads, that weak weld area can fail and let the trailer separate from the tow vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The trailer can look normal while the weld defect is still present, so owners should not rely on noise, looseness, or visible movement to decide whether the recall applies.
Who's affected?
Covers Cargo Mate and Continental Cargo trailers from the 2021 and 2022 model years, tied to the same 14K Ram A-Frame Coupler assembly.
| 2022 Cargo Mate Cargo Trailer | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2022 Cargo Mate Cargo Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2021 Cargo Mate Cargo Trailer | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2021 Cargo Mate Cargo Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2021 Continental Cargo Cargo Trailer | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2021 Continental Cargo Cargo Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| 2022 Continental Cargo Cargo Trailer | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2022 Continental Cargo Cargo Trailer | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 325 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year, model, and trailer brand narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the coupler fails, the trailer can separate from the tow vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before separation, so avoid towing until your VIN is checked and the dealer inspects the coupler. Repair is free at any franchised Cargo Mate dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Cargo Mate Cargo Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Cargo Mate dealer to schedule the free coupler inspection and replacement if the weld is wrong.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V876 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer until the coupler has been inspected and the repair is complete.
- Call Cargo Mate customer service at 1-254-420-0171 with questions about the recall.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Cargo Mate technician inspects the trailer coupler and replaces it if the weld or coupler condition falls within the recall repair. The inspection and any required coupler replacement are free under recall 21V876. If you already paid out of pocket for a coupler repair tied to this defect, Cargo Mate offers refund review for repairs within the recall scope. Submit the service invoice to Cargo Texas, Attn: Warranty Manager, for reimbursement review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 23, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 22, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 22, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 22, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V876?
Recall 21V876 covers 325 2021-2022 Cargo Mate Cargo Trailer units with an improperly welded coupler. The defect can let the trailer separate from the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk. Dealers inspect and replace the coupler free of charge.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Cargo Mate Cargo Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V876. If it is, contact a franchised Cargo Mate dealer to schedule the coupler inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 21V876000 or Forest River recall number 700-1438 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V876, dealers inspect the coupler and replace it when needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation from the tow vehicle. If the coupler weld fails, the trailer can detach while being towed, increasing crash risk. Until your VIN is checked and the coupler is inspected, use care and contact a Cargo Mate dealer for repair scheduling.
When were owners notified about recall 21V876?
Owner notification letters were mailed November 23, 2021. If you bought the trailer used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call Cargo Mate customer service at 1-254-420-0171 with recall number 700-1438.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V876000 |
|---|---|
| Cargo Mate customer service | 1-254-420-0171 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V876 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V876000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 →