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Campaign 23V578 Posted August 14, 2023 5,641 units

1992-2023 Trail King Trailer Recall 23V578: Shim Defect

Recall 23V578 affects 5,641 1992-2023 Trail King Ab Ext/Tkfa/Tkpa/Ab trailers for detachable shims. Repair is free at any franchised Trail King dealer.

Trail King is recalling 5,641 1992-2023 Tkfa, Tkpa, Ab, and Ab Ext trailers because shims that transfer weight between the trailer and pin-on axle can detach when an air line or air suspension loses compression. Detached shims can fall into the roadway and create a crash hazard; Trail King dealers will complete the free repair.

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What's wrong?

The shims on 1992-2023 Trail King Ab Ext, Tkfa, Tkpa, and Ab trailers sit between the trailer and the added pin-on axle or pivot extension. Their normal job is to help transfer load through that added axle assembly while the air suspension keeps the parts compressed. When the system stays pressurized, the shims remain clamped in place.

On affected trailers, the shims do not have a separate retention method if the air line disconnects or the air suspension loses pressure. A sudden loss of air releases compression on the pin-on axle or pivot extension. Once that clamping force is gone, a shim can come loose from the trailer instead of staying captured in the axle assembly.

A driver can notice a loss of compression and bouncing from the pin-on axle if the air line or air suspension disconnects suddenly. That bouncing is the warning sign that the shim is no longer being held under normal pressure.

Who's affected?

Ab, Ab Ext, Tkfa, and Tkpa trailers share the same suspension component across 1992-2023.

2002 Trail King Ab Ext suspension component
2000 Trail King Ab Ext suspension component
1999 Trail King Ab Ext suspension component
1996 Trail King Ab Ext suspension component
2009 Trail King Ab Ext suspension component
Units affected5,641
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.

What's the safety risk?

Detached shims can fall into the roadway and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. A loss of compression or bouncing at the pin-on axle is a warning sign. Stop using the trailer until a dealer checks it and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Trail King dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 1992-2023 Trail King Ab Ext, Tkfa, Tkpa, or Ab trailer is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Trail King dealer to schedule the free shim, tether, and hardware installation that keeps the axle shims attached to the pin-on axle or pivot extension.
  3. Bring the owner notice if you have it, and reference recall number 23V578 when you call.
  4. Avoid using the trailer if the air line or air suspension has lost compression until the repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Trail King technician installs new shims, a tether, and related hardware so the shims stay attached to the pin-on axle or pivot extension. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Trail King's general reimbursement plan is on file, so owners who already paid for this recall repair should ask Trail King customer service what documentation is needed to claim reimbursement.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

August 14, 2023 NHTSA published the recall
September 6, 2023 Owner notification mailed
September 8, 2023 Dealer notification began
September 8, 2023 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
October 6, 2023 Dealer notification ended

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 23V578?

Recall 23V578 covers 5,641 1992-2023 Trail King Ab Ext, Tkfa, Tkpa, and Ab trailers with pin-on axles or pivot extensions. Shims that transfer weight between the trailer and the pin-on axle can detach if the air line or air suspension loses compression.

What should I do if my 1992-2023 Trail King Ab Ext, Tkfa, Tkpa, or Ab trailer is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 23V578. If it is, contact a Trail King dealer to schedule installation of new shims, a tether, and hardware. Reference Trail King recall number TK202301 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Trail King dealers will install new shims, a tether, and hardware to secure the shims to the pin-on axle or pivot extension for free.

What is the safety risk in recall 23V578?

The safety risk is road debris from detached shims. Per NHTSA campaign 23V578, the shims can fall into the roadway and become a road hazard, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair secures the shims with a tether and new hardware.

When did Trail King notify owners about recall 23V578?

Trail King mailed owner notification letters on September 6, 2023. If you own one of these trailers and did not receive a letter, check your VIN and call Trail King customer service at 1-800-843-3324 with recall number TK202301.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V578000
Trail King customer service1-800-843-3324
NHTSA recall #23V578
NHTSA recall # (full)23V578000

Source documents

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 →