Recall 23V648 covers 46 2024 East To West Tandara and Blackthorn fifth wheels for loose rear ladders. Free repair at a franchised East To West dealer.
East To West is recalling 46 2024 Tandara and Blackthorn fifth wheels because the rear ladder has an anchoring problem in the rear wall and can detach. A detached ladder raises the risk of injury, and East To West dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear ladder on the 2024 East To West Tandara and Blackthorn fifth wheels is mounted to the rear wall so a person can climb to roof level for inspection or service access. That ladder depends on solid backing inside the wall, not just exterior fasteners, because the wall has to carry the load when weight pulls on the ladder.
On affected trailers, the rear wall was built without the backing plates needed behind the ladder mounts. The issue was traced to an engineering error. Without those backers, the fasteners do not have the support they need, so normal use or vibration while the trailer is moved can loosen the ladder and allow it to detach from the rear wall.
Before the ladder comes loose, a user can notice fasteners starting to pull away from the wall. If the ladder feels loose, shifts when touched, or shows gaps around the mounts, treat that as the warning sign and avoid using it.
Who's affected?
Tandara and Blackthorn trailers share the same rear ladder assembly in this recall.
| 2024 East To West Tandara | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2024 East To West Blackthorn | body structure |
| Units affected | 46 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific trailer.
What's the safety risk?
A ladder that detaches can injure someone standing near or using it. If the ladder fasteners start pulling away from the vehicle wall, stop using the ladder and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised East To West dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024 East To West Tandara or Blackthorn is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised East To West dealer to schedule the free roof-mounted ladder installation that secures the ladder to the rear wall.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 23V648 when you call.
- Avoid using the rear ladder until the free repair is complete.
- Call East To West customer service at 1-574-264-6664 with questions about this recall.
What happens at the repair
At an authorized East To West dealer or service center, a technician removes the existing rear ladder and installs a different ladder that mounts to the roof. The roof mounting provides the backing needed to secure the ladder properly. The recall repair is available now, and Forest River covers the parts and labor through the recall. Schedule the repair with an authorized East To West dealer or service center and ask where the vehicle should be brought for the ladder replacement.
Timeline
| September 22, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 16, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 1, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| November 1, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 1, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 1, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V648?
Recall 23V648 covers 46 2024 East To West Tandara and Blackthorn fifth wheels with rear ladders that were not anchored properly in the rear wall. The ladder can detach and increase injury risk. Dealers install a new roof-mounted ladder for free.
What should I do if my 2024 East To West Tandara or Blackthorn is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fifth wheel is included in recall 23V648. If it is, contact an authorized East To West dealer to schedule the ladder replacement. Reference recall number 23V648 or Forest River recall number 500-1678 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and East To West dealers will install a new roof-mounted ladder free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury from a rear ladder that detaches from the fifth wheel. The defect involves the ladder anchor points in the rear wall. Until the repair is complete, avoid using the rear ladder and keep others away from it.
When were owners notified about recall 23V648?
Owner notification letters were mailed on October 16, 2023. If you own a 2024 East To West Tandara or Blackthorn and never received a letter, check your VIN and call East To West customer service at 1-574-264-6664.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V648000 |
|---|---|
| East To West customer service | 1-574-264-6664 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V648 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V648000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 →