NHTSA Complaint #10237691 — 2007 DUTCHMEN COLORADO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 (NA) DUTCHMEN COLORADO FIFTH WHEEL. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AXLE FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE JACK KNIFED AND CRASHED INTO THE BRIDGE ABOVE THE TRAILER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GET HIS FAMILY OUT OF THE TRAILER. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TEMPORARILY SERVICED IN ORDER TO GET IT TO THE SHOP. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MECHANIC AT THE TOW YARD STATED THAT THE PINS WERE SHEARED OFF ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT U BOLTS NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED DOWN AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE REAR AXLE AND SPRINGS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER TO INSPECT THE DAMAGES IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE DEFECT, AND TO ALSO HAVE THE BODY DAMAGES REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT THE FRONT AXLES WILL ALSO FAIL. THE VEHICLE IS A PULL BEHIND; THEREFORE, NO VIN OR MILEAGE INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE.