NHTSA Complaint #11584774 — 2023 FOREST RIVER NO BOUNDARIES

Two of the cargo tie-down D-rings bent when traveling with my UTV (2015 Kawasaki TeryX4 LE) in this toy hauler trailer. Upon investigation it appears the D-rings are not rated sufficiently to safely secure the rated trailer cargo capacity. The trailer is rated for a cargo capacity of 2,750 lbs (GVWR and dry weight stickers attached). My UTV weighs 1,880 lbs as equipped. The D-rings have a working load limit (WWL) of 265 lbs. each. The UTV was secured with four rachet straps on four separate trailer D-rings. Each rachet strap has a WWL of 800 lbs. My understanding is that DOT regulations require that cargo tie-downs have a WWL of at least 50% of the cargo weight capacity. For this trailer each tie-down D-ring should have a WWL of 1,375 lbs. The trailer manufacturer (Forest River) claims the D-rings are correctly rated for this trailer but has not been willing to provide an explanation for how they should be used to safely secure the cargo. Forest River originally believed the D-rings had a WLL of 1,000 lbs. based on incorrect information published by the D-ring supplier (Buyers Product Company). When I contacted the Quality Engineer at Buyers he stated the published information was incorrect and after retesting the correct WWL is 265 lbs (Test report attached). On [XXX], Forest River transported my trailer to their manufacturing facility in Ligonier, IN, to inspect the D-rings. Their vendor for the D-rings (LaVanture Products Company) sent the D-rings out for testing on [XXX]. (Note: Buyers is the D-ring supplier but Forest River purchased them through LaVanture.) After that date Forest River suddenly stopped providing me updates until April 22, when they briefly stated in an email that the D-rings are correctly rated for my trailer. When I asked for the test results and more details they stopped responding. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)