NHTSA Complaint #11622870 — 2019 HEARTLAND WILDERNESS

The contact owns a 2019 Heartland Wilderness Travel Trailer. The contact stated while pulling into the driveway, there was smoke coming from the hubs. The contact stated that upon inspecting the trailer, the contact noticed that the bearings and races had failed, causing the axle spindle to be damaged. A mobile independent mechanic replaced the axle assembly, the bearings, the races, and the backing plate; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, another driver alerted the contact that there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact was able to veer to the side road. The contact's wife then noticed flames coming from the hubs. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. There was no injury sustained. A mobile independent mechanic met the contact at the scene and replaced the bearings, the races, and the backing plate. The mechanic recommended the axle replacement. The trailer was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V634000(Suspension). The trailer manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the axle manufacturer for assistance. The axle manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact back to the trailer manufacturer. The failure mileage was unknown.