This is a tandem axle boat trailer. Failure is two fold. Traveling at highway speed North bound on Highway 101 I encountered a double bump on the highway which put a moment of force on the trailer coupler. Coupler disengaged from the tow ball and the boat and trailer started fishtailing violently. This trailer was manufactured using safety cables verses safety chains due to an extended stinger feature. The safety cables pass through a U shaped guide on the bottom of the trailer stinger and proceed to the tow vehicle where they are attached. Once the coupler failed the fish tailing sheared the cables at the U shaped guide. Boat is now no longer attached to the tow vehicle in any way at 45 mph on a Sat afternoon in heavy traffic. Fortunately, the highway started going down grade. By slowing down gradually I was able to keep the boat behind me, while it was slamming into my trucks tailgate, until I came to a stop. This is a life-threatening situation with all kinds of possible scenarios. Trailer was purchased new by me. I returned trailer to the dealer where purchased. Coupler was removed and sent to Dexter the manufacturer. Dexter claims there is nothing wrong with it and is ignoring why it failed instead of looking into why it did. I have the coupler and concrete proof why it failed and want to share this information with the NHSTA. In addition the trailer manufacturer EZ Loader is ignoring the fact that the safety cables are inadequate and failed as well. There are a ton of these out there on the highway. Just a matter of time before something really bad happens. At a minimum the cable design needs to be improved. EZ Loader is no longer using that coupler. EZ Loader sent me identical safety cables to replace the failed ones. Due to the extremely high odds of this incident both suppliers are not concerned to any degree. The trailer seller is very concerned and is working with me in a positive way.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11654529 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov