VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN TRAILERS WITH THE AXLES PLACED SO THAT THE BACK OF THE TIRE IS MORE THAN 12 INCHES FROM THE REAR OF THE TRAILER FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 224, "REAR IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE TRAILERS ARE EQUIPPED WITH APPROVED REAR IMPACT PROTECTION, BUT ARE NOT PROPERLY LABELED. A LABEL WITH THE MANUFACTURER'S NAME AND ADDRESS, THE LETTERS DOT, AND THE DATE MANUFACTURED NEEDS TO BE PLACED ON THE FORWARD FACING SURFACE OF THE HORIZONTAL GUARD 12 INCHES IN FROM THE RIGHT SIDE.
IF THE DESIGNED PLACEMENT OF THE AXLES ALLOWED THE TIRES TO BE GREATER THAN 12 INCHES AWAY FROM THE REAR OF THE TRAILER WITH THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE SUSPENSION, THE TRAILER WAS DETERMINED NOT TO BE A REAR WHEELED VEHICLE REQUIRING DOT APPROVED REAR IMPACT PROTECTION WITH PROPER LABELING.
OWNERS WILL BE SENT THE LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY THE LABELS TO THE TRAILERS.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 5, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT X-L AT 1-319-283-4852.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).