Utility sled tow hitch

CPSC Recall #10-242 — May 24, 2010

Recall Summary

Recall Number10-242
Recall DateMay 24, 2010
Remedy TypeNew Instructions, Replace
Units AffectedAbout 250
ImporterPelican International, of Quebec, Canada
Manufactured InChina and Canada

Where It Was Sold

Paricon Inc.
V.G. Grace and other regional distributors and sports retailers nationwide from January 2007 through December 2009 for about $50 if sold alone
and between $130 and $250 if sold with the sled.

Product

Utility sled tow hitch

Description

The tow hitch pivot is black metal and measures about 9.25 inches in length and 3.25 inches in diameter. The hitch is used in connection with the Pelican Snow Trek Utility sled. The hitch allows a Snow Trek sled to be connected to a snowmobile or other similar transportation device. Recalled models include:Product codeProduct nameUPCLDT60PC00Snow Trek 60 with runners and hitch776324512597LDT75PC01Snow Trek 75 with runners and hitch776324514041LDT75PD01Snow Trek 75 with runners, hitch and cover776324515222PS2003-1Kit Sled Tow Hitch776324511101PS2003-00Kit Sled Tow Hitch776324506480PS2003-1-00Kit Sled Two Hitch776324512689

Hazard

The screw(s) in the hitch can become loose and fall off due to vibrations when items are being towed, allowing the sled and hitch to detach from the towing vehicle. This poses an injury hazard to the user and bystanders.

Incidents & Injuries

The firm has received 10 reports of the screw coming loose. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the sled tow hitch and contact the firm to receive a free replacement kit and installation instructions.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a New Instructions, Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (New Instructions, Replace) at no cost to you.

Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of pediatric injuries in the U.S., particularly dressers, bookcases, and television stands. CPSC data shows that a child dies approximately every two weeks from a furniture or TV tip-over. Unstable high chairs, baby swings, and bouncers are also frequent recall subjects due to fall risks. ASTM International standards now require that certain furniture must meet tip-over resistance standards, and CPSC has been actively pursuing mandatory requirements for dressers and chests. If you have furniture that was not recalled but feels unstable, wall-anchoring kits are widely available at hardware stores.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.