FAQ's

Is this a recall?
Yes. In voluntary cooperation with federal authorities, Thule Child Transport Systems Ltd. ("Thule CTS) is voluntarily recalling: (1) Chariot Pushbutton Style Hitch Arms: and (2) Early model VersaWing 2.0's. Chariot trailers have been produced in accordance with all safety regulations available at the time of manufacture. However, Thule Child Transport Systems Ltd. ("Thule CTS") has identified an opportunity to improve the safety of its Chariot Cycling conversion kits. We are introducing this improvement on future production and we have determined that we will do a Safety Upgrade for consumers of existing carriers.

Why is Thule CTS carrying out this safety upgrade?
Thule CTS has identified an opportunity to improve the safety of its Chariot Cycling conversion kits.
Although all Chariot trailers are manufactured to applicable regulations and go through rigorous testing before they are marketed, Thule CTS has identified a possibility that when the carriers are used as a bicycle trailer, in extremely rare circumstances there could be a failure of certain Hitch Arms and VersaWing 2.0s. The safety upgrade is being introduced as a precautionary measure in response to this.

What exactly is the issue?
Thule CTS has identified two potential issues when the carriers are used as a bicycle trailer. In extremely rare circumstances there is a risk of Hitch Arms manufactured since 2002 cracking from fatigue, with a risk of failure if any such cracking is not spotted by the consumer. Also in extremely rare circumstances the VersaWing 2.0 could break in the event of a roll-over of carriers manufactured between December 2005 and July 2010. In the event of any such failure, there is a risk of the carrier separating from the bicycle.

Could my child be injured because of this / What is the danger?
There have been no reported injuries in connection with either of these issues. However, in the extremely rare event of a Hitch Arm or VersaWing 2.0 failure, the carrier could separate from the bicycle. The carrier's metal frame, and the seat belt and safety helmet worn by the child rider, should protect the child from suffering any real injury. However, depending on where and how the carrier was being used at the time of a possible failure, a risk of more serious injury could not be ruled out. Thule CTS is therefore implementing this safety upgrade as a matter of precaution.

How did Thule CTS identify that there was a risk?
Thule CTS identified the possibility of a risk in conjunction with its exclusive European importer, Zwei plus zwei GmbH.

Have there been any reported issues from the field?
There have been no reported injuries in connection with either issue but there have been a small number of reports in the field of Hitch Arms having cracked and/or broken, and a small number of reports of VersaWing 2.0s having broken (where information has been available, all VersaWing 2.0 breakages have been understood to have happened after roll-over of the carrier)

Have there been any injuries in connection with the issue?
No. There have been no reported injuries anywhere in the world associated with this issue.

How can I tell if my Hitch Arm is suffering from fatigue?
The effects of fatigue of the Hitch Arm may be evidenced by the presence of cracking on the Hitch Arm. Users should remove the Hitch Arm from the trailer frequently and check for any signs of damage or cracks, in particular around the pushbutton area on the Hitch Arm itself. In the event of any signs of damage, the Hitch Arm should be replaced immediately.

As with any product that is used in harsh ambient and physical conditions, it is important that users maintain their carrier in accordance with user manual instructions, and regularly check the condition of the carrier and all of its components.

How can I tell if my VersaWing 2.0 might break on a roll-over?
Thule CTS has identified a risk that the VersaWing 2.0 may break in the event a sufficient force is applied to the Hitch Arm in the opposite direction to which it is designed for use. This might happen for example if the carrier is the subject of a roll-over and a sufficient downwards force is applied to the carrier handlebar or upper frame during such event. There is no way to detect a possible breakage event in advance.

Users are reminded of the importance of cycling safely and carefully, in particular around sharp bends or in the presence of obstacles in the path, to avoid the risk of a roll-over of the carrier.

What does the retro fit upgrade kit do?
The retro fit upgrade kit will prevent separation of the trailer from the bicycle in a rare case of failure of the Hitch Arm of VersaWing 2.0 component. The upgrade kit consists of an updated safety tether strap of increased strength for attachment to the Hitch Arm, and an attachment loop for fastening the new strap to the carrier frame.

Why doesn't Thule CTS redesign the Hitch Arm so that it doesn't break, rather than introducing a tether strap to prevent separation in the event that it does?

The current design of the Hitch Arm is compliant with all relevant safety regulations. Any risk of cracking and/or breakage of the Hitch Arm is understood to occur in only extremely rare circumstances. Thule CTS considers that introduction of a new tether strap is the best solution to deal with any potential risk of component failure.
The new tether strap will also be a requirement for bicycle trailers in the event a new European standard, currently being developed, is implemented.

How do I know if I am entitled to the free retro fit upgrade kit?
If your Hitch Arm has a pushbutton, but does not have the new safety tether strap introduced by Thule CTS from October 2011, you are entitled to the free retro fit upgrade kit.

Is it safe for me to continue using my trailer while I wait for the upgrade kit?
A risk of failure of the Hitch Arm and/or VersaWing 2.0 is understood to arise in only extremely rare circumstances. However, any consumer who is concerned to continue using their Chariot product, they should wait to install the free upgrade kit before using the carrier as a bicycle trailer.

Will the free retro fit upgrade kit be easy for me to install?
Yes, the upgrade kit is designed to be installed easily by consumers with the use of ordinary tools. It should take approximately no more than half an hour to install. If you have any questions – please contact your authorized Chariot dealer.