NHTSA Service Bulletin 11020719: 2016, 2017, 2022 Thor Motor Coach Challenger
Official manufacturer communication context for 2016, 2017, 2022 Thor Motor Coach Challenger, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) has been made aware of several incidents involving trailer hitch receivers installed on motorhomes, similar to yours. These issues were caused by the use of drop hitches and hitch extensions that placed higher-than-expected forces on the hitch receiver assembly. If you use your motorhome to tow, please follow the recommended instructions in your owners manual. THE USE OF DROP HITCHES AND/OR HITCH EXTENSIONS WHILE TOWING WILL PLACE LARGER STRESSES ON THE HITCH AND CAN LEAD TO FAILURE. TMC is requesting that you inspect your motorhomes hitch receiver at your earliest convenience. Inspection instructions are enclosed with this letter. If you are unable or uncomfortable performing this inspection, contact your nearest TMC authorized dealer and they will inspect the trailer hitch for you. If any issues are found with your hitch or the mounting surfaces, please contact TMC Customer Service at 877-855-2867. TMC will coordinate and direct you to the nearest TMC authorized dealer for inspection and repair. The inspection and repair will be done at no expense to you.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 11020719?
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) has been made aware of several incidents involving trailer hitch receivers installed on motorhomes, similar to yours. These issues were caused by the use of drop hitches and hitch extensions that placed higher-than-expected forces on the hitch receiver assembly. If you use your motorhome to tow, please follow the recommended instructions in your owners manual. THE USE OF DROP HITCHES AND/OR.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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