Mcelrath Trailers recall: Exterior lighting

What is wrong

Gratimax, LLC (Gratimax) is recalling certain 2013-2023 McElrath Trailers VX75 Xcel vacuum excavator trailers. The design of the rear impact guard resulted in the incorrect placement of the taillights. In addition, the guard may fail to prevent a vehicle from traveling under the trailer during a rear impact crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 224, "Rear Impact Protection."

What could happen

Incorrect placement of the taillights may reduce the visibility of the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash. During a crash, a vehicle that travels under the rear of the trailer increases the risk of injury.

The fix

Dealers will reposition the taillights and modify the rear impact guard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2023. Owners may contact Gratimax customer service at 1-864-814-2220. Gratimax's number for this recall is 21434.

Vehicles covered

• Mcelrath Trailers Vx75 Xcel 2013–2023

Facts

NHTSA recall number

23V008000

Type

Vehicle

Filed by

Gratimax, LLC

Reported to NHTSA

Jan 13, 2023

Owners notified

Mar 17, 2023

Vehicles or items affected

31

Started by

The manufacturer

Built

–

Part

Exterior lighting › Tail lights; Structure › Body

Maker's own recall number

21434

Safety standard

FMVSS 108

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

To check one car, enter its 17-character VIN on the official NHTSA page: a recall may cover only some vehicles of a model year.
Recall data: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.