NHTSA Campaign 23V008000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Issued by Gratimax, LLC · Reported Jan 13, 2023 · 31 vehicles affected

What's 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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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 affected by this recall

Make Model Year Units
MCELRATH TRAILERS VX75 XCEL 2013 31
MCELRATH TRAILERS VX75 XCEL 2014 31
MCELRATH TRAILERS VX75 XCEL 2015 31
MCELRATH TRAILERS VX75 XCEL 2016 31
MCELRATH TRAILERS VX75 XCEL 2017 31
MCELRATH TRAILERS VX75 XCEL 2018 31
MCELRATH TRAILERS VX75 XCEL 2019 31
MCELRATH TRAILERS VX75 XCEL 2020 31
MCELRATH TRAILERS VX75 XCEL 2021 31
MCELRATH TRAILERS VX75 XCEL 2022 31
MCELRATH TRAILERS VX75 XCEL 2023 31

Source: NHTSA Campaign 23V008000 on nhtsa.gov. To check the current repair status for a specific vehicle, use our free VIN decoder.