CarRecallWatch- Component
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS; STRUCTURE:BODY
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- 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.
What this recall means for you
Some McElrath VX75 Xcel vacuum excavator trailers have taillights mounted in the wrong position, which can make the trailer harder to see from behind. The rear impact guard may also fail to stop a vehicle from sliding underneath the trailer in a rear-end crash. Both problems raise the risk of a crash and of injury to occupants of a vehicle that strikes the trailer.
If you own an affected trailer, the repair is free. Authorized dealers will reposition the taillights and modify the rear impact guard at no cost to you. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2023. You can also contact Gratimax customer service at 1-864-814-2220, referencing recall number 21434.
Check your trailer's VIN for open recalls and schedule the repair with an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Mcelrath Trailers VX75 Xcel | 20132014201520162017201820192020202120222023 |
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